Thu, 01/01/2015 - 14:24
 2015 Media Trade Conference
Journalists attending the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference will receive their personalized schedules for the event by January 6, 2015.
  

By Monika Earle

Journalists who are already registered for this year’s MPMC Media Trade Conference will receive their personalized schedules by January 6, 2015, indicating which companies they will be meeting with in private, one-on-one meetings.

Journalists who have not yet registered may still do so at www.sema.org/mtcreg. The event taking place at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North on January 21-23, 2015 gives reporters a chance to meet with manufacturers and conduct quality interviews.

For questions about media participation, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909/978-6723. For exhibitor information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org, 909/978-6690.

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 13:15
From its inception, the automotive specialty-equipment industry has been built in large measure by enthusiasts who followed their passions. Brad Vlastuin fits that mold.

Vlastuin enjoyed cruise-ins and car gatherings around his hometown in Michigan, back in the days when neon lighting and exterior accessories were the hot ticket for import cars. He owns a Toyota Matrix and found that others who attended the same events were in search of products similar to those that he was interested in. He began to rack down and offer accessories to his fellow enthusiasts, and he was soon running what was essentially a small business out of the trunk of his car.
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 13:15
From its inception, the automotive specialty-equipment industry has been built in large measure by enthusiasts who followed their passions. Brad Vlastuin fits that mold.

Vlastuin enjoyed cruise-ins and car gatherings around his hometown in Michigan, back in the days when neon lighting and exterior accessories were the hot ticket for import cars. He owns a Toyota Matrix and found that others who attended the same events were in search of products similar to those that he was interested in. He began to rack down and offer accessories to his fellow enthusiasts, and he was soon running what was essentially a small business out of the trunk of his car.
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 13:15
From its inception, the automotive specialty-equipment industry has been built in large measure by enthusiasts who followed their passions. Brad Vlastuin fits that mold.

Vlastuin enjoyed cruise-ins and car gatherings around his hometown in Michigan, back in the days when neon lighting and exterior accessories were the hot ticket for import cars. He owns a Toyota Matrix and found that others who attended the same events were in search of products similar to those that he was interested in. He began to rack down and offer accessories to his fellow enthusiasts, and he was soon running what was essentially a small business out of the trunk of his car.
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:28

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.


WTC Logo
 
Visit WTC's website

Wheel and Tire Council to Host Open Meeting and Industry Discussion in Southern California

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage Industry Innovations Center for an industry discussion, Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

On the agenda is discussion of the “Ride Guide” promotional efforts and additional vehicle data being compiled, the latest news on Chinese tire tariffs, industry support of tire safety education and more.
This is members’ opportunity to let the council know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Register today [netforum link] to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact Senior Manager of Councils Clayton Drescher.

Back to Top


ettn 
Visit ETTN's website 

2015 ETTN Events

Social Media Strategies Summit
February 10–12, 2015, Las Vegas
SEMA application deadline: December 29, 2014

This conference is designed to address some of the common challenges marketing professionals face in social media, customer service, employee engagement and analytics. With seven hands-on workshops and 30 interactive sessions, the program will take a deeper dive into these topics. Attendees will gain a new perspective and develop the skills to better incorporate social media into their organizations.

99U
April 30–May 1, 2015, New York City
SEMA application deadline: March 24, 2015

99U is all about ideas. The conference presenters are some of the world's foremost authorities in the areas of research and idea execution, and they are dedicated to helping attendees take the next step in their plans. Master class offerings throughout the conference also allow participants to learn from the experts in smaller groups and develop invaluable leadership skills.

Disney Quality Service
September 23, 2015, Anaheim, California
SEMA application deadline: August 18, 2015

The Disney Quality Service course gives participants the background and skills needed to provide outstanding customer service. The one-day course takes a close look at the small details that make a big difference in the environment for both customers and staff. The course not only introduces attendees to the principles that Disney lives by but also provides resources for them to adapt the ideas to their own unique brands.

Back to Top


MPMC Logo
 
Visit MPMC's website.  

Voting Underway for Robert E. Petersen Award

The slate is set, and votes for MPMC’s Robert E. Petersen Award will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST), Friday, January 9. The award honors a member of the print, electronic or broadcast media whose work over the previous year had a significant impact on the motorsports industry.

Members eligible to vote received an e-mail invitation from Jim Skelly via Survey Monkey. Vote today to ensure that your voice is represented.

The award recipient will be honored during the MPMC media reception, Tuesday, January 20, at the Media Trade Conference in Santa Ana, California. For more information about the award or the voting process, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

Back to Top


Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:24

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

  • One seat in the Chairman-elect category
  • Two seats in the Manufacturer category
  • Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
  • One seat in the Services category
  • There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:24

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

  • One seat in the Chairman-elect category
  • Two seats in the Manufacturer category
  • Two seats in the Distributor/Retailer category
  • One seat in the Services category
  • There are no seats open in the Manufacturer’s Representatives category this year.

Nominations for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors are due Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:11
Dave Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, makes a stop at SEMA Central to talk showroom cars and racing efforts.

Wilson talks about the creation of TRD in 1979, which was essentially a small speed shop in southern California, developing accessories for Celicas and Supras. About a year later, TRD reached out through grassroots motorsports, beginning with off-road racing and then the SCCA, an institution the company has supported for nearly 30 years. This approach helped TRD build a loyal, supportive enthusiast community while providing platforms for TRD to become more serious about racing.
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:11
Dave Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, makes a stop at SEMA Central to talk showroom cars and racing efforts.

Wilson talks about the creation of TRD in 1979, which was essentially a small speed shop in southern California, developing accessories for Celicas and Supras. About a year later, TRD reached out through grassroots motorsports, beginning with off-road racing and then the SCCA, an institution the company has supported for nearly 30 years. This approach helped TRD build a loyal, supportive enthusiast community while providing platforms for TRD to become more serious about racing.
Thu, 01/01/2015 - 11:11
Dave Wilson, president of Toyota Racing Development, makes a stop at SEMA Central to talk showroom cars and racing efforts.

Wilson talks about the creation of TRD in 1979, which was essentially a small speed shop in southern California, developing accessories for Celicas and Supras. About a year later, TRD reached out through grassroots motorsports, beginning with off-road racing and then the SCCA, an institution the company has supported for nearly 30 years. This approach helped TRD build a loyal, supportive enthusiast community while providing platforms for TRD to become more serious about racing.