Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.
Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.
Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.
The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
Dates for the SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7-23
Erica Enders picked up her 30th career win by going 6.656 seconds
at 205.88 mph in the final round in her Melling Performance/Elite
Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro.
Enders, S. Torrence, Tasca III and Oehler Pick Up Wins at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas
Back-to-back world champ Erica Enders went from nearly not qualifying to collecting her first victory of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, grabbing the Pro Stock win on Sunday at the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) and Ryan Oehler (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won in their respective categories at the second race of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
In her 300th career start, Enders, a four-time world champ, picked up her 30th career win by going 6.656 seconds at 205.88 mph in the final round in her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to beat teammate Aaron Stanfield, Deric Kramer and Mason McGaha.
In Top Fuel, Torrence capped off a memorable stretch with his fifth four-wide victory, going 3.823 at 321.73 in his 11,000-hp Capco Contractors dragster in the final round to beat Doug Kalitta, Clay Millican and Antron Brown. It gives Torrence his first victory of 2021 and 41st in his career.
Tasca III picked up his first Funny Car victory in nearly two years and his seventh overall thanks to a run of 3.938 at 328.46 in his 11,000 hp Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang in the finals. In a loaded Funny Car final, Tasca outlasted defending world champ Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson and Ron Capps, narrowly slipping past Hagan at the finish line.
Oehler earned his second career Pro Stock Motorcycle victory on his Flyin’ Ryan Racing EBR, going 6.911 at 194.83 in the final round to beat Cory Reed, Steve Johnson and a red-lighting Scotty Pollacheck.
The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to action April 30-May 2, with the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, marking the final event at the facility.
Permatex will be a primary sponsor for the Permatex StarCom 00
Camaro, helmed for the second straight year by driver Quin Houff.
Permatex Kicks off 2021 NASCAR Season with StarCom Racing Sponsorship
Permatex has announced that the company will continue its sponsorship of the StarCom Racing Team for two key races during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. This marks the third consecutive season that Permatex will be a primary sponsor for the Permatex StarCom 00 Camaro, helmed for the second straight year by driver Quin Houff. Permatex will sponsor the StarCom Racing team for the first race of the year during the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25. The second fight for the checkered flag will be during the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 18. The race at New Hampshire represents a special milestone in the track’s history, serving as the 50th visit by NASCAR’s premier series to “The Magic Mile.”
F1 Announces 2022 Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1 has announced that the brand-new Miami Grand Prix will join the F1 calendar in 2022. The race—set to be the first one hosted in Florida since 1959 —will be held on a new layout at the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins franchise. The 2022 event date, the first race in a 10-year deal, will be announced later. Miami will be the 11th location Formula 1 has raced at in the United States since the Championship began in 1950, following Indianapolis, Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix and Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
Jim Liaw – President/Co-Founder, Formula Drift Holdings
Voting will take place online between May 11–25, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning April 30. Winners will be announced by May 28.
While Jeeps continue to dominate the off-road market, the growing popularity of overlanding and related outdoor activities represents a huge opportunity for companies to expand their selection and grow their businesses.
SEMA members are invited to a webinar on May 20, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT) to learn about the evolving landscape of the off-road market, different ways people are going off-road, and what related products businesses may want to consider to increase sales. Participants will hear:
How to capitalize on the growing interest in the outdoor and backcountry lifestyle.
What related products businesses may want to consider to increase sales, from rooftop tents to camping accessories.
The benefits of expanding beyond hardcore "wheelers.”
Expert insight to gain a better understanding of the off-road market.
Register here for “More Than Just Jeeping: Other Ways People Go Off-Road.”
Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the
age of 40, this year’s Launch Pad program is open to qualified
individuals 18 and over.
Applications for the SEMA Launch Pad—a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace—are now available at www.sema.org/launchpad.
Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s Launch Pad also includes expanded prize packages, with the grand-prize package valued up to $92,000. Fifteen semifinalists will be selected to participate in and promote their products at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and receive additional awards that may include cash prizes, complimentary SEMA membership and promotional video features that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.
Five finalists will take part in a product-pitching competition and vie for a grand prize that includes $75,000 in cash, booth space at the 2022 SEMA Show, complimentary ad space in SEMA News and more.
To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.
Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.
Autumn Schwalbe, Global Ford Performance marketing specialist at Ford Motor Co., has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Read her Q&A with SEMA to learn more about her career and passion for the industry.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Autumn Schwalbe: Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, create them.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
AS: Everything! I grew up around motorsports and fell in love with cars and trucks at a young age. I started drag racing when I was 15 and knew I wanted to turn my passion into my career, so I attended Northwood University and studied automotive aftermarket management. My passion and hobbies are in automotive, so I never see myself leaving this amazing industry. I love my job. Everyday I’m working on different fun projects and have made some of my best friends in the industry from traveling to marketing events and expos.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
AS: You can find me at the drag way! I have an ’89 Foxbody Mustang that I did a Gen 2 Coyote swap with my dad. I’m always at the track practicing or training for races. I race the mod muscle class in the NMRA series, and I also do local bracket racing for fun.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
AS: I prepare by arriving early, dressed to impress and very prepared on the topic.
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 Carroll Shelby.
If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN member updates.
SEMA and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission (Commission) to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association District 37 (AMA District 37) in filing a lawsuit in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.
Since 1974, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”). The SVRA comprises 3,500 acres, of which less than 1,350 acres of dunes and 3.5 miles of beach provides open riding access for OHVs. In March, the Commission voted to eliminate OHV access within three years.
The lawsuit states that the Commission does not have substantive evidence to support the closure and has failed to conduct an environmental impact review required under the California Environmental Quality Act or consider alternatives.
“The Commission’s decision was unjustified since State Parks has undertaken a three-year public process to develop a long-range management plan,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “It renders meaningless the State Parks’ ongoing effort to adopt a plan consistent with the Coastal Act that will include OHV access to this unique resource.”
“It is important that government agencies follow their own rules,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA’s president and CEO. “The Commission is acting in a unilateral fashion that exceeds its own authority under the California Coastal Act. It is imperative that the courts step in to protect OHV access.”
Oceano Dunes SVRA provides the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast. OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues.
For decades, SEMA has supported reasonable land-use policies that include motorized recreation. SEMA remains committed to this mission on behalf of the off-road industry and the enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation. This includes protecting Oceano Dunes SVRA.
The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction and vacate the Commission’s March 18 decision to eliminate OHV access to Oceano Dunes.
Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lana Chrisman as the latest #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Chrisman is the current SBN chair and executive director of the Lions Automobilia Foundation.
A 36-year industry veteran, Chrisman but grew up in the family business working for Chrisman Driveline Components before obtaining a position at John Force Racing as director of retail sales. Having been introduced to the SBN by Rose Kawasaki in 2015, Chrisman is now providing leadership guidance to help the network’s top goals.
SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Lana Chrisman: I have been with the Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum for one year. What I enjoy most about working at Lions Automobilia are the opportunities to serve and preserve our industry’s history. The museum provides various platforms to share Southern California’s automotive history and the bonds between the drivers, builders and racers to the manufacturers.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?
LC: Be visible, strong and true to self. Be visible by simply introducing yourself to others; do not be shy. Networking is a vital key to success and has opened many opportunities for me, including meeting some incredible people. Be strong and resilient when your job is most challenging. My Christian faith provides me power to endure situations that would otherwise slow me down. Do not compromise what makes you, you. I have my own set of beliefs and standards and I stand by them. I have 36 years in this industry with a respectable reputation and I attribute that to being consistently true to myself.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?
LC: My biggest challenge as a woman in the automotive aftermarket industry, especially when I was much younger, was being recognized as a knowledgeable source regarding automotive parts. Granted, I started my career at age 17 with a quiet voice, selling driveline components (aka rear-end parts). Eventually, customers realized that I was a capable saleswoman who provided the correct information, parts and service, and customer confidence improved.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?
LC: Rose Kawasaki introduced me to the SBN in 2015 and encouraged me to join and volunteer on the select committee. This was my first time volunteering at this level and the experience has been incredible, both personally and professionally. I am grateful for Rose’s support throughout my SBN journey and providing leadership guidance to help top the goals of the SBN.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?
LC: The best career advice that I have ever received was from my Dad. He said to be patient and be a good listener. That simple advice has helped me in both my professional and personal life.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Holland Communications Inc. is the latest company to be recognized by the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member spotlight program. Holland Communications Inc. is a full-service PR/advertising agency that specializes in the automotive aftermarket and has been a SEMA member since 1975. Hear from company founder Bill Holland as he shares the story of his business.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?
Bill Holland: I was editor of NHRA's publication National Dragster and spent much of my time creating ads for companies (as my background was in art and marketing). I went out on my own to perform these services for companies in the performance aftermarket and became a SEMA member in 1975.
My first exposure to hot rodding came from the pages of Hot Rod magazine when I was about 13 and rode my bicycle over to watch Von Dutch pinstripe cars. Lucky to have grown up in Hollywood during hot rodding’s halcyon days. I also raced T/F and F/C, with a dragster sponsored by TV personality Art Linkletter.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
BH: I have had the opportunity to work with a number of industry pioneers. Having them recommend me to others is a sense of pride.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what projects you are working on.
Holland’s 23-GT track roadster was contender for the America’s Most
Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster
Show and was also featured in Hot Rod magazine.
BH: From being essentially focused on the print media, we are now very much involved with digital and social media and are working on programs with our clients to expand in those areas. There’s also an ever-increasing demand for videos, and that’s another area where we are active.
SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.
BH: From an enthusiast standpoint, it was having my 23-GT track roadster featured in the HRIA booth at SEMA, and having it become a contender for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show and also featured in Hot Rod magazine.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
BH: I spent 20-plus years on the SEMA Scholarship Committee and have encouraged young professionals to get a solid educational background and seek the wisdom and experience of industry veterans, most of whom are more than willing to provide guidance in their particular niche.
Fill out an HRIA member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the Hot Rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s and media, SEMA eNews, and future HRIA-member updates.
Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show and shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the automotive specialty-equipment market has to offer.
F1 Announces 2022 Miami Grand Prix
While Jeeps continue to dominate the off-road market, the growing popularity of overlanding and related outdoor activities represents a huge opportunity for companies to expand their selection and grow their businesses.
Autumn Schwalbe, Global Ford Performance marketing specialist at Ford Motor Co., has been named the 
The 
Holland Communications Inc. is the latest company to be recognized by the SEMA 