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.
| |  Ford's BoxLink cargo management system is debuting on the ’15 F-150. |
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Ford to Host Cargo Management System Demonstration at TORA Booth
Ford will host a demonstration of its newly released BoxLink cargo management system during the 2014 SEMA Show. The orientation will take place at the TORA Booth (#34183), Wednesday, November 5, between 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
BoxLink is debuting on the ’15 F-150. Consumers can attach to the cleats in four locations, or hook directly to the BoxLink Interface plate with a bungee cord, S-hook or E-track fitting. Additionally, BoxLink is located on a reinforced area of the box at mid-level to accommodate cargo loads up to a horizontal (cross-box) load of 275 lbs. and a diagonal load of 600 lbs.
Register for the orientation and join Ford at booth #34183 to learn more.
Save the Date for the TORA Reception
The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom C. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the reception will feature networking opportunities and three award presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.
The TORA is also looking for volunteers for the annual TORA Industry Awards Reception and Fall Nationals Pinewood Drags.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
TORA Booth Happy Hour
Are you a buyer interested in meeting exhibitors in the truck and off-road industries? Are you a manufacturer hoping to build leads in a casual environment on the Show floor? Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34183) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2014 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink. Register today, or volunteer to help staff the booth.
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Save the Date for ARMO Awards Reception
The annual awards reception for the ARMO will be held Tuesday, November 4, in ballrooms D and E of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). Members and individuals interested in learning more about the council are invited to register and attend the event, which will run from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The evening will feature opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new connections, and honor a few of the industry’s influential restoration professionals during the award presentations.
General Membership Meeting
ARMO will hold a general membership meeting, Wednesday, November 5, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in conference rooms 4–6 of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). The group will discuss current initiatives and plans for the future over pastries and coffee. This event is a great introduction to the council for new and prospective members, and a chance to share challenges and ideas. Register today to save your seat.
Builder’s Roundtable
The ARMO roundtable provides an opportunity each year for members to discuss issues facing the industry. Geared toward small businesses and shop owners, the roundtable offers companies the opportunity to exchange information about market challenges and solutions in a casual, small-group setting. This year’s event will take place Thursday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N236. Register today.
For more information about ARMO’s SEMA Show events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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ETTN/YEN Reception
The ETTN will host a joint networking reception with the YEN, Tuesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in ballroom C of the Westgate (formerly LVH). All ETTN members, YEN members and other professionals interested in exploring the group’s benefits and programs are invited. The event will feature casino tables, specific areas showcasing emerging technologies, an awards ceremony and refreshments. Register for this event online.
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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HRIA Reception
The HRIA will hold its annual awards reception, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., in Ballrooms A and B of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH). The event provides a community-building opportunity for members and a chance for prospective members to learn more about the group’s focus. The evening’s festivities will include award presentations and a Pinewood Builder's Challenge auction to raise money for the charities supported by SEMA Cares. Register for the event today.
For more information, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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Motorsports Manufacturers: Networking Opportunities at the 2014 PRI Show
The Performance Racing Industry Show week will kick-start for members of the MPMC with a general membership meeting on Wednesday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Indiana Convention Center, room 243. The meeting will provide participants a chance to share challenges and opportunities facing the segment. Lunch will be served to attendees following the meeting. Register today to join the group and share your perspective.
The council also looks forward to bringing back Education Day in 2014, with a few adjustments and new features. The “New Racing Products in the Fast Lane” event will feature three, 30-minute sessions on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in the convention center. Guests will have their choice of three presentations, which will run concurrently. Each presentation will focus on cutting-edge products from MPMC members, and attendees will learn more about the parts in a casual, small-group setting. To RSVP for individual seminars, access the PRI Attendee Registration Dashboard and select the MPMC link for more information.
The complete schedule of sessions follows:
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Room 240: Mahle
Room 241: MSD
Room 242: Turbosmart
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Room 240: Holley
Room 241: Driven Racing Oil
Room 242: Lunati
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Room 240: Ron Francis Wiring
Room 241: Edelbrock
Room 242: Comp Cams
Finally, the 2014 MPMC Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a formal induction ceremony and networking reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 12, in the Indiana Convention Center, room 208. Attendees will have the chance to network over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Register today.
For more information about these events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@SEMA.org.
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Discussion Topics Announced for SEMA Show Rep Roundtable
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions for reps, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D&E of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). Through roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions that address real issues. The event will also include a group discussion on trending topics. The cost is $25 for SEMA-member reps, $35 for others.
2014 Discussion topics will include:
- "How to Recruit Next-Gen Talent in the Rep Industry" – Amy Hirsh Robinson, principal, Interchange Consulting Group
- "Future Automotive Trends Affecting Reps: OE, Manufacturers, WDs" – Gavin Knapp, senior market research manager, SEMA
- "Trends in Healthcare: How Rep Agencies Navigate Obamacare" – Gladys Zolna Esq., partner, Freeborn & Peters LLP
- "How MRERF Can Help Reps Conduct Business" – Karen Jefferson, CSP, CMPR, executive director, MRERF
- "Business Apps for Reps" – Tyler Tanaka, president, Cie Studios
- "Reps as SDC Receivers—Value Add Proposition" – Jon Wyly, president and CEO, SEMA Data Co-op
To reserve a seat, register today through the SEMA Show dashboard. For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
MRN Rep Center
MRN members will have exclusive access to a number of resources in the Rep Lounge at the 2014 SEMA Show. The lounge, located inside the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251), will be open Monday, November 3–Friday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Inside the lounge, printers and a charging station will be available. A private room is also open for client meetings and can be booked on site. Reps also have the opportunity to connect with manufacturers through a rep matching service—a book of information about interested exhibitors will be in the lounge for reps to review during the week. Exhibitors seeking representation for their product lines should submit the online form prior to the Show for inclusion.
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PRO Booth Happy Hour
Visit PRO in the North Hall at Booth #12561 during Show hours to learn more about what the council has to offer, the group's long-term goals, or just to meet the leadership face to face. Be sure to take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors over drinks at the PRO Happy Hour, Wednesday, November 5, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Register for the Happy Hour, or volunteer to help staff the booth today.
Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception
The PRO will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH), Ballrooms F and G. The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
PRO General Membership MeetingPRO members and others who would like to learn more about the council are invited to attend a general membership meeting, Thursday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N234. The meeting will provide a chance to learn more about the group’s focus and connect with other restylers over breakfast. Register today.
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Must Attend Events for Businesswomen at the 2014 SEMA Show
By Jenna Jefferies
Monday, November 3
SBN General Membership Meeting
Join SBN leadership and members to celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to females in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in and for prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments.
Details: Monday, November 3, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242
Register for this event online.
Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
A part of the SEMA Education Institute’s Student Program, the Gear-Up Girl Networking Event connects female students with industry-leading female professionals in a round-robin networking format.
Details: Monday, November 3, 2014, 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, room N253
Register: The event is free, but participants are required to register through their SEMA Show dashboards.
Wednesday, November 5
“Your Career; Your Success”—An SBN-Powered Super Session
This session features prominent leaders and professionals who will share the experiences and professional habits that have facilitated their success in the aftermarket industry. Utilizing a moderator-and-panel format, attendees will have the opportunity to take away key insights that they can incorporate into their professional lives.
Details: Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, room N258
Register: The session is free, but participants are required to register through their SEMA Show dashboards.
Thursday, November 6
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During the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes. |
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Speed Networking Breakfast – Powered by SBNThe annual Speed Networking Breakfast is open to all SEMA members and is one of the best opportunities to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Meet more than a dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment that is structured to keep the introductions flowing.
Details: Thursday, November 6, 2014, 7:00 a.m.– 9:00 a.m., Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, ballroom A
Price: $35 for SEMA members and $49 for non-members.
Register: Purchase tickets through your SEMA Show dashboard.
Friday, November 7
Café SEMA—In the Know with a Cup of Joe
A one-hour roundtable conversation with business pros and experts, “Café SEMA—In the Know with a Cup of Joe” provides a popular format in which attendees get expert answers to their questions.
Details: Friday, November 7, 2014, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, room N243
Price: $10 for SEMA members and $20 for non-members.
Register: Purchase tickets through your SEMA Show dashboard.
Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception
The WTC will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
WTC General Membership Meeting
The WTC General Membership Meeting will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, rooms N219–N220. The meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. This is also a great venue to learn how to get involved, share feedback or voice concerns and opportunities. In particular, members will learn more about a new resource to aid in selecting the correct wheel and tire fit for trucks—WTC’s "Ride Guide"—and a vehicle data-sharing program. Register today.
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YEN Member Insight – Michael Chapin and Eric Coomer, RxSpeed.com
At the 2012 SEMA Show Awards Banquet, Michael Chapin and Eric Coomer sat down for dinner at the YEN member table. Focused on their respective ventures, the two like-minded gasoline junkies stayed in contact for another year and found several more overlapping likes and interests. Fast forward to 2014, when an opportunity arose to collaborate in a new business launch—RxSpeed.com—a search engine for aftermarket parts.
What kind of SEMA resources have you found to be valuable?
Chapin: Besides the obvious fact that we met while networking with YEN, Eric and I use SEMA’s market reports and resources to convey to the outside world the scale and dynamic of this marketplace. For most non-car people, it’s an industry that hides in plain sight. Few expect to hear that 24 million Americans spend $33 billion annually. The market segmentation reports draw clear lines in the sand to help people understand who buys parts for necessity and who buys them for fun.
Coomer: The background and education SEMA provides on the industry’s data revolution, and more specifically the SEMA Data Co-op, have by far been the most helpful in educating myself and others about the need for standardized product data. It wasn’t very long ago that every small business was told they needed a website in order to survive, and now in 2014, getting your products seen and sold online carries that same message. Clear business communication doesn’t end with conversation, but continues with every file and piece of data you exchange.
Chapin: Above all else, it’s the people. Attending social events in any industry can be the ultimate time suck, which usually ends up being a plethora of sales and business development folks snagging your card and forever following up with their services. But SEMA is different, and guys like YEN’s liaison, Bryan Harrison, are genuinely concerned about helping your company become successful. That mentality trickles through each group. Even with competitors, it’s like we’re all working together to support the industry, hobby and niche.
Have you always been into cars?
Chapin: I think my mother knew I had a problem when the hood of my ’92 GTI ended up in her living room, but the bloodline traces back to my great grandfather. He traded a horse for a Cadillac to start a taxi service, which ended up becoming a successful Hudson dealership in the ’40s. I keep one of his original newspaper ads on my desk—his phone number was 930, just three digits.
Coomer: My grandfather was a seasoned mechanic who taught me to wrench and weld, among other things. It satisfied my curiosity to take everything apart and understand the systems, likely one of the reasons I love computer systems and hardware. My father’s company was ahead of its time building advanced data-logging hardware and software that was used by top IndyCar and Motocross teams. As a Formula Mazda racer myself, anything with a motor excites me.
What is data standardization?
Coomer: If you’re living in France and your car breaks down, the nuts and bolts you need are governed by an ISO Certification. Any hardware store will know exactly what drawer holds the M8x1.25 bolts and it’s easy to exchange this information store to store, distributor to distributor, and finally to the customer. When dealing with performance aftermarket products, parts manufacturers have typically kept their product numbers, names and fitment information in different formats. The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to help manufacturers enter this data in a standardized format so any shop, distributor or consumer speaks the same language.
What is “The Lab” on RxSpeed.com?
Chapin: Growing up, I always enjoyed reading the latest magazine features. It showed me custom builds I was interested in, then inspired me to do new and unique things to my own car. One of the most frustrating things was to find a picture in a magazine or online and see something I loved, but then not find any information on that part or where to buy it. We wanted to take that same concept of feature-build articles and make them interactive in a state-of-the-art format. Just like seeing a car at a car show and walking around it with the owner, the goal of “The Lab” is to take a virtual tour of a modified vehicle and provide readers not only with information on the part or customization, but also a direct link to purchase.
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Jim Liaw
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Liaw Shares Tips for Young Professionals During Live Chat
By Amanda Gubbins
SEMA’s Young Executive Network (YEN) will host a live chat with Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). This open Q&A will give young professionals the chance to communicate directly with Liaw and ask him anything. The range of questions can include how to build a brand with young consumers, how to participate in the SEMA Launch Pad competition or his favorite tips on efficient business travel.
Liaw is best known for his entrepreneurial spirit in the fast lane, having started his career in sales with McMullen Argus working for Sport Compact Car magazine. Later, he helped run the first-ever sport-compact drag-racing championships with the Import Drag Racing Circuit. In 2003, Liaw co-founded and launched one of the hottest youth culture programs in America, Formula Drift Holdings. Recognized in both domestic and international media as the creator of the motorsport called “drifting,” Liaw has continued to sell out each racing venue, and 2015 marks the 12th season. Focused on supporting the industry, Liaw is also a seasoned SEMA volunteer leader who participates on the YEN Select Committee and chairs the SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN business competition.
Stop by the YEN Facebook page, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) to ask Liaw about his secrets for success. RSVP for this event now on Facebook.
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Launch Pad competition finalists interact with the judges and receive feedback on their business pitches. |
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Industry Heavyweights Team Up for Launch Pad Competition
By Amanda Gubbins
The 2014 SEMA Launch Pad, powered by the Young Executives Network (YEN) will feature another line-up of all-star industry veterans. This year’s event will be hosted by Matt D’Andria, CEO of Motorator.com and co-host of the “CarCast” podcast. The judging panel will bring a diverse portfolio of experiences and offer feedback to the contestants, ultimately choosing the next Launch Pad winner.
The 2014 judges include:
- Designer and marketer Mark Arcenal of Illest Brand and Fatlace
- Lawyer and business leader Ron Coleman of COMP Performance Group
- Fabricator and TV personality Jessi Combs of “Overhaulin’” and “All Girls Garage”
- Publisher and SEMA board of directors Chair-elect Doug Evans of The Enthusiast Network
- Marketer Glenn Rogers of Cascadia Capital LLC
The live event will take place, November 5, at 11:00 a.m. at a new location in the Las Vegas Convention Center—the second level of the North Hall in room N258. Five finalists will pitch their business concepts in competition for the grand prize—a package of business resources designed to extend the winning company’s reach and boost exposure.
SEMA Show attendees are invited to watch the contest unfold. Lunch will be served to the first 125 individuals to arrive. Admission to the event is free, but attendees should pre-register through their SEMA Show dashboards. Use the unique URL in the SEMA Show registration confirmation e-mail, or start at attendee registration and click the “Ticket Only” button. After logging in, select “The Next Great Business: How Entrepreneurs Pitch their Ideas.”
YEN General Membership Meeting
The YEN will hold a general membership meeting Monday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join the leadership and other members as they celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to young professionals in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in and for prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event online.
Discussion topics will include:
- YEN Annual Reception
- SEMA Launch Pad
- YEN Power Tour
- YEN Networking Events
- YEN Member Activation Program (MAP)
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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