By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation (AB 5) designed to curb businesses’ use of independent contractors. Largely aimed at gig economy technology platforms such as Uber, the new law codifies a 2018 California Supreme Court decision (Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court) and goes into effect January 1, 2020.

The Dynamex decision implemented what is known as the ABC test, which classifies a worker as an employee if a company controls what they do, their tasks are part of the company’s core business and if the worker does not run an independent business doing the same tasks. Workers deemed employees are then entitled to minimum wage and benefits.

AB 5 narrows the scope of the Dynamex decision as several occupations are exempt from the new test. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have each pledged $30 million to fund a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the law.

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

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in ADAS, how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in secnd grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@sema.org.

By Kristopher Porter

Bob Morreale

On October 3, from 11:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m., SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a Live Chat featuring The Tuning School’s Bob Morreale on “How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Driving Your Car Into the Future!”

During this highly anticipated ETTN Live Chat, Morreale will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in ADAS, how artificial neural networks are being used to control engines and the future of AI. A Live Chat is an open Q&A where participants will have the chance to communicate directly with Morreale and ask him questions about the topic.

Through his experience at The Tuning School, Morreale has mastered a balance between being a leader and the guy who loves to do the research and development necessary to grow his company. During his career, he has developed his skillset geared toward computer engineering and vehicle controls. He mainly specializes in research and development of automotive engine controls and factory engine control modules (ECM). Working with computers and programming had become a second nature when he started working with computers in secnd grade during the ’80s.

“I have specialized in understanding and teaching the process of reprogramming GM, Ford and Dodge ECMs, and have written multiple books on the subject,”  Morreale said.

Currently, he is involved in the process of artificial Intelligence development as it relates to artificial neural networks controlling vehicle engines of the future. In the past, Morreale has given tech talks at conferences, such as the PRI Trade Show, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) and many others.

Join the ETTN on October 3, at 11:00 a.m., on the ETTN Facebook page.

For more information, contact: Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of councils and networks, at bryanh@sema.org.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Aeromotive Truck GM Truck Fuel Pumps Aeromotive announces the release of its line of truck fuel pumps. The line of pumps includes single- and dual-pump configurations for ’99–’04 GM pickup models; and single-, dual- and triple-pump setups for ’05–’18 models. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18314
Deatschwerks Aluminum Vice Jaws Deatschwerks announces the release of its Aluminum Vice jaws. The wrenches are made of CNC-machined, heat-treated, hard-anodized orange aluminum. They have been engineered to work with DW’s growing fittings offering. The adjustable wrench is designed for use in the shop, in the pit or the staging lanes. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com PN: 6-02-1009
Yukon Gear & Axle Ring & Pinion Selection Yukon Gear & Axle introduces ring and pinion selections with ratio options that range from 3.45:1 to 5.38:1 for the new Jeep Gladiator (JT) pickup. Gladiator enthusiasts are now able to upgrade to Yukon gears with a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1, 5.13:1 and 5.38:1 to give you the widest selection in the market. 800-347-1188 www.randysworldwide.com YG D30JL-411R
Edelbrock Performer RPM 540hp Kit for GM Big-Blocks Edelbrock has released its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’65–’95 big-block Chevy 396-454 V-8 engines. The kit is engineered to produced 540 hp and is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. The kit includes RPM Air-Gap intake manifolds, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2095
Edelbrock Performer RPM 482hp Kit for Chrysler 383 Edelbrock introduces its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’68–’79 Big-Block Chrysler 383 V8 engines. The kit is engineered to produce 482 hp. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. The kit includes an RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2087

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Aeromotive Truck GM Truck Fuel Pumps Aeromotive announces the release of its line of truck fuel pumps. The line of pumps includes single- and dual-pump configurations for ’99–’04 GM pickup models; and single-, dual- and triple-pump setups for ’05–’18 models. 913-647-7300 www.aeromotiveinc.com PN: 18314
Deatschwerks Aluminum Vice Jaws Deatschwerks announces the release of its Aluminum Vice jaws. The wrenches are made of CNC-machined, heat-treated, hard-anodized orange aluminum. They have been engineered to work with DW’s growing fittings offering. The adjustable wrench is designed for use in the shop, in the pit or the staging lanes. 800-419-6023 www.deatschwerks.com PN: 6-02-1009
Yukon Gear & Axle Ring & Pinion Selection Yukon Gear & Axle introduces ring and pinion selections with ratio options that range from 3.45:1 to 5.38:1 for the new Jeep Gladiator (JT) pickup. Gladiator enthusiasts are now able to upgrade to Yukon gears with a choice of seven ratio options: 3.45:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1, 5.13:1 and 5.38:1 to give you the widest selection in the market. 800-347-1188 www.randysworldwide.com YG D30JL-411R
Edelbrock Performer RPM 540hp Kit for GM Big-Blocks Edelbrock has released its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’65–’95 big-block Chevy 396-454 V-8 engines. The kit is engineered to produced 540 hp and is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm. The kit includes RPM Air-Gap intake manifolds, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2095
Edelbrock Performer RPM 482hp Kit for Chrysler 383 Edelbrock introduces its Performer RPM Top End Kit designed for ’68–’79 Big-Block Chrysler 383 V8 engines. The kit is engineered to produce 482 hp. The kit is designed to deliver improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. The kit includes an RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Performer RPM cylinder heads, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain and an Edelbrock gasket set. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 2087

By SEMA Editors

Jessi Combs

On Sunday, September 22, the Petersen Automotive Museum will open a temporary exhibit, located in the William E. Connor Penthouse, honoring the life and accomplishments of Jessi Combs, also known as “The Fastest Woman on Four Wheels.” Combs tragically passed August 27, 2019, while attempting to set a land-speed record. Admission to the temporary exhibition is by suggested donation with proceeds benefitting The Jessi Combs Foundation.

The “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” exhibition will feature objects from Combs’ workshop and studio in Long Beach, California. Items on display will include several of her motorcycles, personal notebooks and memorabilia, original Chip Foose drawings from her time on “Overhaulin’,” personal notebooks, welding jackets and racing helmets, as well as various accolades, including her Baja and Great Race medals.

“Jessi Combs was an inspiration to the entire automotive community,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This exhibit is an opportunity to move people, especially the future generation of women builders and enthusiasts, through Jessi’s incredible life story.”

Throughout her life, Combs sought to explore the relationship between women and machine, as a means to continually push and break stereotypical boundaries. As one of the few prominent female fabricators of her era, she endeavored to create programs and safe spaces that encouraged education and dialogue about the industrial arts for women. “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” seeks to further that effort, establishing a base for which The Jessi Combs Foundation can grow. The mission of the foundation is to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of female trailblazers and stereotype-breakers. Its guiding principle is the simple question, “What Would Jessi Do?”

“Jessi was the most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know,” said Jessi Combs’ long-term partner Terry Madden. “Her appetite for living life on the edge and pursuing her dreams to the fullest is an inspiration to me and all who knew her. The Jessi Combs Foundation will motivate young women who looked up to Jessi, empowering them to uncover their inner confidence and abilities so they, too, can achieve their dreams.”

“Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” will run through Wednesday, September 25, 2019, and is free to the general public. Visitors are still required to pay standard general admission prices if they would like to view other Petersen Museum exhibitions.

For more information, visit www.petersen.org/jessi.

By SEMA Editors

With just seven weeks until the 2019 SEMA Show kicks off, exhibitors should use the Exhibitor Services Manual to stay on top of their deadlines.

The 2019 SEMA Show is about seven weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Enter the New Products Showcase – Reach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The New Products Showcase features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—the SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2020 issue of SEMA News.

The New Products Showcase area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains enormously popular with buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if received by Friday, October 11, and $150 thereafter. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Five Las Vegas hotels, including the Stratosphere, are offering nightly rates less than $150 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

Reserve Hotel Rooms – Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight-Transportation Special

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

Exhibitors who are participating in the 2019 SEMA Show and the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• September 20 - Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
  
• September 26 - Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight

• October 1 - Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• October 4 - Fabric Graphics–Freeman
• October 4 - Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• October 4 - Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)
• October 18 – Carpet and Booth Cleaning Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Electrical Order – LVCC Exhibits (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Labor – Hanging Sign/Banner (LVCC) – Freeman
• October 18 – Rigging Equipment – Labor Order – Freeman
• October 18 – Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate) – Exhibits at LVCC – Freeman
• October 21 - Booth Catering Order Service – Centerplate
• October 22 – Tents/Canopies – Full Circle Events

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

With just seven weeks until the 2019 SEMA Show kicks off, exhibitors should use the Exhibitor Services Manual to stay on top of their deadlines.

The 2019 SEMA Show is about seven weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist - Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Enter the New Products Showcase – Reach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing the segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The New Products Showcase features a Promo Package, which is offered to exhibitors through the new products entry form as an optional upgrade. This is a great opportunity for exhibitors to add value and additional exposure to their presence in the New Products Showcase—the SEMA Show’s No. 1 buyer and media destination.

The cost is $499 per product and includes the following:

• Company logo carpet ad (2x2 ft.) in the New Products Showcase.
• A meter panel listing at the New Products Showcase entrance.
• Enhanced product listing in the January 2020 issue of SEMA News.

The New Products Showcase area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains enormously popular with buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $75 per product category if received by Friday, October 11, and $150 thereafter. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Five Las Vegas hotels, including the Stratosphere, are offering nightly rates less than $150 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

Reserve Hotel Rooms – Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Exhibitors who have not yet secured hotels for the 2019 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service other than OnPeak that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or AAPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight-Transportation Special

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

Exhibitors who are participating in the 2019 SEMA Show and the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• September 20 - Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
  
• September 26 - Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight

• October 1 - Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• October 4 - Fabric Graphics–Freeman
• October 4 - Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• October 4 - Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)
• October 18 – Carpet and Booth Cleaning Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Electrical Order – LVCC Exhibits (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• October 18 – Labor – Hanging Sign/Banner (LVCC) – Freeman
• October 18 – Rigging Equipment – Labor Order – Freeman
• October 18 – Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate) – Exhibits at LVCC – Freeman
• October 21 - Booth Catering Order Service – Centerplate
• October 22 – Tents/Canopies – Full Circle Events

More information on the 2019 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

A six-time featured SEMA builder, Steven Ellis knows a thing or two about custom builds. Named one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” in 2017, Ellis owns and operates Urban Garage in Northern Arizona, where he offers a wide variety of vehicle maintenance and aftermarket fabrication services.

A six-time featured SEMA builder, Steven Ellis knows a thing or two about custom builds. Named one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” in 2017, Ellis owns and operates Urban Garage in Northern Arizona, where he offers a wide variety of vehicle maintenance and aftermarket fabrication services.