By SEMA Editors

Every year, the Las Vegas Convention Center is filled with hundreds of world-class vehicles and builds as part of the exclusive Feature Vehicle Display at the SEMA Show. The cars--which span all categories and applications of the aftermarket--are submitted by Show exhibitors looking to expand their footprint beyond their booth.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Display application by Friday, July 28. Additional vehicles will be considered on a space-available basis. Exhibiting companies with multiple vehicle application submissions will be asked to rank submissions based on priority. For the complete rules, visit here. 

The program not only directs buyers and media to exhibitors' booths but also provides invaluable pre-Show exposure. Each vehicle accepted into this program will be featured in the SEMA Show app with the vehicle's image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder's name, and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers

In addition, exhibitors can also request information on how to enter the vehicle into the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers. The prestigious competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds.

Note that applying for BOTB does not grant a vehicle a spot at the SEMA Show. Applicants must secure a display as an exhibitor's booth vehicle or as part of an exhibitor's Feature Vehicle Display entry. The deadline for BOTB is Friday, October 13.

More Information

For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here. For more information on the Feature Vehicle application, contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with onPeak, SEMA has secured exclusive discounted rates at a wide selection of Las Vegas hotels for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. To help ease travel plans, onPeak--the only official hotel provider for the SEMA Show--offers convenient housing options with flexible change and cancellation policies. SEMA encourages exhibitors and attendees to book through onPeak today for the best selection and prices.

Book an attendee hotel here.

Book an exhibitor hotel here.

Don't See the Hotel You're Looking For? Just Ask! 

SEMA Show management does its best to offer the best selection of Las Vegas hotels based on demand and popularity. But, there are countless hotels in Vegas--if you don't see the property you want to stay at, we can still try to get you a great deal. Contact onPeak for help at semaaapex@onpeak.com or 866-611-8831.

By SEMA Editors

A prototype of the '24 Hyundai Tucson--which will make its way to dealers late this year--has been spotted undergoing testing in the Australian Alps.

A trio of four-cylinder engines--a 2.0-L, 1.6-L turbo and 2.0-L turbo-diesel (in European markets)--are expected to remain available, alongside the anticipated addition of the hybrid version.

While much of the car is covered, what appears to be a different grille pattern and new alloy wheels are visible. The distinctive front daytime-running lights integrated into the grille--with the main headlight beams below--appear to carry over, as do the claw-like taillights.

'24 Jeep Gladiator Seen Testing Near Detroit

Sources have captured the '24 Jeep Gladiator testing just outside of Detroit. The prototype, caught in white, appears to be the High Altitude trim and, surprisingly, is entirely free of any exterior camouflage.

The Gladiator features a refreshed grille and minor alterations to the rear end, indicating that Jeep has made some subtle but effective changes to enhance the overall design.

By SEMA Editors

Kahn Media--the full-service marketing agency specializing in the automotive, outdoor and luxury/lifestyle markets--has received three industry gold awards recognizing its 2022 public relations and influencer marketing campaigns.

Most recently, Kahn Media received a Hermes Creative Award, which honors the creative industry's best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, advertising, marketing and communication programs. Kahn Media was recognized in the Media Relations and Press Kit Strategic Campaigns category for its '90s-themed campaign for Bring a Trailer.

Kahn Media also received gold from the Stevie Awards, which recognizes the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Kahn Media took top honors in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year-Influencer Management category for its work with the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

The Titan Business Awards, an international awards platform that recognizes and honors significant achievements across a wide range of industries, selected Kahn Media as a gold winner in the PR & Communications-Best Media Relations Strategy category for its efforts surrounding Ringbrothers' four custom vehicle debuts at the 2022 SEMA Show.

By Kristin Goodwin

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) is a long-established tradition to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive industry.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at this year's Gala, Friday, July 21, in Anaheim, California, to honor the 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees.

Since its inception in 1976, the Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized and the outgoing Directors are thanked. In addition, SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a passion and love for the industry--and join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees' lifetime achievements--during an evening with cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited; a full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets. 

The event will take place at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W. Convention Way).

Register for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Two customized Jeeps and one customized 4Runner, modified as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, are now available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com. 

Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers and was built by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.  

The public is invited to bid on the vehicles in the auctions currently running on BringaTrailer.com.

Check out each build below and learn more by visiting the auction link for each. Bidding closes Wednesday, July 5.

Mon Valley Career & Technology Center | 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Wichita Falls Career Education Center | 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School | 1996 4Runner  

Bid and learn more here.

These builds wouldn't be possible without the amazing support and generosity of the sponsors who helped make this happen. To see a complete list of the supporters, visit sema.org/student-builds#sponsors. 

For more details about the program and the vehicles, visit sema.org/student-builds.

By Ashley Reyes

A collaborative environment between men and women in the workplace is essential to building a strong, supportive environment for all professionals. In the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry, establishing an organization in which women are supported by their male counterparts fosters innovation and success.

SEMA members are invited to the second session of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Male Ally Webinar Series, Real Life Scenarios: Examples of Male Ally Support, on Tuesday, July 25 at 12:00 p.m. PDT to hear from a panel of industry leaders as they share real-life scenarios of how men can further support women in their roles.

Senior Business Leader Randall Speir, Justin Perret of Oracle Lighting and Mark Taylor of Kam Marketing will give examples of successes and failures that they have experienced while being an ally to women, provide solutions for how to improve the working relationship between men and women, and share tips for how women can react to or interpret male allyship.

Attendees will walk away knowing how to start the effort of being a male ally, how to spread the mindset within their teams and why a male ally program is needed. Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members can take advantage of money-saving benefits that will help them get their products to market through exclusive services offered by the SEMA Garage. Conveniently located as a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility in Diamond Bar, California, and a 45,000-sq.-ft. location in Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage offers the tools, technology and services that members need to get their innovations to market--as well as the space necessary to work efficiently and accurately.

Installation Center 

Both SEMA Garage locations offer state-of-the-art installation centers that members can access for free. The studio-quality environments are fully equipped with vehicle bays, lifts and tools that members can utilize to test-fit product prototypes, create installation videos or install components on a project vehicle. In addition to having maximum flexibility and space to achieve their goals, business members are able to access SEMA's on-site team of engineers who can answer questions and assist with product development tools.

Training Center

Available at $500 a day (a $350 discount off the $850 non-member price), both garages offer fully equipped training facilities that companies can use for a variety of functions, ranging from new-product reveals to company educational sessions. The training centers are equipped with a suite of presentation and sound equipment, as well as a kitchen for catering and breaks, or catering can be provided upon request. The seating capacity at the Diamond Bar location is 150 and 90 for the Detroit facility.

As SEMA members continue to develop cutting-edge products and accessories that add enjoyment to vehicle ownership, the SEMA Garage is available to help businesses get their ideas off the drawing board and into the hands of customers. To learn more about SEMA Garage services, including the installation and training centers, 3D scanning and printing, ADAS testing, vehicle measuring sessions and emissions testing, as well as discounts available, visit semagarage.com or contact SEMA membership at 909-610-2030.