By Ashley Reyes
Building a diverse network is essential for discovering new ideas and perspectives to help you grow your professional career and business.  

To help wheel and tire professionals in the automotive aftermarket establish new business connections, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its next Coffee & Conversation networking event on June 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.   

The free online event will bring wheel and tire members together from different occupations and include an informative discussion on challenges and opportunities facing the wheel and tire industry. It's the ideal event to connect with others with varying perspectives on the industry, create new business connections, and gain insight into problems and solutions in the wheel and tire market.  

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales about the first WTC Coffee & Conversations event. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry. I look forward to the next session!"  

Register for the event here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Kevin Robinson as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. As president and owner of TRAC LLC, Robinson was the winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his TRAC Tire Jack--a tool that makes removing or installing a wheel or tire from a vehicle safer, simpler and easier. Get to know Robinson in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Kevin Robinson: I have been in the off-road environment since the early days of riding dirt bikes. Now with 40-in. tires that I need to remove and install on my Jeep, I can see a need for our tools. The tools absolutely provide safety in the workplace and home shop.

SEMA News: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

KR: I have attended TORA events and can see the passion that the members have. These members only want the best for SEMA and what it stands for. Even the cross-council mixers share everyone's passions for the industry, and if I can be of help in any way, I'll be there.

SEMA News: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

KR: Whatever you choose to pursue, know that there will be many people to go to for guidance. Mostly everyone is there for assistance, not competition.

SEMA News: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?

KR: My dream truck is my Jeep LJ, but with an LS swap and an unlimited fuel card to go with it! 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

When it comes to insurance needs, how do builders and shop owners determine which policies are necessary and how much coverage to get? Is your existing coverage putting your business at risk? Does the language of insurance get confusing?

While an insurance review may seem time-consuming and tedious, it is vital to a business' success--and it does not need to be overwhelming. Shop owners in the automotive aftermarket are invited to the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) webinar "What Builders Need to Know about Insurance Needs, powered by HRIA" on Tuesday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) to learn tips and advice for reviewing their policy. 

Attendees will learn:  

• The most common mistakes builders may be making with their insurance coverage  
• The different types of insurance coverage shop owners need to know about  
• How often shops should reassess their insurance policies  
• Definitions to insurance jargon and lingo that will demystify the process  
• Questions to ask your insurance provider that will help save you money

The webinar also includes a Q&A with experts Trent Campbell of American National Insurance and Bob Corwin of RevPro/Alliant. Participants will also hear case studies from like-minded automotive aftermarket shop owners, along with a brief update on HRIA programs and benefits.

Register here! 

The iconic Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is returning to the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, on August 4-6, and SEMA Business and Individual Members can save big on tickets for being a valued part of our community (more details below).

The three-day event is just one of five street course races on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule. It will also feature five additional series--Indy NXT, SRO GT America, SRO GR Cup, Trans AM TA2, and Stadium Super Trucks--for back-to-back racing action. 

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix holds the title of the longest straightaway in IndyCar racing (3,578 ft.) and is the only race that crosses a body of water as part of the 2.17 mile, 11-turn course across the Nissan Stadium property, the KVB Bridge and Cumberland River, and around downtown Nashville. 

Of course, Nashville's Music City event features live music and will culminate with a headliner concert on Friday and Saturday nights. 

SEMA Business and Individual Members can access these exclusive discounts for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, valid May 1-31, through their Membership portal. 

• 20% Off Three-Day Grandstand Seats
• 10% Off East Club Tickets
• BOGO 3-Day General Admission Tickets (Limited number available).

Visit your SEMA Membership portal to claim your benefits and unique promo code today! Three-day packages are limited, so take advantage of this opportunity before they're gone!

For more information, follow the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix social media platforms at @musiccitygp (links on their website) and visit musiccitygp.com. 

For more information on this exclusive benefit, contact Mike Kirks at membership@performanceracing.com.

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can start making travel arrangements by taking advantage of the discounted  airfare options available through the SEMA Show travel page.

Organizers work with major air carriers--including Alaska, Delta, and United--to offer up to 10% off airfare for exhibitors, attendees, and media heading to the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

Each airline provides discounts for all Showgoers, whether they arrive a few days before the Show, or leave several days after. The valid travel dates for the discounts are available below.

Travel Dates for Airfare Discounts

Alaska Airlines

• October 27, 2023-November 8, 2023
• Discount: 7% off published fares
• Online Reservations: alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECME606
• Phone Reservations: Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. A $15 per-person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines

• October 25, 2023-November 8, 2023
• Discount: 5%–10% off
• Online Reservations: delta.com and enter the Meeting Event Code NM2EE in the box provided on the "Book a Flight" page.
• For guidelines and questions, contact the Delta Meeting Network Desk at 1-800-328-2216 or DeltaMeetingNetwork@delta.com.

United Airlines

• October 24, 2023-November 6, 2023
• Discount: 2%–10% off
• Online Reservations: united.com and enter your offer code ZN38 in the Promotions and Certificates box when searching for your flights.
• Phone Reservations: United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122. Provide them with the following information: Z Code: ZN38, Agreement Code: 978830. Note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

For rates, booking information, discount codes and additional details on airfare, visit the SEMA Show travel page.

The 2023 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas. Visit SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show.

Complete information about the 2023 Show is available at SEMAShow.com.   

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

For the second year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a temporary waiver to allow for the summertime sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15). Currently, E15 cannot be sold between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The EPA issued its waiver over fuel supply disruptions caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and other factors.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and in certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as a lack of clear labeling on gas pumps does not provide sufficient protection to guard against misfuelling.

Under the Trump Administration, the EPA issued a ruling to permanently allow year-round sale of E15; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found this ruling unlawful. The EPA says this decision is based on its authority to pursue a temporary emergency action.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show is now open at SEMAShow.com/register. 

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the Show as cost-effective as possible for all, and from now until June 30, pricing is just $40. The cost will increase to $60 after June 30 and $120 after September 29.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (CDT).

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Not sure if you will require a Visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

Registering early allows you to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning your SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that you will receive your badges in the mail before November's event.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

By SEMA Editors

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

Chair-Elect - One Open Seat

Myles Kovacs and Melanie White.

• Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Distributor/Retailer - One Open Seat

Rob Ward (left) and Ted Wentz.

• Rob Ward, Legacy EV
• Ted Wentz, Quadratec, Incumbent

Voting will take place online between May 9-23, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact.

Details on the upcoming election were sent to the member company's designated primary contact last week. Winners will be announced by June 1.

For more information, visit the SEMA Board of Directors website.

This is the latest GMC Acadia testing in metro Detroit, but it has dropped a significant amount of camo this time.

The exterior grows compared to the current model, returning the Acadia back to large crossover proportions of the first-generation model. This means that the 2024 Acadia will return to a formidable three-row crossover.

Inside, the next-gen Acadia will get an all-new cabin along with the addition of Super Cruise. Expect the powertrains to largely carry over, with the 2.0L turbo and a naturally aspirated 3.6L V6, both mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Expect an official debut in 2023.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) is providing its  members an opportunity to establish valuable business connections during its WTC Coffee & Conversation networking event, taking place virtually on Thursday, May 4, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT).    

As part two of the five-part Coffee & Conversation series, the free online event brings wheel and tire manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, service provider, and related professionals together to discuss the aftermarket's hottest topics; meet the "who's who" of the wheel and tire market; discuss new opportunities and challenges; and gain insight from experts and associates that can benefit their business.

"The WTC Coffee and Conversation series is a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders to discuss the current wheel and tire landscape," said Matthew Harris of Sante Fe, California-based Custom Wheel House, who attended the series' first event in March. "The dialogue is insightful, engaging, and the topics are pertinent to our industry today."   

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business personally.  

Register here.