Better Your Career—Attend a SEMA Show Seminar
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:59

By Della Domingo

 seminars
The SEMA Show features more than 90 seminars focused on helping auto-related business professionals sell more products and be more productive.
  

The 2013 SEMA Show includes more than 90 seminars focused on helping auto-related business professionals sell more products and be more productive. With topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends, most sessions are available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials.

To make it easy and convenient for Showgoers to attend the seminars, sessions begin the day before the official opening of the Show and continue at various times throughout the event.

“We recognize that participants have made an investment to leave their businesses and attend the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The main attraction is on the Showfloor where exhibitors and products are. However, the educational seminars connect the dots and teach businesses how to better promote the products and compete in today’s marketplace.”

The seminars are taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world. More than 80% of buyers who attended an educational session during the 2012 SEMA Show rated the program as good or excellent.

“Feedback regarding the educational program is consistently high,” said MacGillivray. “We’re confident that if Showgoers took the time to attend just one seminar—which is typically one-hour long—then they’ll be hooked and want to attend many more.”

To view the entire SEMA Show educational program, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Better Your Career—Attend a SEMA Show Seminar
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:59

By Della Domingo

 seminars
The SEMA Show features more than 90 seminars focused on helping auto-related business professionals sell more products and be more productive.
  

The 2013 SEMA Show includes more than 90 seminars focused on helping auto-related business professionals sell more products and be more productive. With topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends, most sessions are available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials.

To make it easy and convenient for Showgoers to attend the seminars, sessions begin the day before the official opening of the Show and continue at various times throughout the event.

“We recognize that participants have made an investment to leave their businesses and attend the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The main attraction is on the Showfloor where exhibitors and products are. However, the educational seminars connect the dots and teach businesses how to better promote the products and compete in today’s marketplace.”

The seminars are taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world. More than 80% of buyers who attended an educational session during the 2012 SEMA Show rated the program as good or excellent.

“Feedback regarding the educational program is consistently high,” said MacGillivray. “We’re confident that if Showgoers took the time to attend just one seminar—which is typically one-hour long—then they’ll be hooked and want to attend many more.”

To view the entire SEMA Show educational program, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Racing News: Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang at SEMA Show
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:52

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  ringbrothers
Ringbrothers' custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard.”
  

Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang
World-renowned vehicle builder Ringbrothers debuts its latest 710hp, custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard” at the Global Finishing Solutions Booth #11239 in the SEMA Show's North Hall, Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

TREMEC/NMRA World Finals Racer Appreciation Party Announced
All NMRA racers and crew are invited to the annual NMRA Racer Appreciation Party Presented by TREMEC, held at the Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Friday, October 4. The party will run from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. and will feature free pizza, beer (and sodas) and music. The Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals is the largest Ford Drag Race of the year. 

Racing News: Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang at SEMA Show
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:52

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  ringbrothers
Ringbrothers' custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard.”
  

Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang
World-renowned vehicle builder Ringbrothers debuts its latest 710hp, custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard” at the Global Finishing Solutions Booth #11239 in the SEMA Show's North Hall, Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

TREMEC/NMRA World Finals Racer Appreciation Party Announced
All NMRA racers and crew are invited to the annual NMRA Racer Appreciation Party Presented by TREMEC, held at the Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Friday, October 4. The party will run from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. and will feature free pizza, beer (and sodas) and music. The Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals is the largest Ford Drag Race of the year. 

Mobile Electronics Seminars: See How the Pros Do It!
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:16
By Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting Group Inc.

  mobile electronics
Long work commutes, road trips and urban sprawl have helped propel Mobile Electronics & Technology to one of the fastest-growing segments of the SEMA Show.
   
When it comes to interior cosmetic enhancements and electrical modifications in today’s vehicles, the difficulty level for some tasks is often outside the comfort zone of many enthusiasts and automotive aftermarket professionals. If you’ve ever seen a complex restructured interior or a restored vehicle with modern electronic features, you know there is a lot of thought and expertise connected to those projects. Join two industry experts in their respective fields during the SEMA Show’s Mobile Electronics seminar track to see firsthand how they can help you deliver better results with custom interior panels and an upgraded vehicle electrical system to handle today’s modern conveniences.

Advanced Interior Panel Fabrication
Presented by Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions USA

On Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., be sure to get to the Upper North Hall, Room N256, to get an early seat and watch as this world-class fabricator shows you the tricks of custom interior panels using materials, such as leather, carpet, vinyl, aluminum, composite plastics and fiberglass. Learn how the router and templates can shorten the time for multiple panel fabrication and create perfect fitting inserts that hide screws, hardware, speakers or other visually challenging components. Last year, Schmitt’s interior panel fabrication class was standing-room only, so get there early. His techniques are taught all over the world and this is a special opportunity to see and learn processes that you can use to create beautiful interior panels at your own shop or business.

Vehicle Electrical Systems – Building a Solid Foundation to Ensure Peak Performance
Presented by Tony Candela, CE Auto Electric Supply and award-winning automotive author

One of the greatest challenges with modern electronic conveniences is understanding how best to implement them in a given vehicle. New vehicles with "computer-controlled" electrical and charging systems are a vastly different challenge than upgrading the electrical system of a hot rod or musclecar-era vehicle. It’s more than batteries, alternators, ignition modules, audio systems or LED lighting. This highly engaging seminar will feature Candela doing demonstrations of electrical measurements and outcomes that will connect concepts with practice so that your electronic upgrades install with maximum enjoyment and performance. Don’t miss this morning seminar, Wednesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. You will learn how to wow customers and eliminate common problems in this informative one-hour seminar.

Keep an eye out for additional educational seminars in the mobile electronics category. To see the complete education schedule visit www.semashow.com/education. 
Mobile Electronics Seminars: See How the Pros Do It!
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:16
By Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting Group Inc.

  mobile electronics
Long work commutes, road trips and urban sprawl have helped propel Mobile Electronics & Technology to one of the fastest-growing segments of the SEMA Show.
   
When it comes to interior cosmetic enhancements and electrical modifications in today’s vehicles, the difficulty level for some tasks is often outside the comfort zone of many enthusiasts and automotive aftermarket professionals. If you’ve ever seen a complex restructured interior or a restored vehicle with modern electronic features, you know there is a lot of thought and expertise connected to those projects. Join two industry experts in their respective fields during the SEMA Show’s Mobile Electronics seminar track to see firsthand how they can help you deliver better results with custom interior panels and an upgraded vehicle electrical system to handle today’s modern conveniences.

Advanced Interior Panel Fabrication
Presented by Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions USA

On Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., be sure to get to the Upper North Hall, Room N256, to get an early seat and watch as this world-class fabricator shows you the tricks of custom interior panels using materials, such as leather, carpet, vinyl, aluminum, composite plastics and fiberglass. Learn how the router and templates can shorten the time for multiple panel fabrication and create perfect fitting inserts that hide screws, hardware, speakers or other visually challenging components. Last year, Schmitt’s interior panel fabrication class was standing-room only, so get there early. His techniques are taught all over the world and this is a special opportunity to see and learn processes that you can use to create beautiful interior panels at your own shop or business.

Vehicle Electrical Systems – Building a Solid Foundation to Ensure Peak Performance
Presented by Tony Candela, CE Auto Electric Supply and award-winning automotive author

One of the greatest challenges with modern electronic conveniences is understanding how best to implement them in a given vehicle. New vehicles with "computer-controlled" electrical and charging systems are a vastly different challenge than upgrading the electrical system of a hot rod or musclecar-era vehicle. It’s more than batteries, alternators, ignition modules, audio systems or LED lighting. This highly engaging seminar will feature Candela doing demonstrations of electrical measurements and outcomes that will connect concepts with practice so that your electronic upgrades install with maximum enjoyment and performance. Don’t miss this morning seminar, Wednesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. You will learn how to wow customers and eliminate common problems in this informative one-hour seminar.

Keep an eye out for additional educational seminars in the mobile electronics category. To see the complete education schedule visit www.semashow.com/education. 
First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09
 SEMA Show Hotels
Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night. 
  

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

  • No service fees charged
  • Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
  • Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
  • On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
  • Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).
For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09
 SEMA Show Hotels
Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night. 
  

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

  • No service fees charged
  • Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
  • Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
  • On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
  • Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).
For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09
 SEMA Show Hotels
Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night. 
  

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

  • No service fees charged
  • Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
  • Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
  • On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
  • Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).
For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
SEMA Compiles Comprehensive Guide to Federal Regulation of Aftermarket Parts
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:05
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.  

The guide is generally presented in a question/answer format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California), and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations?  

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.