By Della Domingo

	The Center for International Commerce (CIC) is available to international buyers and includes private meeting rooms, a lounge area, interpreters and complimentary WiFi.

With more than 15,000 international buyers expected at the 2013 SEMA Show, exhibitors at the upcoming event have an opportunity to learn about new markets and what they can do to grow their businesses internationally.

"As global demand for the industry's products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets."

The SEMA Show offers a list of resources specifically designed to help international buyers work more effectively with exhibitors at the SEMA Show.

These benefits include:

• Online registration: The online registration site includes a designated "International Visitors" tab that features basic information about the Show in seven different languages. An "International Travel Support" tab is also available to connect visitors from key countries to travel information specific to their location. International buyers are also able to seamlessly generate personalized Letters of Invitations that can be used for requesting visas.

• Badge pickup: International visitors are able to pick up their badges on-site at International Registration, where interpreters are on hand and ready to assist.

• Center for International Commerce: Centrally located within the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Center for International Commerce (CIC) is available to international buyers and includes private meeting rooms, a lounge area, interpreters and complimentary WiFi.

• Exhibitor Directory: To help international buyers, the SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibitors that currently export outside the United States. The list makes it easy for international buyers to hone in on the companies with whom they are most likely to do business.

• Networking: At the Show, SEMA hosts the International Happy Hour. With 1,000 international buyers, exhibitors and media, the event is the world's largest international networking event for of specialty-equipment companies.

In addition to the resources available at the SEMA Show, the association's international relations program includes trade missions to key countries throughout the year, international research to identify developing markets, working with international officials on legislative issues and more. SEMA was recently honored with the President's "E" Award for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

For more information about programs and services available to international visitors at the SEMA Show or how to connect with international buyers, contact Linda Spencer at 301-231-7695 or e-mail lindas@sema.org. 

	SEMA is celebrating the Association's 50th anniversary in 2013.

By Amanda Gubbins

This year marks SEMA’s 50th birthday—a remarkable milestone for our association. Let's take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate a half century of our industry.

Many trace the specialty-equipment market’s official beginning to 1928 when George Wight opened his Bell Auto Parts speed shop, but the roots go much deeper. People have been looking for ways to travel faster and in more style and comfort since the invention of the automobile.

When the Model T hit the market, individuals immediately started looking for ways to customize their vehicles and increase their speed.

As time passed and the racing industry developed, it became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. The industry faced many issues—competitors knew some regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but they needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize the products being developed and, on March 26, 1963, charter members Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, Robert Wyman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon and Vic Edelbrock Jr. formed the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA).

In the beginning, SEMA served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the Association continued growing steadily, putting the industry firmly on the map. Mediating government legislation also became a focus for SEMA. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention. The first SEMA Show was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium in 1967 with 100 exhibitors.

In 50 years, many changes have taken place. One of the biggest differences is that SEMA now includes other aspects of the specialty-equipment market. Along with that transition came a modified name: the Specialty Equipment Market Association. We now have more than 6,500 members worldwide in all niches of the aftermarket—an industry with annual revenue of $31 billion.

As we celebrate our 50th birthday this year, we take pride in where we have come from and look forward to how we will continue to grow. Though our industry is constantly changing, the same mission still guides us: “To help our members’ businesses succeed and prosper.” Our goal will always be to provide unparalleled support and value for our members.

During the month of June, more than 50% of our members are up for renewal. This means many of you are contemplating the value of your SEMA membership. While you think about renewing, please know that we are here to answer any questions that you might have. If you are wondering about the resources available to you or how to get the most from your membership, contact us at member@sema.org or 909-610-2030. Mostly though, we want to thank you for your passion and support of the industry we all love.

If you are not yet a SEMA member and would like to join, visit www.sema.org/join or call us for more information.

“I am just a little guy in the industry and was blown away by the whole team at SEMA during the enrollment process. I wasn’t treated like a little guy; everyone was so helpful and went way out of their way to answer my questions and help me through the process. You guys have been a class act! I am so proud to be a member of such a fine organization and cannot thank you enough!”

–Brad Desatnik, owner, Route 66 Diesel LLC

	SEMA is celebrating the Association's 50th anniversary in 2013.

By Amanda Gubbins

This year marks SEMA’s 50th birthday—a remarkable milestone for our association. Let's take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate a half century of our industry.

Many trace the specialty-equipment market’s official beginning to 1928 when George Wight opened his Bell Auto Parts speed shop, but the roots go much deeper. People have been looking for ways to travel faster and in more style and comfort since the invention of the automobile.

When the Model T hit the market, individuals immediately started looking for ways to customize their vehicles and increase their speed.

As time passed and the racing industry developed, it became clear that a partnership was needed for manufacturers. The industry faced many issues—competitors knew some regulations were necessary in order to keep moving forward, but they needed to organize. Discussions began on how to create specifications and legitimize the products being developed and, on March 26, 1963, charter members Roy Richter, Ed Iskenderian, Willie Garner, Bob Hedman, Robert Wyman, John Bartlett, Phil Weiand Jr., Al Segal, Dean Moon and Vic Edelbrock Jr. formed the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA).

In the beginning, SEMA served suppliers of performance equipment for hot rods, and the association accomplished its purpose of uniting the industry. Members helped develop standards for racing competitions and the Association continued growing steadily, putting the industry firmly on the map. Mediating government legislation also became a focus for SEMA. By the late ’60s, members saw a need for an annual convention. The first SEMA Show was held beneath the bleachers at Dodger Stadium in 1967 with 100 exhibitors.

In 50 years, many changes have taken place. One of the biggest differences is that SEMA now includes other aspects of the specialty-equipment market. Along with that transition came a modified name: the Specialty Equipment Market Association. We now have more than 6,500 members worldwide in all niches of the aftermarket—an industry with annual revenue of $31 billion.

As we celebrate our 50th birthday this year, we take pride in where we have come from and look forward to how we will continue to grow. Though our industry is constantly changing, the same mission still guides us: “To help our members’ businesses succeed and prosper.” Our goal will always be to provide unparalleled support and value for our members.

During the month of June, more than 50% of our members are up for renewal. This means many of you are contemplating the value of your SEMA membership. While you think about renewing, please know that we are here to answer any questions that you might have. If you are wondering about the resources available to you or how to get the most from your membership, contact us at member@sema.org or 909-610-2030. Mostly though, we want to thank you for your passion and support of the industry we all love.

If you are not yet a SEMA member and would like to join, visit www.sema.org/join or call us for more information.

“I am just a little guy in the industry and was blown away by the whole team at SEMA during the enrollment process. I wasn’t treated like a little guy; everyone was so helpful and went way out of their way to answer my questions and help me through the process. You guys have been a class act! I am so proud to be a member of such a fine organization and cannot thank you enough!”

–Brad Desatnik, owner, Route 66 Diesel LLC

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.  

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights. The material explains the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.  

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. 

Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.  

To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights. The material explains the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks) and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.  

With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR webpage and also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. 

Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Legislation that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California, has been included in H.R. 1960, the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), greatly increasing the likelihood of approval. The provision, authored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), allows the Marines to have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved for recreational use. Rep. Cook’s provision will become law when the NDAA is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President.

The provision protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts and is home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) will continue to urge lawmakers to act quickly to approve the NDAA, which authorizes military funding and includes the Johnson Valley provision. H.R. 1960 will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives. A similar bill will be debated and adopted by the Senate later this summer. A conference committee will then develop a final compromise bill. 

Final passage of the NDAA is not expected until this fall. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Legislation that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California, has been included in H.R. 1960, the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), greatly increasing the likelihood of approval. The provision, authored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), allows the Marines to have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved for recreational use. Rep. Cook’s provision will become law when the NDAA is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President.

The provision protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts and is home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) will continue to urge lawmakers to act quickly to approve the NDAA, which authorizes military funding and includes the Johnson Valley provision. H.R. 1960 will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives. A similar bill will be debated and adopted by the Senate later this summer. A conference committee will then develop a final compromise bill. 

Final passage of the NDAA is not expected until this fall. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

Legislation that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California, has been included in H.R. 1960, the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), greatly increasing the likelihood of approval. The provision, authored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), allows the Marines to have access to the adjoining Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area for up to 60 days per year for training exercises, but the OHV area would be otherwise preserved for recreational use. Rep. Cook’s provision will become law when the NDAA is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President.

The provision protects OHV activities by establishing the "Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area" under continued management by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It provides for public participation in determining the dates for military activities that will be the least disruptive for OHV activities. The land is used year-round by OHV enthusiasts and is home to numerous motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year, including the famous King of the Hammers.

SEMA and its SEMA Action Network (SAN) will continue to urge lawmakers to act quickly to approve the NDAA, which authorizes military funding and includes the Johnson Valley provision. H.R. 1960 will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives. A similar bill will be debated and adopted by the Senate later this summer. A conference committee will then develop a final compromise bill. 

Final passage of the NDAA is not expected until this fall. For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin to require that motor vehicles display only a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle. The bill, supported by the state’s hobbyist community, has been referred to the Senate Transportation, Public Safety and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee for consideration. The measure would save money, conserve resources and bring Wisconsin in line with other states that have moved to a single plate requirement. 

For vehicle enthusiasts, the bill would protect the design contours of collector cars and relieve vehicle owners of the burden of having to create mounting holes on some fabricated and original bumpers. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) web site. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin to require that motor vehicles display only a single license plate on the rear of the vehicle. The bill, supported by the state’s hobbyist community, has been referred to the Senate Transportation, Public Safety and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee for consideration. The measure would save money, conserve resources and bring Wisconsin in line with other states that have moved to a single plate requirement. 

For vehicle enthusiasts, the bill would protect the design contours of collector cars and relieve vehicle owners of the burden of having to create mounting holes on some fabricated and original bumpers. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) web site. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.