Taylor Hicks

Taking place Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the LVH Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas, the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is a celebration of the $31 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry. A cocktail reception will be held from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. During the banquet (from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.), industry leaders will be recognized for their efforts and awards will be presented for SEMA Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year.

"American Idol's" Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks will sing the National Anthem at the start of the evening at 7:30 p.m. and return after the dinner to perform a 60-minute acoustic set at the SEMA After-Party starting at 10:00 p.m.

“The Industry Awards Banquet is a time for the industry to celebrate,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “All Showgoers—including exhibitors, buyers and media—are welcome to join us as we recognize some of the important people who have helped make this industry so successful. It’s also a great time to network and to unwind after a long week at the Show. We’ll have great food and some amazing entertainment this year.”

Additional entertainment will be provided by comedians John Heffron and Jon Reep, who will perform during the dinner. The SEMA After-Party, also being held at the LVH Paradise Event Center from 10:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., will feature Taylor Hicks.

Having won the second season of NBC’s "Last Comic Standing," Heffron’s popularity grew tremendously. In addition to two half-hour specials and a one-hour special on "Comedy Central Presents," Heffron is a regular on numerous VH1 satire series, including "I Love the 80s: 3D," "I Love the 70s: Volume 2" and "My Coolest Years: My First Time."

Reep won the fifth season of "Last Comic Standing," and is also well known for "Comedy Central Presents: Jon Reep." Many also know Reep from the ad campaign “Hemi Guy,” where he was the redheaded hillbilly famous for leaning out of his rusty beater and uttering, “That thing gotta Hemi?”

To purchase tickets, visit www.SEMAShow.com/banquet. For more information, contact Jamie Eriksen at 909-978-6737 or JamieE@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	This year’s Toyota Dream Build Challenge invites a diverse group of Team Toyota athletes along with their big-time partners to modify vehicles, letting fans participate in the process and vote for their favorites.

A NASCAR driver, a freestyle skier, a BMX rider and two supercross stars go head-to-head in a competition to create their ultimate dream rides. This year’s Toyota Dream Build Challenge invites a diverse group of Team Toyota athletes along with their big-time partners to modify vehicles, letting fans participate in the process and vote for their favorites at www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com. The fan favorite will earn bragging rights and the Toyota Dream Build Challenge Cup when the winner is revealed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 5.
The teams are:

• NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman with partner Kyle Busch Motorsports, who will transform a ’13 Camry into a rally car dubbed the “CamRally.”

• Freestyle skier Simon Dumont with partner Oakley, who will bring to life the “Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner.”

• BMX rider Drew Bezanson with partner Skullcandy, who will blend music and BMX themes to create the “Corolla Crusher.”

• Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant with partner Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, who will completely outfit a ’14 Tundra and turn it into the “Let’s Go Moto Tundra.”

Each team will work with a custom build shop to bring its vision to life. Videos of the modification process and final competition entries will be available online at www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com beginning September 26. Voting will begin October 31, and continue for five days, with participants earning a chance to win daily prizes from the build partners and athletes. One lucky fan will have a chance at a dream trip to one of the Team Toyota athlete’s events. Television racing commentator and "Top Gear USA" host Rutledge Wood will announce the winning design at the SEMA Show, with the results streamed live online for fans to watch.

“For everyone who has ever imagined designing the perfect vehicle for a favorite hobby or sport, the Toyota Dream Build Challenge makes that dream a reality,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports for Toyota. “What better place than the SEMA Show to push the limits of the imagination and inspire creativity.”

Following the competition, all four vehicles will go on tour at events across the country. For more information about the Toyota Dream Build Challenge, visit www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com.

By SEMA Editors

	This year’s Toyota Dream Build Challenge invites a diverse group of Team Toyota athletes along with their big-time partners to modify vehicles, letting fans participate in the process and vote for their favorites.

A NASCAR driver, a freestyle skier, a BMX rider and two supercross stars go head-to-head in a competition to create their ultimate dream rides. This year’s Toyota Dream Build Challenge invites a diverse group of Team Toyota athletes along with their big-time partners to modify vehicles, letting fans participate in the process and vote for their favorites at www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com. The fan favorite will earn bragging rights and the Toyota Dream Build Challenge Cup when the winner is revealed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 5.
The teams are:

• NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman with partner Kyle Busch Motorsports, who will transform a ’13 Camry into a rally car dubbed the “CamRally.”

• Freestyle skier Simon Dumont with partner Oakley, who will bring to life the “Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner.”

• BMX rider Drew Bezanson with partner Skullcandy, who will blend music and BMX themes to create the “Corolla Crusher.”

• Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant with partner Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, who will completely outfit a ’14 Tundra and turn it into the “Let’s Go Moto Tundra.”

Each team will work with a custom build shop to bring its vision to life. Videos of the modification process and final competition entries will be available online at www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com beginning September 26. Voting will begin October 31, and continue for five days, with participants earning a chance to win daily prizes from the build partners and athletes. One lucky fan will have a chance at a dream trip to one of the Team Toyota athlete’s events. Television racing commentator and "Top Gear USA" host Rutledge Wood will announce the winning design at the SEMA Show, with the results streamed live online for fans to watch.

“For everyone who has ever imagined designing the perfect vehicle for a favorite hobby or sport, the Toyota Dream Build Challenge makes that dream a reality,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports for Toyota. “What better place than the SEMA Show to push the limits of the imagination and inspire creativity.”

Following the competition, all four vehicles will go on tour at events across the country. For more information about the Toyota Dream Build Challenge, visit www.ToyotaDreamBuild.com.

By Zane Clark

	Rick Ricart

Third-generation dealers are becoming more of a rarity in today’s evolving landscape that sees large auto groups and regional consolidation becoming more of a factor in the franchised dealer community. One of the keys to success for dealers, such as Rick Ricart of Ricart Automotive Group, is understanding the important role accessorization plays in increasing volume, loyalty and profitability for dealers.

Ricart Automotive has been in business since 1953 and is a multi-franchise dealership serving the Columbus, Ohio, market, where they sell more than 12,000 vehicles annually from one address spanning 67 acres. With six new car franchises that include the No. 1 volume Ford Dealer for 15 years (through the early 2000s), Ricart Automotive has 428 employees and 144 service bays. Following his grandfather and father, Rick Ricart, general manager, will share his candid philosophy on vehicle personalization and the importance of accessorization. Ricart will be joined by an esteemed and diverse panel that includes such industry experts as Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine; Ron Leslie, Katzkin; Ed Woods, Parkway Ford; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.; and Kevin McGowan, Auto Trim Restyling.

Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO

Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. Held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. in Las Vegas Convention Center N253, this is a must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.

In addition to this session, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer three other free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.

For details on the auto dealer track and to view the complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education.

By Zane Clark

	Rick Ricart

Third-generation dealers are becoming more of a rarity in today’s evolving landscape that sees large auto groups and regional consolidation becoming more of a factor in the franchised dealer community. One of the keys to success for dealers, such as Rick Ricart of Ricart Automotive Group, is understanding the important role accessorization plays in increasing volume, loyalty and profitability for dealers.

Ricart Automotive has been in business since 1953 and is a multi-franchise dealership serving the Columbus, Ohio, market, where they sell more than 12,000 vehicles annually from one address spanning 67 acres. With six new car franchises that include the No. 1 volume Ford Dealer for 15 years (through the early 2000s), Ricart Automotive has 428 employees and 144 service bays. Following his grandfather and father, Rick Ricart, general manager, will share his candid philosophy on vehicle personalization and the importance of accessorization. Ricart will be joined by an esteemed and diverse panel that includes such industry experts as Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine; Ron Leslie, Katzkin; Ed Woods, Parkway Ford; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.; and Kevin McGowan, Auto Trim Restyling.

Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO

Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. Held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. in Las Vegas Convention Center N253, this is a must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.

In addition to this session, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer three other free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.

For details on the auto dealer track and to view the complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education.

By Zane Clark

	Rick Ricart

Third-generation dealers are becoming more of a rarity in today’s evolving landscape that sees large auto groups and regional consolidation becoming more of a factor in the franchised dealer community. One of the keys to success for dealers, such as Rick Ricart of Ricart Automotive Group, is understanding the important role accessorization plays in increasing volume, loyalty and profitability for dealers.

Ricart Automotive has been in business since 1953 and is a multi-franchise dealership serving the Columbus, Ohio, market, where they sell more than 12,000 vehicles annually from one address spanning 67 acres. With six new car franchises that include the No. 1 volume Ford Dealer for 15 years (through the early 2000s), Ricart Automotive has 428 employees and 144 service bays. Following his grandfather and father, Rick Ricart, general manager, will share his candid philosophy on vehicle personalization and the importance of accessorization. Ricart will be joined by an esteemed and diverse panel that includes such industry experts as Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine; Ron Leslie, Katzkin; Ed Woods, Parkway Ford; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.; and Kevin McGowan, Auto Trim Restyling.

Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO

Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. Held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. in Las Vegas Convention Center N253, this is a must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.

In addition to this session, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer three other free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.

For details on the auto dealer track and to view the complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education.

By Zane Clark

	Rick Ricart

Third-generation dealers are becoming more of a rarity in today’s evolving landscape that sees large auto groups and regional consolidation becoming more of a factor in the franchised dealer community. One of the keys to success for dealers, such as Rick Ricart of Ricart Automotive Group, is understanding the important role accessorization plays in increasing volume, loyalty and profitability for dealers.

Ricart Automotive has been in business since 1953 and is a multi-franchise dealership serving the Columbus, Ohio, market, where they sell more than 12,000 vehicles annually from one address spanning 67 acres. With six new car franchises that include the No. 1 volume Ford Dealer for 15 years (through the early 2000s), Ricart Automotive has 428 employees and 144 service bays. Following his grandfather and father, Rick Ricart, general manager, will share his candid philosophy on vehicle personalization and the importance of accessorization. Ricart will be joined by an esteemed and diverse panel that includes such industry experts as Ellen McKoy, Trucking Times magazine; Ron Leslie, Katzkin; Ed Woods, Parkway Ford; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.; and Kevin McGowan, Auto Trim Restyling.

Maximizing Dealership Profitability With Accessories, Powered by NIADA and PRO

Accessorizing is the cornerstone to building high-margin profit centers. Learn how your dealership can capture its share of the lucrative accessory business. Hear from the experts as they share insights on industry trends and provide proven strategies on how to implement a successful accessory program. Held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. in Las Vegas Convention Center N253, this is a must-attend session for any franchised dealership principal or manager looking to accelerate sales and profits and outmaneuver the competition.

In addition to this session, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) have joined forces to offer three other free automotive dealer sessions at the 2013 SEMA Show focusing on creating dealership profit centers through accessorization.

For details on the auto dealer track and to view the complete list of educational sessions visit www.SEMAShow.com/Education.

By Della Domingo

	There are 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show designed to help business owners train and prepare their employees.

To help business owners train and prepare their employees, SEMA Show organizers have identified 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The 10 sessions focus on general practices and new tools that are relevant to all businesses. These sessions are:

• Monday, November 4, 9:30 a.m. – Build a Winning Marketing Strategy
• Monday, November 4, 1:00 p.m. – How to Be an Island of Excellence in an Ocean of Mediocrity
• Monday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. – Insider Tips: Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China, the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• Tuesday, November 5, 9:30 a.m. – Creating and Executing a Smart Business Plan
• Tuesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m. – Great Retail Experiences—5 Critical In-Store Design and Layout Touch Points That Create Optimal Selling Environments
• Tuesday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. – Google: Road to Winning Drivers—Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World
• Tuesday, November 5, 3:00 p.m. – Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry

• Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 p.m. – How to Successfully Buy and Sell Products in Online Marketplaces
• Wednesday, November 6, 3:00 p.m. – So, That’s Where the Money Goes!

• Thursday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. – Sales 3.0: The New Contact Sport—How to Use and Leverage Social Media Marketing for Small Business Sales Success

Each of the sessions listed above is one-hour long and available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials. The SEMA Show educational program includes more than 90 seminars, all taking place throughout week of the SEMA Show. For locations, descriptions and complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.
 
The SEMA Show is a trade-only event not open to the general public. The annual event features manufacturers of auto parts and accessories and connects them with buyers from all over the world. To learn more, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Della Domingo

	There are 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show designed to help business owners train and prepare their employees.

To help business owners train and prepare their employees, SEMA Show organizers have identified 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The 10 sessions focus on general practices and new tools that are relevant to all businesses. These sessions are:

• Monday, November 4, 9:30 a.m. – Build a Winning Marketing Strategy
• Monday, November 4, 1:00 p.m. – How to Be an Island of Excellence in an Ocean of Mediocrity
• Monday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. – Insider Tips: Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China, the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• Tuesday, November 5, 9:30 a.m. – Creating and Executing a Smart Business Plan
• Tuesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m. – Great Retail Experiences—5 Critical In-Store Design and Layout Touch Points That Create Optimal Selling Environments
• Tuesday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. – Google: Road to Winning Drivers—Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World
• Tuesday, November 5, 3:00 p.m. – Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry

• Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 p.m. – How to Successfully Buy and Sell Products in Online Marketplaces
• Wednesday, November 6, 3:00 p.m. – So, That’s Where the Money Goes!

• Thursday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. – Sales 3.0: The New Contact Sport—How to Use and Leverage Social Media Marketing for Small Business Sales Success

Each of the sessions listed above is one-hour long and available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials. The SEMA Show educational program includes more than 90 seminars, all taking place throughout week of the SEMA Show. For locations, descriptions and complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.
 
The SEMA Show is a trade-only event not open to the general public. The annual event features manufacturers of auto parts and accessories and connects them with buyers from all over the world. To learn more, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Della Domingo

	There are 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show designed to help business owners train and prepare their employees.

To help business owners train and prepare their employees, SEMA Show organizers have identified 10 must-attend educational seminars at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The 10 sessions focus on general practices and new tools that are relevant to all businesses. These sessions are:

• Monday, November 4, 9:30 a.m. – Build a Winning Marketing Strategy
• Monday, November 4, 1:00 p.m. – How to Be an Island of Excellence in an Ocean of Mediocrity
• Monday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. – Insider Tips: Sell Specialty-Equipment Products in China, the World’s Largest Emerging Automotive Market

• Tuesday, November 5, 9:30 a.m. – Creating and Executing a Smart Business Plan
• Tuesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m. – Great Retail Experiences—5 Critical In-Store Design and Layout Touch Points That Create Optimal Selling Environments
• Tuesday, November 5, 1:00 p.m. – Google: Road to Winning Drivers—Driving Sales in a Multi-Device World
• Tuesday, November 5, 3:00 p.m. – Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? A Comprehensive Look at Generational Trends in the Automotive Industry

• Wednesday, November 6, 1:00 p.m. – How to Successfully Buy and Sell Products in Online Marketplaces
• Wednesday, November 6, 3:00 p.m. – So, That’s Where the Money Goes!

• Thursday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. – Sales 3.0: The New Contact Sport—How to Use and Leverage Social Media Marketing for Small Business Sales Success

Each of the sessions listed above is one-hour long and available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials. The SEMA Show educational program includes more than 90 seminars, all taking place throughout week of the SEMA Show. For locations, descriptions and complete details, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.
 
The SEMA Show is a trade-only event not open to the general public. The annual event features manufacturers of auto parts and accessories and connects them with buyers from all over the world. To learn more, visit www.SEMAShow.com.