By SEMA News Editors

Registration is open for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, the annual program for exhibitors to learn how to maximize their Show experience, returns to Las Vegas in 2025 with new dates: Wednesday, June 25, Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27 (travel date).

Register and view the 2025 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit agenda and more details at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

For those that have already secured their SEMA Show booth, the Exhibitor Summit, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) South Hall Skybridge, will lead exhibitors through the art of the exhibit, step-by-step, to maximize their SEMA Show experience at the LVCC later this year, November 4-7.

"Exhibiting at the SEMA Show is an art form with proven best practices and techniques that exhibitors can utilize to maximize their ROI. At the Exhibitor Summit across two days, you and your team will be armed with practical and proven strategies for lead generation, media engagement, booth layout, debuting products and cost-saving opportunities," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Just make it to Vegas, and we've got your SEMA Show planning covered. But hurry, space is limited, so register and secure your spot today!"

As the SEMA Show continues to evolve, the Summit provides exhibitors with effective lead generation and sales-building programs as well as the latest information on how to build brand visibility, media engagement and marketing reach.

To support this mission, prominent content creators and media members will share first-hand insights on how they approach covering the SEMA Show, revealing to exhibitors how they can maximize their booth's impact on the media. In addition, organizers will also provide tips on launching new products, free and low-cost sponsorship opportunities, and everything exhibitors need to know to save time and money at the SEMA Show. Those seeking booth design and layout direction will not be disappointed, as the SEMA Show team will also share ways to create the best possible booth presentation that aligns with a brand's specific goals and needs.

Longtime exhibitors may notice an earlier Exhibitor Summit date this year. This change was designed to bring more impact to the event, as it will provide exhibitors with more time to put event takeaways into an actionable exhibit plan.

Register to join the SEMA Show team in Vegas this June, and we'll handle the rest. Exhibitors enjoy complimentary registration, a two-night hotel stay (for up to two representatives from each exhibiting company), and select meals courtesy of SEMA.

View the agenda and register for the 2025 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

Haven't signed up to exhibit at the 2025 SEMA Show yet? There is still time to secure your spot on the SEMA Show floor. Get ready to power your sales and marketing yearlong with a booth at the SEMA Show here.

Questions? Visit semashow.com/exhibitor or view key SEMA Show contacts here.

Attendee registration is now open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Questions? Call 909-396-0289 or email sales@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

On June 10 at 12:00 p.m. PDT, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) will host a webinar on cultivating allyship in an organization organically by moving beyond formal mandates and policies. 

Allyship is critical to fostering equality and inclusivity in an organization, as well as building a stronger, more supportive environment for all professionals. During this webinar, attendees will join industry experts as they explore why traditional approaches to cultivating allyship often fall short and share actionable steps to embed allyship naturally within a workplace. Through practical tools and real-world examples, attendees will discover how to foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.  

Speakers include Christina Linton, chief people and culture officer at Storyteller Overland, Megan Cook, cofounder of Happy Companies and Carlene D. Bills, president and CEO at Ford Component Sales. Rachel Speir, branding and marketing specialist at RS Marqueting, will guide the discussion and question-and-answer period. 

Together, they will shed light on why formal policies often fail to drive meaningful inclusion, strategies for embedding allyship through leadership and engagement and adaptable tools to promote organic workplace inclusion.  

Register here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant victory for motorsports track operators, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a SEMA- and PRI-supported bill (HF 645) that provides race tracks with immunity from nuisance claims brought by surrounding property owners, so long as the track existed before the neighboring property was purchased or developed. The legislation will ensure the continued operation and growth of these vital venues. 

With the new law set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, race tracks like Knoxville Raceway, Stuart International Speedway and Clay County Fair Speedway can now operate without the constant threat of litigation from new neighbors. This protection is crucial for the economic stability and growth of these venues, which are not only entertainment hubs and community growth drivers but also significant contributors to local economies through job creation and revenue generation. 

For more information on HF 645 and how to support motorsports legislation, contact Victor Muñoz, senior manager for state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, at victorm@sema.org. 

Original publish date: May 6, 2025

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant victory for motorsports track operators, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a SEMA- and PRI-supported bill (HF 645) that provides race tracks with immunity from nuisance claims brought by surrounding property owners, so long as the track existed before the neighboring property was purchased or developed. The legislation will ensure the continued operation and growth of these vital venues. 

With the new law set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, race tracks like Knoxville Raceway, Stuart International Speedway and Clay County Fair Speedway can now operate without the constant threat of litigation from new neighbors. This protection is crucial for the economic stability and growth of these venues, which are not only entertainment hubs and community growth drivers but also significant contributors to local economies through job creation and revenue generation. 

For more information on HF 645 and how to support motorsports legislation, contact Victor Muñoz, senior manager for state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, at victorm@sema.org. 

Original publish date: May 6, 2025

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show organizers have partnered with several airlines to secure discounts for Show attendees traveling to the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed below--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event.

Alaska Airlines: 

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Friday, October 31--Saturday, November 8, 2025.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMO139. 
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. Note that a $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines: 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Code NY3RX. (No service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the listed phone number).

United Airlines: 

• Discount: Up to 2% to 10% based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Thursday, October 30--Sunday, November 9, 2025. 
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here, or use discount code ZPKE658685.
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide the representative with the following information:
  • Z Code: ZQT8.
  • Agreement Code: 615759.

Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show is now open. Approved attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for only $50 on semashow.com/attendee now through Friday, June 27. After the deadline, the registration price will increase to $75. 

Click HERE to register.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Trump administration recently announced that auto parts that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will now be exempt from the 25% tariffs in place for imported auto parts, effective May 3.  

The shift in policy follows significant efforts by SEMA and others in the automotive community to help the Trump administration understand the impacts of tariffs on domestic companies. Because tariff policy remains a fluid situation, SEMA continues to monitor and engage with the federal government on behalf of our members and the automotive aftermarket industry. 

President Trump in his April 29 executive order provided immediate relief to industry businesses that manufacture USMCA-compliant parts. The order extended the 0% duty rate for USMCA-compliant components, a decision that offers temporary but critical relief for Tier 1 suppliers and many aftermarket parts businesses.  

According to United States Customs and Border Protection, the exemption ensures that parts sourced from Mexico and Canada remain untaxed if they meet the trade agreement's requirements. The tariff reprieve comes as automakers face significant financial strain, with General Motors projecting a potential $5-billion cost from the broader tariff regime. 

Behind the Scenes 

In response to the rollout of tariffs on everything from steel and aluminum to auto parts to country-specific tariffs, SEMA sought direct feedback from its members on the impact of the various tariffs on their companies. SEMA has used this information when communicating the impacts to federal lawmakers and Trump Administration officials. 

Although short-term relief is welcome, SEMA remains vigilant about emerging updates that can impact the specialty-equipment industry. President Trump retains the authority to revisit the policy and impose tariffs--even on USMCA partners.  

For additional information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on Tuesday, May 6.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Trump administration recently announced that auto parts that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will now be exempt from the 25% tariffs in place for imported auto parts, effective May 3.  

The shift in policy follows significant efforts by SEMA and others in the automotive community to help the Trump administration understand the impacts of tariffs on domestic companies. Because tariff policy remains a fluid situation, SEMA continues to monitor and engage with the federal government on behalf of our members and the automotive aftermarket industry. 

President Trump in his April 29 executive order provided immediate relief to industry businesses that manufacture USMCA-compliant parts. The order extended the 0% duty rate for USMCA-compliant components, a decision that offers temporary but critical relief for Tier 1 suppliers and many aftermarket parts businesses.  

According to United States Customs and Border Protection, the exemption ensures that parts sourced from Mexico and Canada remain untaxed if they meet the trade agreement's requirements. The tariff reprieve comes as automakers face significant financial strain, with General Motors projecting a potential $5-billion cost from the broader tariff regime. 

Behind the Scenes 

In response to the rollout of tariffs on everything from steel and aluminum to auto parts to country-specific tariffs, SEMA sought direct feedback from its members on the impact of the various tariffs on their companies. SEMA has used this information when communicating the impacts to federal lawmakers and Trump Administration officials. 

Although short-term relief is welcome, SEMA remains vigilant about emerging updates that can impact the specialty-equipment industry. President Trump retains the authority to revisit the policy and impose tariffs--even on USMCA partners.  

For additional information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on Tuesday, May 6.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

With the SEMA Board of Directors election on the horizon, it's time to get acquainted with the candidates so you're prepared to cast your ballot when voting opens on May 19.

When the election starts, SEMA members will receive an email directing recipients to the voting website. Before casting your vote, you can learn about each candidate on the ballot, including their thoughts on leading the association in the coming years.

Voting will take place online between May 19 and June 2 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 May 19. Winners will be announced by June 9.

The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chair-elect (1 Seat)

Left to right: Norris Marshall, BluePrint Engines; Les Rudd, Bob Cook Sales

Manufacturer (3 Seats)

Top (left to right): Brian Herron, OPUS IVS; Tim McCarthy, HUSHMAT & ZYCOAT; Shane McNallie, Lippert/CURT.

Bottom (left to right): Cary Redman, PRW Power; Marcus Umlauff, Toyota Motor North America (Incumbent)

Manufacturers Rep (1 Seat)

Left to right: Rich Butler, R&R Marketing (Incumbent); Mark Taylor, KAM Marketing

To learn more about each candidate, click here.

By SEMA News Editors

The best builds. The boldest customizations. Do you have what it takes to be the next Battle of the Builders champion? There's only one way to find out!

Applications are now open for the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) at semabotb.com. All builders with a vehicle displayed at the 2025 SEMA Show may enter the competition at semabotb.com before the deadline on October 17, 2025.

The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders will recognize class champions as the best in four categories:

• Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
• 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
• Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
• Young Guns

Only one of the class champions will be crowned the overall BOTB champion during this year's SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

"[To] be crowned the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders overall winner is] an amazing accolade. The competition every year is incredibly fierce, and we've been following it for years. Some of the people we look up to the most in the industry have won this award, so to appear alongside those people is really incredible," said Noah Alexander, who secured the overall win in 2024 with his '68 Dodge Charger. "The best for us was the incredible people we met. It was just amazing to talk to all of these other builders and hear what they do."

Industry experts will review all qualifying applications, including vehicle descriptions and photos. On Monday, November 3, prior to the official opening of the 2025 SEMA Show, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Judges will walk the show floor looking at dozens of Battle of the Builders entries up close and in person. Judges will then select the Top 40 finalists in the competition (10 from each category). After the Top 40 finalists are announced, the Top 10 from the Young Guns category will compete on Wednesday, November 5, in their own competition to determine their Top 3 finalists.  At the same time, the Judges will narrow down the Top 3 from the other three categories to round out the Overall Top 12 finalists (three from each category). On Thursday, November 6, the Top 12 finalists then become the judges and select from amongst themselves who are the Top 4 category winners and who is named the Top Overall Builder of the SEMA BOTB.

Battle of the Builders Young Guns Category

Supporting and inspiring young builders is crucial to the future of the automotive specialty-equipment market. The BOTB Young Guns category is designed to encourage young builders to pursue their passions and shine the light on the up-and-coming builders.

"Young Guns" is a designation within the overall BOTB competition to recognize builders who are under the age of 29 (as of November 7, 2025). Those who meet the criteria and have selected the Young Guns category on the online application are eligible to participate. In addition, all eligible Young Guns applicants who have submitted their online application before August 15, 2025, may be selected to compete in one or more virtual regional Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a Golden Ticket SEMA Show prize package. The eligible Young Guns applicants who have been selected for this will be contacted separately by the BOTB operations team via email or phone.

For more information and to apply, visit semabotb.com. For the complete BOTB Terms and Conditions, visit here.

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

For updates on SEMA Fest, the one-day musical and motorsports festival on Friday, November 7, or to purchase "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public" tickets, visit semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host its next Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, June 5, at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.

WTSBC's Coffee and Conversation is a monthly online networking event that enables SEMA members to discuss key issues impacting the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets. The June session will focus on marketing strategies in the automotive aftermarket industry.

The event will begin with attendee introductions, including knowledge they hope to gain from the event. WTSBC will then facilitate a conversation in which members can share insights and advice on marketing best practices for websites, social media and retail stores.

The conversation is geared toward retailers, manufacturers and marketing professionals; however, all SEMA members interested in learning new ways to improve their business are encouraged to attend.

Register here.