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.

Visit TORA's website.

The TORA Media Preview is an opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers.

Maximize Your Media Preview Experience With These Tools

By Amanda Gubbins

The Light Truck Industry Alliance (TORA) is now accepting applications for the 2015 Media Preview event, which will take place Monday, November 2, prior to the opening of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

This event is a unique opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. Each of the manufacturer participants is selected from the application pool by lottery to set up temporary exhibit space within the Media Center. Throughout the four-hour event, manufacturers can show samples and answer questions about their products.

Read more details about the TORA Media Preview held prior to the official opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

The key to a successful experience is preparation, and knowing how to make the editors’ jobs easy. In order to help manufacturers maximize their experiences, TORA has gathered a few preparation materials from past events and webinars. These resources will help manufacturers be prepared for the media, and ultimately gain the best coverage possible. The following materials are especially helpful for companies that do not have a dedicated media-relations division, or that just want to sharpen their skills:

• “Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show” – webinar by Larry Edsall
• “Media Panel: How to Maximize Media Exposure” – panel from the 2014 Exhibitor Summit
• “How to Host a Successful SEMA Show Press Conference” – presentation from the 2012 Exhibitor Summit

Apply now for the 2015 TORA Media Preview event by June 30. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org or 909-978-6696.

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Visit HRIA's website

Connect with Hot Rodders at HRIA’s General Membership Meetings

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold two open general membership meetings in July. These events give HRIA members the chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Included on the agenda for both meetings is the presentation of the HRIA Annual Report and a discussion about the state and direction of the hot-rod industry. Attendees will share and hear from other members about strategies for the future.

Council members and those interested in exploring group membership are invited to attend one of the following:

Thursday, July 9, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
18th Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals
Ohio Expo Center, Celeste Building
Columbus, Ohio
Visit www.good-guys.com for more information.
Register now.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
NSRA National Street Rod Nationals
Louisville, Kentucky Fairgrounds
Visit www.nsra-usa.com for more information.
Register now.

For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge in Detroit, June 18–19, 2015, to plan for the future. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) for its Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The Detroit Metro Airport Marriott will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, your business will benefit by being in the room when these, and other, topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, and those interested in joining PRO. Register now to be a part of the discussion. Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 for more information.

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Visit SBN's website.

Kelsey Self

SBN Member of the Month—Kelsey Self, Innovative Creations Inc.

Visit YEN's website

During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through, and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

Back to Top

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.

Visit TORA's website.

The TORA Media Preview is an opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers.

Maximize Your Media Preview Experience With These Tools

By Amanda Gubbins

The Light Truck Industry Alliance (TORA) is now accepting applications for the 2015 Media Preview event, which will take place Monday, November 2, prior to the opening of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

This event is a unique opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. Each of the manufacturer participants is selected from the application pool by lottery to set up temporary exhibit space within the Media Center. Throughout the four-hour event, manufacturers can show samples and answer questions about their products.

Read more details about the TORA Media Preview held prior to the official opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

The key to a successful experience is preparation, and knowing how to make the editors’ jobs easy. In order to help manufacturers maximize their experiences, TORA has gathered a few preparation materials from past events and webinars. These resources will help manufacturers be prepared for the media, and ultimately gain the best coverage possible. The following materials are especially helpful for companies that do not have a dedicated media-relations division, or that just want to sharpen their skills:

• “Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show” – webinar by Larry Edsall
• “Media Panel: How to Maximize Media Exposure” – panel from the 2014 Exhibitor Summit
• “How to Host a Successful SEMA Show Press Conference” – presentation from the 2012 Exhibitor Summit

Apply now for the 2015 TORA Media Preview event by June 30. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org or 909-978-6696.

Back to Top

Visit HRIA's website

Connect with Hot Rodders at HRIA’s General Membership Meetings

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold two open general membership meetings in July. These events give HRIA members the chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Included on the agenda for both meetings is the presentation of the HRIA Annual Report and a discussion about the state and direction of the hot-rod industry. Attendees will share and hear from other members about strategies for the future.

Council members and those interested in exploring group membership are invited to attend one of the following:

Thursday, July 9, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
18th Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals
Ohio Expo Center, Celeste Building
Columbus, Ohio
Visit www.good-guys.com for more information.
Register now.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
NSRA National Street Rod Nationals
Louisville, Kentucky Fairgrounds
Visit www.nsra-usa.com for more information.
Register now.

For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge in Detroit, June 18–19, 2015, to plan for the future. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) for its Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The Detroit Metro Airport Marriott will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, your business will benefit by being in the room when these, and other, topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, and those interested in joining PRO. Register now to be a part of the discussion. Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 for more information.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

Kelsey Self

SBN Member of the Month—Kelsey Self, Innovative Creations Inc.

Visit YEN's website

During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through, and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

Back to Top

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.

Visit TORA's website.

The TORA Media Preview is an opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers.

Maximize Your Media Preview Experience With These Tools

By Amanda Gubbins

The Light Truck Industry Alliance (TORA) is now accepting applications for the 2015 Media Preview event, which will take place Monday, November 2, prior to the opening of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

This event is a unique opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. Each of the manufacturer participants is selected from the application pool by lottery to set up temporary exhibit space within the Media Center. Throughout the four-hour event, manufacturers can show samples and answer questions about their products.

Read more details about the TORA Media Preview held prior to the official opening of the 2014 SEMA Show.

The key to a successful experience is preparation, and knowing how to make the editors’ jobs easy. In order to help manufacturers maximize their experiences, TORA has gathered a few preparation materials from past events and webinars. These resources will help manufacturers be prepared for the media, and ultimately gain the best coverage possible. The following materials are especially helpful for companies that do not have a dedicated media-relations division, or that just want to sharpen their skills:

• “Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show” – webinar by Larry Edsall
• “Media Panel: How to Maximize Media Exposure” – panel from the 2014 Exhibitor Summit
• “How to Host a Successful SEMA Show Press Conference” – presentation from the 2012 Exhibitor Summit

Apply now for the 2015 TORA Media Preview event by June 30. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at claytond@sema.org or 909-978-6696.

Back to Top

Visit HRIA's website

Connect with Hot Rodders at HRIA’s General Membership Meetings

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold two open general membership meetings in July. These events give HRIA members the chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Included on the agenda for both meetings is the presentation of the HRIA Annual Report and a discussion about the state and direction of the hot-rod industry. Attendees will share and hear from other members about strategies for the future.

Council members and those interested in exploring group membership are invited to attend one of the following:

Thursday, July 9, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
18th Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals
Ohio Expo Center, Celeste Building
Columbus, Ohio
Visit www.good-guys.com for more information.
Register now.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
NSRA National Street Rod Nationals
Louisville, Kentucky Fairgrounds
Visit www.nsra-usa.com for more information.
Register now.

For more information, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

Back to Top

Visit PRO's website.

Planning the Future of the Restyling and Accessory Industry

Leaders of the restyling and accessory world will converge in Detroit, June 18–19, 2015, to plan for the future. Join the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) for its Long-Range Planning meeting and industry discussion. The Detroit Metro Airport Marriott will play host as leading manufacturers, WDs, installers and restyling professionals discuss the future of the industry and develop strategies that SEMA and the PRO Select Committee will use in addressing the challenges and opportunities confronting your business.

Your insight and perspective is critical. Whether your business has been impacted by new trends in auto sales and discretionary spending, vehicle technology, installation concerns or if there is a need to identify markets for expansion, your business will benefit by being in the room when these, and other, topics are discussed.

The meeting is open to all employees of PRO-member companies, and those interested in joining PRO. Register now to be a part of the discussion. Traveling from out of town? Contact us for quality hotel options in the area. Not able to attend but want to stay involved? Contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 for more information.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

Kelsey Self

SBN Member of the Month—Kelsey Self, Innovative Creations Inc.

Visit YEN's website

During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through, and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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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.

SEMA News—June 2015

BUSINESS
By Mike Imlay

Product Development Made Easier

Mining OEM CAD Files Through SEMA’s Tech Transfer Program

SEMA News: Why should SEMA-member companies consider joining the Tech Transfer program? What does it offer them?

Gary Pis: There are multiple reasons they should consider joining the program. First, they don’t have to hunt for a brand-new vehicle to measure in order to start product development. For instance, when the new Corvette came out, few owners wanted to loan one out for a SEMA-member manufacturer to tear apart. With the SEMA Tech Transfer program, members can access CAD files for vehicles months in advance of their actual release and get a head start on designing products without actually seeing the cars prior to them hitting the market. In addition, SEMA manufacturers don’t have to worry about any type of tolerance issues. They’re getting extremely accurate data and designing off the original OE CAD file, so their products will fit within the manufacturer’s range of tolerance variations, whether the vehicle was built on the high side or low side. They’re working with true measurements, which means that many developers can do their design directly in CAD and go quickly from design to manufacturing with a lot less trial and error or redesign and get it right the first time around.

SN: What types of companies can benefit from the program? Who’s using it currently?

GP: All SEMA manufacturers can benefit. We have wheel companies, suspension companies and even styling companies looking to do aesthetically pleasing parts for vehicles. Power performance companies come in and do air intake systems, superchargers, cylinder heads, full exhaust systems and everything else possible. Driveline components, interior trim pieces and pretty much anything imaginable can be designed with the help of our Tech Transfer program. A couple of years ago, we had one company based in England that produced a body kit for the new Camaro based on the OEM CAD data without ever having seen the vehicle. They brought their kit to the SEMA Show for fitting, and everything worked perfectly. We also have a range of companies using newer files to produce retrofit products to give new vehicles a sense of nostalgia. All sorts of companies are using our program and learning how valuable it is.

SN: The Tech Transfer program has evolved since its beginnings in 1999. Is there anything new on the way for members?

GP: We are working on a new, revamped website based on feedback shared by members. People will be able to go and search a database for all the older files that we currently have in the database, along with any additional new files available from the OEMs. By the end of the year, there will be a lot of new and improved web features to manage requests and track statuses of your file requests.

SN: For those who are unfamiliar with or new to the program, can you take us through the process of accessing vehicle tech data?

GP: Users have to be both SEMA and Tech Transfer members to access OEM CAD data. So say we have a new member who has just joined SEMA and is interested in the program. Our new processes are, first, to make sure that they’re eligible and, second, to get approval for the files they’re requesting from the OEM in question. The CAD data is sensitive since it’s the automakers’ proprietary engineering data, so the OEMs want it going to qualified companies. Anything relating to a production-based vehicle, however, is usually approved, and the participating OEMs are very supportive of the aftermarket.

SN: What do OEMs look for in granting approval for data files?

GP: They usually check out a company’s website, see what type of products they’re doing and what type of branding they’re doing. For example, an off-road company is not likely going to get approved for sports car or styling data. Unless the company is expanding its brand to different products, that’s going to throw up red flags for an OEM. The OEMs are making sure the correct file types are only going to the member based on their company products.

SN: What is the cost to members?

GP: Once the approval process is complete and everything is squared away, the member company gets invoiced for the Tech Transfer program. Since 2013, the flat fee has been $360, which gives a company access to all the files in the Tech Transfer database pertinent to that company, along with the ability to request files not found in the database directly from OEMs. The fee covers all Tech Transfer access until a SEMA company’s yearly membership expires, and it is subject to renewal every year along with the SEMA membership.

SN: What happens from there?

GP: After the invoice is created and paid, we create a login so that the member can get into the Tech Transfer system. Once they’re in, there’s a catalog that they’re able to search. At this point that catalog is limited and goes up to only 2010. But the new website will expand that catalog up to current-year listings. Ultimately, the main function of the website is for a company to log in, learn what’s available and submit a request. Once you submit a request, it creates a tracking number and the person who filled out the request form gets a copy of it. Meanwhile, we go into our database and retrieve the files that the member needs. If we have them on file, we release them. If not, we request them from the OEM for the member. Files are transferred to members by secure FTP and are in neutral CAD formats, so members should have no problem importing them into their CAD software. They’re easily recognized by any CAD engineer.

SN: How soon are data requests fulfilled?

GP: If an approved company requests data that we already have on file, we can usually process and release it to them within two to three days. Depending on the files, sometimes we can even do it in a few hours. If we don’t have the data in our system, OEMs can vary in the time it takes to release files. One particular automaker has a staff person dedicated solely to SEMA technical data requests. Others have teams of one or two people handling various other job functions and requests, so it can take more time for them to pull and release data. Sometimes the OEMs want to do additional cleanup on a file before releasing it to make sure things run smoothly for the member receiving it. Sometimes, especially with newer vehicles, there can be slight delays for OEMs in releasing entire new files in a quick manner. There’s often so much data and the files are so large that it takes time to polish the files for SEMA members. So time-wise we’re talking a few days on the low end to a few weeks on the high end, depending on the situation and workload at the OEM level.

SN: Ultimately, what would you most like SEMA members to know about Tech Transfer?

GP: We have more than 300 SEMA members currently taking advantage of our Tech Transfer program with new members being added all the time. Still, we wish there were more. There are a lot of companies out there that may not be aware of the opportunities the program delivers, and we’re taking the initiative to reach out to them. For example, recent tours of the new SEMA Garage have exposed a lot of local companies to the advantages of our Tech Transfer services. But SEMA-member product developers can access the program no matter where they’re located, and our staff is ready to assist them with the entire process. Almost every business nowadays utilizes CAD for product research and development, so this is a program that can offer a real a competitive advantage to those who tap into it.

Joining SEMA Tech Transfer

To learn more about accessing Tech Transfer data and to join the program, visit the SEMA Garage website at
www.SEMAgarage.com and click on the Tech Transfer link. You can also e-mail Gary Pis at tectransfer@sema.org or call 909-978-6732.