Industry icon Leo Kagan discusses his days as SEMA president and the moving the SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to Las Vegas.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets.
The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–6.
By SEMA Editors
![]() Scott Bowers | ![]() Camilo Pardo | ||||
![]() Brandon Boeckmann | ![]() Troy Lee | ![]() Justin Fishkin | |||
Advanced technologies are driving new design, branding and lifestyle marketing trends. Technology has the power to make, move and reshape markets; however, vehicles are more than technology. They represent who we are. The future of performance and customization is all about connecting vehicles to consumers’ lifestyles and experiences through branding and design. SEMA is the intersection of cars and car culture. Automakers give a car heart; SEMA members give a car soul.
On Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in rooms N258–N260 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the forum, “Performance Branding and Design: The Intersection of Cars and Car Culture,” moderated by SEMA’s John Waraniak, will bring together successful designers and brand leaders representing a wide spectrum of movers and shakers from both inside and outside the automotive specialty-equipment industry. They will offer valuable insights and ideas for members to create their own successful brands and designs. Attendees will learn how to use design as a competitive advantage and branding as a competitive differentiator to grow and position their products and businesses.
Guest speakers will include:
- Scott Bowers, Wheel Pros
- Camilo Pardo, Pardo Designs
- Brandon Boeckmann, Galpin Auto Sports
- Troy Lee, Troy Lee Designs
- Justin Fishkin, Local Motors
- Al Van Noy, Adidas
By SEMA Editors
![]() Scott Bowers | ![]() Camilo Pardo | ||||
![]() Brandon Boeckmann | ![]() Troy Lee | ![]() Justin Fishkin | |||
Advanced technologies are driving new design, branding and lifestyle marketing trends. Technology has the power to make, move and reshape markets; however, vehicles are more than technology. They represent who we are. The future of performance and customization is all about connecting vehicles to consumers’ lifestyles and experiences through branding and design. SEMA is the intersection of cars and car culture. Automakers give a car heart; SEMA members give a car soul.
On Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in rooms N258–N260 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the forum, “Performance Branding and Design: The Intersection of Cars and Car Culture,” moderated by SEMA’s John Waraniak, will bring together successful designers and brand leaders representing a wide spectrum of movers and shakers from both inside and outside the automotive specialty-equipment industry. They will offer valuable insights and ideas for members to create their own successful brands and designs. Attendees will learn how to use design as a competitive advantage and branding as a competitive differentiator to grow and position their products and businesses.
Guest speakers will include:
- Scott Bowers, Wheel Pros
- Camilo Pardo, Pardo Designs
- Brandon Boeckmann, Galpin Auto Sports
- Troy Lee, Troy Lee Designs
- Justin Fishkin, Local Motors
- Al Van Noy, Adidas
![]() Featuring top personalities from some of the most popular automotive programs on television, “Velocity Live” returns to the 2015 SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. | |
By Della Domingo
Featuring top personalities from some of television’s most popular automotive programs, “Velocity Live” returns to the 2015 SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m.
The live show gives SEMA Showgoers a chance to interact with the top experts and personalities on Velocity, America’s only TV network dedicated to cars. Hosted by Chris Jacobs of “Overhaulin’”, “Velocity Live” scheduled guests include Chip Foose of “Overhaulin,’” “Wheeler Dealers’” Mike Brewer and Edd China, Dave Kindig from “Bitchin’ Rides,” Ray Evernham of “AmeriCarna,” “All Girls Garage” co-host Cristy Lee, Dan Short of “FantomWorks,” “Wayne Carini of “Chasing Classic Cars” and more.
“Velocity Live” is an immersive experience featuring exclusive surprises, never-before-seen footage and the opportunity for SEMA Show attendees to meet and interact with some of the biggest automotive celebrities in the world.
Tickets are free to all credentialed Showgoers and are available at www.VelocityLive2015.com.
![]() Featuring top personalities from some of the most popular automotive programs on television, “Velocity Live” returns to the 2015 SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. | |
By Della Domingo
Featuring top personalities from some of television’s most popular automotive programs, “Velocity Live” returns to the 2015 SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m.
The live show gives SEMA Showgoers a chance to interact with the top experts and personalities on Velocity, America’s only TV network dedicated to cars. Hosted by Chris Jacobs of “Overhaulin’”, “Velocity Live” scheduled guests include Chip Foose of “Overhaulin,’” “Wheeler Dealers’” Mike Brewer and Edd China, Dave Kindig from “Bitchin’ Rides,” Ray Evernham of “AmeriCarna,” “All Girls Garage” co-host Cristy Lee, Dan Short of “FantomWorks,” “Wayne Carini of “Chasing Classic Cars” and more.
“Velocity Live” is an immersive experience featuring exclusive surprises, never-before-seen footage and the opportunity for SEMA Show attendees to meet and interact with some of the biggest automotive celebrities in the world.
Tickets are free to all credentialed Showgoers and are available at www.VelocityLive2015.com.
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When the C-HR concept made its public appearance in Paris last year, Toyota said the prototype was their priority for further development, and it seems they kept that promise. These photos captured Toyota's proposal for a Juke rival undergoing pre-production testing.
The concept's looks have been translated to fit a four-door setup, but the aggressiveness is still there, at least up until this point. It’s very likely the production version will sport a more toned-down face, but it's too early to tell at this point.
Expect the crossover to ride on the company's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, with power coming from a four-cylinder engine managed through the brand's favorite CVT gearbox.
The new crossover will slot below the RAV4 in Toyota's lineup when it hits the market in production guise in 2016 or 2017. Toyota has already announced a hybrid version of the compact crossover spawned by the CHR concept. It will be aided by electricity to move, probably coming with a separate motor for the back wheels to provide on-demand all-wheel drive.
![]() |
Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
![]() |
When the C-HR concept made its public appearance in Paris last year, Toyota said the prototype was their priority for further development, and it seems they kept that promise. These photos captured Toyota's proposal for a Juke rival undergoing pre-production testing.
The concept's looks have been translated to fit a four-door setup, but the aggressiveness is still there, at least up until this point. It’s very likely the production version will sport a more toned-down face, but it's too early to tell at this point.
Expect the crossover to ride on the company's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, with power coming from a four-cylinder engine managed through the brand's favorite CVT gearbox.
The new crossover will slot below the RAV4 in Toyota's lineup when it hits the market in production guise in 2016 or 2017. Toyota has already announced a hybrid version of the compact crossover spawned by the CHR concept. It will be aided by electricity to move, probably coming with a separate motor for the back wheels to provide on-demand all-wheel drive.
![]() |
Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
![]() |
When the C-HR concept made its public appearance in Paris last year, Toyota said the prototype was their priority for further development, and it seems they kept that promise. These photos captured Toyota's proposal for a Juke rival undergoing pre-production testing.
The concept's looks have been translated to fit a four-door setup, but the aggressiveness is still there, at least up until this point. It’s very likely the production version will sport a more toned-down face, but it's too early to tell at this point.
Expect the crossover to ride on the company's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, with power coming from a four-cylinder engine managed through the brand's favorite CVT gearbox.
The new crossover will slot below the RAV4 in Toyota's lineup when it hits the market in production guise in 2016 or 2017. Toyota has already announced a hybrid version of the compact crossover spawned by the CHR concept. It will be aided by electricity to move, probably coming with a separate motor for the back wheels to provide on-demand all-wheel drive.
![]() |
Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
![]() SEMA Ignited—the official industry after-party—is a great reason to stick around on Friday. | |
This attendee update is the first in a series leading up to the 2015 SEMA Show with the sole purpose of helping attendees to have a successful SEMA Show experience.
New Products Showcase: Visit the No. 1 SEMA Show destination.
- New, convenient location and hours. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m.
- Free Scanners. No need to take notes or rely on your memory. Scanners are available in the New Products Showcase, allowing users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.
- View the video to see how the New Products Showcase works.
Official Housing Partner: Travel Planners offers a lowest-rate guarantee for Las Vegas’ most popular hotels. Book now for the best choice.
We made Friday better. All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Optima Alley and Baja 1000 Score Exhibit are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday is shaping up to be the best day of the Show.
First-Time Exhibitors—Hot Rod Alley
Each year, hundreds of new companies attend the SEMA Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show's 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and new exhibitors are joining the Show from every market.
- Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts
- Iron Ace Hot Rod Seats
- Mo' Muscle Cars
- Stitchcraft Interiors
- The Blower Shop Inc.
- Webb Motor Works Ltd.
To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, visit the SEMA Show website.
Online Media Center
Buyers and media can stay up to date on the latest exhibitor news via the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Exhibiting companies frequently announce their product debuts, vehicle unveils and other activities that will take place during the 2015 SEMA Show. Here’s the most recent announcements. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website.
Kicker Performance Audio, Booth #11861 has developed four new Vehicle-Specific Solutions (VSS) for Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 truck owners. VSS provides a custom Kicker subwoofer, amplifier, wiring harness and bracketing with repeatable performance.
Diode Dynamics, Booth #11671 announces the first products manufactured using brand-new LED components. Featuring an independent white chip in addition to multicolor functionality, this new automotive lighting technology is substantially brighter and more balanced when compared to that of old technology.
Madico Window Films, Booth #12139 will conduct live demonstrations and customer walkthroughs in their booth at this year’s SEMA Show. “With Madico Behind You, Your Future is Bright” will be the guiding theme for their exhibit space, where Showgoers can learn more about their automotive, solar, safety and security window films.
Race Sport, Booth #11849 announces their “Penetrator” fan-less LED fog kit, which will be released at the 2015 SEMA Show. These kits are easy to install, fit into small locations and have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours.
CargoRAXX, Booth #33303 introduces their interior SUV storage system. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, it’s easily removable and adjustable to accommodate various-sized cargo.
Turnin’ Heads, Booth #90051 launches the concave wheel, which features technology that allows the spoke construction to go deeper into the heart of the barrel within the tight parameter of the mold than what conventional casting would allow.
Griot’s Garage, Booth #13069 announces their professional water house that features a zero-memory design, allowing it to lay flat exactly where you drop it. It has extreme all-weather flexibility, even in sub-zero temperatures as low as -40 degrees and is available in either 60- or 100-ft. lengths.
Exhibitors can upload a press release to the Online Media Center for free.
We’re here to help. We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.
Not registered? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.
Got a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 909-396-0289.
![]() SEMA Ignited—the official industry after-party—is a great reason to stick around on Friday. | |
This attendee update is the first in a series leading up to the 2015 SEMA Show with the sole purpose of helping attendees to have a successful SEMA Show experience.
New Products Showcase: Visit the No. 1 SEMA Show destination.
- New, convenient location and hours. The 2015 New Products Showcase will be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m.
- Free Scanners. No need to take notes or rely on your memory. Scanners are available in the New Products Showcase, allowing users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.
- View the video to see how the New Products Showcase works.
Official Housing Partner: Travel Planners offers a lowest-rate guarantee for Las Vegas’ most popular hotels. Book now for the best choice.
We made Friday better. All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Optima Alley and Baja 1000 Score Exhibit are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday is shaping up to be the best day of the Show.
First-Time Exhibitors—Hot Rod Alley
Each year, hundreds of new companies attend the SEMA Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show's 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and new exhibitors are joining the Show from every market.
- Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts
- Iron Ace Hot Rod Seats
- Mo' Muscle Cars
- Stitchcraft Interiors
- The Blower Shop Inc.
- Webb Motor Works Ltd.
To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, visit the SEMA Show website.
Online Media Center
Buyers and media can stay up to date on the latest exhibitor news via the SEMA Show Online Media Center. Exhibiting companies frequently announce their product debuts, vehicle unveils and other activities that will take place during the 2015 SEMA Show. Here’s the most recent announcements. For a complete list of exhibitor news, visit the SEMA Show website.
Kicker Performance Audio, Booth #11861 has developed four new Vehicle-Specific Solutions (VSS) for Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350 truck owners. VSS provides a custom Kicker subwoofer, amplifier, wiring harness and bracketing with repeatable performance.
Diode Dynamics, Booth #11671 announces the first products manufactured using brand-new LED components. Featuring an independent white chip in addition to multicolor functionality, this new automotive lighting technology is substantially brighter and more balanced when compared to that of old technology.
Madico Window Films, Booth #12139 will conduct live demonstrations and customer walkthroughs in their booth at this year’s SEMA Show. “With Madico Behind You, Your Future is Bright” will be the guiding theme for their exhibit space, where Showgoers can learn more about their automotive, solar, safety and security window films.
Race Sport, Booth #11849 announces their “Penetrator” fan-less LED fog kit, which will be released at the 2015 SEMA Show. These kits are easy to install, fit into small locations and have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours.
CargoRAXX, Booth #33303 introduces their interior SUV storage system. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, it’s easily removable and adjustable to accommodate various-sized cargo.
Turnin’ Heads, Booth #90051 launches the concave wheel, which features technology that allows the spoke construction to go deeper into the heart of the barrel within the tight parameter of the mold than what conventional casting would allow.
Griot’s Garage, Booth #13069 announces their professional water house that features a zero-memory design, allowing it to lay flat exactly where you drop it. It has extreme all-weather flexibility, even in sub-zero temperatures as low as -40 degrees and is available in either 60- or 100-ft. lengths.
Exhibitors can upload a press release to the Online Media Center for free.
We’re here to help. We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.
Not registered? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.
Got a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 909-396-0289.








