By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members and potential members will be able to get a personalize assessment of their business needs and discover the benefits that are most relevant to them, by visiting SEMA Member Central at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Located just outside of N251 on the second floor above the Grand Lobby, the SEMA team will be ready to answer questions and share details about the association’s exclusive market research, year-round education program, product development resources, data support and more.

“Meeting with members and potential members in person is always a treat for us,” said AJ Carney, SEMA director, membership. “Every business is unique and members have different needs. Connecting at the SEMA Show is the ideal time for us to better understand what a company’s needs are, then we can match them up with the benefits that are most relevant to them.”

SEMA Member Central will be open throughout the SEMA Show. In addition to meeting with the SEMA Membership Team to learn about the benefits and resources, exhibitors will be able to pick up their complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

By Ashley Reyes

For the first time since 2019, the automotive specialty-equipment industry will gather in person at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. With strong exhibitor and buyer participation confirmed, the SEMA Show provides the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) with the ideal opportunity to connect during the event, November 2–5.

SBN members and women in the industry are invited to attend the following SBN-sponsored activities and events throughout the week.

Mark your calendars for the following SBN events:

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)-Sponsored Networking

Click here to RSVP in advance.

Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 3, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Pool Deck

Female automotive professionals will connect with female automotive students in this fun and dynamic Gear-Up-Girl event at the 2021 SEMA Show. Reserved only for women, the event serves as a networking opportunity for professionals to give back and share advice with today’s female youth.

SBN Reception
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 3, 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Pool Deck

Join the SBN for an evening of celebration and networking. A highly anticipated event, this is the ideal opportunity to celebrate the strides women are making in the automotive aftermarket, connect with the select committee, and learn more about resources for members and getting involved in the SBN.

SEMA Education

Add these sessions to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Women Who Build, Powered by SBN
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 2, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Location: LVCC N259

Female builders are on the rise, inspiring the next generation of women to flex their trade skills and creativity in the garage. During this inspirational panel featuring some of the industry’s top women builders, you’ll hear about their journeys to success and what they see for the future of custom car building. Add this session to your Show planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Women in Leadership, Powered by SBN
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 3, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC N258

A panel of successful CEOs will discuss the importance of actively developing the future leaders to your company's leadership team. This session will cover the unique perspectives these panelists bring to the table and how you can encourage the advancement of great leaders in your company and our industry. Add this session to your Show planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Women Who Rule Racing, Powered by SBN
Date/Time: Thursday, November 4, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC N258

Following in the tracks laid by pioneers before them, these women in racing are breaking barriers and records. This session features some of the top names in racing today who just happen to be female. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the adversities these women faced to accomplish what they have and how they’re encouraging young women to step into the world of racing. Add this session to your Show planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Attendees planning on attending the 2021 SEMA Show can see who’s exhibiting and where by visiting the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

By Ashley Reyes

As part of its commitment to help automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers stay up-to-date on emerging vehicle trends and new technology, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host several activities at the 2021 SEMA Show taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas.

The ETTN-sponsored events are the ideal opportunity for both current and prospective ETTN members to learn about emerging trends and new technology, discuss resources and solutions with like-minded individuals and create peer-to-peer connections with ETTN Select Committee members who can help them get more involved in the industry.

Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technology that fuel automotive professionals by registering for the following events:

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)-Sponsored Networking

Click here to RSVP in advance.

ETTN Tech n’ Toast
Date/Time: Thursday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N235–N239

ETTN members, engineers and product developers will connect and learn from each other during this energized networking breakfast. Attendees will openly discuss industry specific ideas and concerns related to automotive technology and have the opportunity to connect with the network's select committee.

ETTN Lunch & Learn  
Date/Time: Thursday, November 4, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N235–N239

This event feature presentations and opportunities to discuss the latest trends in automotive technology. Automotive technicians, engineers and design professionals who want to be on the forefront of emerging trends are invited to attend and learn about technologies that can advance their businesses.

SEMA Education

Add these sessions to your Show Planner when registering for the SEMA Show.

Synthetic Fuels: Paving the Way for the Future of ICEs? Powered by ETTN
Date/Time: Monday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N259

OEM manufacturers are overwhelmingly shifting resources away from traditional engine development, and regulators and legislatures are increasingly passing laws and regulations that will require the use of electric powertrains exclusively in the future. A few companies, however, are investing in research into an alternate technology, while still preserving internal combustion engine (ICE). A panel of industry experts will discuss the promise and state of this technology, and the changes in the regulatory framework required to recognize its benefits.

Challenges to Modding the Modern Powertrain, Powered by ETTN
Date/Time: Thursday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, N258

This session will include a comprehensive discussion about the concerning new trend of automakers implementing increasingly secure encryption in electronic controls, preventing aftermarket manufacturers from accessing vehicle systems to facilitate modification. This session will feature representatives from the OEMs, the tuning software companies and the aftermarket manufacturers working to overcome these challenges.

Attendees planning on attending the 2021 SEMA Show can prepare for the Show by seeing who’s exhibiting by visiting the updated floorplan. Advanced registration is encouraged to avoid delays onsite and can be obtained by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/attendee.

By Juan Torres

SEMA has announced the finalists for the 2021 SEMA Award—a recognition presented to new vehicle models that provide the aftermarket with the best platforms for customization. Voted on by SEMA Show exhibitors, winners will be announced at the annual trade-only event on November 2–5, in Las Vegas.

This year’s award program includes a new category for mid-size trucks. Other categories include car, full-size truck, 4x4/SUV, and sport compact. Exhibitors identified the top three finalists in each category that best showcase their products and accessories.

The top three finalists in each category are (in alphabetical order):

SEMA Car of the Year

• Chevrolet Corvette
• Ford Mustang
• Nissan GT-R

SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year

• Ford Ranger
• Stellantis Jeep Gladiator
• Toyota Tacoma

SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year

• Chevrolet Silverado
• Ford F-Series
• Stellantis Ram

SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year

• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Bronco
• Stellantis Jeep Wrangler

SEMA Sport Compact of the Year

• Honda Civic
• Nissan Sentra
• Toyota Supra

These vehicles represent today’s most popular models based on their potential for customization. Aftermarket manufacturers are investing in the vehicles for their ability to have upgraded performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety. The program creates awareness for aftermarket products and highlights the ongoing collaboration between SEMA, automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing, technology transfer and more.

For additional information about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

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By Ashley Reyes

Restylers, technicians, installers and business owners in the Midwest recently received expert product training direct from manufacturers in the first-ever PRO Installer Training. Hosted by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and held as part of the council’s General Membership Meeting, the two-day Installer Training was open to all PRO members at no cost, and included in-depth, hands-on instructions from specialists from Katzkin, Llumar, Brandmotion and Auto Additions.

“Many shop owners are interested in expanding to other products or services, but may not quite understand them,” said Josh Poulson, PRO chair and owner of Auto Additions. “By hearing direct from manufacturers and connecting with them in real life, technicians received top quality training. It was the best way for them to discover new products, and to better understand products they already work with.”

In addition to training sessions, presenting manufacturers met with participants in a casual environment and educated attending restylers about their specific brands. Held at Auto Additions Inc. in Ohio, the event provided local restylers with an opportunity to learn from one another and discover different ways of working with dealers.

“The event helped our members get out and see how things could be done a differently,” added Poulson. “Because the event was local, it was easy and affordable for company owners to invest in their technicians and give them the opportunity to network with other shops.”

PRO plans to host similar events as a way to help member companies grow their teams and retain employees for a lower cost and higher ROI.

“This event was huge value-add for being a member of PRO,” said Colby McLaughlin, PRO chair-elect and president of Trim Illusion. “If you’re a restyler, you could have brought your entire staff for training on a handful of potential new revenue opportunities and it only costed your $50 annual dues. Being a member pays for itself.”

To learn more about the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization, visit www.sema.org/pro.

By Ashley Reyes

As young industry professionals start planning their 2021 SEMA Show itinerary, they might have questions as to what resources will be available, and what networking opportunities they should attend to further benefit and advance their careers.    

Young automotive aftermarket professionals are invited to join the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Select Committee as they go live on the YEN Facebook page to share important updates on the network’s plans for this year’s SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5 in Las Vegas.  

Featuring YEN Chair Nick Caloroso and YEN Chair-Elect Matt Beenen, this chat will serve as an opportunity to learn about the YEN Industry Reception, YEN Mixer and General Membership Meeting at Topgolf, located inside the MGM Grand, and be the first to learn about an exciting new program with Dale Carnegie that is slated for late March 2022.

Get your questions ready and tune into the YEN Facebook page on October 13 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT)! 

By Ashley Reyes

Brent LaLonde is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Lalonde is the president of Mechanical Power Inc., a global sourcing company that supplies bearings, sprockets, chains and related industrial products.

Find out what keeps LaLonde in the industry and how he prepares for important meetings in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Brent LaLonde: Be humble. Be Hungry. This advice has helped me in both my personal and professional lives in leading people by example and generating rapport and respect.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

BL: I'm from metro Detroit and grew up loving the automotive industry. I love manufacturing, global supply chain and am a gearhead at heart. I’ve been to the Woodward Dream Cruise every year, and every year it’s a reminder how thriving the car community is.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

BL: I can be found playing with my kids, at a Cars and Coffee event or golfing.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

BL: I prepare with an agenda, data, script, objectives and being at least five minutes early!

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

BL: Chip Foose. He’s a nice blend of old school and new school. I like his demeanor. I’d be very curious to see his take on what the next 20–30 years in automotive aftermarket and the hot-rod industry look like considering what the government and OEMs are doing.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

By SEMA Editors

John Kilroy, the former longtime editor of Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Magazine and later general manager of PRI, has passed away after a years-long battle with cancer.

Kilroy, who started his career with PRI in 1990, led the company’s editorial operations for 22 years until he was elevated to GM following PRI’s sale to SEMA in 2012. For the next four years, he oversaw the day-to-day management of PRI and produced the annual PRI Trade Show while guiding the overall direction of PRI’s media and communications efforts.

A graduate of Cal State Fullerton, he was widely known and respected throughout the industry as an honest, hard-working professional with a passion for motorsports and those who made their living in the trade. He maintained countless friendships among PRI staff even after his departure from the company in 2016.

“He [John] was a great ambassador for PRI, SEMA and the industry as a whole,” said Bill Miller, SEMA’s senior vice president, operations. “John and I spent hours talking PRI before the deal [with SEMA] was finalized and worked hand-in-hand in those early years to successful integrate our teams. I always appreciated his upfront and candid demeanor. He was a man of great integrity. I only hope he and Robin Miller are bench racing up in heaven. Cheers to you, John!”

In his final editorial for PRI Magazine titled “The Next Turn,” Kilroy spoke of his pride in having taken the concept of a trade show and business publication for racing professionals to “previously unimaginable heights.”

“I’ve had a great run here at PRI,” he wrote. “Along the way, I had the great fortune to work in an industry that taught me a lot about how to live this life. Thank you all for chasing after it the way you did. You inspired me throughout my 26 years.”

A resident of Orange, California, Kilroy leaves behind a wife and three children. He will be missed by all of us who knew, worked with, and learned so much from him through the years.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Support for the bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, continues to expand each day as members of Congress receive an outpouring of support for the bill from racers and the motorsports parts industry. It’s clear the letters that enthusiasts and businesses have sent are being noticed on Capitol Hill and are making a difference (109 members of the House and 18 Senators have cosponsored the RPM Act).

If you’ve already sent a letter to Congress about the RPM Act, please follow up by making a short call to their office to voice your support for the bill. SEMA has made it easy to call your elected officials by clicking here.

Below is a list of things of other things you can do right now to help to pass the RPM Act:

• Send a personal letter to your lawmakers at: saveourracecars.com. A letter has already been drafted. It takes less than a minute.
• Sign a letter to your lawmakers on company letterhead. Email erics@sema.org for a template and for more information.
• Post about the RPM Act on your company’s social-media accounts using the toolkit of digital assets.
• Learn more about SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) at www.semapac.com. SEMA PAC allows SEMA members to support the lawmakers that stand up for our industry in Washington.

Over the past few days, five U.S. Senators have agreed to co-sponsor the RPM Act, including Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). This is great progress, and it is important that lawmakers continue to hear from constituents about the importance of pass the RPM Act.

The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to be reminded of the importance of passing the RPM Act.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.