By Zane Clark

	Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.

The SEMA Businesswoman’s Network (SBN) will again host the Gear-up Girl networking event at this year’s SEMA Show. Started in 2011, as part of SEMA Education Institute’s (SEI) student program, Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.

Taking place Monday, November 4, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the program supports SBN’s mission of “enhancing careers and positively impacting the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket” by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring young women to interact with, learn from and network with influential women in the industry who have set a path through innovation, integrity and hard work.

"This event is a terrific way for women industry veterans to connect and mentor students interested in entering the automotive aftermarket," said SBN Chair Rose Kawasaki of Exports International LLC. "The female students will be able to walk away with contact information, a wealth of information and motivation toward their future path."

This year’s event will feature “round-robin” networking tables led by such notable female professionals as Marla Moore, Coker Tire (SEMA’s 2012 Person of the Year); JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Painting; Camee Edelbrock, Shiefer Media; and Jennifer Lafever, Roush Yates Performance. Every 15 minutes, students will be given the opportunity to rotate to another table and interact with professionals in their field of interest.

Sign up today and be a part of this special opportunity to network with female professionals and share your experience with our industry’s next generation.

Gear-up Girl is free with your SEMA Show registration, but still requires separate registration.

By Zane Clark

	Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.

The SEMA Businesswoman’s Network (SBN) will again host the Gear-up Girl networking event at this year’s SEMA Show. Started in 2011, as part of SEMA Education Institute’s (SEI) student program, Gear-up Girl is designed to connect female students with industry-leading female professionals.

Taking place Monday, November 4, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the program supports SBN’s mission of “enhancing careers and positively impacting the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket” by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring young women to interact with, learn from and network with influential women in the industry who have set a path through innovation, integrity and hard work.

"This event is a terrific way for women industry veterans to connect and mentor students interested in entering the automotive aftermarket," said SBN Chair Rose Kawasaki of Exports International LLC. "The female students will be able to walk away with contact information, a wealth of information and motivation toward their future path."

This year’s event will feature “round-robin” networking tables led by such notable female professionals as Marla Moore, Coker Tire (SEMA’s 2012 Person of the Year); JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Painting; Camee Edelbrock, Shiefer Media; and Jennifer Lafever, Roush Yates Performance. Every 15 minutes, students will be given the opportunity to rotate to another table and interact with professionals in their field of interest.

Sign up today and be a part of this special opportunity to network with female professionals and share your experience with our industry’s next generation.

Gear-up Girl is free with your SEMA Show registration, but still requires separate registration.

By Zane Clark

	This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will offer several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

Nobody can predict the future, but businesses invest a tremendous amount of resources in trying to be first to market, capitalizing on an emerging trend or maximizing an underdeveloped demographic. This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will shake up the Magic Eight Ball by offering several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

• SEMA Market Research: Enthusiast Purchase Journey – What steps do consumers take when searching for and buying performance parts and accessories? New research from SEMA helps you position your products better by exploring the process automotive enthusiasts go through when selecting and purchasing upgrades and accessories. Monday, November 4, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., LVCC N254

• Google: Road to Winning Drivers – Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World, Powered by ETTN – Building off of the trends and research shared in the morning presentation, Google’s automotive aftermarket team will share the latest product news across search, mobile and video that will enable aftermarket businesses to connect with today’s digital shoppers across platforms and ultimately drive sales. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N260

• Experian Automotive: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry, Powered by TORA – Each automotive customer is different and lives a unique lifestyle; however, those of the same generation often share certain similarities, including their choices, preferences, habits and life experiences. For instance, do millennials prefer performance over economy vehicles? Does Generation X lean toward more luxury brands? By better understanding the preferences and purchasing behaviors of each generation, automotive retailers and manufacturers will be able to stock their shelves with the right inventory and target their customer bases appropriately. Learn what manufacturers, distributors and retailers must do to succeed in the automotive aftermarket environment. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N254

• Foresight Research: The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO – When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what the customers expect? Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC N256

• SEMA Market Research: UTV Accessorization – New research from SEMA looks at how side-by-side owners modify and accessorize their vehicles. Explore how UTV owners' product selection is influenced by vehicle usage, research habits and shopping channels. Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC S204

To learn more and view the complete education schedule, visit SEMA Education Days.

By Zane Clark

	This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will offer several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

Nobody can predict the future, but businesses invest a tremendous amount of resources in trying to be first to market, capitalizing on an emerging trend or maximizing an underdeveloped demographic. This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will shake up the Magic Eight Ball by offering several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

• SEMA Market Research: Enthusiast Purchase Journey – What steps do consumers take when searching for and buying performance parts and accessories? New research from SEMA helps you position your products better by exploring the process automotive enthusiasts go through when selecting and purchasing upgrades and accessories. Monday, November 4, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., LVCC N254

• Google: Road to Winning Drivers – Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World, Powered by ETTN – Building off of the trends and research shared in the morning presentation, Google’s automotive aftermarket team will share the latest product news across search, mobile and video that will enable aftermarket businesses to connect with today’s digital shoppers across platforms and ultimately drive sales. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N260

• Experian Automotive: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry, Powered by TORA – Each automotive customer is different and lives a unique lifestyle; however, those of the same generation often share certain similarities, including their choices, preferences, habits and life experiences. For instance, do millennials prefer performance over economy vehicles? Does Generation X lean toward more luxury brands? By better understanding the preferences and purchasing behaviors of each generation, automotive retailers and manufacturers will be able to stock their shelves with the right inventory and target their customer bases appropriately. Learn what manufacturers, distributors and retailers must do to succeed in the automotive aftermarket environment. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N254

• Foresight Research: The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO – When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what the customers expect? Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC N256

• SEMA Market Research: UTV Accessorization – New research from SEMA looks at how side-by-side owners modify and accessorize their vehicles. Explore how UTV owners' product selection is influenced by vehicle usage, research habits and shopping channels. Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC S204

To learn more and view the complete education schedule, visit SEMA Education Days.

By Zane Clark

	This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will offer several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

Nobody can predict the future, but businesses invest a tremendous amount of resources in trying to be first to market, capitalizing on an emerging trend or maximizing an underdeveloped demographic. This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will shake up the Magic Eight Ball by offering several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

• SEMA Market Research: Enthusiast Purchase Journey – What steps do consumers take when searching for and buying performance parts and accessories? New research from SEMA helps you position your products better by exploring the process automotive enthusiasts go through when selecting and purchasing upgrades and accessories. Monday, November 4, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., LVCC N254

• Google: Road to Winning Drivers – Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World, Powered by ETTN – Building off of the trends and research shared in the morning presentation, Google’s automotive aftermarket team will share the latest product news across search, mobile and video that will enable aftermarket businesses to connect with today’s digital shoppers across platforms and ultimately drive sales. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N260

• Experian Automotive: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry, Powered by TORA – Each automotive customer is different and lives a unique lifestyle; however, those of the same generation often share certain similarities, including their choices, preferences, habits and life experiences. For instance, do millennials prefer performance over economy vehicles? Does Generation X lean toward more luxury brands? By better understanding the preferences and purchasing behaviors of each generation, automotive retailers and manufacturers will be able to stock their shelves with the right inventory and target their customer bases appropriately. Learn what manufacturers, distributors and retailers must do to succeed in the automotive aftermarket environment. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N254

• Foresight Research: The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO – When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what the customers expect? Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC N256

• SEMA Market Research: UTV Accessorization – New research from SEMA looks at how side-by-side owners modify and accessorize their vehicles. Explore how UTV owners' product selection is influenced by vehicle usage, research habits and shopping channels. Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC S204

To learn more and view the complete education schedule, visit SEMA Education Days.

By Zane Clark

	This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will offer several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

Nobody can predict the future, but businesses invest a tremendous amount of resources in trying to be first to market, capitalizing on an emerging trend or maximizing an underdeveloped demographic. This year’s Education Days at the SEMA Show will shake up the Magic Eight Ball by offering several timely and relevant, research-driven sessions that will give you a glimpse into future opportunities.

• SEMA Market Research: Enthusiast Purchase Journey – What steps do consumers take when searching for and buying performance parts and accessories? New research from SEMA helps you position your products better by exploring the process automotive enthusiasts go through when selecting and purchasing upgrades and accessories. Monday, November 4, 2013, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., LVCC N254

• Google: Road to Winning Drivers – Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World, Powered by ETTN – Building off of the trends and research shared in the morning presentation, Google’s automotive aftermarket team will share the latest product news across search, mobile and video that will enable aftermarket businesses to connect with today’s digital shoppers across platforms and ultimately drive sales. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N260

• Experian Automotive: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry, Powered by TORA – Each automotive customer is different and lives a unique lifestyle; however, those of the same generation often share certain similarities, including their choices, preferences, habits and life experiences. For instance, do millennials prefer performance over economy vehicles? Does Generation X lean toward more luxury brands? By better understanding the preferences and purchasing behaviors of each generation, automotive retailers and manufacturers will be able to stock their shelves with the right inventory and target their customer bases appropriately. Learn what manufacturers, distributors and retailers must do to succeed in the automotive aftermarket environment. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N254

• Foresight Research: The New Car Dealer’s Opportunity in Automotive Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO – When the dealer experience includes the retailing of automotive accessories, a new profit opportunity is the result. How big is that opportunity and what are the specifics about what the customers expect? Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC N256

• SEMA Market Research: UTV Accessorization – New research from SEMA looks at how side-by-side owners modify and accessorize their vehicles. Explore how UTV owners' product selection is influenced by vehicle usage, research habits and shopping channels. Wednesday, November 6, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC S204

To learn more and view the complete education schedule, visit SEMA Education Days.

By SEMA Editors

Michael Essa powered his GSR Autosport E46 BMW M3 to victory for his second win of the year.

Michael Essa Atop Formula Drift Standings With One Race to Go
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC)-sponsored drifting competitor Michael Essa is one race away from winning the series championship after his victory in Formula Drift’s “Round 6 Showdown” event at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth last Saturday night. Essa powered his GSR Autosport E46 BMW M3 to victory for his second win of the year. He leads the Pro Championship points chase going into the final competition of the 2013 Formula D season, October 11–12, at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California.

Diego Alessi and Daniel Keilwitz drove the Callaway Competition-developed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3 to their fifth win this year.

By SEMA Editors

Michael Essa powered his GSR Autosport E46 BMW M3 to victory for his second win of the year.

Michael Essa Atop Formula Drift Standings With One Race to Go
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC)-sponsored drifting competitor Michael Essa is one race away from winning the series championship after his victory in Formula Drift’s “Round 6 Showdown” event at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth last Saturday night. Essa powered his GSR Autosport E46 BMW M3 to victory for his second win of the year. He leads the Pro Championship points chase going into the final competition of the 2013 Formula D season, October 11–12, at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California.

Diego Alessi and Daniel Keilwitz drove the Callaway Competition-developed and built Corvette Z06.R GT3 to their fifth win this year.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA's enhanced 2013 ConnectME Mobile app includes several new features for this year's Show.

An enhanced ConnectME Mobile app has been launched so that 2013 SEMA Show attendees can get their information about what's happening on the Show floor on the go. The official attendee app for the 2013 SEMA Show, ConnectME Mobile is designed to help attendees create the ultimate Show experience. In addition to an electronic Show guide, this app connects buyers with exhibitors via an automatic matching component; provides a searchable database of exhibitors, sessions and speakers; and lets users create an appointment agenda and receive Show organizer updates. It’s never been more convenient to plan a course of action for the Show.

The 2013 ConnectME Mobile app features:

• A completely redesigned user interface.
• A new splash screen and additional sponsorship opportunities.
• Exhibitor content support.
• Updated login process featuring improved “registered on-site” and new “continue as exhibitor” functions.
• Scan exhibitors’ bar codes to add to user's “myExhibitors” list.
• Express registration bar code for on-site badge pickup.
• Landscape orientation available.
• Sort exhibitors by name or by booth number.
• Filter exhibitor by location (North Hall, Central Hall, South Hall Upper, South Hall Lower, LVH).
• Show messages will be sent using a “push notification” service (this feature will be available in about three weeks).
• Search and filter sessions by session types (education and networking).
• Enter personal appointments in “mySchedule.”
• Export sessions and appointments to the smartphone calendar.
• Updated “About the Show” feature.
• Session reminder messages.
• Appointment reminder messages.

• Show Guide – A searchable, up-to-date directory of all exhibiting companies, available sessions and speakers.
• Automated Matching – Robust matching functionality connects attendees to exhibitors based upon registration demographic information. Attendees can also search for exhibitors by company name or product category and expand their list of matches. 
• Appointment Scheduler – Attendees can create and manage appointments with exhibitors both on and off the Show floor designing a course of action for the event. 
• Agenda Builder – An itinerary of session and exhibitor appointments currently scheduled for the attendee enables the registrant to make the most of their time.  
• Electronic Literature – Attendees can download and view exhibitor's electronic literature. 
• Messaging Service – Attendees can receive important and informative messages sent by the organizer.  
• Floor Map – A viewable map to navigate the Show floor with ease.  
• Full Integration – Convenient location within the registration dashboard makes connecting registrants quick and easy.

To download the app on your iPhone or Android, visit your appropriate smartphone marketplace.

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA's enhanced 2013 ConnectME Mobile app includes several new features for this year's Show.

An enhanced ConnectME Mobile app has been launched so that 2013 SEMA Show attendees can get their information about what's happening on the Show floor on the go. The official attendee app for the 2013 SEMA Show, ConnectME Mobile is designed to help attendees create the ultimate Show experience. In addition to an electronic Show guide, this app connects buyers with exhibitors via an automatic matching component; provides a searchable database of exhibitors, sessions and speakers; and lets users create an appointment agenda and receive Show organizer updates. It’s never been more convenient to plan a course of action for the Show.

The 2013 ConnectME Mobile app features:

• A completely redesigned user interface.
• A new splash screen and additional sponsorship opportunities.
• Exhibitor content support.
• Updated login process featuring improved “registered on-site” and new “continue as exhibitor” functions.
• Scan exhibitors’ bar codes to add to user's “myExhibitors” list.
• Express registration bar code for on-site badge pickup.
• Landscape orientation available.
• Sort exhibitors by name or by booth number.
• Filter exhibitor by location (North Hall, Central Hall, South Hall Upper, South Hall Lower, LVH).
• Show messages will be sent using a “push notification” service (this feature will be available in about three weeks).
• Search and filter sessions by session types (education and networking).
• Enter personal appointments in “mySchedule.”
• Export sessions and appointments to the smartphone calendar.
• Updated “About the Show” feature.
• Session reminder messages.
• Appointment reminder messages.

• Show Guide – A searchable, up-to-date directory of all exhibiting companies, available sessions and speakers.
• Automated Matching – Robust matching functionality connects attendees to exhibitors based upon registration demographic information. Attendees can also search for exhibitors by company name or product category and expand their list of matches. 
• Appointment Scheduler – Attendees can create and manage appointments with exhibitors both on and off the Show floor designing a course of action for the event. 
• Agenda Builder – An itinerary of session and exhibitor appointments currently scheduled for the attendee enables the registrant to make the most of their time.  
• Electronic Literature – Attendees can download and view exhibitor's electronic literature. 
• Messaging Service – Attendees can receive important and informative messages sent by the organizer.  
• Floor Map – A viewable map to navigate the Show floor with ease.  
• Full Integration – Convenient location within the registration dashboard makes connecting registrants quick and easy.

To download the app on your iPhone or Android, visit your appropriate smartphone marketplace.