By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is August 19.

The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.

Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

By Della Domingo

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2022 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are due Friday, August 5.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 5 deadline.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 5 deadline. After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance.

Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, many exhibitors opt to utilize other tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show, including submitting a press release in the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Inside Sales Representative
ProCharger

ProCharger is hiring an inside sales representative with a comprehensive understanding and passion for the high-performance motorsports industry as well as strong mechanical aptitude. This position will be involved in the daily sales process, building relationships with consumers, dealers and racers. Other duties include the ability to travel to events, trade shows and meet with dealers. This position will be onsite full-time in Lenexa, Kansas.

National Sales Manager
eFlexFuel

eFlexFuel is hiring a national sales manager to develop the U.S. territory to grow revenue and profits through building productive sales relationships with the automotive aftermarket industry via dealer partnerships and direct customer contacts with automotive sales channels and retailers. Candidates must be inspired by growth to build market share in the United States.

e-commerce Marketing Professional
Full Race Motorsports

Full Race Motorsports is hiring a professional e-commerce marketing professional with experience and knowledge of automotive performance turbocharging. A positive attitude, a desire to learn and 100% commitment are needed. You’ll be helping passionate gearheads succeed with their turbocharged dreams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, grammar and spelling are required. In the process you’ll learn to speak fluent “turbo.”

  Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 GR Corolla, September 13–14.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Four ’23 GR Corolla models will be featured, equipped with:

• 300hp/273 lb.-ft. torque, 1.6L turbocharged G16E-GTS engine.
• Exhaust composed of a three-piece muffler.
• Six-speed manual transmission.
• GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain with user-selectable torque split.
• Reinforced chassis for added stiffness and rigidity.
• Available Torsen limited slip differentials (F/R).
• Standard 8-in. touch-screen display.
• Available eight-speaker, JBL premium sound with subwoofer.
• Standard 18-in. wheels and 235/40R18 tires.
• Automatic high beams.
• Dynamic radar cruise control.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

 SEMA News—August 2022

REQUIRED READING

SEMA Members in the Media

By Juan Torres, Rachel Tatum and Carr Winn

The automotive specialty-equipment industry continues to experience strong growth and demand as the United States puts COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. According to the “State of the Industry–Spring 2022” report from SEMA Market Research, 75% of manufacturers, 68% of distributors and 53% of retailers/installers reported that sales were above where they were prior to the pandemic, and consumer demand continued to remain robust for most companies.

SEMA Market Research provides information and insights to help members (and the specialty auto aftermarket in general) make better business decisions. SEMA produces different research reports on the industry and consumers throughout the year, all of which are available for download at www.sema.org/research. The following media wrote about the key findings in the “State of the Industry–Spring 2022” report, which highlights current industry trends, business metrics and sales estimates.

CEoutlook

CEoutlook keeps stereo and electronics industry professionals up to date on news relevant to their businesses. Editor Amy Gilroy scoured the report to find that car audio manufacturers in the sound systems and audio accessories category saw their sales grow 22% in the previous 12 months.

Hagerty

“The automotive aftermarket is flying high even in the face of rising inflation and fuel prices,” reported Hagerty, whose editors provide readers with a view into the automotive hobby and industry. “The overall growth trend is expected to continue in the coming months, which is great news for customers and insiders alike.”

The Journal

Editor David P. Castro highlighted findings in the report that classic vehicle enthusiasts would find interesting. “On the retail end, classic vehicle parts led with 26% of the market segment,” he wrote. “Internal engine products lead the way with a 21% increase by manufacturers.”

Road To The SEMA Show: The Journey Begins

SEMA Industry Sales Director Becca Butler (right) talks booth space selection, live floorplan and the “Road to SEMA” with Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. For all the latest updates on the 2022 SEMA Show visit www.SEMAShow.com.

ARMO Builder Series: A Story of Heroes in the Shadows

Mentorship plays a huge role in the lives of many automotive aftermarket professionals. In fact, many if not all successful industry leaders will attest to having benefitted from some form of mentorship in their career along the way.

ARMO Builder Series: Dan Short

In this ARMO Builder Series video, FantomWorks Owner Dan Short (left) shares his company’s build philosophy for auto restoration Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars takes viewers behind the scenes into his shop.

Faces in the Crowd

Eric Ritz
@impalow66

Eric Ritz is an industrial designer, specializing in automotive design. Growing up on the race track, Ritz has spent many years building classic cars and show cars, competing in SEMA: Battle of the Builders with his Datsun 240z in 2020.

He has a garage full of classic cars that are frequently highlighted on this social-media channels with new-product installations and events he and his father attend. In early 2022, Ritz launched a YouTube channel with his father that follows their adventures with both model cars and actual vehicles.

Big Mike
@thebigmike

For the past 25+ years, Big Mike has been a passionate member of the automotive community. From contributing to the industry and culture as a journalist for numerous media publications, to building award-winning, magazine cover cars, to working with SEMA and PRI to educate the community and upcoming enthusiasts on evolving laws and regulations, to traveling all over the United States and the world to host and emcee automotive meets, shows and productions, there are countless levels of contributions that Big Mike continues to make for the betterment of our industry, community and culture—and these are what has made him a household name and icon to us all.

Matthias Ingle
@4god_4country

Matthias Ingle is a diesel truck builder from South Carolina. He works full-time in IT for the in the Army but enjoys building trucks in his spare time. His content consistently contains truck modifications, product performance reviews and new upgrades that engage his audience. Ingle documented his build for the 2021 Road to SEMA with his partnership with Hostile/MKW Wheels. His progress has been documented thoroughly over the past year through his own platform and other creators’ channels, highlighting every modification and partner associated with the build.

HEARD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“The specialty-equipment industry continues to experience sales and consumer demand that exceed pre-pandemic levels, according to SEMA’s new ‘State of the Industry–Spring 2022’ report.”—Automotive Business Review, via Facebook

“SEMA’s ‘State of the Industry–Spring 2022’ report shows sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels.”—12 Volt News, via Facebook

“@SEMAMembers can get details on the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market in the new report.”—Motor, via Twitter

“Automotive Specialty-Equipment Sales Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels. Read More: https://bit.ly/3LdaK9S.”—Autobody News, via Twitter

SEMA News—August 2022

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

A Few Words With the New SEMA PAC Manager

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMAPAC Lounge at the 2021 SEMA Show.

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) plays an important role in SEMA’s overall government affairs strategy. Every dollar that goes into the PAC is strategically placed to meet one goal: increasing congressional support for the specialty aftermarket. In Washington, D.C., the size of the PAC matters, and SEMA’s new PAC Manager, Samantha Large, wants to take the SEMA PAC to the next level. Samantha’s goal is to grow SEMA PAC funds to protect the industry and ensure that your dollars are being used with your best interest in mind.

SEMA News wanted to learn more about the new SEMA PAC manager, diving into details on who she is and why members need to pay attention to the PAC.

SEMA News: Tell us about yourself.

Samantha Large: I’m originally from the Lone Star State. My family still resides Houston, Texas, where at the age of 18,
I headed to colorful Colorado to escape the heat and to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder.

After graduating from college, I lived in Denver, where I got my first real taste of politics as an intern for a political organization. About a year into my internship, I visited D.C. for a legislative conference. After my first meeting on Capitol Hill, I was hooked. Two weeks later, I was back in D.C., heading to my first Congressional hearing, and I’ve been here ever since.

I’ve worked in corporate fundraising for the National Rifle Association, served as a federal lobbyist and PAC fundraiser for the biofuels industry, and managed events for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. I live and love all things politics, and I’m excited to bring my experience and knowledge to SEMA.

SN: What made you want to join SEMA?

SL: While I’m not a gearhead, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the specialty automotive aftermarket and the excitement around all forms of motorized recreation. I know a passionate industry when I see one.

SEMA’s members love the industry, and its obvious that they are willing to put up a good fight to protect it. I’m all about advocacy, and I like to know I’m representing a group that is made of good, hardworking people who believe strongly in something. In the case of SEMA and its members—y’all love your cars! To me, it feels good to know I’m helping to protect the right to modify and personalize the style of vehicles.

SN: You have a background in political fundraising. Why should SEMA members get involved in politics?

SL: I’m a big fan of the quote, “You may not take an interest in politics, but politics will take an interest in you.” Because it’s true.

Politics can be messy, and it’s hard to have a daily interest in it unless you’re in the heart of it in D.C. It’s not in your face every day until some regulation or mandate creeps up on you, and then you’re stuck asking yourself: Why is someone telling me what I can and can’t do with my vehicle? Politics impacts you whether you like it or not. Which is why getting involved in the SEMA PAC is so important.

SN: And why is the SEMA PAC so important?

SL: You can’t always avoid having to meet certain regulations or standards, but you can help influence who is making those laws and how they are implemented. When it comes to Congressional elections, fundraising is a key factor in deciding the outcomes of races. The more money a candidate raises means their campaign has money to spend on advertising and staff to get their message out to the public.

The better campaign wins. Unfortunately, that usually means the campaign that raised the most money. Therefore, our Congressional leaders’ second-biggest job in D.C. is raising funds for their campaigns and reelections.

It’s crucial that SEMA has a well-funded PAC to support our Congressional champions in their races. We support them so they can win their reelection and stay in D.C. to continue fighting for our members on Capitol Hill. And our support for their campaigns does not go unnoticed by members of Congress. It helps us build key relationships with them that we could not have without PAC funds.

SN: How does the SEMA PAC work?

SL: One hundred percent of the donations to the SEMA PAC go to campaigns of congressional candidates who support SEMA and its members. Only members of SEMA are allowed to participate and contribute to the PAC, and they are eligible to contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year. We have SEMA PAC membership packages that offer great benefits and recognition opportunities throughout the year to our contributors.

SN: How does a SEMA member contribute to the SEMA PAC?

SL: It’s easy! All we need is your first and last name and email address to confirm that you’re a SEMA member, and then there is a short contribution form that takes seconds to fill out. All of this can be done in a matter of seconds at www.semapac.org.

SN: Is there a minimum contribution to support SEMA PAC?

SL: No. We are grateful for any and all donations. We have some people who commit to monthly or quarterly contributions. For example, some donors have committed to doing $25 to $100 a month to the PAC, which allows these members to make a huge difference without the stress of donating a large sum all at once. We can work with each member to get creative on how donating to the PAC will work for best for them.

SN: How do SEMA members learn more?

SL: I’m all about open communication. I want everyone to feel that they can call me and ask any questions about the PAC. Feel free to contact me at 202-796-2252 or samanthal@sema.org.

››› SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) Manager Samantha Large.

SEMA News—August 2022

INTERNATIONAL

U.S. Government Export Assistance Funds Available

By Linda Spencer

The STEP program is helping to fund programs such as the SEMA Australia program pictured above and the August 24–28 2022, SEMA Nordic program in Stockholm Sweden. More information is available at www.sema.org/nordic.

This is another in a series of articles identifying government funds for U.S. SEMA-member companies to defray the costs of developing export business. A previous SEMA News article entitled “Grow Your Bottom Line: Export to the Underserved Global Market” in May 2022 focused on the Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s Market Development Cooperator Program. This month’s article will focus on a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the states called the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), in which the states provide grants to help qualified companies export.

STEP funds can be used towards defraying the cost for participation in trade missions and foreign-market sales trips, export trade shows, international marketing efforts and export training. It provides federal (SBA) funding to states through a competitive application process, with nearly all states receiving funds.

SEMA has been actively connecting participants with grant opportunities to defray the cost of association international programs. With its recent trade missions to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and the upcoming Nordic Business Development Program to Sweden, as well as the new SEMA International Promotion Program (SIPP), which included a listing and ad in an export directory distributed in SEMA News and as an insert in SEMA News, SEMA has developed a state-by-state list of STEP contacts available at www.sema.org/international.

In all, more than 40 companies participating in SEMA programs have received STEP grant funds since September 2021. SEMA News reached out to a dozen of these recipients based in various states to ask about their experiences and the benefits of the STEP grant program.

California

“The trip was planned and executed extremely well by SEMA International. Additionally, [SEMA] helped coordinate engagement with the state of California to receive reimbursement grants toward the cost. This made the decision to join the trip easy, enabling us to further benefit from visiting key international markets.”

—Adam Weisner, President, SuperSprings International

“The performance and racing markets benefit from exposure to global markets. Thank you to SEMA for organizing and promoting these international events. In addition to the SEMA organization, we thank the state of California and appreciate its support. The total effort is impressive and beneficial to all involved, including new potential customers.”

—Mark Cornwell, Vice President New Business Development and Specialty Markets, Wilwood

“The SEMA international business trips are already one of the most cost-effective and productive ways to reach international markets. By using state grants that are available, the minimal cost can be further reduced. At McLeod, we have been awarded multiple California STEP grants that have been easy to obtain and require minimal effort to apply for.”

—Bob Scheid, Vice President, Wharton Automotive Group

“The California STEP program has been such a helpful tool and monetary resource in expanding our business internationally! [SEMA] is an indispensable asset as a liaison to making the smooth transition of all the pieces fitting into place, and the California STEP program has made it more inviting to help defray some of the costs involved to get into exporting. Everyone was very helpful in wanting to make it a success for me and our business, Baja Forged.”

—Theresa Contreras, Lead Designer and Co-Owner, Baja Forged

Connecticut

“Getting assistance from Laura’s team and the Connecticut STEP program has been crucial in enabling our company to attend international events and continue to grow our export efforts. Meeting international customers face to face has created long-
lasting relationships with buyers in many countries that continue purchasing our products.”

—Yury Lyalko, CEO, Wiring Specialties LLC

Michigan

“As a startup, Blacklake Research and Development has been able to participate in several SEMA-sponsored events that were dedicated to expanding business internationally. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation [MEDC, the Michigan STEP/export-assistance program] has been very supportive of our efforts to pursue export markets and expand business opportunities into other parts of the world. We received a Michigan STEP grant for the most recent Middle East Business Development trip, which was sponsored by SEMA. Through the work with MEDC, we have been able to access grant funding for participation in foreign trade missions and have also been connected to other SBA resources.”

—Joe Valentich, Co-Owner, Blacklake Research and Development

“The staff at SEMA were great to work with in regards to the SIPP program. Not only did they introduce us to government programs we were unfamiliar with, they offered their guidance, reminders, and knowledge whenever it was needed. It was invaluable to have their assistance, otherwise we would have missed out on potentially thousands of dollars of aid and grants.”

—Andy Ricketts, Vehicle Operations Manager, Livernois Motorsports & Engineering

North Carolina

“STEP funding through the North Carolina EDPNC (Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina) makes our travel to international trade events possible. Participation in the trade shows, in our customers’ regions, helps to build the relationships we need to grow our export business.”

—Mark Whitney, CEO, Performance Analysis

Ohio

“The international grant money available from the state of Ohio has helped fund several projects for the Malco international sales team. From trade shows and travel for customer visits to advertising campaigns and content creation, Malco has been able to put these funds to great use, increasing our international brand presence in the automotive industry.”

—Jennifer Bowman, Director of Marketing, Malco Products Inc.

South Carolina

“I worked with Anita and the South Carolina STEP office last year, and it has worked out very well. By having them help defray some of the cost, we were able to make the most out of our SEMA Show budget, and the connections we made during the Show due to the SIPP program allowed us to connect with an even larger audience than we were originally intending to connect with. We truly feel that our involvement in the SIPP helped us win our three international media awards, which generated positive exposure overseas for a market that we were not targeting to service. I had not worked with them before but plan to try to partner with them every opportunity I get going forward.”

—Christopher Owens, CEO, Last Drop Wrench

“The South Carolina STEP program is a great help with our overseas expansion. South Carolina STEP provided us with funding for exhibiting overseas, help with travel expenses, and B2B matchmaking.”

—Barry Adler, President, Quick Time Performance

Utah

“The state official in Utah who assisted us in obtaining STEP funds is an incredibly helpful individual. She helped us qualify for reimbursements that will cover nearly the entire expense for two travelers to attend not one, but two SEMA events overseas. We are off to the SEMA Nordic event in August largely due to their help. I would recommend contacting their office if your business is looking at expanding overseas.”

—Shaun Hill, Chief Revenue Officer, Hypercraft

For more information on SEMA’s international programs or the STEP program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org.