Cap World is a SEMA-member company specializing in truck caps, truck trailers and other truck accessories—or, as the company’s website proclaims, “everything but the truck.” Alongside a recent 30-year anniversary milestone came recognition from the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), as Cap World was named Retailer of the Year for 2015. Each of those accomplishments explains how Cap World has stood out as a retail success story.

The story of Cap World is one of organic growth—a store-by-store expansion that has seen the highs and lows of the industry over the course of its existence. Beginning in Massachusetts, Cap World now offers 12 locations along the East Coast. The company’s catalog of parts and services now encompasses virtually the entire truck, van and SUV markets. SEMA News spoke with the president of Cap World, Charley Holden, who outlined the company’s distinct history with SEMA while also pointing out a few tips on retail success in the process.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors.

Voting for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election is underway now through through Tuesday, May 24. Election details, ballots and links were sent to each member company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Learn more about the candidates, their backgrounds and campaign goals by visiting www.sema.org/bod16.

To help ensure that the primary contact received the specific voting details, they were encouraged to add the following e-mail address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

The SEMA Board is comprised of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman, secretary and treasurer. While there are a limited number of seats available on the SEMA Board, the election process provides all SEMA-member companies the opportunity to influence the direction and future of the association and specialty-equipment market.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturers' Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The current SEMA Board of Directors.

Voting for the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election is underway now through through Tuesday, May 24. Election details, ballots and links were sent to each member company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Learn more about the candidates, their backgrounds and campaign goals by visiting www.sema.org/bod16.

To help ensure that the primary contact received the specific voting details, they were encouraged to add the following e-mail address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

The SEMA Board is comprised of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman, secretary and treasurer. While there are a limited number of seats available on the SEMA Board, the election process provides all SEMA-member companies the opportunity to influence the direction and future of the association and specialty-equipment market.

Winners will be announced by May 27 and formally welcomed to the SEMA Board of Directors during the SEMA Installation Gala, July 29.

Here are the candidates for this year’s election:

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Chris Douglas – vice president of marketing, COMP Performance Group
• Dave Edmondson – senior vice president, Roadwire
• Kyle Fickler – director of business development, Aeromotive Inc.
• Rick Love – executive vice president, Vintage Air

Manufacturers' Representative Category (one open seat)

• Les Rudd – president, Bob Cook Sales
• Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Susan Alfonso at 909-978-6671 or susana@sema.org.

Too many senders are being unfairly characterized as spammers simply because their emails “look like” spam.

“Internet service providers are waging an endless war against the spammers who invade our mailboxes,” said Maciej Ossowski, director of enterprise sales for GetResponse (www.getresponse.com), an e-mail marketing service provider. “This war has heavy casualties in the form of ‘false positives’—legitimate commercial e-mails mistakenly routed by spam filters to bulk folders.”

Unfortunately, there’s no way to counter spam filters head-on. After all, spam filters are nothing more than robots. And they’re blindly programmed to characterize one e-mail as junk and another e-mail as valuable, based on the opinions—right or wrong—of the people who programmed them.

Too many senders are being unfairly characterized as spammers simply because their emails “look like” spam.

“Internet service providers are waging an endless war against the spammers who invade our mailboxes,” said Maciej Ossowski, director of enterprise sales for GetResponse (www.getresponse.com), an e-mail marketing service provider. “This war has heavy casualties in the form of ‘false positives’—legitimate commercial e-mails mistakenly routed by spam filters to bulk folders.”

Unfortunately, there’s no way to counter spam filters head-on. After all, spam filters are nothing more than robots. And they’re blindly programmed to characterize one e-mail as junk and another e-mail as valuable, based on the opinions—right or wrong—of the people who programmed them.

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.

• Technical Salesperson: AAM Competition LLC is hiring a mid-level technical salesperson responsible for answering technical questions in regard to different turbochargers, their application and power levels. The successful candidate will have at least two years of sales experience, be an expert in turbochargers and have a good understanding of vehicle engines and be able to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Associate Editor: PRI Magazine is hiring an associate editor responsible for interacting with contacts from a broad range of racing businesses and interests, providing daily updates and regular contributions to the company website, reporting on the latest industry trends, and attending and covering live race events.
• Classic Car Technician/Mechanic: Copperstate Classic Cars is hiring a classic car technician/mechanic with experience diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues in mostly classic and musclecars, but also the occasional late-model vehicle. This position will be responsible for classic-car service and repair, but will also include some extensive restoration duties. The successful candidate must have their own tools and at least five years’ experience working on classic and/or musclecars.
• Auto Body Technician: Nostalgia Garage is hiring an auto body technician who is highly motivated and skilled in body, prep and paintwork. The successful candidate must have their own tools and at least five years’ experience in the restoration, street-rod and hot-rod field. 
• Inside and Outside Salesperson: Injen Technology is hiring an inside and outside salesperson. This position will require aftermarket experience and familiarity with existing WD systems and online retailer networks. The successful candidate will have great communication and computers skills, a commitment to after-hour shows and customer events, a willingness to travel to visit customers and participate in industry events. Responsibilities will include receiving inbound potential customer requests and making outbound sales development calls. Timely professional follow up and representation is expected, along with methodical problem-resolution skills.

SEMA recently launched the SEMA Career Center to address the employment challenges of automotive companies and facilitate a talent pipeline for entering into the automotive aftermarket industry. Through an automotive network that includes the Auto Care Association, the SEMA Career Center will expand the volume and reach of job openings from automotive companies throughout the country.

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.

• Technical Salesperson: AAM Competition LLC is hiring a mid-level technical salesperson responsible for answering technical questions in regard to different turbochargers, their application and power levels. The successful candidate will have at least two years of sales experience, be an expert in turbochargers and have a good understanding of vehicle engines and be able to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Associate Editor: PRI Magazine is hiring an associate editor responsible for interacting with contacts from a broad range of racing businesses and interests, providing daily updates and regular contributions to the company website, reporting on the latest industry trends, and attending and covering live race events.
• Classic Car Technician/Mechanic: Copperstate Classic Cars is hiring a classic car technician/mechanic with experience diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues in mostly classic and musclecars, but also the occasional late-model vehicle. This position will be responsible for classic-car service and repair, but will also include some extensive restoration duties. The successful candidate must have their own tools and at least five years’ experience working on classic and/or musclecars.
• Auto Body Technician: Nostalgia Garage is hiring an auto body technician who is highly motivated and skilled in body, prep and paintwork. The successful candidate must have their own tools and at least five years’ experience in the restoration, street-rod and hot-rod field. 
• Inside and Outside Salesperson: Injen Technology is hiring an inside and outside salesperson. This position will require aftermarket experience and familiarity with existing WD systems and online retailer networks. The successful candidate will have great communication and computers skills, a commitment to after-hour shows and customer events, a willingness to travel to visit customers and participate in industry events. Responsibilities will include receiving inbound potential customer requests and making outbound sales development calls. Timely professional follow up and representation is expected, along with methodical problem-resolution skills.

SEMA recently launched the SEMA Career Center to address the employment challenges of automotive companies and facilitate a talent pipeline for entering into the automotive aftermarket industry. Through an automotive network that includes the Auto Care Association, the SEMA Career Center will expand the volume and reach of job openings from automotive companies throughout the country.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

Eric Ables

Michael Phillips

Meet the YEN Power Tour Participants

The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hit the road this summer with 10 members to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The YENsters will stop in seven cities, starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas. Each stop attracts hundreds of local car enthusiasts, students and automotive professionals. YEN members will interact with students, showing them around the “traveling car show,” and discussing career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry.

You can follow them along their journey via the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Let’s meet one of the teams!

Eric Ables will drive the the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla on the YEN Power Tour.

Driver – Eric Ables, Flat 12 Gallery: Assistant General Manager

Eric Ables is the assistant general manager at Flat 12 Gallery, which specializes in the repair and sales of “cars with provenance.” The dealership is often home to movie cars, celebrity-owned cars, one-off prototypes and vehicles with race history.

Flat 12 Gallery was featured on CNBC’s primetime program, “The Car Chasers.” Ables “The Mad Scientist” starred on the show, which showcased his automotive ingenuity with old relics to the latest technologies. He started in engineering with a background in environmental lab testing, and spends his off hours working on and building cars. Over the years, Ables has morphed his hobby and his work together, and is now an integral part of the Flat 12 team, having been tasked with heading up the launch of Flat 12 Gallery’s new speed and appearance brand, Speed Asylum. The first build under the brand, led by Ables, will be the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla, which will travel from Boston to Los Angeles on the Goldrush Rally, and then turn around and head out on the YEN Power Tour.  

Passenger – Michael Phillips, Slam’d Magazine: Staff Editor

Michael Phillips, staff editor, is the newest member of Slam’d magazine. His family is full of enthusiasts, engineers and lead feet. He has a deep connection for all things automotive, having grown up in the garage with both his grandfathers, who have worked in the industry their entire careers. Phillips is currently in school, pursuing his degree in graphic design. His love for cars covers a wide variety of categories and genres. He has two current projects—a ’99 Jeep TJ and an ’03 S2000—as he apparently appreciates torqueless vehicles that are a blast to drive. He hopes to explore his creativity by learning the ropes of digital publishing and automotive journalism at Slam’d. Phillips is blown away by his opportunity to participate in the YEN Power Tour.

For more information about the YEN Power Tour, visit www.sema.org/yen-power-tour.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level.

Young Professionals Business Competition Application Period Ending Soon!

Calling all young entrepreneurs with the next big automotive aftermarket product! The SEMA Launch Pad powered by YEN is a platform for you to transform your dream into a growing business.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level. Any executive with an automotive aftermarket product or service is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be a SEMA member to participate.

Ten finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their product to industry icons in front of a live audience at the 2016 SEMA Show.
Prize packages include:

Semi-Finalists (14 participants):

• One-year complimentary SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 21–22).
• $500 grant to be used toward the cost of travel to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit.

Finalists (10 participants):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, and:
• Complimentary 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area.*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet.
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.

Winner (one participant):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, finalist prizes and:
• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA eNews: One full-page article.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Featured section in one article.
• SEMA Show: Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show*
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year. Up to a $3,600 value.
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA's “BizTips” video series.
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.
• Hot Rod Magazine: A page equivalent advertisement in Hot Rod magazine and 200k banners on the Hot Rod network.
• Family Events: Event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property.

* No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show. All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.

What are you waiting for? Learn more and launch your business today!

 Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

PRO to Host Long-Range Planning Meeting in Detroit

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting its annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting June 15–16 in the nation’s car capital—Detroit. The annual LRP is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry issues and challenges, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, contribute their ideas to push the restyling industry forward and mingle with Select Committee members and SEMA staff to learn how PRO resources can help your business grow.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but LRP attendees will enjoy a guided, private tour of the facility.

The meetings kick off Wednesday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriot, and will break late morning for the Mcity tour and lunch. The meeting will reconvene back at the hotel after the tour for a group discussion and breakout sessions. A PRO-hosted dinner will take place that evening. The Thursday agenda includes a continental breakfast, breakout sessions, lunch and group project planning, and is slated to end at 3:00 p.m.

RSVP now!

For questions on this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

Eric Ables

Michael Phillips

Meet the YEN Power Tour Participants

The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hit the road this summer with 10 members to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The YENsters will stop in seven cities, starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas. Each stop attracts hundreds of local car enthusiasts, students and automotive professionals. YEN members will interact with students, showing them around the “traveling car show,” and discussing career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry.

You can follow them along their journey via the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Let’s meet one of the teams!

Eric Ables will drive the the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla on the YEN Power Tour.

Driver – Eric Ables, Flat 12 Gallery: Assistant General Manager

Eric Ables is the assistant general manager at Flat 12 Gallery, which specializes in the repair and sales of “cars with provenance.” The dealership is often home to movie cars, celebrity-owned cars, one-off prototypes and vehicles with race history.

Flat 12 Gallery was featured on CNBC’s primetime program, “The Car Chasers.” Ables “The Mad Scientist” starred on the show, which showcased his automotive ingenuity with old relics to the latest technologies. He started in engineering with a background in environmental lab testing, and spends his off hours working on and building cars. Over the years, Ables has morphed his hobby and his work together, and is now an integral part of the Flat 12 team, having been tasked with heading up the launch of Flat 12 Gallery’s new speed and appearance brand, Speed Asylum. The first build under the brand, led by Ables, will be the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla, which will travel from Boston to Los Angeles on the Goldrush Rally, and then turn around and head out on the YEN Power Tour.  

Passenger – Michael Phillips, Slam’d Magazine: Staff Editor

Michael Phillips, staff editor, is the newest member of Slam’d magazine. His family is full of enthusiasts, engineers and lead feet. He has a deep connection for all things automotive, having grown up in the garage with both his grandfathers, who have worked in the industry their entire careers. Phillips is currently in school, pursuing his degree in graphic design. His love for cars covers a wide variety of categories and genres. He has two current projects—a ’99 Jeep TJ and an ’03 S2000—as he apparently appreciates torqueless vehicles that are a blast to drive. He hopes to explore his creativity by learning the ropes of digital publishing and automotive journalism at Slam’d. Phillips is blown away by his opportunity to participate in the YEN Power Tour.

For more information about the YEN Power Tour, visit www.sema.org/yen-power-tour.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level.

Young Professionals Business Competition Application Period Ending Soon!

Calling all young entrepreneurs with the next big automotive aftermarket product! The SEMA Launch Pad powered by YEN is a platform for you to transform your dream into a growing business.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level. Any executive with an automotive aftermarket product or service is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be a SEMA member to participate.

Ten finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their product to industry icons in front of a live audience at the 2016 SEMA Show.
Prize packages include:

Semi-Finalists (14 participants):

• One-year complimentary SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 21–22).
• $500 grant to be used toward the cost of travel to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit.

Finalists (10 participants):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, and:
• Complimentary 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area.*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet.
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.

Winner (one participant):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, finalist prizes and:
• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA eNews: One full-page article.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Featured section in one article.
• SEMA Show: Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show*
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year. Up to a $3,600 value.
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA's “BizTips” video series.
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.
• Hot Rod Magazine: A page equivalent advertisement in Hot Rod magazine and 200k banners on the Hot Rod network.
• Family Events: Event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property.

* No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show. All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.

What are you waiting for? Learn more and launch your business today!

 Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

PRO to Host Long-Range Planning Meeting in Detroit

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting its annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting June 15–16 in the nation’s car capital—Detroit. The annual LRP is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry issues and challenges, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, contribute their ideas to push the restyling industry forward and mingle with Select Committee members and SEMA staff to learn how PRO resources can help your business grow.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but LRP attendees will enjoy a guided, private tour of the facility.

The meetings kick off Wednesday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriot, and will break late morning for the Mcity tour and lunch. The meeting will reconvene back at the hotel after the tour for a group discussion and breakout sessions. A PRO-hosted dinner will take place that evening. The Thursday agenda includes a continental breakfast, breakout sessions, lunch and group project planning, and is slated to end at 3:00 p.m.

RSVP now!

For questions on this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit YEN's website

Eric Ables

Michael Phillips

Meet the YEN Power Tour Participants

The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hit the road this summer with 10 members to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The YENsters will stop in seven cities, starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas. Each stop attracts hundreds of local car enthusiasts, students and automotive professionals. YEN members will interact with students, showing them around the “traveling car show,” and discussing career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry.

You can follow them along their journey via the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Let’s meet one of the teams!

Eric Ables will drive the the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla on the YEN Power Tour.

Driver – Eric Ables, Flat 12 Gallery: Assistant General Manager

Eric Ables is the assistant general manager at Flat 12 Gallery, which specializes in the repair and sales of “cars with provenance.” The dealership is often home to movie cars, celebrity-owned cars, one-off prototypes and vehicles with race history.

Flat 12 Gallery was featured on CNBC’s primetime program, “The Car Chasers.” Ables “The Mad Scientist” starred on the show, which showcased his automotive ingenuity with old relics to the latest technologies. He started in engineering with a background in environmental lab testing, and spends his off hours working on and building cars. Over the years, Ables has morphed his hobby and his work together, and is now an integral part of the Flat 12 team, having been tasked with heading up the launch of Flat 12 Gallery’s new speed and appearance brand, Speed Asylum. The first build under the brand, led by Ables, will be the ’14 GTR #Pennzilla, which will travel from Boston to Los Angeles on the Goldrush Rally, and then turn around and head out on the YEN Power Tour.  

Passenger – Michael Phillips, Slam’d Magazine: Staff Editor

Michael Phillips, staff editor, is the newest member of Slam’d magazine. His family is full of enthusiasts, engineers and lead feet. He has a deep connection for all things automotive, having grown up in the garage with both his grandfathers, who have worked in the industry their entire careers. Phillips is currently in school, pursuing his degree in graphic design. His love for cars covers a wide variety of categories and genres. He has two current projects—a ’99 Jeep TJ and an ’03 S2000—as he apparently appreciates torqueless vehicles that are a blast to drive. He hopes to explore his creativity by learning the ropes of digital publishing and automotive journalism at Slam’d. Phillips is blown away by his opportunity to participate in the YEN Power Tour.

For more information about the YEN Power Tour, visit www.sema.org/yen-power-tour.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level.

Young Professionals Business Competition Application Period Ending Soon!

Calling all young entrepreneurs with the next big automotive aftermarket product! The SEMA Launch Pad powered by YEN is a platform for you to transform your dream into a growing business.

Young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring their new products to the SEMA Show to compete for a grand-prize package designed to launch the winner’s business to the next level. Any executive with an automotive aftermarket product or service is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be a SEMA member to participate.

Ten finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their product to industry icons in front of a live audience at the 2016 SEMA Show.
Prize packages include:

Semi-Finalists (14 participants):

• One-year complimentary SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 21–22).
• $500 grant to be used toward the cost of travel to the 2016 Exhibitor Summit.

Finalists (10 participants):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, and:
• Complimentary 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area.*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show.
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet.
• A one-hour mentoring session with an industry icon.

Winner (one participant):

• All the semi-finalist prizes, finalist prizes and:
• SEMA News: One full-page, four-color ad.
• SEMA eNews: One full-page article.
• SEMA YEN Member News: Featured section in one article.
• SEMA Show: Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show*
• SEMA Garage: One full day of photography studio usage and up to three hours of free custom scanning services.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year. Up to a $3,600 value.
• SEMA Education: One video feature in SEMA's “BizTips” video series.
• SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting.
• Hot Rod Magazine: A page equivalent advertisement in Hot Rod magazine and 200k banners on the Hot Rod network.
• Family Events: Event-level sponsorship package to either a Family Events truck and off-road group property or a Family Events performance car group property.

* No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2016 SEMA Show kiosk booth in the New Products Showcase area or the turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2017 SEMA Show. All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes.

What are you waiting for? Learn more and launch your business today!

 Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

PRO to Host Long-Range Planning Meeting in Detroit

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting its annual Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting June 15–16 in the nation’s car capital—Detroit. The annual LRP is an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry issues and challenges, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, contribute their ideas to push the restyling industry forward and mingle with Select Committee members and SEMA staff to learn how PRO resources can help your business grow.

As an added bonus, attendees will tour the innovative Mobility Transformation Facility, more commonly known as Mcity, at the University of Michigan. The 32-acre facility is located on campus and is the first of its kind in testing new automated vehicle technologies and their capabilities to safely maneuver actual roadways. Public access to Mcity is limited, but LRP attendees will enjoy a guided, private tour of the facility.

The meetings kick off Wednesday, June 15, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriot, and will break late morning for the Mcity tour and lunch. The meeting will reconvene back at the hotel after the tour for a group discussion and breakout sessions. A PRO-hosted dinner will take place that evening. The Thursday agenda includes a continental breakfast, breakout sessions, lunch and group project planning, and is slated to end at 3:00 p.m.

RSVP now!

For questions on this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Back to Top