By Chad Simon

Backed by the official SEMA Show housing partner OnPeak, all Showgoers receive a lowest-rate guarantee, ensuring the best deal for each hotel contract.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just 41 days left until the start of the Show, now is the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register for The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. Showgoers who register prior to Friday, October 14, will have their badges delivered via mail. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Reserve Your Hotel Room—Find the latest deals on hotels for Show week. Backed by the official SEMA Show housing partner OnPeak, all Showgoers receive a lowest-rate guarantee, ensuring the best deal for each hotel contract.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, visit the SEMA Show website.

Media can stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Online Media Center

Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor news via the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Exhibiting companies frequently announce their product debuts, vehicle unveils and other activities that will take place during the 2016 SEMA Show. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website. Exhibitors can upload a press release to the Online Media Center for free. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website.

Here are the most recent announcements:

• ididit, Booth #22989: Since its release in early August, ididit’s ’40 Ford straight steering column has been getting a lot of attention. The brushed stainless steel finish and ’40s-style dress-up kit with brass knobs make this special-edition column a classic update of a time-honored hot-rod column. The innovative column took home the coveted Best New Product Award at the 47th Annual Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.

• Colorbond Automotive Paint, Booth #23793: ColorBond Automotive Paint has introduced a new line of high-performance aerosol paint—Pro Tech Industrial High Solid Aerosol Enamels—a great solution for industrial and MRO touch-up applications. The formulation has a high-opacity build film to help repair and touch up the worst affected areas. Toughness and durability are characteristics of this high-solids direct-to-metal formula. It provides maximum protection against weathering, rust, oil, gasoline and corrosive chemicals. The product can be used to provide protection to a wide variety of metal and previously finished substrates. Use the product on vehicle frames, machinery, racking, bins, tanks, piping and ornamental iron.

• Romik, Booth #34154: To date, Romik offers the largest selection of SUV products in the world. With European styling and the best warranty available, Romik will let your customers sell to vehicle brands and open new doors to a growing business. Romik knows that being first to market is important to distributors and jobbers and with engineering teams in two continents we are able to come first 99% of the time. Unique styling, patented designs and the world’s largest selection of SUV products are why our motto is “Quality, Selections. The Professional’s Choice.”

• Boom Mat, Booth #20013: Boom Mat now offers a new leather-look Jeep Headliner for late-model two- and four-door JKs. The leather look sound-deadening headliner is still as durable and easy to maintain as the original; even after the most challenging off-road adventure. Available in either a black or gray faux leather, this custom-cut, peel-and-stick kit greatly dresses up the interior while reducing noise 3–4 decibels, translating into close to 25% noise reduction.

• Cliffride, Booth #33312: The new Cleghorn light bar cowl from Cliffride is a precision-molded factory replacement to the vehicle’s OE windshield wiper cowl on ’07-’16-model Jeep JK Wranglers. The innovative cowl design incorporates a 31-in., single-row LED light bar that is securely mounted to the vehicle’s inner hood-hinge bolts, using the steel powdercoated brackets provided in the installation kit.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.  

By Chad Simon

Backed by the official SEMA Show housing partner OnPeak, all Showgoers receive a lowest-rate guarantee, ensuring the best deal for each hotel contract.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just 41 days left until the start of the Show, now is the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register for The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. Showgoers who register prior to Friday, October 14, will have their badges delivered via mail. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Reserve Your Hotel Room—Find the latest deals on hotels for Show week. Backed by the official SEMA Show housing partner OnPeak, all Showgoers receive a lowest-rate guarantee, ensuring the best deal for each hotel contract.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, visit the SEMA Show website.

Media can stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Online Media Center

Buyers and media can stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitor news via the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Exhibiting companies frequently announce their product debuts, vehicle unveils and other activities that will take place during the 2016 SEMA Show. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website. Exhibitors can upload a press release to the Online Media Center for free. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website.

Here are the most recent announcements:

• ididit, Booth #22989: Since its release in early August, ididit’s ’40 Ford straight steering column has been getting a lot of attention. The brushed stainless steel finish and ’40s-style dress-up kit with brass knobs make this special-edition column a classic update of a time-honored hot-rod column. The innovative column took home the coveted Best New Product Award at the 47th Annual Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.

• Colorbond Automotive Paint, Booth #23793: ColorBond Automotive Paint has introduced a new line of high-performance aerosol paint—Pro Tech Industrial High Solid Aerosol Enamels—a great solution for industrial and MRO touch-up applications. The formulation has a high-opacity build film to help repair and touch up the worst affected areas. Toughness and durability are characteristics of this high-solids direct-to-metal formula. It provides maximum protection against weathering, rust, oil, gasoline and corrosive chemicals. The product can be used to provide protection to a wide variety of metal and previously finished substrates. Use the product on vehicle frames, machinery, racking, bins, tanks, piping and ornamental iron.

• Romik, Booth #34154: To date, Romik offers the largest selection of SUV products in the world. With European styling and the best warranty available, Romik will let your customers sell to vehicle brands and open new doors to a growing business. Romik knows that being first to market is important to distributors and jobbers and with engineering teams in two continents we are able to come first 99% of the time. Unique styling, patented designs and the world’s largest selection of SUV products are why our motto is “Quality, Selections. The Professional’s Choice.”

• Boom Mat, Booth #20013: Boom Mat now offers a new leather-look Jeep Headliner for late-model two- and four-door JKs. The leather look sound-deadening headliner is still as durable and easy to maintain as the original; even after the most challenging off-road adventure. Available in either a black or gray faux leather, this custom-cut, peel-and-stick kit greatly dresses up the interior while reducing noise 3–4 decibels, translating into close to 25% noise reduction.

• Cliffride, Booth #33312: The new Cleghorn light bar cowl from Cliffride is a precision-molded factory replacement to the vehicle’s OE windshield wiper cowl on ’07-’16-model Jeep JK Wranglers. The innovative cowl design incorporates a 31-in., single-row LED light bar that is securely mounted to the vehicle’s inner hood-hinge bolts, using the steel powdercoated brackets provided in the installation kit.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.  

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Federal Tire Announces SEMA Feature Vehicle Roll-In Tire Sponsorship Promotion and Installation Program

Federal Tire North America has announced a new promotion that will offer free tire product sponsorship to custom car and truck builders before the 2016 SEMA Show kicks off in Las Vegas. As the 600-plus feature vehicles arrive at the official SEMA Show, vehicle owners will be offered free tires from Federal Tire. On-Demand installation will take place during the check-in process on October 29–30 at the official check-in lot adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. This creative program is intended to connect directly with the best custom vehicle builders in the United States. Federal Tire North America will also unveil some new tire models for the truck market at this year’s Show. Confirmed feature vehicle and booth cars looking for a tire sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show can contact Michael Robleto of Insight Media Werks at 213-595-4720 or mike@imwks.com for more details.

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. was presented with Automotive Parts Services Group’s the Co-Man of the Year award.

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. Receives Co-Man of the Year Award

The Automotive Parts Services Group, commonly referred to as The Group, recently presented Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. with the Co-Man of the Year award—a distinguished honor earned by a member who exhibits continued support for and achieves commendable growth with The Group. Formed through the merging of joint efforts and resources of the Federated and Pronto programs, The Group has established one of the largest automotive-parts supply networks in North America for its members. Federated Co-Man purchases and stocks products in large volumes then redistributes that inventory to its Federated member locations. This allows members to purchase more frequently at a lower cost and receive consistent order-fill with greater coverage.

Steel Market Development Institute to Sponsor Motor Press Guild’s Annual Track Days Driving Event

The Motor Press Guild (MPG), Southern California's membership-based organization of automotive journalists, publicists and analysts, has announced the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) will sponsor its annual Track Days driving event held October 4–5 at Willow Springs Raceway. SMDI increases the use of steel by developing and communicating innovative materials and designs. Automotive manufacturers support the event by providing new vehicles for MPG journalist members to drive, enabling them to spend considerable time behind the wheel in preparation for filing stories and reports.

Russell Announces “Wrench It’ Promotion

Russell Performance has announced its “Wrench It” consumer promotion. Participating consumers can get a free adjustable AN wrench when they purchase $100 of Russell product between October 1–December 31, 2016. For complete, promotion details and to download a redemption form, visit the official Russell promotions website.

Beth San Filippo

Beth San Filippo Named Controller for VIPAR Heavy Duty

VIPAR Heavy Duty has named Beth San Filippo as its new controller. San Filippo joined VIPAR Heavy Duty and its family of companies in November 2011, and most recently was accounting manager. Before joining VIPAR Heavy Duty, San Filippo was a senior tax accountant for Ameritech Credit Corp. and a senior staff accountant for Kessler Orlean Silver & Co. She is a certified public accountant and a graduate of Southern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Hypertherm Safety Champions Tracy Hannett, David Cushman II and Andy Barraby pose with OSHA Region I Deputy Regional Administrator Jeff Erksine (second from left.)

U.S. Department of Labor Recognizes Hypertherm for Outstanding Safety and Health Practices in OSHA Flag-Raising Ceremony

Hypertherm is celebrating OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star recognition for its manufacturing facility at 71 Heater Road in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This week’s recognition means all seven of Hypertherm’s New Hampshire manufacturing locations are now designated VPP Star worksites. The United States Department of Labor’s OSHA VPP Program acknowledges organizations that have outstanding safety and health practices. Before receiving this honor, Hypertherm had to demonstrate a comprehensive safety and health management system involving associates from all levels of the organization. In addition, Hypertherm had to submit detailed records and undergo rigorous five-day evaluations by teams of OSHA professionals. The program also required that Hypertherm maintain injury and illness rates significantly below U.S. government averages for their industry. For 2015, Hypertherm’s rate was less than two incidents per 100 full-time associates, compared with an industry average of more than four incidents per 100 workers. About 100 Hypertherm associates celebrated with OSHA representatives and dignitaries during a short ceremony and luncheon at Hypertherm’s newest VPP facility. Dignitaries included representatives from the State of New Hampshire, Governor Hassan’s office, and the offices of Senators Ayotte and Shaheen.

JMPR Named Public Relations Agency of Record for Prestone

Prestone Products Corp. has appointed JMPR Public Relations as its PR agency of record with responsibility for communicating the benefits of key Prestone products, planning major events and promoting the brand. JMPR will also implement multiple programs on behalf of the brand, including media outreach campaigns.

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

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

The 2015 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

The 2015 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

By SEMA Editors

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 classifieds posted to the website.

Customer Service/Sales Representative: Currie Enterprises is hiring a customer service/sales representative to provide customer support, answer product questions, handle a high volume of emails and phone calls in a professional manner, and consult with sales and product development to adequately respond to customer inquiries. Applicants must be professional, have a basic knowledge of the performance automotive industry and be able to travel to 10–15 trade shows per year.

Collision Repair Coach: VeriFacts Automotive is hiring a work-from-home collision repair coach responsible for assisting collision-repair centers via in-shop technician coaching and mentoring as well as live demonstrations of proper repair techniques. Successful candidate must have more than 15 years of experience as a collision-repair tech or insurance adjuster/estimator. I-CAR, ASE or OEM certifications are preferred.

Publisher: ProMedia LLC is hiring a publisher for Fastest Street Car magazine—the official publication of the NMCA and NMCA West. This position will be responsible for overall Fastest Street Car management and personal sales for all products. Sales and automotive experience are required.

Exhaust R&D Fabricator/Mechanic: PerTronix is hiring an exhaust R&D fabricator to assist with design and prototyping of headers and exhaust systems. The ideal candidate will possess excellent mechanical skills with ability to work on both late-model and classic American cars and foreign and domestic pickups. Strong mechanical skills are required.