By Ashley Reyes

Innovation drives the automotive aftermarket industry, and patents are a cornerstone of protecting groundbreaking ideas. They help safeguard products from imitation, ensuring businesses secure a competitive edge by preserving their brand's reputation.

To help product development teams in the aftermarket industry navigate the complexities of patents, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a free webinar on Tuesday, February 18, at 1:00 p.m. PST. The webinar will feature speakers Matt Beenen, president and founder of Mountech; Jeffrey Banyas, manager-legal production at Sisson & Banyas, Attorneys at Law LLC; and Matt Patrick, technical director at DeatchWerks, as they provide the information attendees need to:    

• Read and understand patents and patent applications as a research tool
• Identify potentially patentable ideas
• Know when and how to act when a patentable idea arises
• Understand when and how to act when you come across a competitor's patent

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers who bring extensive experience in product development and patent strategies.

Don't miss out! Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC) are hosting a networking mixer at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, on Thursday, February 6, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST inside the VIP tent. 

Open to all King of the Hammers attendees and SEMA council and network members, the mixer is a great opportunity to grow one's professional network and discover key resources designed to help automotive aftermarket businesses succeed in the industry. Council and network select committee leaders will be on-site to share volunteer and education opportunities, targeted professional development programs and information on upcoming in-person and virtual events for members.  

Complimentary appetizers, water and soda will be provided. Registration, although not required, is encouraged so that event planners can plan the event accordingly. Register here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Director of Emissions Compliance Dean Schlingmann has been appointed to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Advisory Group, an important post and seat at the table for the automotive-aftermarket industry. The advisory group brings together industry leaders and regulators to shape policies on smog checks, emissions compliance and automotive repair standards in California. 

BAR oversees high-profile initiatives like California's Smog Check program, which regulates vehicle emissions compliance, as well as licensing and consumer protection for automotive repair shops. California is often at the forefront of setting new environmental and regulatory standards, and its decisions frequently influence federal and other states' policies.  

Schlingmann, who oversees the SEMA Emissions Lab and works closely with the California Air Resources Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, adds extensive expertise in emissions compliance and alternative fuel innovation to the group. His appointment ensures the specialty-equipment industry has a strong voice in discussions that play a large role in setting national regulatory policies. 

By securing representation in this advisory group for our industry, SEMA can advocate for practical solutions that balance environmental goals with the needs of small businesses. Schlingmann's presence provides a direct channel to influence discussions and ensure that regulations are fair, achievable and nurture the industry's ability to innovate. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Director of Emissions Compliance Dean Schlingmann has been appointed to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Advisory Group, an important post and seat at the table for the automotive-aftermarket industry. The advisory group brings together industry leaders and regulators to shape policies on smog checks, emissions compliance and automotive repair standards in California. 

BAR oversees high-profile initiatives like California's Smog Check program, which regulates vehicle emissions compliance, as well as licensing and consumer protection for automotive repair shops. California is often at the forefront of setting new environmental and regulatory standards, and its decisions frequently influence federal and other states' policies.  

Schlingmann, who oversees the SEMA Emissions Lab and works closely with the California Air Resources Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, adds extensive expertise in emissions compliance and alternative fuel innovation to the group. His appointment ensures the specialty-equipment industry has a strong voice in discussions that play a large role in setting national regulatory policies. 

By securing representation in this advisory group for our industry, SEMA can advocate for practical solutions that balance environmental goals with the needs of small businesses. Schlingmann's presence provides a direct channel to influence discussions and ensure that regulations are fair, achievable and nurture the industry's ability to innovate. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors 

The following message is for SEMA+ members. Not yet a member? Sign up here!  

Hey SEMA+ Member, 

We've got something special just for you! As a valued SEMA+ member, you can claim a FREE ticket to the Grand National Roadster Show this weekend--Friday through Sunday--at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. 

But hurry--tickets are limited! This is your chance to connect with fellow hot rod enthusiasts and check out the SEMA+ booth located in the Main Hall.  

Claim your ticket here. 

Important details: 

• Tickets are good for a single day only 
• One ticket per SEMA+ member 

We can't wait to see you there! 

Your SEMA+ Team

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Update on Tuesday, January 28:

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Duffy, who SEMA strongly endorsed for the role, was confirmed by a bipartisan 77-22 margin.

SEMA now continues to urge its members to put the full weight of the automotive aftermarket industry behind President Donald Trump's cabinet selections for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Interior. The two nominees--former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (EPA) and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (Interior)--each received bipartisan support as they advanced out of their respective U.S. Senate committees of jurisdiction en route to a full Senate vote.  

• The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approved Rep. Zeldin's nomination by a vote of 11 to 8.  
• The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved Gov. Burgum's nomination by a vote of 18 to 2. 

SEMA members are encouraged to send letters of support for each of the nominees. Use our easy online tool to send your letter now. 

SEMA's strong support for each nominee is based on their extensive qualifications and the important role these departments play in regulating the automotive aftermarket, off-road and racing industries.  

The final step is for the U.S. Senate to hold a vote on each of their nominations. Senate approval requires a simple majority of the members who voted, after which the nominee is then confirmed and can start running their respective department. 

Click here to learn more about each nominee, why SEMA is supporting them, and to send a letter to your U.S. Senators.  

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Update on Tuesday, January 28:

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Duffy, who SEMA strongly endorsed for the role, was confirmed by a bipartisan 77-22 margin.

SEMA now continues to urge its members to put the full weight of the automotive aftermarket industry behind President Donald Trump's cabinet selections for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Interior. The two nominees--former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (EPA) and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (Interior)--each received bipartisan support as they advanced out of their respective U.S. Senate committees of jurisdiction en route to a full Senate vote.  

• The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approved Rep. Zeldin's nomination by a vote of 11 to 8.  
• The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved Gov. Burgum's nomination by a vote of 18 to 2. 

SEMA members are encouraged to send letters of support for each of the nominees. Use our easy online tool to send your letter now. 

SEMA's strong support for each nominee is based on their extensive qualifications and the important role these departments play in regulating the automotive aftermarket, off-road and racing industries.  

The final step is for the U.S. Senate to hold a vote on each of their nominations. Senate approval requires a simple majority of the members who voted, after which the nominee is then confirmed and can start running their respective department. 

Click here to learn more about each nominee, why SEMA is supporting them, and to send a letter to your U.S. Senators.  

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

Signups are open for aftermarket companies and industry professionals to host a table at the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair to be held at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan. The career fair will take place on February 22, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. EST.  

The event is part of ETTN's and SAE's shared goal of connecting future engineers and automotive students with the industry's current workforce. During the event, participating companies will share advice and career opportunities with students looking to jumpstart their careers in the specialty-equipment industry, as well as provide feedback for those actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions.

Hosting a table is free for SEMA members, and $500 for non-SEMA members. With so much industry talent gathered in one place, the career fair is a great way for aftermarket businesses to meet potential candidates, increase brand awareness and connect with the greater aftermarket community. The SEMA Garage team will also provide a tour of its facility showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist SEMA members with product development. Lunch will be provided.

Register today at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

Efficient delegation is more than just assigning tasks--it's a strategic tool that empowers teams, enhances collaboration and drives results. For both new and experienced leaders, knowing how to delegate efficiently can ensure that teams remain productive, engaged and aligned to achieve shared goals.

On Thursday, February 11, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. PST, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) will host a free webinar, in which industry experts will explore strategies to delegate efficiently and maximize everyone's success. Moderated by educator, author and wellness specialist Jenna Sage, the webinar will feature speakers Matt Beenen, president and founder of Mountech; Dan Bubniak, EOS coach at Outpace Enterprises; and Tadd Crayton, vice president, chief sales and marketing officer at COBB Tuning. Together, they will equip leaders with the tools needed to delegate with confidence while fostering growth, efficiency, and collaboration.

Key topics include:  

• The importance of delegation as a strategic tool to focus on high-priority tasks and empower your team.
• How to identify what tasks to delegate and how to delegate them effectively.
• How to ensure the assigned work aligns with team members' strengths and priorities.
• Strategies for assigning the right people to the right tasks, setting clear expectations to ensure success, and building trust and accountability within your teams.

The webinar will offer an opportunity to engage with the speakers, who each bring extensive experience in driving growth and building high-performance teams.

Register now.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '25 Ford Maverick!

In addition, SEMA Garage is excited to announce that the event will also showcase the Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to interact with all of these incredible vehicles during the event next month. Click here to RSVP!

• 3D Scan and Measure
• Develop Products
• Test-Fit Prototypes
• Exclusive Close-Up Experience

February 10, 2025 & February 11, 2025
SEMA Garage Detroit, Michigan
14655 Jib St.
Plymouth, MI 48170
Click here to RSVP!

For more information, contact productdevelopment@sema.org.