SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

A number of non-casino properties, such as Vdara, are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? There are a number of non-casino properties that are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests.

Check these out and book today:

• Courtyard Las Vegas Convention Center – $290 per night
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center Las Vegas $298 – per night
• Hilton Grand Vacations Flamingo – $282 per night
• Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise (Convention Center) – $281 per night
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Strip – $225 per night
• Las Vegas Marriott – $309 per night
• Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel – $314 per night
• Residence Inn Las Vegas Convention Center by Marriott – $279 per night
• Spring Hill Suites Las Vegas Convention Center – $299 per night
• Trump – $234 per night
• Vdara – $238 per night
• Westin – $223 per night

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

  By Juan Torres

Tickets to the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala, a prestigious celebration where industry leaders and SEMA Hall of Fame members are recognized, are now available at www.sema.org/gala.

The prestigious SEMA Awards Gala will return to Anaheim, California, on July 29, to honor industry leaders and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.

Formerly known as the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala, the annual SEMA Awards Gala is open to the industry and will take place July 29, at the brand-new Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, California, in what will be a sort of homecoming for the industry. Following the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1967, the trade show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center from 1968 to 1976 before moving to Las Vegas the next year.

“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “Our roots extend to the city of Anaheim, so it will be exciting to return with friends and colleagues to honor industry leaders."

Among those honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush and “Gene” Winfield.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket’s fundraising efforts to raise money for various charities.

To secure one of the limited number of available seats and tables available for the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala, visit www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races or to sponsor a car, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

 During the SEMA Show Summit, trade experts will share the importance and value of planning ahead, and pinpoint affordable ways to reach more buyers at the 2022 SEMA Show.

The 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Tuesday–Thursday, July 26–28, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

During the Summit, exhibitors will receive helpful tips from Show management and have the opportunity to meet with their SEMA Show sales director. During educational sessions, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
• Participate in the New Products Showcase.
• Utilize the Exhibitor Services Manual.

There is no cost to attend. Exhibitors pay for their flight and SEMA takes care of the rest, which includes hotel, shuttle service from hotel to LVCC, breakfast and lunch, a cocktail Hour on July 26 and an excursion on July 27 (TBD).

For more information, contact the Show department at semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Human Resources Director
Legendary Companies is hiring a human resources director responsible for defining and leading the company’s HR strategy, as well the management and execution of all HR services, policies and programs. This position works closely with all levels of management across all divisions to develop a proactive, high-performing and integrated human resources function. The HR director must be a strong leader and key business partner with a proven track record of building talent acquisition strategies, driving people development at all levels within the organization and fostering a culture focused on employee performance, engagement, morale and retention. This individual must be able to develop and sustain human resources programs that include but not limited to: performance management, organizational design and development, employee compensation and benefits and employee wellness.

Sales Associate
Gladiator Cargo Nets is hiring a sales associate to perform sales calls on current and new prospects, keep the customer database up-to-date, prospect for new business and work occasional B2B and B2C trade shows. Candidates should have one year of B2B sales experience.

Senior Accountant
EGR Inc. is hiring a senior accountant who can quickly be groomed to step into the role of financial controller. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills; technology, organizational and analytical skills; at least three years’ of general and cost accounting experience (using an integrated ERP system) in a manufacturing environment; a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; and hold a CPA license.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

  SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show block.

Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Showgoers can save more than $200 per night at several Las Vegas hotels, including Aria, by booking through the SEMA Show block.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA has negotiated exclusive, discounted nightly rates at the best hotels in Las Vegas. However, you can only get the discounted rates when you book through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. Save more than $200 a night at the following SEMA Show hotels:

• ARIA
• Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Encore
• Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
• SpringHill Suites
• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Almost two years ago, TheDrive discovered patent documents filed by Ford that were titled “electrified vehicles with a removable and interchangeable range-extending generators.”

The patent reads: “This disclosure details electrified vehicles that are equipped with removable generators for increasing the electric range of the vehicles. An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a cargo space, such as a truck bed, and a generator removably positioned within the cargo space. The generator is adapted to selectively supply power for either charging a battery pack of the electrified vehicle or for propelling one or more vehicle drive wheels. In some embodiments, the generator is shaped like, and therefore disguised as, a toolbox.”

This brings us to our shots, we first caught a look at this prototype back in February and then again late last week. The Lightning prototype features the aforementioned “toolbox” and appears to be the same truck in both shots, albeit with different plates. The trucks have the same blue 161 sticker in the window, which we haven’t seen on any other lightnings (they’ve all been yellow).

So, is this just a lightning with a toolbox, or is Ford making progress on their range-extending generator patent? At this point all we can do is speculate, but it would be an interesting development if this technology came to fruition.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Truck Hero’s CEO Bill Reminder Announces Retirement

Truck Hero Inc. announced that after more than 20 successful years building Truck Hero into the preeminent player in the industry, President and CEO Bill Reminder has announced his plans to retire. The Company’s board of directors has commenced a search process to identify the company’s next CEO, and has retained Heidrick & Struggles, a leading global executive search firm, to assist in the process. Reminder will remain as CEO until a successor is identified and will continue to serve on the board following the transition as Truck Hero's largest individual investor.

SuperSprings International Names Adam Weisner Company President

Adam Weisner has been named president of SuperSpring International (SSI). Formerly the company’s chief commercial officer, has been functionally driving the direction and revenue since August 2021, according to SSI. The company recently restructured to include five distinct business units all reporting to Weisner. He has been with the company since 2018.

Outdoor Adventure X Launching at Snowbasin Resort in 2023

Outdoor Adventure X, a new outdoor consumer festival, will debut at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah, next June. The three-day event, scheduled for June 16–18, 2023, is open to the public and will include hands-on outdoor product experiences—camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, overlanding, water sports,and more—along with consumer-driven education, advocacy programs, live music, films, food, and family fun. Outdoor Adventure X is a collaboration between the new Xcelerator division of Emerald and Lodestone Events, producers of the Overland Expo event series, and will take place the weekend prior to Outdoor Retailer Summer in Salt Lake City and County.

Outdoor Adventure X will stage in advance of Outdoor Retailer Summer, which returns to Salt Lake and the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center from June 19–21, 2023. Outdoor Retailer attendees will have free access to Outdoor Adventure X on Sunday, June 18, 2023, for an industry day. More details on Outdoor Adventure X will be available later this year, including information for outdoor manufacturers, nonprofit organizations and educational speakers to get involved, as well as consumer ticketing and camping packages.

James Elkins Promoted to Editor of Ford Muscle

Power Automedia has announced the promotion of James Elkins to editor of Ford Muscle magazine. Elkins started at the company as a freelancer just over a year ago, and his potential was quickly realized, earning a spot on the publishing staff as the senior associate editor of Ford Muscle magazine. Both Ford Muscle’s website traffic and Facebook audience have flourished under James’ guidance, with an all-time high being set just this past May.

Elkins is a writer, editor and content strategist who has a deep passion for all things Ford. He has proven to be an excellent leader for Ford Muscle, crafting content that engages and excites its audience. Since his hiring, Ford Muscle’s website traffic went from averaging around 16,000 readers per week to more than 20,000. In this year alone, Ford Muscle has seen 25,000 to 30,000 readers per week with April and May reaching 50,000 to 109,000 per week.

2022 Virginia Festival of Wheels Scheduled for August 26-28

The 4th annual Virginia Festival of the Wheel takes place in Charlottesville at the Boar’s Head Resort from Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28. Event organizers announced that some of the finest automobiles in the Commonwealth and beyond will be on display to raise funds supporting the UVA Cancer Center Patient Fund. Tickets and registration are open now at vafestivalofthewheel.com. The 2022 theme is “Cars of the Autobahn” and features classes for Porsche, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz with perhaps a separate open class for Karmann-Ghia, Opel and VW if there is enough demand. The special guest for 2022 is Hurley Haywood, famed road racing endurance driver.

Race Winning Brands Continues Growth Into New Markets

Race Winning Brands Inc. (RWB), a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, is revving up its growth momentum with the acquisition of CORSA Performance, CORSA Performance Marine and Volant Performance. This group of acquisitions brings decades of experience in intake and exhaust system performance to the RWB family and tallies up to 16 add-ons for Race Winning Brands since its 2017 inception. The transaction of CORSA Performance, CORSA Marine, and Volant Performance is effective immediately. The businesses will continue to operate and service customers from their respective location.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.