Battle of the Builders Chooses a Winner
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:32
SEMA News—May 2015

REQUIRED READING

Battle of the Builders Chooses a Winner

With nearly 1,500 one-of-a-kind vehicles, thousands of manufacturers and product debuts, the SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to discover new trends and do business. Meanwhile, consumers and auto enthusiasts have had to watch from afar as they eagerly wait for the products to hit store shelves. Until this past year.

Taking place on Friday evening immediately after the SEMA Show ended, SEMA Ignited was an event that featured vehicles from the SEMA Show—and it was open to the public. This major milestone allowed consumers a chance to be among the first to get up close with the SEMA Show vehicles, and it made headlines.

The news spread even further when the Velocity Channel aired a one-hour special that was filmed at the 2014 SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited. The program centered on the inaugural SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which culminated at SEMA Ignited. Fans around the world tuned in to the Velocity Channel for the premiere, which debuted in March. The program will continue to re-air several times throughout the year.

Read what the media had to say about this historic event below, and visit www.SEMAignited.com to learn more about it and how you can be a part of the action.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition was a key component of SEMA Ignited, and Chevy High Performance magazine took noteChevy High Performance

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition was a key component of SEMA Ignited, and Chevy High Performance magazine took note. Focusing on Kyle Tucker as the winner with a flat-white ’69 Camaro, the magazine elaborated by letting readers know that the TV special goes into depth on all of the top vehicle builds from the competition.

 


With more than 125 competitors, there were lots of amazing builds and content for reporters to cover
Hot Rod

With more than 125 competitors, there were lots of amazing builds and content for reporters to cover. Hot Rod magazine focused on one of the top three finalists, the 1,000hp Recoil Chevelle built by Ringbrothers. For a magazine that sees and reports on the best of the best, it’s impressive to note that the editors said the Chevelle “took SEMA by storm.”

 







While the automotive industry may be familiar with many of the builds and the builders at the SEMA Show, that isn’t necessarily the case for local newspapers—including The Daily Times, a publication in Tennessee
The Daily Times

While the automotive industry may be familiar with many of the builds and the builders at the SEMA Show, that isn’t necessarily the case for local newspapers—including The Daily Times, a publication in Tennessee. But when someone from the newspaper’s town is a top-ten finalist in a competition like SEMA Battle of the Builders, it takes notice.


The SEMA TV special was a chance for mainstream consumers who may not be familiar with vehicle customization to see how aftermarket accessories can enhance a car or truck.

The Bulletin

The SEMA TV special was a chance for mainstream consumers who may not be familiar with vehicle customization to see how aftermarket accessories can enhance a car or truck. City newspapers such as The Bulletin in Oregon amplified the message by profiling local builders. In this case, top-10 finalist Gordon Aram of A-Team Racing was featured for his ’78 Ford Mustang II.

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:21
SEMA News—May 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election. Voting takes place online from May 13 to June 9 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Election details with ballots and links were sent to each company’s primary contact at the beginning of the month. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact prior to 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 9.


Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.
Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.

  
The new SEMA Board members will be announced in June and will be formally introduced at the SEMA Installation Gala in July. The candidates are:

Chairman-Elect Category
(One Open Seat)

Donnie Eatherly, president and CEO of P&E Distributors

Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of Coker Group

Manufacturers Category
(Two Open Seats)

Susan Carpenter, president of JR Products

Laurel Dasher, northeast sales manager of Powerteq

Dave Edmondson, senior vice president of Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category
(Two Open Seats)

Jim Bingham (incumbent), president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

Nick Gramelspacher (incumbent), vice president of sales and marketing for Meyer Distributing

Parley Valora, senior vice president of Premier Performance

David Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution

Services Category
(One Open Seat)

Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

Clint Sly, chief marketing officer of Hagerty Insurance Co.

All candidates' profiles and photos are available at www.sema.org/bod15.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show. How You Can Compete in 2015’s Battle of the Builders

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show.

Find out how you can compete in 2015 by visiting the competition’s official website, www.SEMAignited.com.

Early-Bird SEMA Show Hotel Deadlines Expiring in July

Early-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rateEarly-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rate.

Early-Bird Deadlines

July 6
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesar’s Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas
LINQ Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood

July 14
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Westin Las Vegas

July 15
SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

To ensure that SEMA Showgoers get the best deals on hotel rooms, Travel Planners, the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, provides a lowest-rate guarantee on all contracts. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower rates automatically and confirm savings by e-mail.

For more information, visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:21
SEMA News—May 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election. Voting takes place online from May 13 to June 9 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Election details with ballots and links were sent to each company’s primary contact at the beginning of the month. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact prior to 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 9.


Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.
Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.

  
The new SEMA Board members will be announced in June and will be formally introduced at the SEMA Installation Gala in July. The candidates are:

Chairman-Elect Category
(One Open Seat)

Donnie Eatherly, president and CEO of P&E Distributors

Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of Coker Group

Manufacturers Category
(Two Open Seats)

Susan Carpenter, president of JR Products

Laurel Dasher, northeast sales manager of Powerteq

Dave Edmondson, senior vice president of Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category
(Two Open Seats)

Jim Bingham (incumbent), president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

Nick Gramelspacher (incumbent), vice president of sales and marketing for Meyer Distributing

Parley Valora, senior vice president of Premier Performance

David Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution

Services Category
(One Open Seat)

Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

Clint Sly, chief marketing officer of Hagerty Insurance Co.

All candidates' profiles and photos are available at www.sema.org/bod15.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show. How You Can Compete in 2015’s Battle of the Builders

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show.

Find out how you can compete in 2015 by visiting the competition’s official website, www.SEMAignited.com.

Early-Bird SEMA Show Hotel Deadlines Expiring in July

Early-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rateEarly-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rate.

Early-Bird Deadlines

July 6
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesar’s Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas
LINQ Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood

July 14
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Westin Las Vegas

July 15
SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

To ensure that SEMA Showgoers get the best deals on hotel rooms, Travel Planners, the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, provides a lowest-rate guarantee on all contracts. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower rates automatically and confirm savings by e-mail.

For more information, visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:21
SEMA News—May 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election. Voting takes place online from May 13 to June 9 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Election details with ballots and links were sent to each company’s primary contact at the beginning of the month. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact prior to 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 9.


Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.
Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.

  
The new SEMA Board members will be announced in June and will be formally introduced at the SEMA Installation Gala in July. The candidates are:

Chairman-Elect Category
(One Open Seat)

Donnie Eatherly, president and CEO of P&E Distributors

Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of Coker Group

Manufacturers Category
(Two Open Seats)

Susan Carpenter, president of JR Products

Laurel Dasher, northeast sales manager of Powerteq

Dave Edmondson, senior vice president of Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category
(Two Open Seats)

Jim Bingham (incumbent), president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

Nick Gramelspacher (incumbent), vice president of sales and marketing for Meyer Distributing

Parley Valora, senior vice president of Premier Performance

David Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution

Services Category
(One Open Seat)

Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

Clint Sly, chief marketing officer of Hagerty Insurance Co.

All candidates' profiles and photos are available at www.sema.org/bod15.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show. How You Can Compete in 2015’s Battle of the Builders

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show.

Find out how you can compete in 2015 by visiting the competition’s official website, www.SEMAignited.com.

Early-Bird SEMA Show Hotel Deadlines Expiring in July

Early-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rateEarly-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rate.

Early-Bird Deadlines

July 6
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesar’s Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas
LINQ Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood

July 14
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Westin Las Vegas

July 15
SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

To ensure that SEMA Showgoers get the best deals on hotel rooms, Travel Planners, the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, provides a lowest-rate guarantee on all contracts. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower rates automatically and confirm savings by e-mail.

For more information, visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:21
SEMA News—May 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election. Voting takes place online from May 13 to June 9 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Election details with ballots and links were sent to each company’s primary contact at the beginning of the month. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact prior to 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 9.


Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.
Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.

  
The new SEMA Board members will be announced in June and will be formally introduced at the SEMA Installation Gala in July. The candidates are:

Chairman-Elect Category
(One Open Seat)

Donnie Eatherly, president and CEO of P&E Distributors

Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of Coker Group

Manufacturers Category
(Two Open Seats)

Susan Carpenter, president of JR Products

Laurel Dasher, northeast sales manager of Powerteq

Dave Edmondson, senior vice president of Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category
(Two Open Seats)

Jim Bingham (incumbent), president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

Nick Gramelspacher (incumbent), vice president of sales and marketing for Meyer Distributing

Parley Valora, senior vice president of Premier Performance

David Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution

Services Category
(One Open Seat)

Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

Clint Sly, chief marketing officer of Hagerty Insurance Co.

All candidates' profiles and photos are available at www.sema.org/bod15.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show. How You Can Compete in 2015’s Battle of the Builders

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show.

Find out how you can compete in 2015 by visiting the competition’s official website, www.SEMAignited.com.

Early-Bird SEMA Show Hotel Deadlines Expiring in July

Early-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rateEarly-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rate.

Early-Bird Deadlines

July 6
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesar’s Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas
LINQ Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood

July 14
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Westin Las Vegas

July 15
SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

To ensure that SEMA Showgoers get the best deals on hotel rooms, Travel Planners, the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, provides a lowest-rate guarantee on all contracts. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower rates automatically and confirm savings by e-mail.

For more information, visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election
Fri, 05/01/2015 - 09:21
SEMA News—May 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

Voting Open for the 2015 SEMA Board Election

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election. Voting takes place online from May 13 to June 9 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Election details with ballots and links were sent to each company’s primary contact at the beginning of the month. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact prior to 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 9.


Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.
Voting for the the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election takes place May 13–June 9.

  
The new SEMA Board members will be announced in June and will be formally introduced at the SEMA Installation Gala in July. The candidates are:

Chairman-Elect Category
(One Open Seat)

Donnie Eatherly, president and CEO of P&E Distributors

Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of Coker Group

Manufacturers Category
(Two Open Seats)

Susan Carpenter, president of JR Products

Laurel Dasher, northeast sales manager of Powerteq

Dave Edmondson, senior vice president of Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category
(Two Open Seats)

Jim Bingham (incumbent), president and CEO of Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom

Nick Gramelspacher (incumbent), vice president of sales and marketing for Meyer Distributing

Parley Valora, senior vice president of Premier Performance

David Ziozios, CEO of Motovicity Distribution

Services Category
(One Open Seat)

Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media Inc.

Clint Sly, chief marketing officer of Hagerty Insurance Co.

All candidates' profiles and photos are available at www.sema.org/bod15.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show. How You Can Compete in 2015’s Battle of the Builders

Thousands of viewers tuned in to watch “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” on the Velocity Channel in March. The one-hour TV special featured the top 10 competitors and chronicled their journeys to the 2014 SEMA Show.

Find out how you can compete in 2015 by visiting the competition’s official website, www.SEMAignited.com.

Early-Bird SEMA Show Hotel Deadlines Expiring in July

Early-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rateEarly-bird deadlines for 11 Las Vegas hotels will expire in July. Showgoers are encouraged to visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com to lock in a guaranteed low rate.

Early-Bird Deadlines

July 6
Bally’s Las Vegas
Caesar’s Palace
Flamingo Las Vegas
Harrah’s Las Vegas
LINQ Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas
Planet Hollywood

July 14
Trump Hotel Las Vegas
Westin Las Vegas

July 15
SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

To ensure that SEMA Showgoers get the best deals on hotel rooms, Travel Planners, the official housing partner of the SEMA Show, provides a lowest-rate guarantee on all contracts. Even if reservations have been made, Travel Planners will lower rates automatically and confirm savings by e-mail.

For more information, visit the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Show Buyers Save Money, Time by Registering Early
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 13:51
By Becca Butler

 register
Those who register before the priority deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail and won't have to wait in line upon arriving at the SEMA Show.
  
Buyers, distributors, retailers and installers can save money and time by securing their SEMA Show credentials today. In addition to paying the discounted rate of just $25, those who register before the priority deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail and can hit the SEMA Show floor immediately upon arriving at the event, November 3–6, 2015, in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Show website also includes discounted hotel room rates for the week of the Show, provided through the official SEMA Show housing provider, Travel Planners. Many rooms offered through the site feature reduced rates for early registration, and with more than 130,000 individuals scheduled to attend the annual trade show, they are booking up quickly.

For more information on the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909-396-0289.
SEMA Show Buyers Save Money, Time by Registering Early
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 13:51
By Becca Butler

 register
Those who register before the priority deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail and won't have to wait in line upon arriving at the SEMA Show.
  
Buyers, distributors, retailers and installers can save money and time by securing their SEMA Show credentials today. In addition to paying the discounted rate of just $25, those who register before the priority deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail and can hit the SEMA Show floor immediately upon arriving at the event, November 3–6, 2015, in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Show website also includes discounted hotel room rates for the week of the Show, provided through the official SEMA Show housing provider, Travel Planners. Many rooms offered through the site feature reduced rates for early registration, and with more than 130,000 individuals scheduled to attend the annual trade show, they are booking up quickly.

For more information on the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com or call 909-396-0289.
Casting Call for SEMA Battle of the Builders
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 13:47

By Della Domingo

  Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6.
  

Applications are now being accepted (at www.semaignited.com) for the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6. The automotive build competition that debuted last year and garnered nationwide attention as the focus of a Velocity TV special was viewed by more than one million fans.

The inaugural competition featured a prestigious group of builders showcasing their vehicles at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where a panel of automotive editors narrowed the list down to 10 finalists. The winner was then selected by the 10 finalists themselves, with the entire process documented in a one-hour television special that continues to air on the Velocity Channel.

The 2014 TV show culminated at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show afterparty where consumers watched as Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed was announced at the winner of the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, and it followed the journey of many of the builders, including the Top-10 finalists:

  • Bobby Alloway
  • Gordon Aram
  • Ringbrothers
  • Dale Dondel
  • Rick Dore
  • Jeff Kinsey
  • Troy Ladd
  • Larry McRae
  • Steve Strope
  • Kyle Tucker

The 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders is open to builders with a display, feature or booth vehicle at the 2015 SEMA Show in all market segments, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and the like, are encouraged to enter at www.semaignited.com.

Casting Call for SEMA Battle of the Builders
Thu, 04/30/2015 - 13:47

By Della Domingo

  Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6.
  

Applications are now being accepted (at www.semaignited.com) for the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, to be held at the 2015 SEMA Show, November 3–6. The automotive build competition that debuted last year and garnered nationwide attention as the focus of a Velocity TV special was viewed by more than one million fans.

The inaugural competition featured a prestigious group of builders showcasing their vehicles at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where a panel of automotive editors narrowed the list down to 10 finalists. The winner was then selected by the 10 finalists themselves, with the entire process documented in a one-hour television special that continues to air on the Velocity Channel.

The 2014 TV show culminated at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show afterparty where consumers watched as Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed was announced at the winner of the 2014 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, and it followed the journey of many of the builders, including the Top-10 finalists:

  • Bobby Alloway
  • Gordon Aram
  • Ringbrothers
  • Dale Dondel
  • Rick Dore
  • Jeff Kinsey
  • Troy Ladd
  • Larry McRae
  • Steve Strope
  • Kyle Tucker

The 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders is open to builders with a display, feature or booth vehicle at the 2015 SEMA Show in all market segments, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and the like, are encouraged to enter at www.semaignited.com.