By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

Attend the SEMA Education Days, and speakers will take you through every step you need. Over four days, you can attend five sessions involving your digital marketing strategy that will move from the most basic questions (What is social media?) on the first day, through the mechanics you need to build a digital program, to some of the most cutting-edge technologies and how you can use them.

• Monday morning’s session, "Building a Sustainable Social Media Strategy," allows you to start with the basics—a step-by-step approach to putting together a social media program that will line up with your actual business goals.

• Your customers rely more every day on their wireless devices and cloud computing to do business. Tuesday morning’s session, "Knowing Your Customers Before It’s Too Late," will help you understand their expectations and how you can take advantage of that real-time connectivity to reach them.

• Come Wednesday, you’ll have to make some choices, as there will be two sessions that focus on digital marketing. With "It’s a Mobile First World: How Responsive Web Design Can Win Customers and Increase Sales," you’ll learn about how to reach those customers who use their mobile devices to get information and ensure they know about you and your business.

• With "How to Make Facebook Work for You at $1 a Day," you’ll get into the nuts and bolts of using Facebook and LinkedIn to drive leads and revenue to your business by targeting prospects narrowly, sometimes down to the make and model of the vehicles they drive.

• Finally, on Thursday, you can move into the future and one step ahead of your competitors with "How to Advance Your Business on Internet-Connected TV." Today, more than one quarter of all U.S. households have TVs connected to the Internet, and more are connecting every day. Get in on the trend and learn how to monetize video for your business.

By Michael Hart

The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

Attend the SEMA Education Days, and speakers will take you through every step you need. Over four days, you can attend five sessions involving your digital marketing strategy that will move from the most basic questions (What is social media?) on the first day, through the mechanics you need to build a digital program, to some of the most cutting-edge technologies and how you can use them.

• Monday morning’s session, "Building a Sustainable Social Media Strategy," allows you to start with the basics—a step-by-step approach to putting together a social media program that will line up with your actual business goals.

• Your customers rely more every day on their wireless devices and cloud computing to do business. Tuesday morning’s session, "Knowing Your Customers Before It’s Too Late," will help you understand their expectations and how you can take advantage of that real-time connectivity to reach them.

• Come Wednesday, you’ll have to make some choices, as there will be two sessions that focus on digital marketing. With "It’s a Mobile First World: How Responsive Web Design Can Win Customers and Increase Sales," you’ll learn about how to reach those customers who use their mobile devices to get information and ensure they know about you and your business.

• With "How to Make Facebook Work for You at $1 a Day," you’ll get into the nuts and bolts of using Facebook and LinkedIn to drive leads and revenue to your business by targeting prospects narrowly, sometimes down to the make and model of the vehicles they drive.

• Finally, on Thursday, you can move into the future and one step ahead of your competitors with "How to Advance Your Business on Internet-Connected TV." Today, more than one quarter of all U.S. households have TVs connected to the Internet, and more are connecting every day. Get in on the trend and learn how to monetize video for your business.

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 niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Media Trade Conference Manufacturer Registration Now Open

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.

Exhibitor Registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open now through September 5, 2014. Only 100 spots are available, and participants will be chosen using a random number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event if they submit a new application by the deadline of September 5, 2014. Exhibitor selection is available only for MPMC-member companies.

Media Registration will open in October 2014. For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723.

Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.

For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Register now. 

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Visit TORA's website.

Save the Date for the TORA Industry Awards Reception

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom C, in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the TORA Industry Awards Reception will feature networking opportunities and three awards presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org. 

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Visit SBN's website.

	During the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes.

Join SBN for the Most Talked About Event at the SEMA Show

By Rose Kawasaki

The SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) continues to grow in scope and popularity as it gathers participants from all over the world looking to widen their circle of industry contacts, knowledge and enhance their businesses.

This is the only place during the SEMA Show where attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes. Called “the most talked about event at the SEMA Show” by PowerTV, the Speed Networking Breakfast has been sold out every year for the past five years. Catch a glimpse of last year’s event.

Please join SBN, Thursday, November 6, from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballroom A at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino (formerly the LVH). These will undoubtedly be the most exciting and resourceful hours you will spend at the Show. During breakfast, SBN will acknowledge the 2014 Athena Awards recipients and introduce the Select Committee members. Participants will then move to the networking room where the magic begins. Everyone will have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face networking sessions with the purpose of making introductions and exchanging contact information. After a few minutes, everyone moves one seat over to meet the next person—it’s power networking at its finest.

Don’t wait. We all know how busy we can get as the SEMA Show nears. Buy tickets today through your SEMA Show dashboard. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Attendance is limited to 150 participants. The cost is $35 for SEMA members and $49 for non-members and includes a hot breakfast. 

For additional information, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

Visit WTC's website

Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception

The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit YEN's website

	Jonathan Mill, 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner, pitches his business, E-Stopp, to the judging panel.

SEMA Launch Pad Competitors Announced

By Bryan Harrison

From a large pool of competitors, the top 10 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition.

Representing new innovative products and services in the specialty automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for a big break to launch their business to the next level.

In this next step of the competition, you can decide the fate of the top five competitors who will advance to a live competition at the SEMA Show. Watch their short business pitches on YouTube and vote today.

Your vote will decide the five competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Doug Evans, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Mark Arcenal and Glenn Rogers. The winner will receive a grand prize to launch their business to the next level.

Voting ends September 5, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall). Lunch will be provided to the first 125 attendees.

Top 10 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote now!

	SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their Show floor presence by offering products to builders through SEMA eNews. The information in the list is supplied by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show are expanding their Show floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. The information is provided by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

All product-placement decisions and negotiations are the responsibility of the manufacturers and the builders. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews and then added to the complete list on www.SEMAShow.com.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

All previous submissions are listed on www.SEMAShow.com. 

Latest Submissions

Exterior Components/Accessories

CarCapsule: Car cover. Clear, inflatable car cover to display and protect. FREE and must use during the 2014 SEMA Show. Contact: Joshua Parlos, josh@carcapsule.com; 219-945-9493. Website: www.carcapsule.com.

C.R. Laurence: Rear truck sliders, sunroofs, custom windows, adhesives and sealants, truck and van accessories and more. Contact: Fred Altamirano, Frederick_Altamirano@crlaurence.com. Website: www.crlaurence.com.

Desity Traffic Industry Co. Ltd.: Running boards. Contact: Noel Luan, noel.desity@gmail.com. Website: www.dsttraffic.com.

Golight Inc.: Portable and permanent-mount remote-controlled searchlights. LED or Halogen formats. Fixed-mount LED work lights. Contact: Shawna Matson, shawna@golight.com; 308-278-3131. Website: www.golight.com.

Rampage Products: Slimline steps, Xtremeline steps and front recovery bumper. Contact: Scott Johnson, scottj@rampageproducts.net; 951-277-4949.

Other Products/Services

CarCapsule: Car cover. Clear, inflatable car cover to display and protect. FREE and must use during the 2014 SEMA Show. Contact: Joshua Parlos, josh@carcapsule.com; 219-945-9493. Website: www.carcapsule.com.

Center Line Wheel Corp.: 20-inch new line of street- and off-road wheels for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. Contact: Luis Sanchez, luis@centerlinewheels.com; 562-921-9637. Website: www.centerlinewheels.com.

C.R. Laurence: Rear truck sliders, sunroofs, custom windows, adhesives and sealants, truck and van accessories and more. Contact: Fred Altamirano, Frederick_Altamirano@crlaurence.com. Website: www.crlaurence.com. 

Dvelup Restoration Products: Color Enhancer: used to restore faded plastic and surface scratches without painting or buffing. Headlight Restore Kit: used to restore headlight the quick professional way. Leather Repair: bond, sand and dye interior leather in minutes. Contact: Mini Smith, msmith@dvelup.com; 352-419-8909. Website: www.dvelup.com. 

By SEMA Editors

	Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Latest Submissions

• FLITZ International LTD, Booth 20071: Offering product demos for the run of the show, giving away free samples and offering special discounts on the entire FLITZ product line. The company is providing SEMA (Hot Buy) special packages which enable customers to get a free video monitor, free resalable products, displays, signage and all being shipped freight free within the Continental U.S.

• Leather Therapy, Booth 12472: With the purchase of $500 of mixed case Leather Therapy products, customers will receive free shipping in the Continental United States. Visit booth 12472 to find out more about Leather Therapy.

• TUFTRUCK & West Coast Winch, Booth 33055: Offering a SEMA show special to new and existing customers. The company is offering 10% off all TUFTRUCK heavy-duty applications and West Coast Winch and accessories. Valid on all purchases made at the Show, November 4–7. Interested distributors are encouraged to visit www.TUFTRUCK.com or www.WESTCOASTWINCH.com or visit booth 33055.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

	Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know. The information will be included each week in SEMA eNews from now until the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org.

Latest Submissions

• FLITZ International LTD, Booth 20071: Offering product demos for the run of the show, giving away free samples and offering special discounts on the entire FLITZ product line. The company is providing SEMA (Hot Buy) special packages which enable customers to get a free video monitor, free resalable products, displays, signage and all being shipped freight free within the Continental U.S.

• Leather Therapy, Booth 12472: With the purchase of $500 of mixed case Leather Therapy products, customers will receive free shipping in the Continental United States. Visit booth 12472 to find out more about Leather Therapy.

• TUFTRUCK & West Coast Winch, Booth 33055: Offering a SEMA show special to new and existing customers. The company is offering 10% off all TUFTRUCK heavy-duty applications and West Coast Winch and accessories. Valid on all purchases made at the Show, November 4–7. Interested distributors are encouraged to visit www.TUFTRUCK.com or www.WESTCOASTWINCH.com or visit booth 33055.

Even though the majority of buyer orders take place in the weeks following the Show, a growing trend is for more business deals to be conducted on site. SEMA research reveals that 45% of buyers in 2013 placed an order at the show, up from 40% in 2012.

SEMA research also indicates that buyers are increasingly eager to take advantage of deals at the Show. Even though only 38% of exhibitors offered a Show discount, 76% of buyers report taking advantage of SEMA Show specials or discounts during the Show.

For more information on the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.