Top Networking Events at the SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:21
By Becca Butler

 breakfast
The winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time during a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers.
  
With 140,000+ industry professionals attending the 2015 SEMA Show, the annual event is the ideal place to connect and get face-to-face time with colleagues.

“Today’s technology makes it easy for people to do business with email and the cloud,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “But connecting on a personal level is important to building a strong and successful business relationship. There are so many networking opportunities at the SEMA Show that businesses can get more than a year’s worth of networking from just one single trip to the SEMA Show.”

While the best events for Showgoers will depend on their market segment and business goals, following are the best SEMA Show networking events for all Showgoers:

SEMA New Products Breakfast: Enjoy a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers as the winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time. Not only will you be treated to a free breakfast and mingle with other industry professionals, but you will also leave knowing what hot products you need to see while walking the Show floor. The event is free, but because seating is limited, tickets are required. Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 a.m.; Paradise Event Center South, located in the Westgate Hotel.

Cars and Coffee, SEMA Edition: Held each morning of the SEMA Show, this event is a great way to jumpstart your day. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, see some cool cars and talk with other colleagues before the Show doors open. Best of all, arriving well before the SEMA Show floor opens ensures that you’re ready to hit the floor immediately. Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, 8:00 a.m.; South Patio at the Westgate Hotel.

New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour: If you’re finding that there’s not enough time to visit the New Products Showcase during Show hours, then the New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour is the solution. Not only will buyers be able to see thousands of products in a single location, but they will also use the scanning devices to create a personal list of products they are interested in while unwinding with a drink. This event is open to buyers and media only; no tickets required. Tuesday–Thursday, November 3–5, 4:30 p.m.; New Products Showcase, on the bridge between the Central and South Halls.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet: With nearly 3,000 industry leaders attending the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the event is a rare opportunity for Showgoers to meet and connect with influencers, such as SEMA Board members, SEMA Hall of Famers and award-winning volunteers. Exhibitors receive free tickets based on the size of their booth, and all Showgoers are able to purchase tickets. Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.; Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center at the Westgate Hotel.

SEMA Ignited: This Friday-night celebration is a chance for Showgoers to relax after a week of meetings and business. The event includes music, food, entertainment and consumers. Dubbed as the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited is free to all credentialed Showgoers, and takes place just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Friday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.; Gold Lot, directly across the street from the LVCC.

For more information on these events, to secure tickets or view a complete list of networking events at the SEMA Show, visit the SEMA Show website. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Register to attend.
Top Networking Events at the SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:21
By Becca Butler

 breakfast
The winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time during a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers.
  
With 140,000+ industry professionals attending the 2015 SEMA Show, the annual event is the ideal place to connect and get face-to-face time with colleagues.

“Today’s technology makes it easy for people to do business with email and the cloud,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “But connecting on a personal level is important to building a strong and successful business relationship. There are so many networking opportunities at the SEMA Show that businesses can get more than a year’s worth of networking from just one single trip to the SEMA Show.”

While the best events for Showgoers will depend on their market segment and business goals, following are the best SEMA Show networking events for all Showgoers:

SEMA New Products Breakfast: Enjoy a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers as the winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time. Not only will you be treated to a free breakfast and mingle with other industry professionals, but you will also leave knowing what hot products you need to see while walking the Show floor. The event is free, but because seating is limited, tickets are required. Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 a.m.; Paradise Event Center South, located in the Westgate Hotel.

Cars and Coffee, SEMA Edition: Held each morning of the SEMA Show, this event is a great way to jumpstart your day. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, see some cool cars and talk with other colleagues before the Show doors open. Best of all, arriving well before the SEMA Show floor opens ensures that you’re ready to hit the floor immediately. Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, 8:00 a.m.; South Patio at the Westgate Hotel.

New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour: If you’re finding that there’s not enough time to visit the New Products Showcase during Show hours, then the New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour is the solution. Not only will buyers be able to see thousands of products in a single location, but they will also use the scanning devices to create a personal list of products they are interested in while unwinding with a drink. This event is open to buyers and media only; no tickets required. Tuesday–Thursday, November 3–5, 4:30 p.m.; New Products Showcase, on the bridge between the Central and South Halls.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet: With nearly 3,000 industry leaders attending the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the event is a rare opportunity for Showgoers to meet and connect with influencers, such as SEMA Board members, SEMA Hall of Famers and award-winning volunteers. Exhibitors receive free tickets based on the size of their booth, and all Showgoers are able to purchase tickets. Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.; Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center at the Westgate Hotel.

SEMA Ignited: This Friday-night celebration is a chance for Showgoers to relax after a week of meetings and business. The event includes music, food, entertainment and consumers. Dubbed as the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited is free to all credentialed Showgoers, and takes place just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Friday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.; Gold Lot, directly across the street from the LVCC.

For more information on these events, to secure tickets or view a complete list of networking events at the SEMA Show, visit the SEMA Show website. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Register to attend.
Top Networking Events at the SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:21
By Becca Butler

 breakfast
The winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time during a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers.
  
With 140,000+ industry professionals attending the 2015 SEMA Show, the annual event is the ideal place to connect and get face-to-face time with colleagues.

“Today’s technology makes it easy for people to do business with email and the cloud,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “But connecting on a personal level is important to building a strong and successful business relationship. There are so many networking opportunities at the SEMA Show that businesses can get more than a year’s worth of networking from just one single trip to the SEMA Show.”

While the best events for Showgoers will depend on their market segment and business goals, following are the best SEMA Show networking events for all Showgoers:

SEMA New Products Breakfast: Enjoy a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers as the winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time. Not only will you be treated to a free breakfast and mingle with other industry professionals, but you will also leave knowing what hot products you need to see while walking the Show floor. The event is free, but because seating is limited, tickets are required. Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 a.m.; Paradise Event Center South, located in the Westgate Hotel.

Cars and Coffee, SEMA Edition: Held each morning of the SEMA Show, this event is a great way to jumpstart your day. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, see some cool cars and talk with other colleagues before the Show doors open. Best of all, arriving well before the SEMA Show floor opens ensures that you’re ready to hit the floor immediately. Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, 8:00 a.m.; South Patio at the Westgate Hotel.

New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour: If you’re finding that there’s not enough time to visit the New Products Showcase during Show hours, then the New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour is the solution. Not only will buyers be able to see thousands of products in a single location, but they will also use the scanning devices to create a personal list of products they are interested in while unwinding with a drink. This event is open to buyers and media only; no tickets required. Tuesday–Thursday, November 3–5, 4:30 p.m.; New Products Showcase, on the bridge between the Central and South Halls.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet: With nearly 3,000 industry leaders attending the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the event is a rare opportunity for Showgoers to meet and connect with influencers, such as SEMA Board members, SEMA Hall of Famers and award-winning volunteers. Exhibitors receive free tickets based on the size of their booth, and all Showgoers are able to purchase tickets. Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.; Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center at the Westgate Hotel.

SEMA Ignited: This Friday-night celebration is a chance for Showgoers to relax after a week of meetings and business. The event includes music, food, entertainment and consumers. Dubbed as the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited is free to all credentialed Showgoers, and takes place just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Friday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.; Gold Lot, directly across the street from the LVCC.

For more information on these events, to secure tickets or view a complete list of networking events at the SEMA Show, visit the SEMA Show website. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Register to attend.
Last Chance: $25 SEMA Show Registration Ends Tomorrow!
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:00

By Jason Catullo

  showcase
Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the New Products Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products.
  

Friday, October 16, is the last day that attendees can register for the SEMA Show for $25 and have badges mailed to their place of business. After the deadline, the registration fee increases to $75, and all badges must be picked up on-site at the SEMA Show.

The four-day SEMA Show features more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories. At 1.16 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, the SEMA Show draws thousands of exhibitors, buyers, media and other attendees from around the globe.

One of the Show’s main buyer attractions is the New Products Showcase. Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products. To make it easy for visitors to connect with manufacturers of products included in the Showcase, buyers and media can use scanners to create a personalized list of products of particular interest. Information—including company name and booth location—will be included on the list based on what products are scanned.

To read what’s in store for the 2015 SEMA Show, read “Must-See Features at the 2015 SEMA Show.”

Additional information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Last Chance: $25 SEMA Show Registration Ends Tomorrow!
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:00

By Jason Catullo

  showcase
Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the New Products Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products.
  

Friday, October 16, is the last day that attendees can register for the SEMA Show for $25 and have badges mailed to their place of business. After the deadline, the registration fee increases to $75, and all badges must be picked up on-site at the SEMA Show.

The four-day SEMA Show features more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories. At 1.16 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, the SEMA Show draws thousands of exhibitors, buyers, media and other attendees from around the globe.

One of the Show’s main buyer attractions is the New Products Showcase. Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products. To make it easy for visitors to connect with manufacturers of products included in the Showcase, buyers and media can use scanners to create a personalized list of products of particular interest. Information—including company name and booth location—will be included on the list based on what products are scanned.

To read what’s in store for the 2015 SEMA Show, read “Must-See Features at the 2015 SEMA Show.”

Additional information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Last Chance: $25 SEMA Show Registration Ends Tomorrow!
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 14:00

By Jason Catullo

  showcase
Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the New Products Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products.
  

Friday, October 16, is the last day that attendees can register for the SEMA Show for $25 and have badges mailed to their place of business. After the deadline, the registration fee increases to $75, and all badges must be picked up on-site at the SEMA Show.

The four-day SEMA Show features more than 2,400 manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories. At 1.16 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, the SEMA Show draws thousands of exhibitors, buyers, media and other attendees from around the globe.

One of the Show’s main buyer attractions is the New Products Showcase. Featuring the latest parts and products from the industry’s leading companies, the Showcase offers attendees a designated area to research new releases and signature products. To make it easy for visitors to connect with manufacturers of products included in the Showcase, buyers and media can use scanners to create a personalized list of products of particular interest. Information—including company name and booth location—will be included on the list based on what products are scanned.

To read what’s in store for the 2015 SEMA Show, read “Must-See Features at the 2015 SEMA Show.”

Additional information about the 2015 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Dave McClelland Prepares to Announce His Final SEMA Event
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 12:50

By Della Domingo

  mcclelland
Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.
  

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Known by many as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades, McClelland entertained thousands for 40 continuous years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Awards Banquet.

“It’s very difficult to make this decision [to stop announcing the SEMA Awards Banquet] because I have the utmost respect for SEMA,” said McClelland, who compares his 40-year stint with SEMA to that of Vin Scully with the Dodgers. “Announcing the SEMA Banquet has become a very personal thing. I take great pride in doing the best job that I can do.”

Indeed, many who have attended the SEMA Awards Banquet have come to associate the event with McClelland. While McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003, he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet and never missed a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

“Every once in a while, we get to be a part of the magic that happens when exactly the right person is performing in a particular role. So it has been for all of us in the SEMA community who have enjoyed Dave's special talent, blended with his deep familiarity and involvement with the people in our industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Dave has always imparted a level of care and excellence befitting the many folks he's helped SEMA honor over the years. He's deserving of our deep appreciation.”

Tickets to the SEMA Awards Banquet, taking place Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas, are available online to SEMA Showgoers.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell. Well wishers are also invited to meet with McClelland during an autograph signing, Tuesday–Wednesday, November 3–4, from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Dave McClelland Prepares to Announce His Final SEMA Event
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 12:50

By Della Domingo

  mcclelland
Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.
  

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Known by many as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades, McClelland entertained thousands for 40 continuous years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Awards Banquet.

“It’s very difficult to make this decision [to stop announcing the SEMA Awards Banquet] because I have the utmost respect for SEMA,” said McClelland, who compares his 40-year stint with SEMA to that of Vin Scully with the Dodgers. “Announcing the SEMA Banquet has become a very personal thing. I take great pride in doing the best job that I can do.”

Indeed, many who have attended the SEMA Awards Banquet have come to associate the event with McClelland. While McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003, he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet and never missed a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

“Every once in a while, we get to be a part of the magic that happens when exactly the right person is performing in a particular role. So it has been for all of us in the SEMA community who have enjoyed Dave's special talent, blended with his deep familiarity and involvement with the people in our industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Dave has always imparted a level of care and excellence befitting the many folks he's helped SEMA honor over the years. He's deserving of our deep appreciation.”

Tickets to the SEMA Awards Banquet, taking place Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas, are available online to SEMA Showgoers.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell. Well wishers are also invited to meet with McClelland during an autograph signing, Tuesday–Wednesday, November 3–4, from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Dave McClelland Prepares to Announce His Final SEMA Event
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 12:50

By Della Domingo

  mcclelland
Dave McClelland will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.
  

Dave McClelland, the renowned announcer who began emceeing the SEMA Awards Banquet in 1976 when the SEMA Show was in Anaheim, California, is stepping down from the podium and will host his final SEMA Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Known by many as the golden voice that presided over the NHRA races for decades, McClelland entertained thousands for 40 continuous years as he introduced leaders, legends and icons during the SEMA Awards Banquet.

“It’s very difficult to make this decision [to stop announcing the SEMA Awards Banquet] because I have the utmost respect for SEMA,” said McClelland, who compares his 40-year stint with SEMA to that of Vin Scully with the Dodgers. “Announcing the SEMA Banquet has become a very personal thing. I take great pride in doing the best job that I can do.”

Indeed, many who have attended the SEMA Awards Banquet have come to associate the event with McClelland. While McClelland stopped announcing for the NHRA in 2003, he continued to emcee the SEMA Awards Banquet and never missed a single year. As host, he introduced and stood alongside the industry’s most celebrated leaders, including SEMA Hall of Fame members, SEMA Persons of the Year and entertainers, such as Jay Leno, Sinbad, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.

“Every once in a while, we get to be a part of the magic that happens when exactly the right person is performing in a particular role. So it has been for all of us in the SEMA community who have enjoyed Dave's special talent, blended with his deep familiarity and involvement with the people in our industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Dave has always imparted a level of care and excellence befitting the many folks he's helped SEMA honor over the years. He's deserving of our deep appreciation.”

Tickets to the SEMA Awards Banquet, taking place Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Las Vegas, are available online to SEMA Showgoers.

More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, where McClelland will announce, for the last time, the winners of the SEMA Awards, introduce the newest Hall of Fame members and present this year’s entertainer, “Mike & Molly’s” Billy Gardell. Well wishers are also invited to meet with McClelland during an autograph signing, Tuesday–Wednesday, November 3–4, from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Spy Shots—Revised 2017 Scion FRS
Thu, 10/15/2015 - 11:33

scion

Toyota engineers are working on a mid-cycle revamp for the Scion FRS. The changes, which will also cover the Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ, target both the aesthetic and the technical side of the machine.

Talking the latter, engineers are well aware of the lack of power and are working on it, but don’t expect massive gains. In fact, the rumor talks about a 5% boost, which would bring the output from the current 200 hp to 210 hp.

At the same time, the efficiency is said to improve by up to 7%. The 2.0L boxer engine will receive a redesigned intake manifold and offer reduced internal friction.

The handling, on the other hand, has always been a delicious treat of the FRS, and things are about to get even better. The rear suspension sub-frame will offer superior rigidity, while the connection to the road will be further improved, thanks to Sachs dampers.

While all three incarnations of the back-to-basics RWD machine are expected to receive the same tech upgrades, things will be different in terms of design. The styling change will target both the front and rear of the vehicle, but, for now, the camouflage keeps us from getting into the details.

scion Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde