By Kristopher Porter

The SEMA councils and networks are teaming up with SEMA Education to bring useful education seminars to anyone interested in attending during the Show. There are many options for everyone in the industry; find one below:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO

Are TV builds a reality? What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the pitfalls? Who do you partner with? Get answers to these questions and more from some of the industry’s most respected builders.

Meet the panelists:

• EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
• Tim Strange, Strange Motion
• Jesse Henke, J&H Restorations
• Jordan Henke, J&H Restorations
• Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom

This educational seminar will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in room N258. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry. New vehicle technologies from ADAS to autonomy are driving this shift, and it’s being shaped by demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Cars and trucks will grow smarter and cooler with connected vehicle systems, high-efficiency engines, vehicle electrification and increased safety performance. This forum will bring together SEMA council and network experts to discuss how members can compete in today’s rapidly evolving market segments and leverage new aftermarket growth opportunities for connected, assisted and automated vehicles outlined in the SEMA Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunities Report. This event will take place Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront, Powered by ETTN

Racing technologies and performance products are critical to the continued relevance and innovation within the SEMA community for both traditional members and next-generation performance businesses, enthusiasts and fans. Racing and high-performance cars are central to the future of vehicle electrification and bringing advanced motorsports technologies to the street. SEMA manufacturers need to pay attention to performance developments in electric and hybrid powertrains, as well as drive-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations being used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. This event will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing With Confidence, Presented by ETTN

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are active safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies are impacting their products, installations and businesses. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. SEMA manufacturers, distributors and installers are facing increasing challenges today and in the coming years as vehicles become more complex due to assisted, connected and automated driving technologies, as well as demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Horsepower and hardware are being matched with computing power and software. New market segments are being created in safety, performance, vehicle emissions, electronics, connected and automated driving. This panel session will focus on the practices, challenges, policies and product liability considerations you need to know to grow and prosper in the evolving performance aftermarket. This event will take place Thursday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Hot Rod Builder Panel, Powered by HRIA

On Thursday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization

PRO Reception

Take Your Company’s Sales to the Next Level, Powered by PRO

Want your restyling or truck-accessory center to stand head and shoulders above the crowd? In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to stay ahead of the competition. Listen and learn as industry veterans share insider tips and tactics to sharpen sales skills and build a more successful business. Gain insights into restyling trends and the best ways to market profitable accessory packages to a dealership or retail clientele. Take your shop’s sales to the next level—discover how earning a sales professional credential can help your company out maneuver the competition. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 31, in LVCC N253 from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

Body Politics—The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women, Powered by SBN

In this program, attendees will learn about the power differential—the effect of gender-based listening modes, subtle differences in everything from smiles and eye contact to space and touching, and the new rules of business etiquette for old standards, such as handshakes and greetings and pats on the back. “Body Politics” is an eye-opening, ear-widening, “Aha!” experience. This session will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.

Good Enough Now: Women at Work, Powered by SBN

In a sea of mixed messages, we find ourselves lost between impossible expectations, frustrating people and little room for creativity and humility. We need to hold space for reclaiming self-responsibility, trying and connecting so we can do the best we can with what we have instead of striving for perfection or just opting out under pressure. This session will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC N254. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs, Powered by WTC

The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC room N256. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad, the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive entrepreneur business competition, and the finals are being held at the 2018 SEMA Show! The event will be held on Monday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater—one day before the SEMA Show officially opens. After more than 75 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants, who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges who will decide the ultimate winner of the 2018 program. Designed to take their businesses and products to the next level, the grand-prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2019, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now.

By Kristopher Porter

The SEMA councils and networks are teaming up with SEMA Education to bring useful education seminars to anyone interested in attending during the Show. There are many options for everyone in the industry; find one below:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO

Are TV builds a reality? What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the pitfalls? Who do you partner with? Get answers to these questions and more from some of the industry’s most respected builders.

Meet the panelists:

• EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
• Tim Strange, Strange Motion
• Jesse Henke, J&H Restorations
• Jordan Henke, J&H Restorations
• Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom

This educational seminar will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in room N258. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry. New vehicle technologies from ADAS to autonomy are driving this shift, and it’s being shaped by demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Cars and trucks will grow smarter and cooler with connected vehicle systems, high-efficiency engines, vehicle electrification and increased safety performance. This forum will bring together SEMA council and network experts to discuss how members can compete in today’s rapidly evolving market segments and leverage new aftermarket growth opportunities for connected, assisted and automated vehicles outlined in the SEMA Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunities Report. This event will take place Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront, Powered by ETTN

Racing technologies and performance products are critical to the continued relevance and innovation within the SEMA community for both traditional members and next-generation performance businesses, enthusiasts and fans. Racing and high-performance cars are central to the future of vehicle electrification and bringing advanced motorsports technologies to the street. SEMA manufacturers need to pay attention to performance developments in electric and hybrid powertrains, as well as drive-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations being used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. This event will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing With Confidence, Presented by ETTN

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are active safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies are impacting their products, installations and businesses. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. SEMA manufacturers, distributors and installers are facing increasing challenges today and in the coming years as vehicles become more complex due to assisted, connected and automated driving technologies, as well as demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Horsepower and hardware are being matched with computing power and software. New market segments are being created in safety, performance, vehicle emissions, electronics, connected and automated driving. This panel session will focus on the practices, challenges, policies and product liability considerations you need to know to grow and prosper in the evolving performance aftermarket. This event will take place Thursday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Hot Rod Builder Panel, Powered by HRIA

On Thursday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization

PRO Reception

Take Your Company’s Sales to the Next Level, Powered by PRO

Want your restyling or truck-accessory center to stand head and shoulders above the crowd? In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to stay ahead of the competition. Listen and learn as industry veterans share insider tips and tactics to sharpen sales skills and build a more successful business. Gain insights into restyling trends and the best ways to market profitable accessory packages to a dealership or retail clientele. Take your shop’s sales to the next level—discover how earning a sales professional credential can help your company out maneuver the competition. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 31, in LVCC N253 from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

Body Politics—The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women, Powered by SBN

In this program, attendees will learn about the power differential—the effect of gender-based listening modes, subtle differences in everything from smiles and eye contact to space and touching, and the new rules of business etiquette for old standards, such as handshakes and greetings and pats on the back. “Body Politics” is an eye-opening, ear-widening, “Aha!” experience. This session will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.

Good Enough Now: Women at Work, Powered by SBN

In a sea of mixed messages, we find ourselves lost between impossible expectations, frustrating people and little room for creativity and humility. We need to hold space for reclaiming self-responsibility, trying and connecting so we can do the best we can with what we have instead of striving for perfection or just opting out under pressure. This session will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC N254. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs, Powered by WTC

The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC room N256. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad, the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive entrepreneur business competition, and the finals are being held at the 2018 SEMA Show! The event will be held on Monday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater—one day before the SEMA Show officially opens. After more than 75 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants, who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges who will decide the ultimate winner of the 2018 program. Designed to take their businesses and products to the next level, the grand-prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2019, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a plan to further accommodate automated vehicle (AV) technologies. Since some federal safety standards effectively assume the presence of drivers, the DOT will ease the process for exempting cars, trucks and other vehicles from existing standards requiring a driver if the vehicles achieve an equivalent level of safety.

Transportation officials will also work with their state and local counterparts to eliminate any unnecessary impediments that preclude driverless vehicles. The plan continues to rely on companies to voluntarily assess that their vehicles are safe enough to be on public roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will also continue to work with the states and industry to consider possible new regulations. The DOT plan is called “Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0,” which builds upon the previously guidelines called “Automated Driving Systems: A Vision for Safety 2.0.”

For more information, visit www.transportation.gov/av/3.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a plan to further accommodate automated vehicle (AV) technologies. Since some federal safety standards effectively assume the presence of drivers, the DOT will ease the process for exempting cars, trucks and other vehicles from existing standards requiring a driver if the vehicles achieve an equivalent level of safety.

Transportation officials will also work with their state and local counterparts to eliminate any unnecessary impediments that preclude driverless vehicles. The plan continues to rely on companies to voluntarily assess that their vehicles are safe enough to be on public roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will also continue to work with the states and industry to consider possible new regulations. The DOT plan is called “Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0,” which builds upon the previously guidelines called “Automated Driving Systems: A Vision for Safety 2.0.”

For more information, visit www.transportation.gov/av/3.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a plan to further accommodate automated vehicle (AV) technologies. Since some federal safety standards effectively assume the presence of drivers, the DOT will ease the process for exempting cars, trucks and other vehicles from existing standards requiring a driver if the vehicles achieve an equivalent level of safety.

Transportation officials will also work with their state and local counterparts to eliminate any unnecessary impediments that preclude driverless vehicles. The plan continues to rely on companies to voluntarily assess that their vehicles are safe enough to be on public roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will also continue to work with the states and industry to consider possible new regulations. The DOT plan is called “Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0,” which builds upon the previously guidelines called “Automated Driving Systems: A Vision for Safety 2.0.”

For more information, visit www.transportation.gov/av/3.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• TORA Media Preview, October 29, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Media Center, Las Vegas
• SEMA Show Student Career Day, October 29, 2018, Westgate Resort & Casino, Paradise Event Center, Las Vegas
• SEMA Launch Pad, October 29, 2018, Westgate Theater, Las Vegas
• Media Preview Exclusive, Presented by TORA, October 29, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper South Hall, Las Vegas
• New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable, Powered by ETTN, October 29, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N258, Las Vegas
• WTC General Membership Meeting, October 29, 2018, Aces Restaurant, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• Gear-up Girl, Powered by SBN, October 29, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N264, Las Vegas
• YEN Membership Meeting and Mixer, October 29, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N263C, Las Vegas
• SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront, Powered by ETTN, October 30, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N258, Las Vegas
• Body Politics—The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women, Powered by SBN, October 30, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N253, Las Vegas
• Truck Market Happy Hour, October 30, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, TORA Booth #34185, Las Vegas
• ARMO Reception, October 30, 2018, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Conference Rooms 7-14, Las Vegas
• PRO Reception, October 30, 2018, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Pool Deck, Las Vegas
• WTC Reception, October 30, 2018, Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel Pool, Las Vegas
• YEN Reception, October 30, 2018, Westgate Paradise Center, Las Vegas
• ARMO General Membership Meeting, October 31, 2018, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Conference Rooms 4-6, Las Vegas
• Take Your Company’s Sales to the Next Level, Powered by PRO, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N253, Las Vegas
• Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N258, Las Vegas
• Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing with Confidence, Presented by ETTN, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N258, Las Vegas
• Good Enough Now: Women at Work, Powered by SBN, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N254, Las Vegas
• Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs, Powered by WTC, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N256, Las Vegas
• Live SEMA OEM Accessory Roundtable, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N218, Las Vegas
• PRO Happy Hour, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #13113, Las Vegas
• HRIA Reception, October 31, 2018, Westgate Paradise Center, Las Vegas
• TORA Reception, October 31, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall in the SCORE off-road area, Las Vegas
• SBN Reception, October 31, 2018, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballroom D, Las Vegas
• Coffee and Conversation Presented by WTC, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRO General Membership Meeting, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N232, Las Vegas
• Manufacturer Rep Roundup & Awards Program, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• Hot Rod Builder Panel, Powered by HRIA, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N258, Las Vegas
• ETTN Vehicle Tech Lunch & Learn, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N261, Las Vegas
• Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, Powered by ETTN, November 1, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, N258, Las Vegas
• SEMA Ignited, November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• SCRS IDEAS Collide Showcase, November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 6–8, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2019, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Santa Ana, California
• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 26–31, 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, May 9–13, 2019, Melbourne, Australia

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Bilstein
• BluePrint Engines
• BMR Suspension
• Bolt Lock Corp.
• BOOSTane
• Borgeson
• Brisk
• Bully Dog
• Bushwacker
• CalTrend

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The White House directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow E15 (gasoline that contains 15% ethanol) to be sold year-round. Currently, the EPA prohibits the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The EPA will draft regulations to allow E15 sales to begin as early as 2019, although the decision to lift the restriction could be challenged in court.

President Trump’s support for year-round sales of E15 is designed to increase the availability of E15, as ethanol supporters maintain that few gas stations sell the fuel since E15 could only be legally sold for part of the year. In 2011, the EPA made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 sales, as ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials.  

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The White House directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow E15 (gasoline that contains 15% ethanol) to be sold year-round. Currently, the EPA prohibits the sale of E15 between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The EPA will draft regulations to allow E15 sales to begin as early as 2019, although the decision to lift the restriction could be challenged in court.

President Trump’s support for year-round sales of E15 is designed to increase the availability of E15, as ethanol supporters maintain that few gas stations sell the fuel since E15 could only be legally sold for part of the year. In 2011, the EPA made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 sales, as ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials.  

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