What a difference a year makes. While the first High Performance and Custom Trade Show drew about 100 exhibitors to the drafty halls of Dodger Stadium in 1967, the second edition a year later moved to the modern, well-lit Anaheim Convention Center, where 140 exhibitors used 201 10x10-ft. booths to display their products and make their 1968 sales pitches to 3,800 distributors and dealers from all over this country, Mexico and Canada.

Ray Brock, publisher of Hot Rod Industry News (HRIN), proudly trotted out those facts in his editorial column for the trade magazine’s February 1968 issue, which featured extensive event coverage.

Already, attendees and show organizers—as well as Brock and other HRIN writers—were abbreviating the event’s cumbersome official name to “The SEMA Show,” helped, no doubt, by the SEMA-themed banners hung throughout the hall. The 1968 event kicked off with a cocktail and dinner party for the exhibitors, hosted by Robert E. and Margie Petersen at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. On Thursday night, SEMA’s annual holiday banquet closed the show. In between were shop tours, product demonstrations and lots of face time in the booths. “Activities for the ladies” included sightseeing trips to historic Olvera Street and the “newly moored” Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Among the trends cited by writer Bob Leif in his show coverage: Volkswagen speed equipment (“the VW is another flathead,” he said), off-roading (a “new market getting a good portion of dealer interest”), high-performance apparel, fiberglass items (“everything from hoods to bodies”) and even smog-friendly speed parts.

What a difference a year makes. While the first High Performance and Custom Trade Show drew about 100 exhibitors to the drafty halls of Dodger Stadium in 1967, the second edition a year later moved to the modern, well-lit Anaheim Convention Center, where 140 exhibitors used 201 10x10-ft. booths to display their products and make their 1968 sales pitches to 3,800 distributors and dealers from all over this country, Mexico and Canada.

Ray Brock, publisher of Hot Rod Industry News (HRIN), proudly trotted out those facts in his editorial column for the trade magazine’s February 1968 issue, which featured extensive event coverage.

Already, attendees and show organizers—as well as Brock and other HRIN writers—were abbreviating the event’s cumbersome official name to “The SEMA Show,” helped, no doubt, by the SEMA-themed banners hung throughout the hall. The 1968 event kicked off with a cocktail and dinner party for the exhibitors, hosted by Robert E. and Margie Petersen at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. On Thursday night, SEMA’s annual holiday banquet closed the show. In between were shop tours, product demonstrations and lots of face time in the booths. “Activities for the ladies” included sightseeing trips to historic Olvera Street and the “newly moored” Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Among the trends cited by writer Bob Leif in his show coverage: Volkswagen speed equipment (“the VW is another flathead,” he said), off-roading (a “new market getting a good portion of dealer interest”), high-performance apparel, fiberglass items (“everything from hoods to bodies”) and even smog-friendly speed parts.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Chad Simon

Comedian Billy Gardell from the TV show “Mike & Molly” entertained the banquet crowd.

The 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators and bid farewell to industry icon and “voice of SEMA” Dave McClelland, who after 40 years, emceed his final SEMA banquet. The evening also featured comedian Billy Gardell from the hit TV show “Mike & Molly” and music from Rebel Soul.

Attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Joe “Fonzie” Plesher, DipYourCar.com
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – R&R Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to Lund International. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2015 Person of the Year is Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) celebrated Dave McClelland’s (left) service as the longtime voice of SEMA.	Last year‘s SEMA Person of the Year Rich Barsamian presented MagnaFlow’s Kathryn Reinhardt with the 2015 SEMA Person of the Year award.
Dennis Pittsenbarger (right), host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell,” recognized 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Joel Ayres for his devotion to the industry and work with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.	Jim Bingham (left), 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his commitment to attracting youth to the automotive field through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program.
With his signature ’stache, Dennis Gage (left), host of “My Classic Car,” was honored as a 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee for his volunteer work and three-term service as a member of the SEMA board of directors.	R&R Marketing was named Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Joe “Fonzie” Plesher of DipYourCar.com was honored with the GEN-III Innovator Award.	Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted the WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.
Steve Whipple (left) of Edelbrock received the award for PWA Person of the Year.	Lund International was named PWA Manufacturer of the Year.

By Chad Simon

Comedian Billy Gardell from the TV show “Mike & Molly” entertained the banquet crowd.

The 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators and bid farewell to industry icon and “voice of SEMA” Dave McClelland, who after 40 years, emceed his final SEMA banquet. The evening also featured comedian Billy Gardell from the hit TV show “Mike & Molly” and music from Rebel Soul.

Attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Joe “Fonzie” Plesher, DipYourCar.com
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – R&R Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to Lund International. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2015 Person of the Year is Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) celebrated Dave McClelland’s (left) service as the longtime voice of SEMA.	Last year‘s SEMA Person of the Year Rich Barsamian presented MagnaFlow’s Kathryn Reinhardt with the 2015 SEMA Person of the Year award.
Dennis Pittsenbarger (right), host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell,” recognized 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Joel Ayres for his devotion to the industry and work with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.	Jim Bingham (left), 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his commitment to attracting youth to the automotive field through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program.
With his signature ’stache, Dennis Gage (left), host of “My Classic Car,” was honored as a 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee for his volunteer work and three-term service as a member of the SEMA board of directors.	R&R Marketing was named Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Joe “Fonzie” Plesher of DipYourCar.com was honored with the GEN-III Innovator Award.	Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted the WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.
Steve Whipple (left) of Edelbrock received the award for PWA Person of the Year.	Lund International was named PWA Manufacturer of the Year.

By Chad Simon

Comedian Billy Gardell from the TV show “Mike & Molly” entertained the banquet crowd.

The 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators and bid farewell to industry icon and “voice of SEMA” Dave McClelland, who after 40 years, emceed his final SEMA banquet. The evening also featured comedian Billy Gardell from the hit TV show “Mike & Molly” and music from Rebel Soul.

Attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Joe “Fonzie” Plesher, DipYourCar.com
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – R&R Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to Lund International. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2015 Person of the Year is Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) celebrated Dave McClelland’s (left) service as the longtime voice of SEMA.	Last year‘s SEMA Person of the Year Rich Barsamian presented MagnaFlow’s Kathryn Reinhardt with the 2015 SEMA Person of the Year award.
Dennis Pittsenbarger (right), host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell,” recognized 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Joel Ayres for his devotion to the industry and work with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.	Jim Bingham (left), 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his commitment to attracting youth to the automotive field through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program.
With his signature ’stache, Dennis Gage (left), host of “My Classic Car,” was honored as a 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee for his volunteer work and three-term service as a member of the SEMA board of directors.	R&R Marketing was named Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Joe “Fonzie” Plesher of DipYourCar.com was honored with the GEN-III Innovator Award.	Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted the WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.
Steve Whipple (left) of Edelbrock received the award for PWA Person of the Year.	Lund International was named PWA Manufacturer of the Year.

By Chad Simon

Comedian Billy Gardell from the TV show “Mike & Molly” entertained the banquet crowd.

The 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators and bid farewell to industry icon and “voice of SEMA” Dave McClelland, who after 40 years, emceed his final SEMA banquet. The evening also featured comedian Billy Gardell from the hit TV show “Mike & Molly” and music from Rebel Soul.

Attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Joe “Fonzie” Plesher, DipYourCar.com
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – R&R Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to Lund International. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2015 Person of the Year is Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) celebrated Dave McClelland’s (left) service as the longtime voice of SEMA.	Last year‘s SEMA Person of the Year Rich Barsamian presented MagnaFlow’s Kathryn Reinhardt with the 2015 SEMA Person of the Year award.
Dennis Pittsenbarger (right), host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell,” recognized 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Joel Ayres for his devotion to the industry and work with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.	Jim Bingham (left), 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his commitment to attracting youth to the automotive field through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program.
With his signature ’stache, Dennis Gage (left), host of “My Classic Car,” was honored as a 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee for his volunteer work and three-term service as a member of the SEMA board of directors.	R&R Marketing was named Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Joe “Fonzie” Plesher of DipYourCar.com was honored with the GEN-III Innovator Award.	Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted the WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.
Steve Whipple (left) of Edelbrock received the award for PWA Person of the Year.	Lund International was named PWA Manufacturer of the Year.

By Chad Simon

Comedian Billy Gardell from the TV show “Mike & Molly” entertained the banquet crowd.

The 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators and bid farewell to industry icon and “voice of SEMA” Dave McClelland, who after 40 years, emceed his final SEMA banquet. The evening also featured comedian Billy Gardell from the hit TV show “Mike & Molly” and music from Rebel Soul.

Attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is more than $30 billion strong. The 2015 Hall of Fame inductees were Joel Ayres, Jim Bingham and Dennis Gage.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, GEN-III Innovator Award, Manufacturers' Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator Award – Joe “Fonzie” Plesher, DipYourCar.com
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – R&R Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

The accolades continued throughout the evening as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) announced the winners of two of its top honors—PWA Manufacturer of the Year and PWA Person of the Year. The PWA Manufacturer of the Year—which recognizes a manufacturer for outstanding contributions, dedication and support—was presented to Lund International. PWA presents its Person of the Year annually in recognition of the commitment on an individual. The 2015 Person of the Year is Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) celebrated Dave McClelland’s (left) service as the longtime voice of SEMA.	Last year‘s SEMA Person of the Year Rich Barsamian presented MagnaFlow’s Kathryn Reinhardt with the 2015 SEMA Person of the Year award.
Dennis Pittsenbarger (right), host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell,” recognized 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Joel Ayres for his devotion to the industry and work with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.	Jim Bingham (left), 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his commitment to attracting youth to the automotive field through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program.
With his signature ’stache, Dennis Gage (left), host of “My Classic Car,” was honored as a 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee for his volunteer work and three-term service as a member of the SEMA board of directors.	R&R Marketing was named Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.
Joe “Fonzie” Plesher of DipYourCar.com was honored with the GEN-III Innovator Award.	Nick Gramelspacher (center) accepted the WD of the Year award on behalf of Meyer Distributing.
Steve Whipple (left) of Edelbrock received the award for PWA Person of the Year.	Lund International was named PWA Manufacturer of the Year.

The design award for Best Chevrolet Underhood was awarded to this Camaro built by East Bay Muscle Cars.

By Amanda Gubbins

General Motors presented eight design awards at last week’s SEMA Show. The Chevrolet Design Awards are annual recognitions of creative performance styling among feature vehicles at the SEMA Show. Each year, the judges walk the entire Show floor in search of unique and innovative designs to honor. The 2015 picks showcase the rich diversity of the specialty-equipment market, representing the many niches within the industry.

Congratulations to the 2015 winners:

• Best Chevrolet Underhood: Camaro, East Bay Muscle Cars
• Best New Chevrolet Exterior: ’56 Chevy, Chris Holstrom Concepts
• Best Chevrolet G Machine: ’70 Chevelle, Detroit Speed
• Best Chevrolet Hot Rod: ’55 Chevy, Ironworks Speed and Custom
• Best Chevrolet Sports Car: ’64 Vette, Roadster Shop
• #ChevySEMA People’s Choice Award: Silverado, Squarebody Syndicate
• Best New Chevrolet Truck: Colorado Prerunner, Roadster Shop
• Best Chevrolet of Show: ’59 Chevrolet Biscayne, Rad Rides by Troy

 To view pictures from the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAphotos.com.

Best in Show was awarded for a ’59 Chevrolet Biscayne, built by Troy Trepanier and featured in the Mothers Polish’s booth. From left, Todd Parker, Chevy Director of Design for Accessories and Special Builds; Tom Gardner, Chevy SEMA Vehicle program manager; Mothers Polishes’ Barbara Holloway, Jim Holloway, Dennis Holloway, and Troy Trepanier of Rad Rods by Troy.	This ’70 Chevelle, winner in the G Machine category, was featured in SEMA Central in the Grand Lobby.