Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
In addition to honoring some of the individuals whose life and work have made a significant impact on the restoration industry, the reception is a wonderful opportunity to network and catch up with industry friends, old and new.
ARMO Reception Details
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14
Register today.
Roundtable
This year’s roundtable discussion is entitled “Restoration and Car Building,” and features a group of industry veterans engaged in a discussion about challenges, opportunities and what might lie ahead in the business of restoration and car building. This is a chance for members to hear from those who have made successful careers in the industry and to share their own experiences.
Roundtable Details
When: Thursday, November 5, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: LVCC N236
General Membership Meeting
This is the best opportunity to interact with your select committee. If you are wondering how to gain the most from your membership, join us to learn more about the programs and benefits available to you. It’s an early call—we’ll have plenty of coffee and danishes to start your day.
When: Wednesday, November 4, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Where: Westgate Conference Rooms 4-6
ARMO Booth
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will once again share a booth with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). Six cars will be on display in the booth, each selected to showcase different trends and styles in each segment and support up-and-coming builders. Don’t miss the unveiling of the newest project from Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop happening Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m. See you at booth #23395, located in Central Hall!
If you have any questions regarding ARMO or any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
ETTN Networking Event at the SEMA Show
Please join us for the inaugural Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) Networking Event at the 2015 SEMA Show. Focused on building community amongst automotive specialty-equipment engineers, product developers and industrial designers, the event will feature special dignitaries to help facilitate conversation on emerging industry technology and trends.
ETTN Networking Event Details
When: Thursday, November 5, 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, New Products Showcase
For more information on this event, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Industry Reception
Join us to network, honor members of the industry during the awards presentations and raise money for SEMA Cares during the Pinewood Builders Challenge auction. Six actual hot rods will also be on display during the reception to highlight the work of established and up-and-coming builders.
When: Wednesday, November 4, 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Paradise Center: South
Register today.
HRIA Booth
The shared Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) and Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) booth at the SEMA Show is sometimes referred to as “Central Park” because it’s a gathering point, but it also serves to showcase the entries in the annual HRIA Builders Challenge. Don’t miss the unveiling of the latest creation from the team at Goolsby Customs, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. See you at booth #23395, located in the Central Hall.
If you have questions about HRIA or these events, contact SEMA Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
There is no better opportunity to connect than at the annual Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Industry Awards Reception at the SEMA Show. The evening will include great food, networking and tributes to some of the most influential professionals and companies in the industry. Arrive early to rent a pinewood racer in exchange for a $20 donation to SEMA Cares, and then compete for the title of Fall Nationals Top Eliminator.
Reception Details
When: Wednesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC Room N262/N264
Register today.
TORA Booth & TORA/ORBA Happy Hour
Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34169) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 3, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2015 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink.
If you have questions about the TORA or these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
MRN Rep Roundtable at the SEMA Show
Exclusive for manufacturers’ representatives, the Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts. Through these intimate roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions to real-world manufacturer rep opportunities and issues.
Cost: $25 for SEMA members, $35 for non-members
When: Sunday, November 1, from 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC, Room N256
Register here!
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| Visit PRO's website. |
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual industry networking and awards reception, this year dubbed the PRO Pool Party, on the pool deck of the Westgate Hotel. The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
PRO Pool Party Industry Reception
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Westgate Hotel Pool Deck (3rd floor)
Pro Booth & Happy Hour
Visit PRO in the North Hall at Booth #12561 during Show hours to learn more about what the council has to offer, the group's long-term goals, or just to meet the leadership face to face. Be sure to take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors over drinks at the PRO Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
General Membership Meeting
For members who have joined the council recently, or who just want to stay in the know, a general membership meeting is a great opportunity to connect over breakfast and hear from the council leadership about the group’s focus for the next year and beyond.
General Membership Meeting Details
When: Thursday, November 5, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Where: LVCC Room N234
Restyler Education
Want to get your foot in the door of any auto dealership? We’ll show you how. Learn essential elements of a sales strategy. Understand the inner workings of a new-vehicle dealership. Discover how to overcome dealer objections. Listen and learn as a panel of experts share tips and tactics on how to achieve positive results. TORA/PRO-member restylers and retailers who attend this interactive session will receive a complimentary electronic copy of the “PRO Sales-Training Manual: A Restyler’s Guide to Selling Dealer Direct,” a $149 value. The session takes place November 5, at 2:00 p.m. in the LVCC room N256.
Register today.
If you have any questions regarding PRO or any of these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting a multitude of great events and seminars again this year, geared toward both men and women of the automotive industry. Please see details below for information on these beneficial events.
Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
For the fifth year running, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network will host the Gear-Up Girl networking event. This important event connects the present with the future by partnering female students of the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) with industry-leading female professionals. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of SEMA innovators!
Details: Monday, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N264
SBN Networking & Wine Tasting
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network welcomes professionals for a night of networking and wine tasting, Wednesday, November 4. Learn about wine from our on-site sommelier and sway to the smooth music from our jazz trio while you take advantage of this opportunity to mingle and meet like-minded professionals. Take advantage of pre-registration for this event.
Pre-registered attendees will have their own “fast-pass” line at the event check-in, and three lucky pre-registered members will win a $50 VISA debit gift card. Keep in mind you must be present to win.
Details: Wednesday, November 4, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Westgate, Paradise Center: North
Leveraging Differences to Drive Success: 5 Best Practices for Building a Diverse Workforce
If companies only employ those who identify with a small portion of the market, they may be leaving opportunity on the table. The SBN wants to make sure you have access to the insights, experiences and worldviews of the full marketplace by providing this informative seminar on the five best practices for building a diverse workforce.
Details: Tuesday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N256
Women in Business—Shattering the Glass Ceiling
This women-only event is powered by the SBN and TIA to help women gain insight on what it takes to excel in business. Hear from and participate in an open dialogue discussion with a panel of successful women in the automotive industry.
Details: Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, Room N262
If you have questions about the SBN or any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
When: Tuesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Hotel Pool
Register today.
Customer Service & Sales: Aftermarket Wheels and Tires-Right Sale, Right Fit powered by WTC/TIA
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) are offering new and updated resources to support you in making the sale and completing the install. Equip your sales staff with the data-driven knowledge they need to educate your customers on the effects of various plus-sizing decisions on vehicle dynamics and provide your techs with the resources they need to correctly and quickly install aftermarket wheel and tire packages while maintaining TPMS integrity and accuracy.
If you have any questions regarding WTC or these events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website |
Join other like-minded young industry professionals for beverages as the Young Executives Network (YEN) leadership brings you up to date with our 2015 accomplishments and reviews goals for 2016.The General Membership Meeting is a great way for you to voice your ideas on new YEN initiatives. Are you looking for ways to participate within YEN and SEMA? The General Membership Meeting is the perfect place to bring your ideas to the table and offer your time for volunteering.
When: Monday, November 2, 5:00 p.m.
Where: LVCC N242
YEN Reception
The YEN Reception is the networking event of the year for automotive aftermarket professionals under the age of 40. This year’s theme is “Build Your Network,” which creates a platform that will help attendees “break the ice” with topics, such as length of time in the industry and what region of the country you are from. As always, there will be food and beverage stations set up where you can grab a quick bite and a drink after a long day at the Show. Top young talent will be recognized at the event with the network’s two annual awards—Young Executive of the Year and the YEN Vanguard Award.
When: Tuesday, November 3, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Westgate Paradise Center: South
YEN Launch Pad
Generation X is upon us, and they are here to stake their claim in the aftermarket industry with SEMA’s YEN Launch Pad competition. Launch Pad narrows down a nationwide list of applicants to a pool of five finalists with a combination of a YEN taskforce and peer voting. Focused around innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, these five are then brought to Vegas to compete in the final round. The winner will take home a prize package consisting of marketing and networking tools such as a free booth at the following SEMA Show, publications, TV spots and more, all designed to give the winner a platform to propel his or her idea to the next level.
Read more about the 2015 Launch Pad finalists.
If you have any questions regarding YEN or any of these events, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
Chief among the luminaries will be Rutledge Wood, who will emcee the press conference itself. Wood has been one of the co-hosts of Top Gear USA on television’s History channel for the past four seasons. Earlier this year, he debuted on History’s Lost in Transmission, in which he and his co-host George travel the country is search of America’s forgotten automotive classics in an attempt to tell their stories and get them back on the road for their deserving owners. Wood also joined NBC Sports as a specialty motorsports reporter and NASCAR analyst in early 2015. But Wood’s roots in motorsports go back many more years than that. His first experience in NASCAR came during his first job in entertainment: traveling with the NASCAR circuit for Country Music Television. Soon after, he was hired by Speed TV (now Fox Sports 1), where he worked for 10 seasons covering NASCAR. He was a correspondent for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pre-race show, NASCAR RaceDay, and has hosted or co-hosted various NASCAR shows and events for Fox Sports, including Speed Road Tour Challenge, NASCAR Smarts, and NASCAR Live, as well as the annual NASCAR Awards Banquet. Rutledge Wood will be available for autographs, photos and interviews starting at 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3.
Also in attendance on Tuesday, November 3, will be Ryan Millen, a member of the legendary Millen racing family who is currently having a very successful season driving a 2015 Toyota RAV4 in the Rally America series.
Drag racing pioneer Antron Brown will also be available for autograph seekers following Toyota’s press conference. Currently driving the Matco Tools Toyota in NHRA’s Top Fuel division, he is known for winning the 2012 Top Fuel championship and winning six Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events.
Rounding out the group of four celebrities who will be available following Toyota’s Tuesday, November 3, press conference will be professional bass fisherman Mike Iaconelli. Iaconelli was the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion and, more pertinently, the 2006 Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year.
On Thursday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Toyota display visitors will be greeted by Gerald Swindle, another legendary bassmaster and winner of the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year title in 2004. Swindle is often referred to as both “The G-Man” and “bass fishing’s funniest man.”