By Michael Hart

	The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

The 2014 SEMA Show is a little more than two months away. You know you want to go. But how do you convince your boss it’s worth your time away from the store?

Easy! Tell him or her about these five SEMA Education Days sessions you’ll be attending and how much more value you’ll bring back to the business!

• Start with “So That’s Where the Money Goes?” A financial statement can be a hard thing to plow through. Sure, you know what sales were like and where your money went. But do you understand it well enough to make the strategic decisions that owners and store managers have to make? Here’s a good place to start.

• Then move on to “Get Your Motor Running.” If you want to be more productive in your job and business, this is the session to go to. Here’s the place to identify the areas where maybe you slack off a little and get some solid tips about how to be productive and not accept excuses…even from yourself!

• Next up: “Everything Starts and Stops With Motivation: Displaying Dynamic Motivation in Your Business.” Here’s a little tip about what Doug Dvorak is going to tell you: “Businesses don’t do business, people do!” And with competition as fierce as it is, keeping your staff motivated and on the right track is one of the most important jobs anybody in your company will do.

• Delve a little deeper into the people part of your business with “Succession Planning: Building the Next Generation of Leaders for Your Business and Industry.” Developing the next generation of leaders in your industry and your company is paramount if you want to stay competitive. Who are going to be tomorrow’s managers? Who in your company is up for facing the challenges of the future?

• And, finally, what are those future challenges going to be? Gene Marks will talk about “The 10 Economic, Political and Tech Trends That Will Affect Your Business Tomorrow.” In this interactive presentation, he will explain what today’s winning companies are doing to ensure they’re earning big profits tomorrow—and how you can ensure your company is one of those planning ahead.

SEMA Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. The complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and educational events is available at www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By Michael Hart

	The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

The 2014 SEMA Show is a little more than two months away. You know you want to go. But how do you convince your boss it’s worth your time away from the store?

Easy! Tell him or her about these five SEMA Education Days sessions you’ll be attending and how much more value you’ll bring back to the business!

• Start with “So That’s Where the Money Goes?” A financial statement can be a hard thing to plow through. Sure, you know what sales were like and where your money went. But do you understand it well enough to make the strategic decisions that owners and store managers have to make? Here’s a good place to start.

• Then move on to “Get Your Motor Running.” If you want to be more productive in your job and business, this is the session to go to. Here’s the place to identify the areas where maybe you slack off a little and get some solid tips about how to be productive and not accept excuses…even from yourself!

• Next up: “Everything Starts and Stops With Motivation: Displaying Dynamic Motivation in Your Business.” Here’s a little tip about what Doug Dvorak is going to tell you: “Businesses don’t do business, people do!” And with competition as fierce as it is, keeping your staff motivated and on the right track is one of the most important jobs anybody in your company will do.

• Delve a little deeper into the people part of your business with “Succession Planning: Building the Next Generation of Leaders for Your Business and Industry.” Developing the next generation of leaders in your industry and your company is paramount if you want to stay competitive. Who are going to be tomorrow’s managers? Who in your company is up for facing the challenges of the future?

• And, finally, what are those future challenges going to be? Gene Marks will talk about “The 10 Economic, Political and Tech Trends That Will Affect Your Business Tomorrow.” In this interactive presentation, he will explain what today’s winning companies are doing to ensure they’re earning big profits tomorrow—and how you can ensure your company is one of those planning ahead.

SEMA Education Days will feature more than 60 educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new-vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry. The complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and educational events is available at www.SEMAShow.com/education.

By SEMA Editors

	Celebrity Appearance Notification Forms are due September 5.

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show with a celebrity appearance or industry personality featured in their booth need to submit a Celebrity Appearance Notification Form by September 5. Celebrity Appearances are promoted in SEMA’s print and digital publications and promotions leading up to the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, Las Vegas.

The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with an identifiable, visual connection to the company's target market.

More information on the 2014 SEMA Show—including registration and additional destinations for buyers—can be accessed through the Attendees section on the SEMA Show homepage.

By SEMA Editors

	Celebrity Appearance Notification Forms are due September 5.

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show with a celebrity appearance or industry personality featured in their booth need to submit a Celebrity Appearance Notification Form by September 5. Celebrity Appearances are promoted in SEMA’s print and digital publications and promotions leading up to the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, Las Vegas.

The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with an identifiable, visual connection to the company's target market.

More information on the 2014 SEMA Show—including registration and additional destinations for buyers—can be accessed through the Attendees section on the SEMA Show homepage.

By SEMA Editors

	Celebrity Appearance Notification Forms are due September 5.

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show with a celebrity appearance or industry personality featured in their booth need to submit a Celebrity Appearance Notification Form by September 5. Celebrity Appearances are promoted in SEMA’s print and digital publications and promotions leading up to the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show, November 4–7, Las Vegas.

The Association has compiled a partial list of celebrity appearances to date. More will be added in the coming months.

View or print the 2014 SEMA Show Celebrity Appearance list.

As the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the United States, as well as the hotbed for new parts and equipment from all corners of the industry, booth appearances by recognizable personalities provide buyers with an identifiable, visual connection to the company's target market.

More information on the 2014 SEMA Show—including registration and additional destinations for buyers—can be accessed through the Attendees section on the SEMA Show homepage.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory for buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take a few minutes to review their company information that will appear in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory. The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately for Show buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

Since the submission of their online Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, exhibitors may have company information that needs to be updated, or has changed completely. While verifying the information, exhibitors should pay particular attention to applicable product categories. Only an exhibitor’s product category will be included in the printed 2014 SEMA Show Directory.

Post-Show data provided by SEMA Show management reveals that 51% of buyers are influenced to meet with a company because of the directory, and it is one of the top sources that influences buyers to visit an exhibitor. Also, 63% say the directory is a useful tool for helping them navigate the Show.

The deadline for changes to the printed publication is Friday, August 29. Any changes made after the deadline will appear on the online floorplan only.

Get Started

1. Go to SEMA Show Directory Update
2. Click on your Company Name
3. Enter your company password (your password is nine digits followed by the letter "O")
4. Click "login"

Additional SEMA Show Directory Update Instructions are available online. Contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org with questions.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory for buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take a few minutes to review their company information that will appear in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory. The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately for Show buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

Since the submission of their online Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, exhibitors may have company information that needs to be updated, or has changed completely. While verifying the information, exhibitors should pay particular attention to applicable product categories. Only an exhibitor’s product category will be included in the printed 2014 SEMA Show Directory.

Post-Show data provided by SEMA Show management reveals that 51% of buyers are influenced to meet with a company because of the directory, and it is one of the top sources that influences buyers to visit an exhibitor. Also, 63% say the directory is a useful tool for helping them navigate the Show.

The deadline for changes to the printed publication is Friday, August 29. Any changes made after the deadline will appear on the online floorplan only.

Get Started

1. Go to SEMA Show Directory Update
2. Click on your Company Name
3. Enter your company password (your password is nine digits followed by the letter "O")
4. Click "login"

Additional SEMA Show Directory Update Instructions are available online. Contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org with questions.

By SEMA Editors

	The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory for buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to take a few minutes to review their company information that will appear in the 2014 SEMA Show Directory. The deadline to ensure that exhibitor information is listed accurately for Show buyers and media is Friday, August 29.

Since the submission of their online Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, exhibitors may have company information that needs to be updated, or has changed completely. While verifying the information, exhibitors should pay particular attention to applicable product categories. Only an exhibitor’s product category will be included in the printed 2014 SEMA Show Directory.

Post-Show data provided by SEMA Show management reveals that 51% of buyers are influenced to meet with a company because of the directory, and it is one of the top sources that influences buyers to visit an exhibitor. Also, 63% say the directory is a useful tool for helping them navigate the Show.

The deadline for changes to the printed publication is Friday, August 29. Any changes made after the deadline will appear on the online floorplan only.

Get Started

1. Go to SEMA Show Directory Update
2. Click on your Company Name
3. Enter your company password (your password is nine digits followed by the letter "O")
4. Click "login"

Additional SEMA Show Directory Update Instructions are available online. Contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org with questions.

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 niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit SBN's website.

	During the SEMA 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.

By Jenna Jefferies

The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom A.

This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Meet more than one-dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment that is structured to keep the introductions flowing.

While you enjoy a nice hot breakfast, the SBN award ceremony will take place, honoring this year’s Athena Champion, Athena Woman of the Year and Athena Rising Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts.

Until October 18, the cost for SEMA members is $35 and $45 for non-members. After October 18, $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members. Reserve your tickets today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

Visit TORA's website.

	The Carlisle All-Truck Nationals hosts one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country.

TORA Members Gain Exposure at New Product Showcase

Dozens of Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members once again participated in the promotional opportunities available at the fifth annual New Products Showcase and stock-to-show truck build by RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive at the Carlisle All-Truck Nationals, August 1–3, 2014. The Carlisle, Pennsylvania, event hosts one of the largest gatherings of truck enthusiasts in the country. In addition to hands-on exposure in front of this crowd, each product entered in the showcase was professionally photographed, for use at www.sema.org/TORA and the TORA SEMA Show events. This promotion was made available to TORA-member manufacturers for only the cost of shipping their products. Visit the TORA Booth (#34183) during the SEMA Show to see images from the event and learn more about future opportunities for members.

Thanks to all the members who participated:

• AMP Research Inc.
• AriesGate Technologies
• BedRug Inc.
• Bedslide/Takit Inc.
• Bestop Inc.
• Bolt Locks by Strattec
• Edge Products Inc.
• Energy Suspension
• Extang Corp.
• Flowmaster Inc.
• FuelTool
• Hella Inc.
• Hellwig Product Co. Inc.
• K&N Engineering Inc.
• Lund International
• Magnum Powers Superchargers LLC
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels
• N-Fab Inc.
• Omix-Ada Inc./Rugged Ridge
• ProMaxx Automotive Accessories
• Putco Inc.
• Rigid Industries
• Roadwire/myTop
• Rolling Big Power
• T-Rex Truck Products Inc.
• Undercover Truck Bed Covers
• Warn Industries Inc.
• WeatherTech

	During the 2014 SEMA Show, TORA will display several vehicles in premier spots on the Promenade outside the South Hall Entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Save the Date for the TORA Industry Awards Reception

The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom C, in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the TORA Industry Awards Reception will feature networking opportunities and three awards presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Media Trade Conference Manufacturer Registration Now Open

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.

Exhibitor Registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open now through September 5, 2014. Only 100 spots are available, and participants will be chosen using a random number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event if they submit a new application by the deadline of September 5, 2014. Exhibitor selection is available only for MPMC-member companies.

Media Registration will open in October 2014. For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723.

Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.

For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Register now.

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Visit PRO's website.

Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballrooms F and G in Las Vegas. 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 a few leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.

Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit WTC's website

Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception

The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, 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.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit YEN's website

	Jonathan Mill, 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner, pitches his business, E-Stopp, to the judging panel.

SEMA Launch Pad Competitors Announced

By Bryan Harrison

From a large pool of competitors, the top 10 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition.

Representing new innovative products and services in the specialty-automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for a big break to launch their business to the next level.

In this next step of the competition, you can decide the fate of the top five competitors who will advance to a live competition at the SEMA Show. Watch their short business pitches on YouTube and vote today.

Your vote will decide the five competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Doug Evans, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Mark Arcenal and Glenn Rogers. The winner will receive a grand prize to propel their venture forward.

Voting ends September 5, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall). Lunch will be provided to the first 125 attendees.

Top 10 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote now!

	SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their Show floor presence by offering products to builders through SEMA eNews. The information in the list is supplied by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show are expanding their Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. The information is provided by this year’s exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

All product-placement decisions and negotiations are the responsibility of the manufacturers and the builders. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2014 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews and then added to the complete list on www.SEMAShow.com.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2014 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

All previous submissions are listed on www.SEMAShow.com. 

Latest Submissions

Exterior Components/Accessories

CarCapsule: Car cover. Clear, inflatable car cover to display and protect. FREE and must use during the 2014 SEMA Show. Contact: Joshua Parlos, josh@carcapsule.com; 219-945-9493. Website: www.carcapsule.com.

C.R. Laurence: Rear truck sliders, sunroofs, custom windows, adhesives and sealants, truck and van accessories and more. Contact: Fred Altamirano, Frederick_Altamirano@crlaurence.com. Website: www.crlaurence.com.

Desity Traffic Industry Co. Ltd.: Running boards. Contact: Noel Luan, noel.desity@gmail.com. Website: www.dsttraffic.com.

Golight Inc.: Portable and permanent-mount remote-controlled searchlights. LED or Halogen formats. Fixed-mount LED work lights. Contact: Shawna Matson, shawna@golight.com; 308-278-3131. Website: www.golight.com.

Rampage Products: Slimline steps, Xtremeline steps and front recovery bumper. Contact: Scott Johnson, scottj@rampageproducts.net; 951-277-4949.

Other Products/Services

CarCapsule: Car cover. Clear, inflatable car cover to display and protect. FREE and must use during the 2014 SEMA Show. Contact: Joshua Parlos, josh@carcapsule.com; 219-945-9493. Website: www.carcapsule.com.

Center Line Wheel Corp.: 20-inch new line of street- and off-road wheels for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. Contact: Luis Sanchez, luis@centerlinewheels.com; 562-921-9637. Website: www.centerlinewheels.com.

C.R. Laurence: Rear truck sliders, sunroofs, custom windows, adhesives and sealants, truck and van accessories and more. Contact: Fred Altamirano, Frederick_Altamirano@crlaurence.com. Website: www.crlaurence.com. 

Dvelup Restoration Products: Color Enhancer: used to restore faded plastic and surface scratches without painting or buffing. Headlight Restore Kit: used to restore headlight the quick professional way. Leather Repair: bond, sand and dye interior leather in minutes. Contact: Mini Smith, msmith@dvelup.com; 352-419-8909. Website: www.dvelup.com.