Even though the deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process has passed, it’s never too late to register to exhibit.
Exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. The 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November.
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is now open.
The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.
“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”
Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.
“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”
With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.
“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”
Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a final decision that passenger and light-truck tires imported from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are being sold in the United States at less than fair value (“dumping”), and that Vietnamese tire producers have received unfair subsidies associated with the country’s “undervalued currency” (countervailing duties).
The dumping margins were revised from the preliminary calculations made last December although not significantly. The new margins range from 14.72% to 27.05% for South Korea, 20.04% 101.84% for Taiwan, 14.62% to 21.09% for Thailand, and 0% to 22.30% percent for Vietnam. The subsidy rates range from 6.23% to 7.89% for Vietnam. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will adjust the cash deposits from tire importers based on the final rates.
For the duties to take effect, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) must determine that U.S. industry is being harmed or threatened with harm from the unfair trading activity. The ITC has already issued a preliminary affirmative decision. The agency is scheduled to issue its final determination by June 28, 2021.
During his time in Congress, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) has proven himself to be a defender of motorsports. Rep. Hudson is the lead Republican co-sponsor of H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), and is a passionate racing fan. As the hometown Congressman for the Charlotte Motor Speedway and much of the race parts industry, Rep. Hudson is the only member of Congress who prominently displays the hood of a racecar in his Washington, D.C., office.
Rep. Hudson is a leading voice on the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee for the RPM Act and has questioned the two past EPA administrators during public hearings about their position on the conversion of motor vehicles for racing.
Watch the video below to learn more about Rep. Hudson and then send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act. Click here to see the current list of RPM Act co-sponsors.
This is what has been called the “Bronco Warthog,” that is until now, as a source close to the blue oval has confirmed that we’re actually looking at the Ford Bronco Raptor.
The vehicle looks fresh, as if it just finished being built, and now features the infamous FORD grille.
All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance. The significant amount of thick camouflage covers up the majority of the vehicle, but the camo can only do so much to disguise what are clearly wider flares.
The prototype rides on a set of BFGoodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). It’s not clear what suspension upgrades are in place, but the Raptor is definitely expected to feature a more rugged and capable chassis.
The latest rumblings pin the Bronco Raptor as launching for the ’23 model year, where it will join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
This is what has been called the “Bronco Warthog,” that is until now, as a source close to the blue oval has confirmed that we’re actually looking at the Ford Bronco Raptor.
The vehicle looks fresh, as if it just finished being built, and now features the infamous FORD grille.
All the expected workings of a Raptor are present and accounted for, including a significantly higher ground clearance, wider wheel arches, and a wider, more aggressive stance. The significant amount of thick camouflage covers up the majority of the vehicle, but the camo can only do so much to disguise what are clearly wider flares.
The prototype rides on a set of BFGoodrich AT All Terrain T/A tires, though we can’t quite make out the size (it appears to be a 17-in. rim). It’s not clear what suspension upgrades are in place, but the Raptor is definitely expected to feature a more rugged and capable chassis.
The latest rumblings pin the Bronco Raptor as launching for the ’23 model year, where it will join the F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor.
The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Cindy Smith as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Smith is the marketing manager at RimTyme Custom Wheels, a rent-to-own wheel and tire concept that offers wheels and tires for trucks and Jeeps, as well as for custom wheels for passenger vehicles.
SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?
Cindy Smith: It just sort of happened, but I’m ecstatic it did!
SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?
CS: Through WTC events and meetings, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and innovators. This has helped me to expand my ideas and creativity to enhance our brand.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?
CS: The wheel and tire industry is exciting and is always evolving. My advice is to make sure you get involved in the many organizations and groups offered through SEMA. It will definitely keep you informed on the latest trends and technology happening throughout the industry.
SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?
CS: I'm usually on some type of sports field cheering on my kids in their sporting events.
Fill out a WTC spotlight application to share how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates have the opportunity to be featured on SEMA eNews, social media and WTC member updates.
Roland Hence, far right, won last year's SEMA Launch Pad
competition with his Impulse—Emergency Brake Light. The
2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition is open to all qualified
participants over the age of 18 years, and includes a grand-
prize package valued up to $92,000 and promotional support.
Emerging entrepreneurs and inventors have until May 30 to submit their applications for the SEMA Launch Pad. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product or accessory will have the chance to win a prize package valued at $92,000 to help launch their product or service into the marketplace.
Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.
Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.
Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.
To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently available for sale.
Pinewood Build Day is an opportunity for the industry to
meet and connect with the children by helping them
decorate and race pinewood race cars.
Members in Southern California are invited to volunteer at the SEMA Cares Pinewood Build Day, Saturday, June 5, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California.
As one of the designated charities of SEMA Cares, Childhelp treats as many as 84 abused, neglected and at-risk children at its Southern California residential facility. SEMA Cares Pinewood Build Day is an opportunity for the industry to meet and connect with the children by helping them decorate and race pinewood race cars. For many of the children who have endured great hardship, the event is an entertaining activity that allows them to have fun and brings a smile to their faces. Each child will receive and decorate two pinewoods—one to keep and the other to donate. Donated cars will be available for purchase at the SEMA Installation & Gala, and all proceeds will benefit SEMA Cares charities.
The Pinewood Build Day is ideal for anyone who may have a few hours to help make a difference in the lives of children in need. SEMA members are encouraged to bring their families to this special day, as it is fun way to get the whole family involved in giving back and helping others.
Lunch will be included. Please RSVP to Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.
The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
