By Eric Colby

New for the 2022 SEMA Show, exhibitors can scan a QR code on a smartphone and order food to be delivered to their booth. It’s called OnDemand and was created in response to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s (LVCC) mission to better engage exhibitors with orders using their own devices. It was not available for last year’s event, so now 2022 SEMA Show exhibitors will no longer need to worry about squeezing in a meal while leaving their booths understaffed. It’s just one of the many food options that will be available from November 1–4 this year at the LVCC.

The Las Vegas Convention Center has made a major push to modernize food operations in recent years, including the addition of a West Hall food court (featuring favorite local Las Vegas eateries) and a new OnDemand food delivery service to all LVCC exhibitor booths.

“It’s primarily driven to the small mom-and-pop booths,” said Tyler Dowdle, director of sales for LVCC. “It lets them stay in their booth and have the same options available in the food hall delivered to them.”

To use OnDemand, a customer scans a QR code that brings up a menu on their device and lets them place an order by completing a minimum number of clicks. Credit-card information is entered by scanning and it is then encrypted and tokenized for one-time use. The customer receives an immediate SMS message indicating that the order has been received and is being prepared. Once the order is delivered, the customer gets a second SMS message with a link to the receipt so he or she will have it available when the time comes to submit Show expenses. The OnDemand Delivery app can be adapted for “no-payment” collection when an inclusive ticket with food and beverage is offered to exhibitors.

Also planned for the 2022 SEMA Show is a Dunkin’ Donuts mobile cart in the West Hall. In fact, nearly all the convention center halls will see updated food options in one form or another.

From the Monday Night Reveal to Friday’s SEMA Ignited (pictured), you’ll find many major Show events and gatherings well catered.

It’s part the the LVCC’s efforts to bring new concepts to older halls, said Ernest Kam, district manager for Centerplate, which manages concessions for the convention center.

With the opening of the newest venue, the West Hall in 2021, exhibitors and attendees have been able to try food from local Las Vegas favorites including Metro Pizza, which has a location in the facility. Additionally, Brand Burger and Fries, from Snake River Farms in Boise, Idaho, has a spot as well.

Kristine Raymer, executive chef for Centerplate, said the group will customize the menu for the crowd at a given event. Research from past events has shown that the SEMA crowd likes burgers, pizza, chicken tenders and similar items, so that will be the focus for 2022. For example, at the 2021 Show, they offered a “Beast Burger” that was quite popular.

“Those are the big movers; burgers, pizza compared to the other menu items,” said Raymer. “We like to highlight those and we’ll create some different menu options compared to what they were used to from last year.”

The convention center’s Main Concourse, Lucky’s and Ace’s, has food-court-style restaurants with Atomic Pizza, Bachi Burger, and assorted Chinese, Tex-Mex, burgers, hot dogs and a pay-by-the-bowl salad bar as part of nearly two dozen different concessions from which to choose. There’s also a Sbarro and a Starbucks. The Centerplate team will also offer healthier options for people who want them.

Raymer called the SEMA Show a mega event for Centerplate, and she has planned ahead to make sure there are none of the supply-chain issues that other industries have experienced. “Fortunately, for many of the core items we have in our restaurants, we have longstanding contracts with our vendors, so those aren’t going to be a concern,” she said.

Returning for 2022 are SEMA Members Lounges, and Dowdle said SEMA is taking a new approach this year to reduce the time spent grabbing lunch. “SEMA is working to create a different environment this year, adding grab-and-go options based on some of the most popular items at the Show in different locations.”

He compared the grab-and-go options to a Fast Pass at a Disney park. “They can grab something fresh without having to wait,” said Dowdle. “It’s going to be more specified for them to get the highlights of the campus.”

In addition, two extremely popular banquet-service events are the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., at the Westgate Paradise Event Center, and the Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday at 7:00 p.m., at the Westgate Palm Court. Both sitdown events feature awards and entertainment, and draw large crowds.

To help keep prices throughout the LVCC reasonable, the Las Vegas Visitor’s Authority is working with Centerplate to maintain roughly last year’s levels. Dowdle also encouraged Showgoers to consider eating earlier or later than the prime hours from 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., especially in the 640-seat West Hall food area that is always full during those hours.

You definitely won’t go hungry at the SEMA Show. Each part of the LVCC has its own concessions, and with the food court in the West Hall, Showgoers have even more options.

Centerplate’s parent company, Sodexo Live!, said it is advancing its sustainability programs for 2022. Its plant-based menu items include an Impossible Burger made from protein from soy and potatoes, “Beyond Meat” made from pea and rice proteins, and a Walla Pao Curry vegetable bowl made with soy protein.

The LVCC is sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that all fish and seafood are sustainable, serving only cage-free eggs and improving animal welfare through its suppliers. The company is also proactively repurposing food by pickling root vegetables for garnish on salads and using cooked and frozen vegetables in soups, sauces and stocks.

2022 SEMA Show Food Options

Main Lobby

• Lucky’s Restaurant (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Honey Salt
• Prima Stampa Grab & Go (Concourse)
• Prima. Stampa (Concourse)
• Pao Express (Concourse)
• Starbucks North
• 3150 Snacks To Go

North Hall N2 to N4

• All Wrap Up Cart (N1)
• Vegas Street Eats (N1)
• East Ocean Stand (N2)
• Papa John’s (N3)
• Fremont Grill Stand (N4)
• Five Spot Coffee Cart (N4 Lobby)

SEMA Members’ Lounge

• Members’ Lounge G&G with Hot Food (N251)

Central Hall

• Capriotti’s Cart (N109 in Hallway by Escalator)
• Pao Asian Chicken (East Concourse)
• Market Fresh Express (Tunnel)
• Wetzel’s Pretzels (Tunnel)
• Buy the Slice Pizza & Sandwiches (Tunnel)
• Quizno’s (Blockhouse to have coffee at 8:30 a.m.)
• Brookwood Farms BBQ (Blockhouse to have coffee at 8:30 a.m.)
• Sabrett’s Hot Dogs (Blockhouse)
• Dip N Dots (Blockhouse)
• Mobile Vendor (C1)
• Mobile Vendor (C4)
• Papa Johns (C2)
• Healthy Grill Kosher Cart (C5.1 Alcove)

Grand Plaza and Central Plaza

• Big Daddy’s BBQ 1 Stand
• (By Freight Door #1 Biggest Setup)
• Sabrett’s Hot Dog Cart (Freight Door #1 Area)
• Five Spot Coffee Cart (Freight Door #1 to the right Bigger Setup)

South Hall

• Ace’s Restaurant (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Vegas Street Eats South Stand
• Gourmet Grill Stand
• Papa John’s Stand
• Five Spot Coffee Cart (across from escalators)
• All Wrapped Up (S2)

Members Lounge South, Driven by WTC (Grab & Go Bottom of S2 escalator)

• Sabrett’s Cart (Outside, Front)
• Capriotti’s (S2)
• Namaste (S2)

South Hall SKYBridge

• Five Spot Coffee Cart (Opposite S233)
• Dunkin’ Donuts (Opposite S225)
• Dip N Dots (In front of Global Conference Room)

South Plaza Between Aces and Bronze Lot

• Sun City Pizza Food Truck (Between Aces and Bronze Lot)
• 50 Shades of Green Food Truck (Between Aces and Bronze Lot)
• Truck N Yaki Food Truck (Between Aces and Bronze Lot)
• Big Daddy BBQ Stand (Between Aces and Bronze Lot)

Silver Lots 1–3

• Quizno’s Cart, Silver Lot 3
• Healthy Grill Cart, Silver Lot 3
• Big Daddy’s BBQ Small Setup (Silver Lot 2)

Blue Lot

• Healthy Grill (Blue Lot 1)
• Wetzel’s Pretzels (Blue Lot 1)

Orange Lot

• Big Daddy’s BBQ Stand (Orange Lot 1)

Platinum/Green Lots

• Lit Wings

West Hall Grand Lobby

• Dunkin’ Donuts Express
• Grab & Go Natural (West Food Court)
• The Roost (West Food Court Hot Breakfast Options)
• The Roost Lunch (West Food Court)
• Fancy Wok (West Food Court)
• Metro Pizza (West Food Court)

Members Lounge West, Fueled by TORA

• Members’ Lounge G&G With Coffee

SEMA Ignited West Hall Parking Lot

• Big Daddy’s BBQ Stand With Churros (Location #1)
• Sabrett’s Hot Dog Cart (Location #2)
• Southern Comfort Food Truck (Location #3)
• Lit Wings (Location #3)
• Big Daddy’s Taco
• Tijuana Truck
• Truk N Yaki Food Truck (Location #3)
• Mobile Vendor (Location #2)
• Dip N Dots Ice Cream Cart (Location #2)

Pre-Show Food Trucks

• Big Daddy’s BBQ Food Truck (Front Drive by Flagpole/Luckys)
• Food Truck (Door 9)
• Big Daddy’s Taco Food Truck (South Hall Front of Aces)

Banquets and Receptions

Special events are a great way to combine a meal or a cocktail with productive networking and learning. All of the events below will have something edible available and offer a host of different learning and networking opportunities.

• Exhibitor Appreciation Party, Featuring SEMA Vehicle Reveal and SEMA Award Presentation

Monday, October 31
5:00 p.m.
LVCC Silver Drive

• SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast (previously the New Products Breakfast)

Tuesday, November 1
7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Westgate Paradise Event Center

• TORA Happy Hour

Tuesday, November 1
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
West Hall Members Lounge, Fueled by TORA

• WTC Reception

Tuesday, November 1
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Members Lounge South, Driven by WTC, Booth #48179

• PRO Reception

Tuesday, November 1
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
LVCC West Hall Third Floor Terrace

• FLN Reception

Tuesday, November 1
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Renaissance Hotel Garage Rooftop

• ARMO Reception

Tuesday, November 2
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Westgate Pavilions 9–11

• NHRA Breakfast

Wednesday, November 2
7:30 a.m.–9:00
Westgate Paradise Event Center

• FLN GMM Breakfast

Wednesday, November 2
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
West Hall, W238

• WTC Coffee and Conversation

Wednesday–Thursday, November 2–3
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Entrance to Global Tire Expo, Lower South Hall

• PRO Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 2
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
PRO Booth #50185

• International Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 2
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
LVCC West Hall, W228

• TORA Reception

Wednesday, November 2
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
West Hall Third Floor Terrace

• WTC Happy Hour

Wednesday, November 2
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Members Lounge South,
Driven by WTC, Booth #48179

• HRIA Reception

Wednesday, November 2
5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Westgate, Pavilions 9–11

• SBN Reception

Wednesday, November 2
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
West Hall W210 Entryway

• WTC Coffee and Conversation

Wednesday–Thursday, November 2–3
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Entrance to Global Tire Expo,
Lower South Hall

• ETTN Tech ’N’ Toast

Thursday, November 3
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
LVCC Upper North Hall N235

• Lunch With the PROs

Thursday, November 3
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
LVCC West Hall W219

• ETTN Lunch ’N’ Learn

Thursday, November 3
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
LVCC Upper North Hall N235

• SEMA Industry Banquet

Thursday, November 3
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Westgate Paradise Event Center

  

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for Show week can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Booking through the SEMA Show Block guarantees you will receive the lowest nightly rate on hotels, including the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block, 16 of which cost less than $200 per night. For more information on the hotels listed below, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The following are examples of hotels found in the SEMA Show Block, which offers the lowest nightly rates in town:

• Bally’s Las Vegas: $176
• Circus Circus Hotel: $122
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas: $126
• Excalibur: $122
• Flamingo: $166
• Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino: $138
• Harrah’s Hotel and Casino Las Vegas: $180
• Luxor: $136
• MGM Grand Hotel & Casino: $191
• New York-New York: $191
• OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas: $119
• Palace Station: $115
• Park MGM: $191
• The LINQ Hotel: $185
• The STRAT Hotel: $129
• Tropicana Las Vegas: $125

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By SEMA Editors

The 2022 SEMA Show is about three weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist – Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• October 13 – Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse – CARPET/PAD only
• October 14 – Meeting/Function Space Reservation
• October 17 – Booth Catering Order Service – Centerplate
• October 19 – Tents/Canopies – Full Circle Events
• October 20 – Hanging Sign/Banner Shipments to Advance Freeman Warehouse
• October 20 – New Products Showcase Advance Shipments to Freeman Warehouse
• October 21 – Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Professional Detailers
• October 27 – Freight – First Day Shipments accepted at LVCC
• October 28 – Photography Order—Expo Ease
• October 28 – Plant and Floral Order – Expo Ease
• November 3 – Last Day to Pick-up Banquet Tickets (12:00 p.m.)
• November 4 – Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3:00 p.m.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2022 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Mothers Polishes has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders—the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition featuring customizers who have a vehicle on display at the world-renowned SEMA Show.

With exhibitors relying on the builds at the annual trade-only event to showcase their hottest parts and accessories, the vehicles at the SEMA Show are carefully curated and represents the best in the industry.

“It’s not a casual decision that an exhibitor makes when selecting what vehicle to showcase at the SEMA Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The vehicle they ultimately choose and the builder they choose are the best of the best. It really is the ‘Top Gun’ of the industry.”

Mothers Polishes has been named presenting sponsor of the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition held annually during the SEMA Show.

Deadline for builders to enter this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders sponsored by Mothers Polishes is Friday, October 14. Top builders will be recognized in four categories as Class Champions—Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns—before one Grand Champion winner is named on the final day of the SEMA Show, Friday, November 4.

The competition will unfold throughout the week, with the Top 40 announced on Tuesday, November 1, and the Top 12 announced on Wednesday, November 2. The decorated dozen will examine and critique each other’s vehicles at the Show on Thursday, November 3, as they become the final judges and select the ultimate winner.

Throughout the entire competition, camera crews will follow the action for a television special that will air on the HISTORY Channel in January 2023.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders, sponsored by Mothers, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Marketing Manager
AMS Performance

AMS Performance is hiring a marketing manager responsible for developing, implementing and executing marketing campaigns for products, platforms and services offered by AMS; managing all aspects of campaigns; working with the internal team to develop media to support campaigns; and constantly refining campaigns to achieve the best results possible. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business or a related field and more than five years’ experience in marketing with team management experience.

Automotive Technician
Custom Trucks Unlimited

Custom Trucks Unlimited is hiring an automotive technician responsible for the installation of aftermarket accessories. Candidates should have a high-school diploma or GED and three years’ related experience; certifications in an automotive field are preferred but not required.

Manufacturing Process Engineer
EAH

Cognito Motorsports is hiring a manufacturing process engineer responsible for developing and implementing sustainable, scalable manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment and workflows in support of engineering, production, sales and customer-service goals. Candidates should have a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering; Six Sigma, 5S and Lean Manufacturing process training; and experience with manual machining, fixture building and working with fabricators.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Show exhibitors still have time to sign up to host a table that the 2022 SEMA Show Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast on Thursday, November 3.  

Connect with students from around the country who are ready and eager to jump start their careers in the automotive aftermarket at the 2022 SEMA Show Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast.

Here are five reasons to give back at the event:   

• Discover young talent: Connect with students from around the country who are ready and eager to jump start their careers in the automotive aftermarket. As an exhibitor, you’ll get face-to-face interaction with entry-level candidates who are interested in your organization, expand your pool of talent and develop connections with prospective employees that can last well beyond the end of the SEMA Show.  
• Help students explore career opportunities: Meeting with exhibitors helps students gain direct access to the endless career possibilities available in the industry. Share your expertise, inspire students in their career path and gain fulfillment knowing you are contributing to the advancement and success of the industry’s future workforce.  
• Promote your brand: Spread awareness of your brand and company and create a meaningful and lasting impression on the industry’s automotive youth. Share your mission, why you do what you do and establish yourself as a reputable business.  
• Save time and money: Unlike a traditional job fair where you are competing with companies in varying industries, this event provides you access to dozens of automotive candidates in multiple disciplines—all in a one-stop environment.  
• It’s free to participate: Participation is free to exhibiting companies and simply requires one-and-a-half hours from one company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required.  

Make an impact by reserving your booth here.  

Malco Products Inc. to Sponsor Three SEMA Battle of the Builders Entries

Visitors to West Hall booth #54149 will have the opportunity to see the 2020 Al Slonaker Memorial Award-winning ’36 Willys Pickup and speak to builder Brian Limburg of The Tin Man’s Garage.

Malco Products Inc. has announced it will sponsor three SEMA Battle of the Builders entries as part of the 2022 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 1–4. Visitors to West Hall booth #54149 will have the opportunity to see the 2020 Al Slonaker Memorial Award-winning ’36 Willys Pickup and speak to builder Brian Limburg of The Tin Man’s Garage. As the centerpiece for the Malco booth, the ’36 Willys features a PPG Ferrari Red paint job, custom Chromoly tube chassis, and 498-cid Arias V6 800hp Hemi engine. The truck is finished with Malco Automotive’s EPIC line of compounds and polishes.

In addition, Malco is sponsoring John Wargo and The Custom Shop Crew’s Battle of the Builders entries. A ’66 Mustang named “Double Down” is a convertible with a motorized removable hardtop riding on a Roadster Shop chassis with a Coyote swap running through Ultimate Headers & Pypes exhaust. It is finished with ProSpray paint with graphics and buffed out with Presta Automotive compounds and polishes. Malco is also sponsoring a ’53 Chevy truck named “GrandPa Dave” that is the owner’s grandfather’s original truck and rebuilt to a killer street custom. “GrandPa Dave” features a Roadster Shop chassis, LS3 with COMP Cams and Holley EFI running out of a Pypes exhaust, and is finished with ProSpray Paint buffed out with Presta Automotive compounds and polishes. Visit “Double Down” and “Grandpa Dave” in SONY booth #11123 in the North Hall.

MOPAR Charged Up for 2022 SEMA Show

MOPAR has released concept sketches in advance of the upcoming 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1–4. Mopar will showcase customized vehicles and hundreds of quality-tested, factory-backed performance parts and accessories in its 15,345-sq.-ft. exhibit in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.mopar.com.

Dave Connolly, Jennifer Folk Purchase Competitive Suspension

NHRA Crew Chief Dave Connolly and race promoter Jennifer Folk have purchased Competitive Suspension, the provider of shock absorber services, according to published reports. As part of the announcement, Competitive Suspension has been relocated from Terre Hill, Pennsylvania, to Bradenton, Florida. Competitive Suspension was founded in 2017 by Shane Sweigart, who sold the business after accepting the role of track manager/race track relations at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.

Competitive Suspension will continue to sell and service suspension components by AFCO, Penske and JRi Shocks, and is also equipped to handle in-house dyno services. Additionally, the pair plan to offer on-track consultation services at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton.

Connolly is the crew chief for NHRA’s KB Racing Pro Stock, while Folk currently promotes the Million Dollar Drag Race event at Capital City Motorsports Park in Montgomery, Alabama. For more information, visit competitivesuspension.com.

Race Winning Brands Announces Changes to Leadership Team

Race Winning Brands (RWB) has announced the addition of Scott Neely as the director of powersports sales and the transition of existing RWB veteran Scott Highland to the director of marketing. Neely brings more than 20 years of experience in both the powersports and automotive sectors. Previously, he held multiple roles at Cometic Gasket, most recently handling responsibilities with powersports and automotive OEM and retail accounts.

Highland, meanwhile, joined RWB in 2018 as the director of Powersports with more than 30 years of experience. In his new position, Highland will reinforce RWB’s “commitment to actively sharing its passion for performance with the automotive and powersports communities,” as well as support RWB’s efforts in product support and education for partners and end users. Neely and Highland will both report directly to RWB Vice President of Sales and Category Management Cary Redman.

AWDA Names Ted Hughes Executive Director

The Auto Care Association has appointed Ted Hughes as its new senior director of community engagement and executive director of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA)—an organized group of warehouse distributors for the motor-vehicle aftermarket with more than 600 members.

Hughes brings more than 20 years of aftermarket experience to the association, with his most recent role being the head of marketing for MAHLE Aftermarket. In his role as head of marketing, Hughes was responsible for promotions, public relations, advertising, motorsports programs and the advancement of all electronic and web-based activities.

In his role as senior director of community engagement, Hughes will help to establish engagement strategies, communicate membership benefits and implement community practices and policies. As executive director of AWDA, he will provide guidance and support for all organizational activities, including assistance in engagement, growth and retention. Since 2020, Hughes has served as the vice chair of the Auto Care Association’s Marketing Communications Committee.

Total Seal Piston Rings Announces New Hires

Total Seal Piston Rings—the manufacturer and provider of high-performance and racing piston rings based in Phoenix—has announced two new hires. Kent Croutcher has been named the vice president of finance. As a senior accounting and operations professional, Croutcher has extensive experience creating and executing financial strategies to allow companies to expand and manage their growth.

Scott Diehl, meanwhile, was named the head of business development. He brings years of experience with Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush Racing and Driven Racing Oil. As the head of business development, Diehl will open up new areas of growth for the company.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA PR

Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew will be at the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will entertain Showgoers with expanded stories about their inaugural television series and what it’s been like to immerse themselves into the car culture. As keynote speakers on the SEMA Show’s opening day, cast members will join television personality Chris Jacobs at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1, at the Paradise Event Center.

With Jacobs hosting the interview, the discussion will tap into the unique passion that unites the automotive industry. Like the MotorTrend series that chronicled their experience, the SEMA Show keynote address is about having a good time and making connections.

“Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew represents SEMA’s membership and the tremendous enthusiasm we all have for this culture,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. “Their story is driven by passion and a deep love for all things automotive. That passion shows through on the screen, and it will come through even more live on stage at the SEMA Show.”

The keynote address is part of a new component of the 2022 SEMA Show Education Program. Five keynote addresses will be held during the week, with each keynote address featuring iconic industry personalities who will educate while entertaining. Speakers will include car enthusiasts, thought leaders, innovators and entertainers who will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help elevate and strengthen attendees’ business and personal growth strategies.

Key members of Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew kick off the series on Tuesday, November 1. Legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith, who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, anchors the week as the keynote speaker for Friday, November 4. Other keynotes will be announced at a later date.

The SEMA Show is a trade-only event where manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals go to connect and do business. The upcoming event takes place November 1-4, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.