By Kyle Cheng

The overall U.S. economic outlook remains positive as the country continues to bounce back from 2020. However, challenges remain on the horizon: supply-chain constraints, inflationary pressure, a tight labor market and a potential COVID-19 resurgence.

Supply-chain disruptions continue to affect many sectors of the economy. For the auto industry, the chip shortage is disrupting production, reducing inventory levels and driving up prices. Nearly every car manufacturer reported higher average transaction prices in June compared to 2020. While economists expect inflationary pressures like this to be short-term, it is weighing on consumer minds.

Employment in the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic continues to improve, especially leisure and travel. Average hourly earnings are also up, suggesting employers are having to offer higher wages to attract workers. COVID-19 cases have also risen in recent weeks. If outbreaks emerge more broadly, economic activity may slow down.

Want to learn more about the economic factors shaping our industry? Download the new July Industry Indicators report today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

Andrew Schenk is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Schenk is a national account sales manager at ITW Global Brands—a company that specializes in selling automotive aftermarket car-care products. Find out where he can be found on a Saturday and how he prepares for important meetings in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Andrew Schenk: It’s not a job if you love what you do. Find out what you enjoy doing for fun and figure out what jobs are available in the field you enjoy.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

AS: I’m a certified gearhead. My passion for all things engines, cars, trucks and custom keeps me in the industry.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

AS: I can be found working on my ’86 Mustang, attending car shows, Cars and Coffee events, cruise-ins or perfecting my Bermuda grass lawn. You can follow my car-build progress @protourfox on Instagram.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AS: A lot of preparation, practice, more prep and more practice.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

AS: I would go to lunch with Bill Ford, the current CEO of Ford. I would ask him about his passion for cars, his grandfather’s legacy and what types of cars he is really into, other than a Ford.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

 By SEMA Editors

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2021 SEMA Show is July 30. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 30.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from their company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

By Della Domingo

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2021 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are due Friday, August 6.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2021 SEMA Show by submitting a press conference application before the August 6 deadline. After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance.

Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, many exhibitors opt to utilize other tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show, including submitting a press release in the Exhibitor Online Media Center.

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources for SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

By Jason Catullo

The 2021 SEMA Space Allocation process was completed in late June, with more than 1,700 companies selecting their booth locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.

Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.

Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.

In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.

For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show Space Allocation process wrapped up earlier this week, and more than 1,700 companies are confirmed to exhibit, and many more are expected to sign on before the event takes place in November.

The SEMA Show floorplan is live, and buyers are currently examining the event's layout to see who will be there for 2021.

Companies that would like to exhibit at this year's SEMA Show to reconnect with customers and generate new business, can get started at www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. This year's Show offers even more opportunities for exhibitors reach new buyers. SEMA Show management recently announced that buyer registration for the Show has started at the fastest pace they have seen in the event's 54-year history.  

SEMA Show exhibitor Cometic Gaskets is ready to reunite with customers in person, and reach out to more buyers outside of the company's local region.

“We are most looking forward to face-to-face conversations and reconnecting with our customers old and new. Cometic is located in the midwest, and exhibiting at SEMA allows us to connect with our West Coast customers and industry segments, such as desert racing.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By Ashley Reyes

Brian Canlas is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Canlas is the CEO of Pro Treads, a mobile app that uses augmented reality to display wheel and tire products on cars for a unique online shopping experience.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Brian Canlas: We have not pivoted. If anything, the pandemic has solidified the usefulness of our products.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

BC: We lean on augmented reality.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

BC: Mobile e-commerce is picking up because people are shopping more and more on their phones.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

BC: Remote working and group work software, such as an online whiteboard.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, August 11 – Pricing Policies 101: The Truth About Pricing Policies

Series: Pricing Policies Webinar Series

During this live webinar, manufacturers and sole-exclusive distributors will learn the basics of pricing policies and why it’s important to consider one to avoid price erosion in the marketplace. Rich Barsamian of Advanced Clutch Technology will share what he has learned from more than 10 years of experience, writing, implementing and executing pricing policies in the automotive aftermarket and participate in a live Q&A with session attendees.

Register here.

Newly Added: Wednesday, August 18 – Wheel Knowledge 401: Resources for WTC Members

Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

During this live webinar, wheel and tire manufacturers and companies will learn about the resources, high-tech tools and equipment available to them through the SEMA Garage. Participants will get the latest information on measuring sessions, 3-D printing capabilities, the Tech Transfer program and ADAS resources. An update on services available through the new SEMA Garage in Detroit will also be discussed.

Register here.

Wednesday, August 18 – Pricing Policies 201: Implementing a Pricing Policy That Works

Series: Pricing Policies Webinar Series

Learn the step-by-step approach to understanding the key components of a successful pricing policy. During this live webinar, attendees will learn what the most effective pricing policy is, what to do when your biggest customer breaks the policy, and how a pricing policy increases sales. Cost: $25.

Register here.

Newly Added: Tuesday, August 24 – The Value of Managing Different Personalities

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, Powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

During this live webinar geared toward automotive aftermarket managers, attendees will learn about the value of managing different personalities and how to identify different personality traits in the workplace. Methods discussed will help managers learn more about their employees so they can adjust their management style accordingly, enhance teamwork and collaboration, and avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Register here.

Wednesday, August 25 – Pricing Policies 301: Why Isn’t My Pricing Policy Working?

Series: Pricing Policies Webinar Series

If you’ve launched a pricing policy and have not yet seen the benefits—stick with it and you will. This live webinar will help members understand the most common reasons why a pricing policy isn’t moving the needle. You will learn how long it typically takes to see results, why only some resellers follow a pricing policy, and what the top KPIs that measure a successful pricing policy are. Cost: $25.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The upcoming National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals on August 5–6 in Louisville, Kentucky, will provide visitors with the chance to participate in high-powered education sessions featuring top manufacturers in the hot-rod and auto-restoration segments. Industry professionals will also join the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) for the council’s General Membership Meeting on August 4.

As part of HRIA Education Days, all NSRA Nationals attendees are invited to join manufacturers as they share details about their products and systems through face-to-face educational seminars. Attendees will learn valuable tips, connect directly with the manufacturers and learn important information about the manufacturer’s product line.   

“From the basics of performance air conditioning to paint correction and wheel and tire fitment tips, this year’s session lineup will cover a wide range of topics over a span of two days—all in one place,” said Jim Skelly, HRIA council director. “We are excited to connect with the end users and look forward to providing this valuable resource to attendees of the NSRA Nationals event.”

Also taking place at the Kentucky Expo Center on August 4 from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT) is a general membership meeting open to current HRIA members and businesses in the hot-rod market who are interested in getting involved with the council. The HRIA Select Committee will be on-site to share updates on the council’s latest initiatives, and answer questions about the resources that are available.  

While Education Days is open to all attendees of the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, the general membership meeting is only open to current and prospective HRIA members.

For the full list of Education Days sessions and to RSVP, click here.

HRIA members attending the general membership meeting can RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

With so many makes and model vehicles on the market, developing new wheels and tires that properly fit new cars and trucks is a complicated process. Getting access to new vehicles or developing durable, low-cost prototypes can help manufacturers to shorten the production time, create improved products and get to market faster.

Wheel and tire manufacturers are invited to a webinar on August 18 at 1:00 p.m. (PDT) to learn about the resources, high-tech tools and equipment available to them as a SEMA member through the SEMA Garage.

Moderated by Mike Lusso of Hennessey Industries, the webinar will feature the SEMA Garage team sharing the latest information on:  

• Measuring Sessions: Learn how you can get your hands on new vehicle models from automakers for product-development purposes.
• 3-D Printing Capabilities: Learn how you can print a prototype of your product at a low cost, and eliminate costly changes before mass production begins.
• Tech Transfer: Discover how you can access CAD files from OEMs to develop high-quality parts for wheel and tire fitment.
• ADAS: Lean about ADAS systems’ impact on the wheel and tire segment, and find out what services will be available through the new SEMA Garage in Detroit.

Learn more and register here for Wheel Knowledge 401: Resources for WTC members.