By SEMA Editors

Educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show, which attracts more than 162,000 industry professionals annually.

Applications are now being accepted for industry leaders who would like to host a seminar at the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. The association is especially interested in speakers with experience in retail, small-business operations, economic trends and niche markets, such as off-road and powersports.

Educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show, which attracts more than 162,000 industry professionals annually. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

“The SEMA Show is the premier gathering for the automotive aftermarket, and the Show’s educational program is among the top conferences in the world,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “In addition to coming to see new products, SEMA Show participants come to learn new skills and find new ideas. We’re looking for experts who will be able to provide companies with the competitive edge they need to succeed.”

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five-dozen sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2020 education program will focus on issues currently affecting businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

Topics of interest for the 2020 SEMA Show are:

• Truck and Off-Road
• Business Issues and Solutions
• eCommerce
• Electric and Alternate Fuel Vehicles
• Technical Training and Fabrication
• Vehicle Customization
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Brand Development
• Digital Marketing

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

“SEMA Show Education is focused on providing attendees with practical, real-world insights that will take their business to the next level,” said SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark. “Professional speakers and automotive industry leaders who can share their knowledge and expertise with the aftermarket are encouraged to submit a proposal.”

Potential speakers have until February 21 to apply. Speaker entries will be answered by June 2020.

For more details, contact Clark at zanec@sema.org or 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Restoration Tech
Wilco Classics & Speed is adding experienced members to its fast-growing team. Successful candidates must have experience in automotive/classic vehicles, be a forward thinker and problem solver. Wilco Classics & Speed specializes in complete restorations and custom builds. The company provides paid vacations and flexible schedules. 

Automotive Restoration Technician
Don’s East Coast Restorations is looking for an experienced mechanical technician with experience in the auto restoration industry. Chevrolet knowledge is a plus, but not necessary. Candidates must be self-starters and possess diagnostic skills. Vehicles mostly include ’50s to early ’70s cars. Candidates must have their own tools and be able to handle custom engine and transmission installations; electrical wiring, suspension and brake installations; final body assembly, such as exterior trim, bumpers and some glass work; and interior assembly work, such as dashboard and door panel assembly. Mechanical experience is required.

Maintenance Technician
FOX Factory Inc. has an opening for a maintenance technician. The position is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing and preventative maintenance of all production-related equipment. This position is also responsible for assisting other departments as necessary to resolve issues related to the production process. Part of the responsibilities include:  supporting the production team; troubleshooting and repairing various types of pumps, motors, drives, electrical controls and safeties in a timely manner, ensuring production goals can be met; and the ability to perform and resolve facility-related maintenance tasks and issues.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

By SEMA Editors

Jesse Jones

Jesse Jones Named Engine Pro President

Engine Parts Group Inc. has appointed Jesse Jones as president of the engine parts distribution group. Jones has vast experience with both automotive aftermarket and OE suppliers, including senior management positions at MAHLE Clevite, Dana Inc. and Cometic Gaskets. Jones began his new position February 10, and will be based in Michigan, close to many of the group’s supplier partners and central to the national Engine Pro distributor network. He will be responsible for the group’s overall leadership, including growth initiatives and strategic planning. His focus will include strengthening the group’s supplier programs and relationships, expanding product line coverage, and developing new market opportunities.

Mark Turner Steps Down as CEO of Daystar Products International

On February 3, Mark Turner, CEO of Daystar Products International, changed his role with the company. He is no longer CEO; however, he will continue working for the company developing products and working as brand ambassador to promote Daystar and its related brands. All inquiries related to sales and marketing should be directed to Kelly Davis, general manager. All other issues, including operations and finance, should be directed to Tom Schneider, chief financial officer.

The Tecnicentros Mundial locations in Caguas, San Juan Centro, Rio Piedras, Campo Rico, Dorado, and Ponce will be converted to Pep Boys-branded service centers.

Icahn Automotive Acquires Tecnicentros Mundial

Icahn Automotive, which owns and operates Pep Boys, has completed its acquisition of Tecnicentros Mundial—a six-location automotive service chain in Puerto Rico. The Tecnicentros Mundial locations in Caguas, San Juan Centro, Rio Piedras, Campo Rico, Dorado, and Ponce will be converted to Pep Boys-branded service centers, and employees at those locations will join the Pep Boys team. The acquisition will increase the number of Pep Boys locations on the island to 33, of which 30 locations will provide automotive service. The company will also acquire an existing warehouse facility.

Ironman 4x4 Hires Justin MacLauchlan as Marketing Manager

Ironman 4x4 has announced that Justin MacLauchlan has joined the company as marketing manager responsible for conceiving and executing marketing strategies and tactics that drive brand exposure and sales growth. In addition to sales goals, MacLauchlan will help overall brand development and messaging in the marketplace. With the team’s guidance, Ironman is looking to enlarge its marketing efforts to provide a stronger presence across North America. MacLauchlan comes to Ironman 4x4 by way of PIAA Corp., where he was the brand manager in charge of overall marketing efforts. He has years of experience in the automotive industry, with more than 10 years in various marketing, design and advertising positions.

QA1 Launches New, More Streamlined Website

On the heels of a rebrand with a more modern logo and look, QA1 has launched a website to reflect the new branding and vision for the company. The new site is designed to offer improved navigation, a more prominent Tech Center and a better integration of QA1’s different markets. The new site features a prominent vehicle filter in the Automotive section and various configuration options for products across all markets. According to the company, the site is more streamlined and offers smoother navigation and more imagery than the previous site, which launched in 2014.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Among the speakers providing insight will be SEMA’s Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, who will explain the ways to avoid the most common pitfalls that exhibitors experience.

Registration for the 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is open. The Exhibitor Summit, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for Wednesday–Thursday, June 24–25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Register for the 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit.

The SEMA Show Summit event brings together individuals who are new to the Show with experienced exhibitors looking to generate the most business and recognition through Show week. All attendees will benefit from sessions conducted by experienced trade show pros as they cover how to properly budget, identify existing time-saving programs that they may not be using, and generate more foot traffic, along with best practices for post-Show follow-up, avoid misleading vendors claiming to be official Show partners, and much more.

Among the speakers providing insight will be Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, who will explain the ways to avoid the most common pitfalls that exhibitors experience. The mission of the event is to help all attendees regardless of trade-show experience by limiting the cost and time needed to prepare for November.

In addition to the sessions, exhibitors will also be able to meet with their perspective Show sales rep. Sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors who have general Show questions, who are seeking sponsorship opportunities or who want to stretch their Show budgets through no-cost, value-added programs.

Cost for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is intentionally low, with hotels, meals and workshops covered by SEMA. The only expense that attendees will incur is transportation to and from the event.

To register and for more information, visit the SEMA Show website. To learn more about the 2020 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2020 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

Among the speakers providing insight will be SEMA’s Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, who will explain the ways to avoid the most common pitfalls that exhibitors experience.

Registration for the 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is open. The Exhibitor Summit, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for Wednesday–Thursday, June 24–25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Register for the 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit.

The SEMA Show Summit event brings together individuals who are new to the Show with experienced exhibitors looking to generate the most business and recognition through Show week. All attendees will benefit from sessions conducted by experienced trade show pros as they cover how to properly budget, identify existing time-saving programs that they may not be using, and generate more foot traffic, along with best practices for post-Show follow-up, avoid misleading vendors claiming to be official Show partners, and much more.

Among the speakers providing insight will be Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, who will explain the ways to avoid the most common pitfalls that exhibitors experience. The mission of the event is to help all attendees regardless of trade-show experience by limiting the cost and time needed to prepare for November.

In addition to the sessions, exhibitors will also be able to meet with their perspective Show sales rep. Sales representatives are the first point of contact for exhibitors who have general Show questions, who are seeking sponsorship opportunities or who want to stretch their Show budgets through no-cost, value-added programs.

Cost for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is intentionally low, with hotels, meals and workshops covered by SEMA. The only expense that attendees will incur is transportation to and from the event.

To register and for more information, visit the SEMA Show website. To learn more about the 2020 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2020 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, in Las Vegas.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation (H.B. 3899) has been introduced in Oklahoma to require front and rear license plates on all vehicles.

SEMA-opposed legislation (H.B. 3899) has been introduced in Oklahoma to require front and rear license plates on all vehicles. Currently, vehicles are required to display only a single, rear-mounted license plate. If passed, H.B. 3899 would fail to protect the aesthetic contours of collector cars and force vehicle owners to take on the burden and cost of having to create mounting holes on bumpers.

The bill awaits consideration in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation (H.B. 3899) has been introduced in Oklahoma to require front and rear license plates on all vehicles.

SEMA-opposed legislation (H.B. 3899) has been introduced in Oklahoma to require front and rear license plates on all vehicles. Currently, vehicles are required to display only a single, rear-mounted license plate. If passed, H.B. 3899 would fail to protect the aesthetic contours of collector cars and force vehicle owners to take on the burden and cost of having to create mounting holes on bumpers.

The bill awaits consideration in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.