Thu, 12/12/2013 - 08:35
 z06

The shooters at KGP Photography caught another prototype for the Corvette Z06 testing on public roads in Michigan. GM engineers continue to develop the higher-performance C7 variant before its official unveiling at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. The latest shots provide a look at the Z06's revised front fascia and its function hood scoop cut within its larger power dome, feeding air to a reportedly supercharged 6.2L V8 making something in the neighborhood of 650 hp.

A close, pixel-by-pixel look at the prototype reveals what appears to be a new air-duct placed just in front of the rear wheel. The new flared duct matches the teaser shot released by GM to announce its pending Detoit debut. The vent also acts as an homage to prior-generation Z06 models.

 z06

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 08:15

By Della Domingo

mpmc
The annual Media Trade Conference brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings.

Priority registration deadline for the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference is Monday, December 16. Representatives of the media are encouraged to register before this date to obtain the best schedule possible.

Unlike other trade shows, this event is designed specifically for media members and allows reporters to sit down with manufacturers in private, uninterrupted meetings. The event is ideal for all journalists, including magazine editors, freelance writers, bloggers and TV producers. Media are advised to register before the early deadline for the best chances of meeting with the companies selected.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 08:15

By Della Domingo

mpmc
The annual Media Trade Conference brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings.

Priority registration deadline for the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference is Monday, December 16. Representatives of the media are encouraged to register before this date to obtain the best schedule possible.

Unlike other trade shows, this event is designed specifically for media members and allows reporters to sit down with manufacturers in private, uninterrupted meetings. The event is ideal for all journalists, including magazine editors, freelance writers, bloggers and TV producers. Media are advised to register before the early deadline for the best chances of meeting with the companies selected.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:39
board
For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience, and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:39
board
For this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election, there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience, and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election there is one seat open in the manufacturer’s category and one seat open in the distributor/retailer category.

Nominations for the 2014 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 2, 2014. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:38

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

  • DiabloSport Inc., located in Delray Beach, Florida, is hiring a windows application developer to develop modern versions of the company's Vehicle Parameter Display program and Vehicle Tuning software using Windows Visual Studio / MFC / .NET. The successful candidate will have four or more years' programming experience—at least three years developing “off-the-shelf” Windows applications— and a B.S. in computer science.
  • Power Stop LLC, located in Chicago, is hiring a product manager to manage the distribution and timeliness of the company's internal data systems and facilitate a smooth operation and act as a resource of technical information for customers and employees. The successful candidate will have prior data and catalog management experience.
  • MGP Caliper Covers, located in San Diego, is hiring two inside salespeople. Applicants should have exceptional communication, computer, time management and organizational skills, and the ability to generate new customers, close new accounts and nurture and grow existing accounts.
  • Coker Tire, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a highly motivated sales and customer service representative with a coachable attitude and strong desire to succeed.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:36

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN)
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Young Executives Network (YEN)

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.


HRIA Logo
Visit HRIA's website
education
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

Back to Top


MPMC Logo
Visit MPMC's website.

mpmc
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Back to Top


SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website.
knight
Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

Back to Top


Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:36

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN)
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Young Executives Network (YEN)

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.


HRIA Logo
Visit HRIA's website
education
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

Back to Top


MPMC Logo
Visit MPMC's website.

mpmc
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Back to Top


SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website.
knight
Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

Back to Top


Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:36

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN)
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Young Executives Network (YEN)

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.


HRIA Logo
Visit HRIA's website
education
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

Back to Top


MPMC Logo
Visit MPMC's website.

mpmc
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Back to Top


SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website.
knight
Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

Back to Top


Thu, 12/12/2013 - 07:36

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Manufacturers' Rep Network (MRN)
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Young Executives Network (YEN)

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.


HRIA Logo
Visit HRIA's website
education
HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

Back to Top


MPMC Logo
Visit MPMC's website.

mpmc
The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.
Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Back to Top


SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website.
knight
Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

Back to Top