By Ashley Reyes

Volunteering can be a fulfilling and enriching experience for any professional looking to give back to the industry and the causes they care most about. For SEMA volunteers, it's a way to get more involved in the aftermarket at large, contribute to the growth of their trade and develop new friendships and lasting memories in the process.

The nine communities in the SEMA Council and Network program have open volunteer positions within their subcommittees and task forces. Subcommittee and task force volunteers play a valuable role in helping council and network leadership create and execute meaningful programs that help their members succeed.

Many positions require minimal time (as little as one hour per month) and can work around the volunteers' schedules.

"The professional relationships and friendships I have developed in the 10 years of volunteering with SEMA are some of the most important in my career," reflected Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs. "I am more confident, more knowledgeable and more comfortable with my industry and my peers."  

Opportunities are available in areas such as communications, events, education, membership, SEMA Show and council- and network-specific programs--allowing individuals to align their contributions with what they are most passionate about.

"Through the SEMA Businesswomen's Network, I have had the opportunity to work on different subtasks, such as communications and events, to help expand my skill set and allow me more experience than what my usual job offers," said Aliceje Keyburn of Yamaha Motor Corporation. "I've also attended different virtual events, live chats and leadership conferences that have been very beneficial in giving me practical tips and advice on how to help grow and advance my career, and also in dealing with certain situations within the workplace."

Doug Frymer of the Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer, added, "Being in SEMA since I was 26 years old and in the Young Executives Network (now the Future Leaders Network) as part of a member company gave me a whole second crew of folks I've grown up within the industry. This catapulted me into what is now the Wheel & Tire Council, and involvement in the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, Hot Rod Industry Alliance and Import Performance Committee/Sport Performance Council (now the Emerging Trends & Technology Network). This gave me a whole second family, a network and a set of advice, opinions, mentors and camaraderie apart from the legal world." 

To learn about the nine SEMA Councils & Networks and the available subcommittee/task force volunteer opportunities, visit sema.org/volunteer.  

By Ashley Reyes

Manufacturers of racing and performance parts have less than three weeks to submit their exhibitor applications for the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites-Anaheim South in Southern California. 

Open to current MPMC and Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, the conference will provide manufacturers an opportunity to grow new relationships with established media who can promote their brand to mass audiences. By exhibiting, manufacturers will participate in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days--giving them the ultimate platform to share their latest news and provide product demonstrations to established journalists, photographers and social media content creators.

Meetings are held in private suites, so the focus is on the interview, and there are no elaborate booth or set-up costs.  

"The Media Trade Conference is a worthwhile investment for manufacturers who want to tailor their outreach and expand their footprint beyond what they are normally used to," said MPMC Director Marcy Yanus. "There's no other event that offers manufacturers the opportunity to generate so much media interest in under 72 hours, and we are confident that the event will produce unparalleled exposure opportunities for those that attend." 

Manufacturers have until September 14 to sign up at sema.org/mtc. Questions can be directed to MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.  

By SEMA Editors

RealTruck--the manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and an online destination for truck, Jeep and off-road enthusiasts--has acquired IDDEA (Industria Diseñadora De Autopartes, S.A. De C.V.), which goes to market under the Go Rhino brand. With 40 issued and pending patents, Go Rhino develops and manufactures products for truck, Jeep and SUV owners.

"We are excited to partner with RealTruck to expand our products' reach in support of their vision to scale the aftermarket accessory market through increasing consumer awareness," said Go Rhino President Manuel Alvarez, who has owned and managed the Guadalajara, Mexico-based business for several decades. He will continue to lead RealTruck's operations in Mexico and will play a vital role in the company's product supply leadership team.

Go Rhino's automotive accessories include side steps and running boards in nearly 20 styles, sports bars for modern trucks, hitch steps, bumpers and products for public safety vehicles, as well as an extensive program of Ford Bronco-specific accessories.

By Juan Torres

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a central location for buyers and media to stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news.

As exhibitors plan for the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, they are sharing news by uploading their releases to the SEMA Online Media Center, a service offered to all SEMA Show exhibitors free of charge. Exhibitors may upload releases using this link. 

Below are some of the announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

• Ranger Introduces TruSensor Universal TPMS Diagnostic and Programming Kit 
• Efficiently Service Any Electric Vehicle With New Bendpak Mobi-EVs EV & Powertrain Lifting Systems 
• Hifonics Celebrates 40th Anniversary With All-New BE40 Amplifiers 
• Introducing an Unmatched Audio Experience: RAD Car Audio 
• New Theft-Deterrent System Products Slash Crime Rates and Safeguards Mopar Vehicles 
• Lucas and SEMA. The Story Starts for the First Time at the Show! 
• Trulers Unveils Revolutionary Stainless Steel Ruler Set at SEMA Show 2023

Stay up-to-date on news coming from exhibitors at semashow.com/press. News and announcements can be easily sorted by type of announcement and/or market segment, allowing users to find the most relevant news as quickly and efficiently as possible. Additional SEMA Show news can be found at semashow.com/news.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage is excited to announce a measuring session for the newly designed '24 Ford Mustang. The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with this vehicle. 

This will be a two-part event expanded across both SEMA Garage facilities. 

Featuring two different vehicle models: 

Mustang GT Coupe Premium 

• 5.0L TI-VCT V8: GT 480 hp 
• 6-Speed Manual Transmission 
• Magneride Damping System 
• Active Valve Exhaust 
• 19-in. Brembo Brakes 
• Ford Co-Pilot360 

Mustang Ecoboost Convertible Premium  

• 2.3L Ecoboost 315 hp 
• 10-Speed Automatic Transmission 
• Magneride Damping System 
• Active Valve Exhaust 
• 19-in. Brembo Brakes 
• Ford Co-Pilot360 

In addition, SEMA Garage Detroit will exclusively feature the following:

Mustang Mach-E GT AWD (Detroit only)

• 88 KWH Usable Extended Battery 
• Single-Speed Transmission 
• 20-in. Aluminum Wheel 
• 19-in. Brembo Brakes 
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 

Taking place across both SEMA Garage locations:

*Due to high demand, all submissions will be subject to approval by Ford.

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar

(View on Google Maps)

September 11-14, 2023 

RSVP for SEMA Garage Diamond Bar here.

SEMA Garage Detroit  

(View on Google Maps)

September 25-28, 2023

RSVP for SEMA Garage Detroit here.

In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage.com/techtransfer.

Contact measuringsessions@sema.org for additional information.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) is hosting a free online networking event on Thursday, September 7, at 9:00 a.m. PDT to help industry members establish valuable business connections in the wheel and tire market.

All SEMA Business Members are invited to attend the Coffee and Conversation, where the aftermarket's hottest topics and issues will be discussed. Participants will meet the "who's who" of the wheel and tire market, discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry today, and gain insight from others who can benefit their business.

"The WTC Coffee and Conversation series is a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders to discuss the current wheel and tire landscape," said Matthew Harris of Custom Wheel House, who attended the first event of the series in March. "The dialogue is insightful, engaging and the topics are pertinent to our industry today."

A discussion topic will be introduced to start the conversation; however, attendees are welcome to bring a topic that impacts their business personally.  

Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 14, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting is the ideal time to learn about FLN's current priorities for members, as well as upcoming events and member programs. Attendees will connect with the Select Committee, learn about volunteer opportunities and hear what the network has planned for the 2023 SEMA and PRI Shows.

All current and prospective FLN members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to stay updated on the benefits available to help enhance one's career and business.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Sub-optimal decision-making can have a negative financial impact on wheel and tire aftermarket companies--particularly when it comes to data. Knowing what to order, how much to order, how to price items and where to store them in your network are all important for saving money and maximizing efficiency.

SEMA members in the wheel and tire market are invited to the webinar "Data is the New Oil--How the Tire & Wheel Industry Can Benefit From Being More Data-Driven and Save Billions of Dollars" on Thursday, September 21 at 12:00 p.m. PDT. 

Attendees will hear from Mike Lusso, sustaining engineer manager at Hennessey Industries, and Tim Eisenmann, chief analytics officer and CEO of Torqata, and learn: 

• The true cost of having data inefficiencies in your company. 
• Solutions and approaches for data collection, cleansing and insights generation. 
• Real-world case studies on how empirical decision-making with more data has made a difference for retailers, distributors and manufacturers. 
• Starting points to discuss which key decisions could and should be supported by more data and how to acquire it. 

This webinar will include a Q&A and cover how employing data-based decision-making can help companies gain a significant competitive advantage as the specialty-equipment market becomes more complex (i.e., SKU proliferation) and external influences create more volatility (i.e., Ukraine war, inflation and COVID). Register now.

By Ashley Reyes

The first two sessions of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Male-Ally Webinar series provided members with examples and knowledge of a male ally in the automotive aftermarket.

A panel of aftermarket leaders will now come together to share actionable ideas for applying a male-ally program into an organization during the webinar series' final session, "Looking to the Future," on September 19 at 12:00 p.m. PDT/ 3:00 p.m. EDT. 

Featuring Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting as moderator and speakers Seth Metzger of Dana Incorporated, Matt Reasoner of Truck Hero and Dana Wilke of the Jessi Combs Foundation, the session will leave viewers inspired and equipped to start a male-ally program that empowers and supports women in their aftermarket roles. 

Attendees will learn:  

• Tips for starting a male-ally program in their workplace. 
• How to get upper management to see the value of a male-ally program. 
• Ways to measure success of these efforts within an organization. 
• How employees can facilitate being a male ally to women. 
• How can females support a male-ally program. 
• How to ensure male-ally efforts are sustained in the company culture. 

This session will give participants the tools to bridge the "why" of male allies' importance with the "how" of making them part of any work culture.  Register today!

By Juan Torres 

The SEMA Show Overland Experience, a popular specialized showcase at the world's leading automotive trade show, is moving to a new location in 2023 to give attendees a more immersive introduction into the world of overlanding. The dedicated display will be prominently featured in the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall, providing a customized environment to highlight the growing overlanding market.

"Moving the Overland Experience to the Diamond Lot will enable attendees and media to easily access the latest products and innovations in the growing market segment, in an outside setting they were designed for," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "The exhibit will be conveniently accessible to all Show attendees via the LVCC Loop West Hall Station and the West Hall, which will feature the latest in trucks, SUVs, off-roading, powersports and utility vehicles."

The SEMA Overland Experience will include dozens of customized vehicles--from pop-top-equipped trucks to sprinter vans to specialty trailers--featuring recreational and utility gear such as refrigerators, storage racks and units, makeshift kitchens, and solar chargers, everything to make off-the-grid travel fun and convenient.

The exhibit will also feature industry experts discussing key overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for aftermarket companies who are looking to diversify and grow their offerings.

"The Overland Experience is a great opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the lifestyle and gear associated with this adventure-driven niche," added SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "With exhibits like the Overland Experience displayed throughout the SEMA Show, we will showcase what's trending in the marketplace and what many consumers and enthusiasts are gravitating towards."

Attendees will be able to engage with several leading brands, including current Overland Experience sponsors American Expedition Vehicles, KW Automotive, LinksWell Automotive, LiquidSpring, Mackin Industries, ORACLE Lighting, Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Scosche Industries, and first-time exhibitor Winnebago.

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.