By Ellen McKoy
SEMA councils and networks present a number of niche-specific education programs at the Show, like the popular HRIA Builders' Panel.
Although SEMA is most often identified with its world-class trade show, the association provides a wide range of year-round programs and services to help members succeed and prosper. High among these are SEMA councils and networks--volunteer, niche-specific groups within SEMA focused on market promotion, networking and education.
"No matter what niche you're in--rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks, wheels, tires or more--there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for you and your business," said Tim Johnson, SEMA senior manager, membership operations. "SEMA Show Week is the ideal time to learn more about these groups, tap into their resources, and advance your career and business."
As of press time, the following are key SEMA council and network activities planned for the Show. (For the education offerings, visit semashow.com/education for details and registration.)
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
For 30-plus years, ARMO has centered its efforts on delivering programs and resources to advance the restoration industry, preserve the hobby and promote networking among like-minded industry pros. Those objectives are infused in every aspect of ARMO's presence at the Show.
ARMO Awards Reception
Slated for Tuesday, November 5, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate Resort & Casino, the ARMO Awards Reception kicks off the council's Show activities with an evening of celebration. Against the backdrop of an '80s theme, the annual reception includes hors d'oeuvres and beverages as it pays tribute to leading restoration luminaries.
Awards include ARMO Person of the Year and Business of the Year honors and an induction of a member into the Steve Ames ARMO Hall of Fame. Winners of ARMO's Hot Products Showcase, held at Spring Carlisle, will also be recognized:
- People's Choice and Engine Company: Blue Print Engines
- Interior: Distinctive Industries
- Exterior: Precision Replacement Parts
- Accessory Item: Retro Manufacturing
- Drivetrain/Brakes/Suspension: Flaming River
"Our members really value our reception," said ARMO Chair Joanna Agosta Shere. "It's a great networking opportunity and we invite members--and anyone who wants to be part of our community-- to join us."
ARMO Booth: Stellar Vehicles
Classics and restorations like these at the shared ARMO-HRIA booth are staples of several SEMA council and network Showfloor hubs.
For a close-up look at stellar restorations, ARMO's Central Hall display (booth #23295) is a must-see. Located between the Restoration Marketplace and Hot Rod Alley Show sections, it's a collaborative effort with SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), and a place for Showgoers to connect with ARMO volunteer leaders.
Each council selects three vehicles for their distinctive style and representation of their respective market niche. Two vehicles will be unveiled at the Show--one a '50s sports wagon and the other a European supercar. The third is a '99 Nissan Skyline GTR--a coup for ARMO through its budding relationship with the Japanese Classic Car (JCC) Show, on tap for Long Beach, California, this month.
"ARMO can't just be a representation of American muscle. There's more interest than ever in imports," said Shere. "We found [the JCC show] and they're excited to have us there. It gives them credence within the restoration market, and it's a way for us to expand our tent."
ARMO-Powered Show Education
ARMO has a lengthy track record of providing educational offerings. Join moderator Jeff Farina of JEGS for an ARMO-powered panel discussion titled "Education of Restoration." Panelists include Blake Burgy, Moss Motors; Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct; Dave Alcaras; and Jesse Henke, JH Restorations.
Listen and learn as panelists discuss how Gen Xers and Millennials are impacting the restoration market. Hear about key strategies to attract these younger demographics and take advantage of their disposable income and leisure time to grow your business. Wednesday, November 6, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., West Hall, room W316.
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
At a time when automotive technology is evolving at warp speed, SEMA's ETTN is at the forefront, providing knowledge on evolving vehicle trends and new technologies to ensure members' continued business success.
Beyond fostering a community of like-minded professionals--comprised mainly of automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers--ETTN offers tech-centric resources and programs, such as the annual ETTN/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Student Career Fair, presented in collaboration with SAE and aimed at empowering students to jumpstart their automotive careers. ETTN also centers its efforts on distance learning through Facebook Live Chats and webinars as well as a deep-dive, in-person forum held during Show Week.
ETTN-Powered Education
The ETTN's "Lunch and Learn: Practical Use of Alternative, Synthetic and Hydrogen Fuels" session features a panel of industry experts sharing their knowledge and expertise on topics related to the use of alternative fuels in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
The interactive session takes place on Thursday, November 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in room N329. The event kicks off with lunch and the presentation of the Engineer of the Year award. "We designed the award to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals in the field of engineering within the aftermarket industry," said ETTN Chair Kelleigh Ash.
During the ensuing panel discussion, helmed by moderator Bob Moreale of the Tuning School, three topics will be addressed: "Is Hydrogen the Answer for Zero-Carbon Performance Engines?," presented by Mike Copeland, Arrington Performance; and "Calibration Concerns When Switching Fuels," presented by Greg Banish, Calibrated Success. Ian Lehn of BOOSTane, will tackle the topic of "Formulating for the Future: Innovating Fuels for the Next-Generation ICE."
"It's a great opportunity for a knowledge-based, deep-dive education session where our audience can engage with the experts," said Ash. "We talk about new technologies and how they relate to the automotive aftermarket as well as the research and innovative approaches that can impact the industry. Tuners, product developers, product managers and engineers--come one, come all."
Future Leaders Network (FLN)
Council and network gatherings allow attendees to "talk shop," make new business contacts and share ideas in a relaxed atmosphere apart from the hustle and bustle of the Show floor.
SEMA's FLN is comprised of members 39 years of age or younger representing a cross-section of the industry workforce, from entry-level to middle-management and executive positions. With a focus on elevating the level of professionalism throughout the industry, FLN offers opportunities to network with other SEMA members, gain a voice on issues of interest or concern and benefit from education. FLN will coordinate two programs at this year's Show.
FLN-Powered Panel Event: Attracting Top Talent
It's no secret that employers often face challenges hiring and retaining up-and-coming young staffers. A panel discussion powered by FLN and titled "Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in the Automotive Industry" will address ways to draw and retain young employees as valuable assets to an organization.
The event is set for 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, room W316. Moderator Matt Beenen, FLN chair, will be joined by experts Mark Osmundson of Jamison Search International and Russell Baracella, Cypress College, Automotive Department.
"The goal of our session is to provide value to employers or managers through sharing best practices and ideas for attracting and retaining top talent," said Beenen. "I anticipate it will also provide value for employees as they learn what it can look like to work for an outstanding employer or who are aspiring to be a manager or employer one day."
Network With FLN
To bring members together for networking and recognition of industry leaders, FLN will host a luncheon Thursday, November 7. FLN will use the occasion to present two awards: the Vanguard Award recognizing a business or individual who has had an impact on a future leader's career, and the Professional of the Year award honoring a leading individual.
"The luncheon will be an opportunity for our members to network and for us to recognize a few special industry folks with our annual awards," said Beenen. See the Show schedule at semashow.com or the SEMA Show app for details.
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Hot-rodders have played a prominent role within SEMA for decades, with the distinction of being SEMA's first segment-specific community. At the Show, HRIA will have a conspicuous presence with three key activities on tap.
Catch the Action
HRIA and ARMO share exhibit space in the Central Hall, booth #23295, adjacent to Hot Rod Alley and the Restoration Marketplace sections. Competition for a vehicle display slot here is fierce. According to HRIA Chair Tim McCarthy, more than 40 vehicle applications were received. Three vehicles will be chosen for the booth; two will remain under wraps until their unveiling on opening day. Seven others will appear in an outdoor display.
While the rods are a big draw, the booth is also a hub for HRIA members and nonmembers to wind down and mingle with the council's select committee. "It's a great gathering spot to relax and learn more about the value of HRIA," said McCarthy. "We're a volunteer-led organization, and we welcome all newcomers to join our community."
HRIA-Powered Education: Meet Top Builders
Join moderator Rick Love of Vintage Air and distinguished builders for an informative and interactive panel discussion. The "Hot Rod Builders' Panel, Powered by HRIA" is set for Tuesday, November 5, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., room W309. Gain insights (and ask pressing questions) into the latest trends and best practices to help current and prospective builders navigate the business of building hot rods.
"Rick does a great job as moderator," said McCarthy. "The builders have typically achieved an incredibly high level of success, and it's a chance for people to hear them share their experiences, some of the bumps in the road they've overcome, and how they can help younger or up-and-coming builders thrive."
Celebrate With Hot Rodders
A highlight of Show Week, the HRIA Reception is one of many SEMA industry-specific council and network activities promoting networking and professional development at the SEMA Show.
HRIA pulls out all the stops at its annual awards reception. Set for Wednesday, November 6, 5:15 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. at the Westgate Paradise Center, the event, which donates proceeds from sponsored tables to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, draws more than 2,000 hot-rod industry professionals. Join the fun and network with industry friends and colleagues, enjoy snacks and beverages and ogle eye-catching display vehicles as the awards program kicks into high gear with emcee Kevin Oeste.
Award categories include Hall of Fame, Person of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year, plus a Design and Innovation Award recognizing a traditional, best-in-class build, and an Evolution of Hot Rodding Award in recognition of a forward-looking approach to design. HRIA's industry partners, NSRA and Goodguys, will also present awards.
"It's a who's who of the hot-rodding community," said McCarthy. "A celebration of some really cool builds and people. Anybody who's connected to the hot-rodding community is welcome to the event with open arms."
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Heads up, restylers, installers and builders. Want to discover new profit opportunities? Interested in learning strategies to offset business challenges? Want to grow your network within the restyling industry? Then take advantage of activities presented by SEMA's PRO council during Show Week.
Restyler Competition to Inspire New Ideas
The yearly PRO Cup Challenge awards top restyle packages for noteworthy vehicle platforms. Meant as inspiration, the packages can be duplicated by industry restylers to help drive dealership/industry sales.
Catch the action at the PRO Cup Challenge as six customized vehicles compete for the Challenge trophy and the Fan Favorite award. Located in the West Hall booth #50203, the competition offers restylers and builders inspirational and potentially lucrative platform ideas.
Challenge entries are crafted with an explicit purpose in mind. Each vehicle sports a unique accessory package designed to be easily replicated, appeal to a broad range of customers and help jump-start dealership sales and profits.
A judging panel will select the Challenge winner; attendees will choose the fan favorite. On-site signage allows attendees to scan QR codes and download information on each vehicle--enabling restylers to head home with brand-new ideas to merchandise to their customers.
"Our goal is to continue driving value and business to participating restylers and manufacturers," declared PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. "We intend to continue creating B2B collaboration opportunities for manufacturers to get their products in front of more builders and on building more media visibility and business opportunities for all participants."
Network, Talk Shop at PRO Happy Hour
Join colleagues at the PRO Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 6, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., at the PRO Cup Challenge exhibit in the West Hall.
Last year's annual PRO Reception on the terrace of the West Hall included music, food and drink, and plenty of casual networking.
"After a long and successful day at the Show, it's the perfect place to network with others in the industry and relax with a beer and friends," said McLaughlin. "We are also excited to award the PRO Cup Challenge winners and other notable restyling industry leaders."
PRO-Powered Education: Advance Your Career
Delivering educational programs to help advance the restyling industry has long been a council priority. This year's PRO-powered session is set for Thursday, November 7, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., room W316.
"Five Successful Strategies Restylers Use to Grow Business," a panel discussion moderated by Steve Gilmore, Ford Motor Company, explores the top five strategies crucial for running a successful restyling business. Panelists include Hannah Neal, Automotion Customs; Ron Leslie, Katzkin Leather; and Trim Illusions' McLaughlin.
"Our industry is ever evolving," said McLaughlin. "Considering much of our members' business comes from our dealership partners, the change in retail car sales impacts their business. Learn firsthand from a restyler and manufacturers how they have evolved and continue to grow their businesses."
SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
For more than three decades, SBN has provided resources to help industry women advance their careers, establish meaningful relationships and hone leadership skills. The group represents more than 550 professional women. In keeping with its mission, SBN is poised to present women-driven education and networking opportunities at this year's Show.
Connect and Engage
Link up with other industry women at "SBN: The Network Effect," 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 6. (Check the schedule at semashow.com or the SEMA Show app for more details.) Take advantage of this exclusive networking opportunity to engage with a community of like-minded female professionals. Exchange ideas, make new friends and contacts--and be sure to bring business cards.
SBN-Powered Education: The ABCs of AI
Gain a basic understanding of artificial intelligence at "Empower Yourself: Harnessing the Potential of AI for Women in the Automotive and Specialty-Equipment Market, Powered by SBN." On tap for 11:00 am.–12:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, room W309, the interactive seminar is tailored for beginners, and will cover an introduction to AI in the context of the automotive and specialty-equipment markets. Discover how AI can be leveraged to increase team output, learn about its capabilities, and how companies can leverage AI for business.
Advance Your Career
Learn new leadership skills at "The SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Connecting Women, Empowering Futures, Powered by SBN." Scheduled for Wednesday, November 6. 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., room W326 (fee-based session/registration required). Engage in thought-provoking keynotes, skill-building workshops, fireside chats, the Circle of Women networking luncheon and the popular C-suite Insights panel discussion.
SBN council events at the SEMA Show aim to support industry women through awards and recognition, educational seminars, and career-boosting social interaction.
"The symposium gives women a chance to collaborate and experience some aspects of our leadership forum and to see how SBN helps support women carve out their career paths and the different ways they can be connected to the industry," said SBN Chair Sara Morosan
Gear up for Gear-Up Girl!
Now in its 12th year, Gear-Up Girl has a long-standing reputation as one of SBN's most popular programs. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m., room W208 Pre-Function, the women-only gathering is a prime networking venue. An informal forum for female students and up-and-coming young industry women to learn about career opportunities, meet with seasoned professionals and make valuable connections.
SBN also uses the occasion to honor women in the industry. The #SheisSEMAWoman of the Year is awarded to an industry woman in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions to the automotive aftermarket.
The Jessi Combs Rising Star award, named in tribute to the late racer, recognizes a woman under the age of 30 who is making significant strides in advancing her aftermarket career along with paving the way for her peers.
"Gear-Up Girl is a great networking opportunity," said Morosan. "It's a chance for young women to meet industry women in leadership positions and learn more about career opportunities in our industry."
Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Members of TORA represent the collective interests of two vibrant market segments. Together, they form a potent coalition whose mission is to help shape the future of the off-road and truck-accessory industry. If you're engaged in this fast-growing market sector, be sure to check out two programs presented by TORA during the Show.
TORA-Powered Education: Sharpening Building Skills
TORA-powered education has become a Show staple for those engaged in the truck, off-road and overlanding sectors.
TORA is primed to power the "Truck & Off-Road Builders' Panel" on Tuesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., room W316. Moderator Sean P. Holman of "The Truck Show Podcast" will be joined by panelists Bond Gilmer of Rebel Offroad; 2023 TORA Retailer of the Year Todd Hanson from Truck Stuff; Dave Doetsch, Doetsch Offroad; and Tara Thompson of Dixie 4 Wheel Drive.
Fueled by the escalating popularity and influence of the off-road and overlanding scenes, truck and off-road accessories hold a prominent position in the marketplace. Hear what the pros consider to be some of the best aftermarket business opportunities. Gain valuable insights into current trends, strategies to tap into consumer demand and the future direction of the truck and off-road sectors.
TORA Vehicle Showcase
TORA's Feature Vehicle initiative is a council mainstay. And with the opening of the West Hall in 2021, the display has gained increasing exposure and prominence. Situated on the high-traffic walkway between the West and North Halls, the TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase spotlights the talents, craftsmanship and creativity of some of today's top-tier builders.
This year's exhibit is expected to highlight up to 10 modified vehicles representing several key categories emblematic of the truck and off-road segment: SUV, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, overland off-road, CUV/crossover and sideby-side.
For participating builders, retailers and restylers, the program provides a rare opportunity for unrivaled exposure. For supporting manufacturers it's a chance to achieve greater brand awareness. Additionally, a portion of the participants' feature vehicle fee is donated to SEMA Cares, the association's nonprofit entity in support of children and others in need.
Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC)
Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, retailer or service provider, take advantage of SEMA Show Week to learn more about how WTSBC--an all-volunteer group--works to provide resources and programs to address the council's educational, technical and communications needs.
WTSBC-Powered Education: Hear From the Experts
Join "Wheels up at 10: Vehicle Applications, Powered by WTSBC" on Thursday, November 7, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., room S226. Attend this expert panel discussion of key factors in properly modifying a vehicle with wheels, tires, suspension and brakes. Moderator Gary Ruede will lead the discussion on tangible skills accompanied by panelists Ryan Rutledge, Nick Cross, Miles Henderson and Dan Walker.
Learn how to find tire load at a given air pressure and how tire-rim widths are calculated. Other topics include lowering a vehicle, camber plates needed based on the amount lowered, as well as an overview of air suspension, alignment, brake upgrades and the overall effect on performance. These topics and more will be tackled during this interactive session.
