SEMA Show Registration Now Open
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:27
By Della Domingo

crowd
Registration is now open for the SEMA Show, which typically attracts more than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries, making the annual show the world's premier automotive trade event where buyers and sellers meet to do business.
Registration to attend the 2014 SEMA Show is now available. The annual trade show for the automotive accessories market is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 4–7, 2014, in Las Vegas. Registration is offered in three categories: attendee, exhibitor and media.

Attendee: Distributors, retailers, installers and buyers who will meet with exhibitors at the SEMA Show should register using the “attendee” link. Applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry.

During registration, attendees will be able to sign up for special events and seminars, including those offered by the Society of Collision & Repair Specialists (SCRS), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and more. Approved attendees who register before the early deadline in October will receive their badges in the mail.

Exhibitor: The exhibitor category is for company personnel working in the booths of exhibiting companies. To secure an exhibitor badge, individuals will need to have the unique password and user ID that was provided via e-mail to the primary contact at the exhibiting company. The primary contact may register the entire staff at one time quickly and easily. Exhibitor badges are not to be used for non-employees, including contest winners, contractors and vendors.

During registration, exhibitors will also be able to order complimentary tickets to the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Tickets to the banquet, which is attended by 3,000 Showgoers and considered by many to be the industry’s premier celebration, sell for $50 each.

Media: Editors and journalists covering the SEMA Show can register for complimentary media credentials using the “media” link. Applicants may need to supply proof of media affiliation, such as bylined articles or business cards. All approved media will be able to pick up their credentials onsite in the SEMA Show Media Center, which includes exclusive services and amenities to assist with reporting from the event.

During registration, media are able to secure a ticket to the TORA Media Preview—a brand-new event that will give media exclusive early access to new products, Monday, November 3—the day before the SEMA Show officially opens. Media can sign up for the event by checking the box for “TORA Media Preview.”

"There are many advantages to registering early for the SEMA Show," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "Early application expedites the registration process, which is the first step to developing a personal plan for the Show. Whether you’re an exhibitor, buyer or media, having a plan in advance of the event is the best way to ensure success.”

Complete details about the SEMA Show and registration are available at www.semashow.com.
Sponsor a 2014 SEMA Cares Pinewood Car and Help a Child in Need
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:12
By Luanne Brown

  pinewood
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (center) attended last week's Pinewood build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia.
  

Nothing is more Americana than a good, old-fashioned Pinewood Drag Race, and the season is now open! Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor Pinewood Drag Race cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities.

Last week, several volunteers attended the first build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia. Celebrity attendees included racer Hunter Shelton of the Truckin Thunder Sportsman Division at Virginia Motor Speedway and Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson. Each took the time to sign autographs and be a part of the Pinewood build process.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2014 Pinewood Drag Races take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Unlimited and Modified. Council members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build It for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in SEMA. The Modified Class is for the racer who wants to put a little more time into "tuning" the SEMA-supplied stock kit.

Special features of SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member increase their chances of winning.

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

  • May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
  • June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.
Sponsor a 2014 SEMA Cares Pinewood Car and Help a Child in Need
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:12
By Luanne Brown

  pinewood
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (center) attended last week's Pinewood build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia.
  

Nothing is more Americana than a good, old-fashioned Pinewood Drag Race, and the season is now open! Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor Pinewood Drag Race cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities.

Last week, several volunteers attended the first build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia. Celebrity attendees included racer Hunter Shelton of the Truckin Thunder Sportsman Division at Virginia Motor Speedway and Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson. Each took the time to sign autographs and be a part of the Pinewood build process.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2014 Pinewood Drag Races take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Unlimited and Modified. Council members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build It for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in SEMA. The Modified Class is for the racer who wants to put a little more time into "tuning" the SEMA-supplied stock kit.

Special features of SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member increase their chances of winning.

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

  • May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
  • June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.
Sponsor a 2014 SEMA Cares Pinewood Car and Help a Child in Need
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:12
By Luanne Brown

  pinewood
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (center) attended last week's Pinewood build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia.
  

Nothing is more Americana than a good, old-fashioned Pinewood Drag Race, and the season is now open! Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor Pinewood Drag Race cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities.

Last week, several volunteers attended the first build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia. Celebrity attendees included racer Hunter Shelton of the Truckin Thunder Sportsman Division at Virginia Motor Speedway and Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson. Each took the time to sign autographs and be a part of the Pinewood build process.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2014 Pinewood Drag Races take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Unlimited and Modified. Council members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build It for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in SEMA. The Modified Class is for the racer who wants to put a little more time into "tuning" the SEMA-supplied stock kit.

Special features of SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member increase their chances of winning.

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

  • May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
  • June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.
Sponsor a 2014 SEMA Cares Pinewood Car and Help a Child in Need
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:12
By Luanne Brown

  pinewood
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (center) attended last week's Pinewood build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia.
  

Nothing is more Americana than a good, old-fashioned Pinewood Drag Race, and the season is now open! Each year, hundreds of SEMA-member companies step up to generously sponsor Pinewood Drag Race cars, with 100% of the proceeds going to qualified SEMA Cares charities.

Last week, several volunteers attended the first build day at Childhelp in Lignum, Virginia. Celebrity attendees included racer Hunter Shelton of the Truckin Thunder Sportsman Division at Virginia Motor Speedway and Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson. Each took the time to sign autographs and be a part of the Pinewood build process.

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Gala, the SEMA Cares 2014 Pinewood Drag Races take place Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway.

SEMA members can race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Unlimited and Modified. Council members can either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build It for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or they can build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock-Class racing usually garners the most entries with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule—that one item from the stock kit be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds and many of the past top builders include some of the most recognized names in SEMA. The Modified Class is for the racer who wants to put a little more time into "tuning" the SEMA-supplied stock kit.

Special features of SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races include the annual HRIA Builders Challenge and Council Cup. Watch as some of the biggest names in hot rodding build state-of-the-art custom pinewoods that will be raced and then auctioned off with all of the proceeds going to SEMA Cares. Council members are invited to come out and challenge their peers for the opportunity to win the coveted Council Cup. The more cars or trucks fielded by each council member increase their chances of winning.

If you're the hands-on type of council member, SEMA invites you to attend one of several build days where you can help the children sand, paint and assemble the cars for the races. Each child will build two cars: one to keep and one reserved for sponsorship by a caring SEMA-member company or individual. Members interested in participating in one of the build days are invited to contact derby@sema.org, or visit the Pinewood Drag Races and SEMA Cares Facebook pages. Two build days remain:

  • May 31, in Beaumont, California, at Childhelp. To volunteer, e-mail Susan Alfonso.
  • June 10, in Randleman, North Carolina, at Victory Junction. To volunteer, e-mail Eric Saltrick.

Proceeds from the races will benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. Register now, and help a child in need today.
Vote Now for SEMA Board Candidates
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:47
By SEMA Editors
  martin
Tim Martin
 trudo
Rick Trudo
wolcott
Steve Wolcott
 adler
Greg Adler
 pacey
Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

  • Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
  • Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

 

Vote Now for SEMA Board Candidates
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:47
By SEMA Editors
  martin
Tim Martin
 trudo
Rick Trudo
wolcott
Steve Wolcott
 adler
Greg Adler
 pacey
Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

  • Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
  • Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

 

Vote Now for SEMA Board Candidates
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:47
By SEMA Editors
  martin
Tim Martin
 trudo
Rick Trudo
wolcott
Steve Wolcott
 adler
Greg Adler
 pacey
Larry Pacey

The voting period for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors is now taking place online until June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the Board of Directors 2014 election. Your election-specific broadcast e-mail should have arrived safely in your inbox, May 14, 2014, from the following e-mail address: noreply@directvote.net.

Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

The following slate of candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

  • Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
  • Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

 

Two Weeks Left to Submit Nominations for SEMA's 35 Under 35
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:46

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org. 

Nominations are due May 30, 2014. 

Two Weeks Left to Submit Nominations for SEMA's 35 Under 35
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 09:46

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry…and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding upcoming industry leaders age 35 or younger. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media, or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Know someone? Nominate a candidate for 35 Under 35.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org. 

Nominations are due May 30, 2014.