By Ashley Reyes

An important part of being an ally to women is engaging new people who don't fully understand or believe in the male-ally mindset. Knowing how to approach, engage and convert non-believers into allies is critical for both men and women to grow the conversation so that positive change can take effect. 

Men and women in the automotive aftermarket industry are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)'s next webinar in their Male-Ally Webinar Series "How to Keep the Conversation Growing and Build Awareness" on April 2 at 1:00 p.m. PDT. Attendees will discover ideas and ways to engage with people who have not heard of, or understand or support, the male-ally movement.

Register now, and learn:

• A review of what a male ally to women is and successful practices to be one.
• How to grow the conversation surrounding male allyship.
• How to recognize when it is time to engage.
• How the panelists have been successful in educating non-believers.
• What to do if there is push-back.

This session will be moderated by Rachel Speir (RS Marqueting), and feature speakers Chris Gauss (The Warn Group), Steve Gilmore (Ford Motor Company) and Sara Morosan (LGE-CTS Motorsports). Don't miss your chance to tap into their expertise and discover practices that you can use and that have worked for them in the past. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

The organizers behind the 2023 SEMA Show Education program have released seminar recordings from its SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium. Access the videos here.

Designed to empower and inspire women to accelerate their careers, the 15- to 20-minute presentations offer valuable insights that address common challenges faced by women in the automotive industry. Viewers will listen to successful women executives and thought leaders sharing essential skills, valuable advice and strategies for professional growth.

Seminar recordings out now include:  

• Power Networking Luncheon & Fireside Chat 
  • Featuring Amanda Busick (FOX Sports), Carolyn Jackson (Barrett-Jackson Auction Company)
• Being a Woman-Owned Certified Enterprise
  • Featuring Melanie White (Hellwig Products)
• Self Branding: The Action Behind Building Your Personal Brand 
  • Featuring Jackie Lutz (Sensata Technologies)
• The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship as a Strategy for Success 
  • Featuring Deanna Singh (Uplifting Impact)
• Walk the Jump: Four Steps to Becoming the Authority in Your Industry
  • Featuring Shaundra Dineen (Rubyz Global Coaching and Consulting LLC)
• Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights Panel 
  • Featuring Cheryl Thompson (CADIA), Kim Less (Nissan North America), Matilda Johnson (City Classic Cars), Axel Cooley (Metallon, LLC), Submi Gosh (Stream Companies), Jayme Blasiman (Femcanic Garage/Women’s Motor Fest)

The SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium was part of a new SEMA initiative to create a robust career and professional development program for aftermarket professionals. The seminar recordings offer immediate knowledge and takeaways, highlighting new, fresh perspectives from top female leaders in the automotive community.  

Watch recordings from the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium now, and stay tuned for additional seminar highlights from the 2023 SEMA Show as they are released throughout the coming weeks at semashow.com/education-videos.

By SEMA News Editors

Barrow Joins SCCA as Director of Road Racing, Flanagan Transitions to Director of Program Services

Jeff Barrow has joined the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) as the organization's new director of road racing, taking over for Deanna Flanagan, who will transition to her new role as director of program services.

Jeff Barrow (left) and Deanna Flanagan.

Barrow has more than 30 years of industry experience and previously held positions at Honda Racing Corp. U.S., Ligier Automotive North America, Radical Motorsport and Wellman Friction Products. He will be responsible for managing SCCA's amateur road racing program, including the U.S. Majors Tour, Hoosier Racing Tire SCCA Super Tour and National Championship Runoffs, as well as working with SCCA members and leaders within the SCCA Road Racing program.

As director of program services, Flanagan will join SCCA's business operations department, where she will use her experience in sanctioning, risk management, registration and worker initiatives in a newly created position to benefit all of the SCCA's events and programs.

For more information, see the full announcement.

Take 5 Oil Change Appoints New SVP of Field Operations

Take 5 Oil Change has named Missy McKinley as its new senior vice president of field operations.

McKinley previously served as senior vice president of operations for Scooter's Coffee and in leadership positions at Circle K and Dollar Tree.

In her new role, McKinley will oversee growth initiatives and enhancing customer experiences.

For more information, visit take5.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Taylor Cable

Colored Spark Plug Wires

Taylor Cable recently announced the return of its colored spark plug wires. Crafted to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, the company says, these high-performance wires are engineered to upgrade the look of any engine bay. Along with the traditional black, red and blue wires, new colors include yellow, orange, green, purple, pink and gray.

pertronixbrands.com.

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By Meredith Kaplan Burns

PRI welcomed its new President Michael Good on February 26, 2024. He recently sat down with PRI Magazine and shared his vision for the brand, where he sees the industry headed, how our industry can unite to address current and impending challenges, and his focus on continuous improvement not only for himself but guiding his team members as well.

For the complete interview, please read PRI Magazine's Newly Appointed column with Michael Good in the May 2024 edition.

PRI: How has your experience prepared you for this role to lead PRI?

Good: It is truly a humbling privilege to step into this role, into a team that exudes passion to connect, protect, and advocate for an industry that brings out the best in people. Each of us is a culmination of our prior experiences. It's through those experiences that we continuously learn, shape and mature in our approaches to simple tasks, and how we overcome and solve complex problems in changing times.

I am confident that my prior experiences, which include starting a company from just an idea to leading and growing global brands in the automotive space, have collectively given me the diverse background needed to embrace our changing world. Together we will bring new and innovative methods to the industry that further strengthen our position to attract future generations while embracing those that have been engaged with PRI from the beginning.

PRI: Why is this position a good fit for you? And why are you a great fit for PRI?

Good: I don't take for granted that I've been able to align my passions and my career. I believe that you are either running from something or running to something throughout your life. I was fortunate to have a great career prior to joining PRI. I saw this opportunity as definitely running to something. When I look at the foundation of PRI--a strong connection to our members, constantly advocating for our members, and always looking for new, innovative ways to connect our industry peers to one another, and then combine that with the brand equity of a 36-year-old organization, I see tremendous upside potential. My ability to help shape the culture and strategic vision, understanding how to bring the voice of the customer into our decision-making process, to do all of that at a best-in-class level, is what excites me the most. I can clearly see the path ahead and understand what it will take to for PRI to become an even more integral partner to the industry.

PRI: Can you cite some examples as to why you are bullish on the racing market? Why are you optimistic about racing's future?

Good: The racing industry is not only founded on innovation, but it also embraces the technologies that exist outside of the racing industry--autonomous driving and AI, for example--and finds ways to incorporate them. In many ways, innovation and technology have lowered the barriers to entry for enthusiasts to get involved in racing. The expansion of the sim-racing world is bringing a younger generation into the industry and giving them an introduction to the sport, in a virtual manner. Technology and innovation can drive future growth, and I believe we're seeing that in the growth of grassroots racing in local markets across the United States.

I'm optimistic that racing will continue to evolve and take on new and exciting ways to pursue speed.

PRI: What are you most looking forward to in your new role here at PRI?

Good: Engaging with the manufacturers to learn more about how best to help them grow their businesses! Driving change where it is needed and making sure not to try and fix what is not broken.

PRI: Is there a valuable piece of advice or a lesson you picked up along the way that has served you well through the years?

Good: Three things come to mind. I'm a firm believer that you get back what you put into the world, so lead with grace. Invest in your EQ [emotional intelligence] as much or more than you invest in your IQ. Never let your current circumstances drive you to make an impractical decision that could have long-term negative implications.

And BTBVOY: Work a little bit each day to 'Become the Best Version of Yourself.'

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) are hosting a networking mixer during Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (EDT), on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway.

The mixer is the ideal event for TORA and FLN members to grow their professional network, discover business and career-building resources and connect with each group's select committee. Attendees will learn about member resources, find open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships that can drive their business forward.

Prospective TORA and FLN members are encouraged to attend the event, as it's a great way to discover the benefits of SEMA council and network membership. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has launched a new Lunch and Learn webinar series, providing SEMA members with valuable educational content to enhance their professional growth. In partnership with SEMA's education department, the series will feature industry veterans and expert speakers who will share key insights and strategies for career and business advancement.

The series will include three total sessions for 2024 and delve into topics such as social media branding, improving your resume and interview skills, and leveraging the SEMA Show.  

The first session of the series, "Navigating the Ever-Changing Digital Marketing Landscape," will take place on April 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Led by Dan Kahn, president and CEO of Kahn Media, the session will cover the current state of the social-media landscape and influencer marketing, offering attendees practical tips for building a strong brand in a constantly evolving environment. Participants will learn about first-party data, why it plays a central role in digital marketing efforts and how to gather and use first-party data to create effective marketing campaigns.

Kahn is a published author, photographer and marketing expert with over a decade of experience in hybrid public relations, influencer relations and high-ROI marketing tactics. Throughout his career, he has represented some of the world's most high-profile luxury, transportation, outdoor and motorsports brands.

Time will be reserved for a Q&A, allowing attendees to tap into Kahn's expertise. Register here.

The first 20 members to register will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher for the day of the webinar.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Honda Motors, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '24 Honda Ridgeline.

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle's public release. Take advantage of this exclusive event, scheduled for March 26-27, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

'24 Honda Ridgeline Measuring Session
March 26-27, 2024
SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, CA
1577 Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
View on Google Maps.
Click here to RSVP!

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today! For more information, visit the Click here to RSVP!  or contact measuringsessions@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The road to the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, begins with the annual booth priority selection process. This is when exhibitors choose a Show floor location based on their seniority in a process that literally builds the SEMA Show section by section, booth by booth.

"It is like the order of a pro sports draft; we rank each exhibitor by seniority, determined by how many SEMA Shows an exhibitor has participated in and by Show section," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "To do this, we call every single exhibitor from brands that are just starting out all the way to established companies that have been part of the Show for years."

Every approved exhibitor who submits their exhibit space rental application (ESRA) and deposit prior to the Friday, March 29 deadline has the opportunity to select their booth space. During the exhibitor's time to pick, a SEMA Show account representative will call the primary contact and help locate and assign the exhibit space that best suits the company's needs.

"This is a fair and straightforward way for companies to select their best possible location, which is part of SEMA's commitment to providing the best Show experience possible," Tompkins said. "We even have tiebreakers built into the system for companies that may have the same seniority. These processes keep the SEMA Show exciting and new each year."

One of the most important aspects of a successful Show is pre-Show marketing and promotion. The priority selection process allows exhibitors to understand their Show floor location and how large their exhibit will be so they can begin to promote their booth, plus envision their display design, product presentation and staffing at the Show.

There is still time to get involved in the booth space priority selection process; submit your ESRA application by Friday, March 29. The SEMA Show team will begin the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15 (more exhibitor resources here).

Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29. And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. 

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

The first step to achieving your goals is knowing your purpose and your "why." Once your purpose and "why" are defined, you will be able to prioritize your life to accomplish your goals, get through obstacles and live a happier life.

SEMA members are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar "Going Beyond Potential" on April 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PDT, to learn how to turn their thoughts and goals into actionable plans. Moderated by educator, author and wellness specialist Jenna Sage, and featuring speaker Jackie Martin, chief purpose and inclusion officer at FOX Factory, the session will teach attendees strategies for seeking support and creating a roadmap for success.

Martin is a certified life and executive coach who has implemented multiple workshops focused on knowing your purpose. Her expertise in individual development planning and peer accountability measures will inspire attendees to overcome their unique challenges and go beyond their potential. Register today!