By Katie Carson
All SEMA council and network members and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the following events to network, advance their industry knowledge and learn about the latest initiatives:
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
ARMO Reception
Join ARMO at its awards reception, Tuesday, October 31, at 5:15 p.m., to celebrate the membership and leading companies and individuals in the automotive restoration industry. All ARMO members are encouraged to attend to enjoy dinner, beverages and networking. During an awards presentation, winners of the 2017 ARMO Person of the Year and ARMO Business of the Year will be announced. The New Products award winners from the ARMO Hot Products Showcase will also be recognized during the reception. The event will start after the close of the first day of the SEMA Show in Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14. Register now.
ARMO/HRIA Booth #23395
ARMO will once again share a booth with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). Because ARMO and HRIA have a crossover in membership, the shared space works well for cross-collaboration between council members. Select committee members will be at the booth throughout the Show to discuss the benefits of an ARMO membership and opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Six feature vehicles will be on display in the combined booth, three representing the restoration segment and three representing the hot-rod segment.
Classic vehicles will be unveiled in the booth, Tuesday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. Be among the first to lay eyes on these never-before-seen works of art from well-known hot-rod and restoration builders. The builders and owners of these vehicles will be in the booth afterward celebrating the vehicles, which will be on display for the remainder of the Show. These highly anticipated vehicles are sure to draw a crowd, so show up early to get a good vantage point. Photos are encouraged. Stop by booth #23395 any time during Show hours to network with restoration professionals and learn about the latest council initiatives.
ARMO General Membership Meeting
ARMO is holding a general membership meeting, Wednesday, November 1, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino conference rooms 4–6. All ARMO members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about the latest council initiatives and discuss industry-specific ideas and concerns. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 a.m. Register now.
Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO
In this education seminar, to be held Wednesday, November 1, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC room N258, moderator Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs and well-known restoration builders will discuss best business practices and how they have made careers out of their passion. Restoration builders, professionals, shop owners and enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this interactive discussion. Bring questions or challenges that your business is currently facing. Panelists will include: EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs; Tim Strange, Strange Motion; Frank Arone, Arone Restoration; Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; and Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom. Register now.
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
ETTN TecHub
ETTN will host a networking lunch immediately prior to its “Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; Smart, Cool and Connected” education session. The ETTN TecHub, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in LVCC room N261, is geared toward automotive technical, engineering and design professionals, and will feature food, beverages, networking, presentations and opportunities to discuss the latest automotive technology. During an awards ceremony, leading professionals will be recognized and celebrated with the network’s three annual awards that are presented to those who embody core ETTN values. ETTN select committee members and SEMA staff will be in on hand to talk about the network’s initiatives, resources available to members and opportunities to get more involved. Following lunch, attendees will walk over to N258 for John Waraniak’s previously mentioned vehicle technology session. Register now.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing with Confidence, Presented by ETTN
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a mix of active and passive safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies impact their products, installations and businesses. Register now.
Racing and Performance Forum: Golden Age of New Performance, Presented by ETTN
Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. Register now.
Performance Branding and Design Forum: Cars and Car Culture, Presented by ETTN
This forum will bring together brand leaders and design experts from both inside and outside the specialty-equipment industry to offer valuable insights, ideas and examples to help members create their own successful branding and design strategies. Register now.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Smart, Cool and Connected, Presented by ETTN
Attendees will learn from automotive leaders and technology experts how to compete in today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry and leverage new growth opportunities and technological advancements in connected cars, autonomous vehicles and new mobility solutions. Register now.
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
HRIA Reception
Join the HRIA as it gathers for an evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebrating individuals and companies that have led and continue to lead the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event kicks off after the close of the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., located in the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment off the Show floor. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. Rick Love of Vintage Air will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind hot rod from the HRIA builders challenge. Visit the silent auction table during the event or get competitive during the live auction later in the evening. All proceeds will go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities.
Companies may purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house by contacting Jim Skelly. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Act fast; these tables sell out quickly. Register now.
ARMO/HRIA Booth #23395
Catch HRIA members and select committee members in the HRIA booth located in Hot Rod Alley in Central Hall, booth #23395. HRIA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have historically shared one large booth space allowing cross collaboration between the two councils. The booth is commonly referred to as “Central Park” because it is always buzzing and has nice sitting areas for meeting other industry and council members. Within the booth are six display vehicles, three from the restoration segment and three from the hot-rod segment. Two of the booth display vehicles will start the Show until the reveal Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
Hot Rod Builders Panel, Powered by HRIA
On Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join in on an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.
Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
TORA Reception—New Location!
All light-truck accessory industry professionals are encouraged to attend the annual TORA reception, which will take place Wednesday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. The reception will be held in the SCORE off-road tent in front of the South Hall. Join the council for beverages, appetizers and an evening of networking with industry friends. The iconic Pinewood Drag Races will also take place at the reception. Sponsor a vehicle by donating to SEMA Cares children’s charities and watch your pinewood compete against the others. There will also be a raffle for door prizes; all proceeds go to the charities. An awards ceremony will be held to honor leading companies and individuals in the light-truck industry. Register now.
Truck Market Happy Hour, presented by TORA
Join council members, select committee members and SEMA staff for a happy hour on the Show floor, Tuesday, October 31, from 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in the TORA Booth #34177. Surrounded by the hottest truck builds in the world, attendees will enjoy free beverages and conversation with fellow truck and off-road industry associates. There is always much excitement and buzz surrounding the SEMA Show; what better way to wind down from the first day than swapping stories with industry friends and making new connections? Register now.
TORA Booth #34177
The TORA booth at the 2017 SEMA Show will be located in the Upper South Hall of the LVCC, centrally located among its member companies. The space serves as a place for industry members to connect, network and take a break from walking the Show. Select-committee members will be in the booth to talk about the benefits of an TORA membership and the resources that are available to member companies. The booth will have a vehicle on display from the TORA Feature Vehicle Program. Be sure to check out the modifications and customization that went into creating the one-of-a-kind vehicle. The council will have a total of six feature vehicles displayed throughout the Show.
Media Preview Exclusive, presented by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (**Open to media only)
Selected TORA manufacturing members who are exhibiting at the SEMA Show will bring their hottest products from their booths to display for dedicated media attention. The event, to be held Monday, October 30, from 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., in the Media Center, located on the Skybridge in the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a great opportunity for the media, as they will have a sneak peek at some of the hottest light-truck accessory products at the SEMA Show. Members of the media will be able to see, touch, photograph and inquire about the products on display, getting a head start on their full week of Show activities. With the event being held one day before the SEMA Show floor opens, media can have dedicated conversations with manufacturers that may be difficult to have while they are in their booths on the Show floor. New this year, the event format will switch to a two-hour preview, so both exhibitors and media can expect a busy floor. For media registration, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org.
Industry Trends: Truck and Off-Road Insights, Powered by TORA
The pickup and Jeep markets have been hot lately. Hosted by Gavin Knapp, SEMA Market Research will present findings from the latest research and industry trends to help attendees target these key sectors. This session, to be held October 31, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC N253, will be valuable for TORA members and anyone in the truck and off-road market. Register now.
Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Manufacturers Rep Roundup and Awards Program
SEMA Show manufacturers’ reps are invited to attend a networking event, Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in SEMA Central, located in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, will provide an update on the network’s latest initiatives and discuss the state of the industry. The MRN will also recognize and celebrate leading professionals and companies during the awards portion of the event. MRN members, select committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to discuss membership and the resources and benefits available through the MRN. Register now.
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
PRO Reception
Join PRO and fellow restylers for an evening of networking, celebration, food, beverages, a live band and door prizes on the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino pool deck, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the close of the first day of the 2017 SEMA Show by catching up with industry friends as the sun sets over the Las Vegas Strip. PRO holds its annual reception as a means of celebrating its members and the advancement of the restyling industry as a whole. Leading individuals and companies in the restyling segment will be honored during an awards ceremony. Register now.
PRO Happy Hour
PRO will host a happy hour in its booth, #12579, Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Join PRO members and fellow restylers to wind down from a long day on the Show floor with free beverages and engaging conversation. Learn more about the benefits of a PRO membership and connect with select committee members who can help you get plugged in. The council offers many volunteer opportunities that lend a way to give back to the industry. Register now.
PRO General Membership Meeting
Join PRO for breakfast and a general membership meeting, Thursday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC N234. This event will serve as a great opportunity to hear council updates directly from PRO leadership and learn about the benefits and resources available to PRO members. Meeting attendees will openly discuss the state of the industry, voice concerns about roadblocks their companies are facing and learn how the council can work toward solutions. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. Register now.
PRO Booth #12579
PRO will have a booth located among its members in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2017 SEMA Show. Throughout the week, Show attendees will find PRO members, members of the council’s select committee and SEMA staff in the booth, networking and chatting about the latest restyling trends. Show attendees are encouraged to stop by any time during Show hours to learn more about PRO and membership benefits for your company.
Vehicle Accessorization: Uncover the Secrets of Sales Success, Powered by PRO
Knowing how to market your shop’s products and services with confidence is vital to sales success. Discover the essential elements of a sales strategy as industry experts reveal tactics to grow your customer base. Gain valuable insider tips on selling and restyling trends, plus innovative ideas on developing profit-generating accessory programs. Up your game: learn how to earn a sales professional certificate. Whether you run a restyling center or a truck-accessory outfit and sell to retail or car-dealer clientele, this session delivers practical information to navigate the sales process and position your company as a market leader. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.
Industry Trends: Planning for the Future—New Vehicle Technologies, Powered by PRO
Connected and automated vehicle technologies, advanced driver-assist systems and other mobility options will significantly improve safety. The aftermarket industry is playing an increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing many of these systems and technologies on the 250 million vehicles already on U.S. roads. Listen and learn as a panel of experts discusses how advanced vehicle technology is transforming the automotive and aftermarket industries and specialists explore the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving vehicle technologies and mobility options. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC N252. Register now.
Five Key Trends to Boost a Restyling Shop’s Business, Powered by PRO
Get dialed in to the latest restyling trends. Understand how to transform trends into exciting, profit-boosting accessory packages. Listen and learn as experienced top-tier restylers share effective marketing strategies in this fast-paced, information-packed session, to be held Thursday, November 2, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Gear-Up Girl, Powered by SBN
Entering its sixth year, Gear-Up Girl, powered by the SBN, to be held Monday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in LVCC N264, is designed to connect women currently working in the industry with female students who aspire to become automotive aftermarket professionals. The event serves not only as a networking opportunity for professionals, but also as an opportunity to give back and to see the excited interest in today’s female youth. Share your story. Something you say might inspire the next automotive company female CEO. An awards ceremony also takes place during the event to highlight leading women. Register now.
SBN Reception
Join SBN for an evening of celebration and networking at its annual reception during the SEMA Show, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Ballroom D. There is no better way to close out the second day of the Show than by mingling with fellow industry women while enjoying finger foods and beverages. SBN select committee members will work the room networking with members and those who are interested in joining. These women are great resources for any questions you may have about the network. They will also be able to tell attendees how to become more involved in volunteering. Register now.
Women in Leadership Roundtable, Powered by SBN
There are plenty of statistics tracking the percentage of women in the workforce, their qualifications and their salaries. But the data doesn’t show us the whole picture. It doesn’t assess how women feel, how they fare in their day-to-day businesses or the challenges they encounter. Join a diverse panel of expert women professionals for a candid conversation on the workplace. This session will take place Wednesday, November 1, from 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N262. Register now.
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
WTC Reception
Join the WTC and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages. Discuss all that is happening in the wheel and tire industry and exchange special moments and must-see attractions from the 2017 SEMA Show. During an awards presentation, a wheel and tire industry pioneer will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame. Register now.
Coffee and Conversation, Presented by WTC
Come out and enjoy bagels and coffee with the WTC, Thursday, November 2, at 8:00 a.m., outside of the Global Tire Expo, located in the Lower South Hall. Get your day started with energy and engaging conversations on the latest wheel and tire trends. Learn about updates to council initiatives and resources that are available to member companies. Select committee members and SEMA staff will be on hand to discuss how individuals can become more involved in the industry through WTC. Register now.
Young Executives Network (YEN)
YEN Reception
YEN is hosting its annual reception, Tuesday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. YEN Select Committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives, and the event will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The network names one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrates an individual who actively supports young people in the industry by presenting them the YEN Vanguard Award. Register now.
YEN General Membership Meeting and Mixer
YEN is holding a general membership meeting and networking opportunity, Monday, October 30, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in LVCC N242. This is great opportunity to catch up with fellow YENsters and hear updates on the latest network initiatives from the select committee. If you are not a member, this event serves as the perfect opportunity to meet fellow young professionals, mingle with network leadership, learn about the benefits of a YEN membership and join at no cost. Register now.
SEMA Launch Pad—the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas
The SEMA Launch Pad program is moving dates and locations this year, and is expected to triple in attendance. The event will be held Monday, October 30, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater. Attendees will witness the premier automotive aftermarket business competition for young entrepreneurs. After more than 100 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges, who will decide the ultimate winner for the 2017 program. Designed to take their business and product to the next level, the grand prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2018, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now to attend the live competition.
Creating Profitable Content, Presented by YEN
Whether you are a creative in the marketing department, a business owner or just interested in where digital advertising dollars go, this is the seminar for you. Moderated by last year’s SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year Jonathan Mill, along with a panel of industry experts, this seminar will delve into the creation of digital content, how to effectively market it and how to quantify the profitability. This session will take place Tuesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N256. Register now.
