The next SEMA webinar, "Fast Track Product Development with 3-D Technology," presented by SEMA Vehicle Product Data Analyst Oscar Muñoz, highlights new, affordable, 3-D-based technologies available to replace the tedious process of reverse engineering.

Title: "Fast Track Product Development with 3-D Design Technology"
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2008, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PDT)
Presenter: Oscar Muñoz, SEMA Vehicle Product Data Analyst

CLICK HERE to register for this webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via telephone and Internet, click here.

To maximize your time at the 2008 SEMA Show, use SEMA's My Show Planner to create and save a personalized itinerary for the Show. My Show Planner enables you to prepare for your SEMA Show experience: create a day-by-day calendar listing the seminars and special events you plan to attend, map out the exhibitors you need to meet and add any meetings or activities you have planned during the week. You can also add SEMA Show seminars to your personal planner.

To see a full list of all 2008 SEMA Show seminars and speakers, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Adding an Education Session to your personal planner is easy. First, log in using the "Log-In" link on the left-hand menu. Once logged in, click the "Add" button to include an Education Session on your personal planner (it will appear under "Education Sessions of Interest"). Please note that seating for Education Sessions or Events is first-come, first-served and that adding a Session or Event to your Planner does not guarantee entry. Also, some Education Sessions and Events require tickets; adding them to your personal planner does not register you for the session or event.

Who can access the My Show Planner?
Anyone can utilize My Show Planner. It allows visitors to view all seminars and events taking place during the SEMA Show, as well as see a complete list of exhibitors. To create a personalized planner, users must be registered for the SEMA Show.

How does the personalized planner work?
Users can create a personal schedule as simple or extensive as they wish. Seminars and special events can be added directly into one's calendar, and exhibitors can be identified by booth location and Show section. Users can save their itinerary and return any time to add, delete or modify the information.

How do I create a personalized planner?
All approved registrants are e-mailed log-in instructions, along with their username and password. Registered attendees who need the information re-sent can e-mail SEMAShow@sema.org and request your My Show Planner log-in. Use the "Log-In" link on the left-hand side of this page to access your account.

Other questions? E-mail semashow@sema.org or member@sema.org.

SEMA has launched a new classifieds section on its www.SEMAShow.com website to assist SEMA Show exhibitors in hauling booth materials, vehicles, parts and other equipment to the 2008 SEMA Show. If your company needs items hauled to the Show, let us know about it! A link to the classifieds section will be included in each issue of SEMA eNews up to the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/classifieds to see the most updated listing of who has space and who needs space.

Need Gear Hauled to the Show?
If you have items that need to be hauled to the Show, click here to e-mail us. Be sure to provide all of the necessary information included in the content of the e-mail.

Have Room in Your Trailer?
Those SEMA Show exhibitors who have space in their trailer headed to the 2008 SEMA Show are also encouraged to help fellow exhibitors get their gear or vehicles to the Show by announcing it here. Click here to e-mail us and provide all the necessary information included in the content of the e-mail.

Complete information on the 2008 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

Marcel Horn's 2007 Audi TT won last year's GT Awards for Best European Import and Best of Show. Horn, president of SEMA-member company HPA Motorsports, has seen his car included in the latest installment of the Gran Turismo franchise, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

One of the highest honors a car builder can receive these days is inclusion into the best-selling racing video game franchise, Gran Turismo. In conjunction with the 2008 SEMA Show, Sony Computer Entertainment America—makers of the PLAYSTATION 3 and publisher of the best-selling racing game Gran Turismo—and "Top Gear" host Tanner Foust will host the sixth annual Gran Turismo Awards on Thursday, November 6, at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

In addition to honoring winning automobiles in categories including Best Hot Rod, Best Japanese Import, Best European Import, Best Domestic Automobile and Best Truck/SUV, an overall GT Awards winner will be selected as Best in Show and given the honor of having their vehicle included in the next Gran Turismo title in full 1080p HD.

Judging for the GT Awards takes place on the SEMA Show floor on Tuesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 5. Judges will include industry influencers and representatives from various automobile magazines. The overall winner will be selected by the one of the most influential individuals in the automotive industry, father of the Gran Turismo franchise Kazunori Yamauchi.  

If your car has what it takes to be the talk of the automotive industry, CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE ENTRY FORM, then e-mail to: 2008_GT_Awards@bncpr.com. You can also fax the form to 310/854-4848. 

To see more of what the Gran Turismo Awards are all about, check out this video.

The Association is dedicated to ensuring the accuracy of your listing in the 2009 SEMA Membership Directory, the ultimate resource for industry and SEMA staff contacts. To guarantee your listing is accurate, SEMA needs your help. The deadline to update your company’s listing in the 2009 SEMA Membership Directory is October 31, 2008.

The key contact at each SEMA-member company received the final e-mail on Tuesday, October 21, that contained a link that will guide each user through the simple steps to edit their personal, company and staff records.
 
The directory is considered by many member companies as the “ultimate sourcebook” to identify and establish partnerships with others in the industry. Whether you want to find manufacturers of specific products, members in particular categories or reps serving certain locations, the directory’s easy-to-use cross-reference listings provide a straightforward way to get in touch.

For more information on the 2009 SEMA Membership Directory, contact member@sema.org or the SEMA Membership Department at 909/396-0289.

Melvin Harris Daskal, a decorated World War II veteran, highly successful CPA and the author of Financial Fax, a nationally circulated monthly tax advice publication, died on October 16 at the age of 84. 

For more than three decades, he provided a wealth of advice on tax preparation and SEMA members were provided with a complimentary subscription to his newsletter. As readers turned the pages of Financial Fax, they read about the realities of small-business ownership. Daskal also injected humor throughout the publication, often beginning with a favorite quote.

As an example of Daskal’s powerful insight and sense of humor, the July issue of Financial Fax was titled "The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 and Other Confusion." The issue begins with a nod to Warren Buffett: “If all the economists were laid end-to-end, they would not reach a conclusion.”

“Mel helped build a valuable resource for the SEMA industry," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communication and events. "His financial advice has helped countless businesses in our industry plan for the future. While his contributions will be missed, his legacy of helping our membership will continue on”

In addition to his commitment to helping small businesses, Daskal was also dedicated to our country, serving as a soldier overseas during World War II. Daskal was in the 12th Armored Division, Armored Infantry and received a Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.

Mel is survived by his wife Carol, four children, two stepchildren and six grandchildren. On behalf of the industry, SEMA's thoughts and prayers go out to Daskal’s friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Associates-IMC of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging at 7150 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA 91335.

A guest book has also been established online via the Los Angeles Times. CLICK HERE to sign the guest book.

CAD data for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V was recently added to the SEMA Technology Transfer Program. Component files that are currently available include engine assembly, exhaust, under carriage and suspension and brake assembly. SEMA manufacturing members can also request additional files by visiting www.sema.org/techtransfer or by e-mailing Oscar Muñoz at oscarm@sema.org.

The SEMA Technology Transfer Program is one of the most valuable SEMA manufacturer member services. The program provides exclusive access to SEMA’s OEM CAD database and information that can dramatically cut reverse-engineering costs and product-development cycles. Through a partnership with OEMs, such as Chrysler, Ford, GM and Scion, SEMA manufacturer members have free access to more than 38,000 OEM CAD data files.

The CAD data is comprised of all currently released car and truck vehicle lines from the participating manufacturers. The files are compatible with IGES, STEP and Parasolid and cover components, such as suspension, powertrain, drivetrain, body panels, chassis, frame, interior and wheels.

SBTV.com will once again attend and cover the SEMA Show, offering Show highlights and a chance for attendees to market their businesses through video interviews aired on its website. The web TV enterprise will produce highlight segments and features about the event, as well as attendee "Spotlight Interviews" in the traveling studio set up front and center on the trade Show floor.

To schedule an interview, visit www.sbtv.com/links/sema.

To view SBTV’s coverage of last year’s SEMA Show, visit www.sbtv.com/Partners/SEMA/2008.

In addition to the educational seminars featured during the 2008 SEMA Show, several Show exhibitors are offering technical seminars that provide an in-depth perspective of product applications and insight on how to maximize various company services.

For a listing of all of the educational seminars offered during the 2008 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education.

Here are the times and brief descriptions of the technical seminars offered by Show exhibitors.  

Tuesday, November 4

Title: eBay Motors: Selling Basics Workshop

Time: 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241

Description: Learn how to sell your parts and accessories in the world's largest online marketplace. A part or accessory sells every second on eBay Motors. eBay Motors can help you move your inventory online, grow your business and reach new online customers. Come join us to learn the basics and to meet the eBay team! Note: This is an introductory-level session. Advanced users should go to the eBay Motors booth for questions.

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Title: Unlocking the Mysteries of the ARB Air Locker

Time: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241

Description: Join the discussion on why LSDs don't actually do what people want. Factory-equipped electronic traction control, its limitations and its integration with Air Lockers. Technical discussion on the features of CCKMA12 & CKMP12 diff covers traction math. 

Wednesday, November 5

Title: eBay Motors: Selling Basics Workshop

Time: 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241

Description: Learn how to sell your parts and accessories in the world's largest online marketplace. A part or accessory sells every second on eBay Motors. eBay Motors can help you move your inventory online, grow your business and reach new online customers. Come join us to learn the basics and to meet the eBay team! Note: This is an introductory-level session. Advanced users should go to the eBay Motors booth for questions.

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Title: Garrett by Honeywell: Turbo System Optimization

Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room  N239

Description: Honeywell engineers have spent numerous hours working with race teams and on their own project vehicles to increase power while optimizing the turbo system. This seminar will focus on sharing key concepts, including what you need to know about complimentary components to support a turbo system, exhaust backpressure and its effect on volumetric efficiency and what tests you can perform on your system to maximize performance.

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Title: Amsoil: Understanding Aftermarket Gasoline Additives

Time: 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241

Description: The early history of gasoline additives; the business side and market; the definitions of individual additives; examples of building additive compounds for specific purposes (i.e. Octane boost, Performance improvers, etc.). Benefits and warnings. Q&A.

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Title: Hondata: Tuning with Hondata Products

Time: 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room  N239
 
Description: Information on how to tune Honda engines using Hondata products as well as technical details on newly released and upcoming products.

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Title: Old Man Emu Customized Suspension: Why It's Not All About Ride Height, Handling Matters Too!

Time: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241

Description: OME development process, interpreting valving rates, various shock and spring combinations. The benefits of custom combinations and why weight is centric to the spring rate. Mono tube vs. twin tube.

Thursday, November 6

Title: eBay Motors: Selling Basics Workshop

Time: 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241 

Description: Learn how to sell your parts and accessories in the world's largest online marketplace. A part or accessory sells every second on eBay Motors. eBay Motors can help you move your inventory online, grow your business and reach new online customers. Come join us to learn the basics and to meet the eBay team! Note: This is an introductory-level session. Advanced users should go to the eBay Motors booth for questions. 

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Title: Rockett Brand Fuel: Octane Quality?

Time: 1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N239

Description: This seminar will cover octane quality of gasoline and its effect on race engine performance. Other aspects of gasoline will be covered in an extensive Q&A session. 

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Title: Unlocking the Mysteries of the ARB Air Locker & Old Man Emu Customized Suspension
 
Time: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, room N241 
 
Description: A discussion on why LSDs don't actually do what people want. Factory equipped electronic traction control, its limitations and its integration with Air Lockers. Tech discussion on the features of CCKMA12 & CKMP12 diff covers traction math. OME development process, interpreting valving rates, various shock and spring combinations. The benefits of custom combinations and why weight is centric to the spring rate. Mono tube vs twin tube.

Complete information on the 2008 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

The SEMA Cares Committee, established by the SEMA Board of Directors in 2007, aims to bring the voice and resources of the SEMA community together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. SEMA Cares is proud to join with its newest partner, the Hendrick Marrow Program, to connect bone marrow donors with patients.

“Besides the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, SEMA also supports Childhelp, advocates for abused children and Victory Junction Gang Camp, creating a fun camp experience for children with serious illness or disabilities," says SEMA Cares Chairman Joel Ayres. "We are extremely excited to welcome the Hendrick Marrow Program to the SEMA Cares booth this year in Vegas."

The Hendrick Marrow Program helps secure private resources to support the National Marrow Donor Registry critical work. Since 1997, the program has raised more than $7 million to recruit donors and help patients pay for transplant-related costs. These funds have added more than 85,000 volunteers to the NMDP Registry and helped more than 3,000 patients.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded in 1984 to foster leadership opportunities in the specialty-equipment marketplace and support educational goals for students. Over the past two decades, SEMA scholarships have supported over 400 students with more than $1,000,000 in scholarship awards. The program rewards the best and brightest students engaged in studies leading to a career in the automotive aftermarket or a related field.

All four of these charities will be represented in the SEMA Cares booth inside the Grand Lobby at the 2008 SEMA Show. Stop by for more information on these important programs and sign up for the bone marrow registry and a chance to win autographed goods from the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.