By Ashley Reyes

Building a diverse network is important for discovering new ideas and perspectives that can help you grow your professional career and business.

To help wheel and tire professionals in the automotive aftermarket establish new business connections, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its next Coffee & Conversation networking event on Thursday, June 1, at 9:00 a.m. PDT. 

The free online event will bring wheel and tire members together from different occupations and include an informative discussion on challenges and opportunities facing the wheel and tire industry. It's the ideal event to connect with others with different perspectives on the industry, create new business connections, and gain insight into problems and solutions in the wheel and tire market.

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales about the WTC Coffee & Conversations event. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry. I look forward to the next session!"

Register for the event here.

Hot rod enthusiasts don't want to miss this exclusive opportunity to learn everything they need to know about essential products. Leading manufacturers will share technical details and installation secrets during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) signature HRIA Education Days. Taking place at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 3-4, the program bridges the gap between enthusiasts and manufacturers, helping to demystify the inner workings and understanding of critical hot rod products.

Through the HRIA Education Days, NSRA Nationals attendees will join the most innovative and respected hot rod parts manufacturers as they share important processes for working on projects through face-to-face educational seminars. The sessions are an excellent opportunity for hot rod enthusiasts and builders to interact directly with manufacturers, ask questions, gain clarification and truly understand what makes each product unique and special.

This year's schedule includes automotive electrical basics, how to modernize your hot rod engine, everything you want to know about oil and much more.  

The HRIA will also host its open meeting and mixer on Wednesday, August 2, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Expo Center. Open to current and prospective HRIA members, the meeting will feature an invaluable opportunity to network with other hot rod businesses and learn about HRIA's initiatives and member benefits. Drinks and snacks will be provided. 

With so much knowledge and expertise in one place, the open meeting and educational seminars are two excellent opportunities that hot rod professionals can't afford to miss. Review and sign up for sessions in advance to make the most out of the event.  

Sign up for the open meeting and seminars here.  

By Juan Torres

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website.

Companies exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show can submit press releases to generate excitement for products and Show-related announcements, such as guest and celebrity appearances, descriptions of new products planned for display, special booth vehicles, product giveaways and more.  

This free benefit for exhibitors provides an added exposure opportunity. With thousands of media attending the SEMA Show, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths. Press releases submitted may also be used in association publications, social-media platforms and promotions to media attendees. The Online SEMA Show Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements. 

Here are a few tips to get a press release noticed: 

• Use a strong, short headline to catch readers' attention. 
• Keep the press release brief. Introduce the product or news without added commentary.  
• Include a photo. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

An easy-to-read press release with relevant content can create a lasting impression, generate media coverage and ultimately drive traffic to an exhibitor's booth. Exhibitors can upload their press releases to SEMAShow.com/press-release.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

SEMA members have elected Melanie White, president of Hellwig Products, and Ted Wentz III, CEO of Quadratec, to lead the association over the next several years as key members of the 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors.

Melanie White and Ted Wentz III

White was voted incoming chair and fills the position held for the past two years by Kyle Fickler (ProCharger), who will begin his term as chairman in July when James Lawrence (Power Automedia) concludes his term in that position. White's current seat on the Board will be filled by Marcus Umlauff (Toyota North America) for the balance of the two-year seat. Current SEMA Board member, Wentz, was re-elected to serve another term of three years. 

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers' rep and services. 

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2023-2024 will be as follows: 

Board Officers

• Chairman - Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
• Incoming Chair - Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary - James Lawrence, Senior Consultant, Power Automedia
• Treasurer - To Be Announced

Board Members

• Rich Butler - CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
• Lindsay Hubley - Managing Partner, Lodestone Events LLC
• Norris Marshall - CEO, BluePrint Engines
• Larry Montante - VP, Category Management & Marketing, Keystone Automotive Operations
• Kim Pendergast - CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Brian Reese - President and CEO, T-Sportline
• Kathryn Reinhardt - Senior Vice President of Marketing and Events, Hemmings
• Marcus Umlauff - General Manager - Truck, Toyota North America
• Ted Wentz III, CEO - Quadratec Inc.
• Steve Whipple - President, PRW Industries Inc.

Outgoing Board Members

• Tim Martin, CEO - Aftermarket Advisors 
• Les Rudd, President/CSO - Bob Cook Sales

The entire 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) in Anaheim, California, on Friday, July 21. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at sema.org/gala.

In partnership with General Motors, SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce an all-new measuring session, June 13-15, for the newly designed '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

The event will allow companies to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with their trucks.

The session will feature a combination of '23 and '24 Chevrolet and GMC midsize, light-duty and heavy-duty truck platforms with the most popular options, including different bed, cab, and powertrain configurations.

Chevrolet: 

• Colorado Trail Boss 
• Silverado 1500 
• Silverado 2500HD 

GMC: 

• Canyon AT4X Edition 1 
• Sierra 1500 AT4 
• Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate Dually

Event Dates: June 13 - June 15, 2023 

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit, 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170. Sessions will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per company, and keep an eye out for a follow-up email to confirm your time slot.

Visit the link below for event registration details.

Click here to register.

By Ashley Reyes

The recent SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program provided valuable knowledge and insights to FLN members for becoming more impactful, empathetic and effective leaders in their organizations. Facilitated by trainers from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Institute, the training prepared participants to communicate more confidently in business situations and gave them the tools to communicate more effectively, build rapport and gain willing cooperation by influencing others. 

All SEMA members can now share the program's exclusive insights by tuning into the FLN Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, June 14, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Viewers will learn how to boost their professional development and apply the program's to their own careers and personal lives. 

This will be a fun and candid conversation with a chance to connect with the speakers live. Go here to sign up for Facebook event reminders.

By Ashley Reyes

Virtually every new OEM vehicle now features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment, so it's crucial for SEMA member companies to understand the types of tests that OEMs utilize to validate and develop their respective systems. Knowing how these vehicles are evaluated can help engineers and product developers plan their new product development processes, as well as better understand the vehicle's performance. 

During the webinar "Testing of ADAS Technologies" on Wednesday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT), SEMA members will learn about the types of tests performed and the ways data is recorded, in a very controlled manner, to assess the performance of ADAS systems accurately. 

Taylor Manahan, director of advanced mobility at Transportation Research Center, will share the types of sensors being used for these technologies, as well as the facilities, equipment and methods utilized for testing these technologies. Attendees will also gain an understanding of how track testing is conducted. 

Register for the webinar presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) here. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to submit their nominations for the prestigious SEMA Industry Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

By recognizing the companies and individuals who have developed innovative solutions that meet the needs of passionate automotive enthusiasts everywhere, SEMA promotes the vitality of the specialty-equipment market and the achievements of its members.

Nominations are open now for:  

• Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.  
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.  
• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or ecommerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends. 
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts. 

SEMA Industry Awards are the best way to recognize the hard work and dedication of the people and businesses who make a difference in our industry. Please take a few minutes to submit your nomination and help SEMA recognize the very best in our industry. Nominate now.  

You can also submit a recommendation form if you don’t have all the requested information to complete the nomination form. When you submit a recommendation form, the awards committee sends a nomination form to the person or business you recommend so they can complete their nomination.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) invites its members to a virtual  general membership meeting on Thursday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.  

Taking place online, the meeting is the ideal time to get the latest updates on events and resources available to help young aftermarket leaders succeed in their careers. Participants will learn about new volunteer opportunities, discover ways to get more involved in the industry through networking and meet FLN select committee members who can help them discover the member benefits that FLN has to offer. 

Aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under who are not current FLN members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to learn about the FLN and the many available resources.  

Register for the meeting here.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• WTC Coffee and Conversation, June 1
• SEMA California Rally, June 8, Sacramento, California
• WTC Coffee and Conversation, August 3
• ETTN N.E.R.D. Symposium, August 16-18, SEMA Garage Detroit
• WTC Coffee and Conversation, September 7
• 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• 2023 PRI Trade Show, December 7-9, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.