By SEMA Editors

Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show.

The early registration deadline for the 2018 SEMA Show is tomorrow, giving qualified attendees a chance to save time and money. Buyers from the United States who register online on or before Friday, October 12, save more than $50 and have their badges mailed to them in advance of the Show, which takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

“Our No. 1 advice to SEMA Show attendees is to plan ahead, and that begins with securing credentials well in advance,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and business development. “By registering early, buyers can arrive at the Show with their credentials in hand and hit the Show floor without delays—and they save money!”

To qualify for the early discounted fee of just $40 per person, qualified attendees must register online. Badges will be mailed in advance to domestic buyers. The international attendee deadline for having badges mailed was September 14, but those who register before the Show will receive a confirmation email with a barcode that will make obtaining their badge onsite seamless and easy. Badges for other categories (including media and non-exhibiting manufacturers) are not mailed.

To qualify for buyer badges, applicants may be required to submit proof of employment in the industry. Prior year’s approval does not automatically guarantee approval and qualifying materials may still be required.

Once approved, the badge provides access to the SEMA Show all four days of the event, as well as to the educational seminars and to SEMA Ignited—the official after-party—where the general public is allowed to attend on Friday after the Show closes.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA research indicates that the U.S. aftermarket for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technologies (CVT), though still in its infancy, can be expected to grow into a $1.5 billion industry within the next five years. With so much at stake in these rapidly emerging technologies, SEMA has made identifying ADAS/CVT opportunities for association members a key priority.

SEMA research indicates that the U.S. aftermarket for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technologies (CVT), though still in its infancy, can be expected to grow into a $1.5 billion industry within the next five years. With so much at stake in these rapidly emerging technologies, SEMA has made identifying ADAS/CVT opportunities for association members a key priority.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Administrative Assistant: Kooks Headers is hiring an administrative assistant responsible for answering phone calls, greeting visitors and vendors, performing administrative tasks, ordering office supplies, restocking and maintaining common areas as needed and running errands. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, working knowledge of office equipment, excellent written and verbal skills and strong knowledge of the MS Office Suite

Junior Sales Rep: STR Racing is hiring a junior sales rep to oversee and coordinate sales team activities; establish sales territories, quotas and goals for the sales team; analyze sales statistics to identify areas of improvement; and track results and trends regularly for business forecasting. The successful candidate must have previous experience (3+ years) in sales, customer service, or a related field in the wheel and tire industry; experience as a supervisor or manager and familiarity with CRM platforms.

OE Account/Development Manager: CTEK Inc. is hiring an OE account/development manager responsible for developing and managing sales with automotive, powersport and agricultural OEs. This position will focus on new business development with both existing and new customers. Responsibilities include face-to-face meetings with customers and prospects nationally, producing and delivering business proposals and performing market research. Candidates must be fluent in English, have relevant contacts within the industry and a technical automotive background.

Master Mechanic/Engine Builder: Apex Customs is hiring a master mechanic/engine builder for performance builds and repairs, including everything from supercharger installs to cams and heads to full motor builds. Successful applicants will have engine-building and modification experience. Transmission and suspension experience are pluses. ASE certification and engine management ECU, ECM, BCM re-mapping knowledge and experience are helpful.

Manufacturing Engineer: Revology Cars LLC is hiring a manufacturing engineer responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a robust manufacturing process that will allow the company to meet consistent quality, cost and productivity targets. This position will improve the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes and identify technical solutions, including components and processes, such as statistical process control, assembly jigs and fixtures and quality cycle testing that improve quality, reduce cost and/or improve cycle time. Candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience, and 5–10 years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing engineering capacity with an OEM, Tier 1 or automotive aftermarket component manufacturer. Experience in complex assembly manufacturing is a plus.  

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s new “Young Accessorizers Report” is now available through SEMA Market Research.

Did you know that young adults age 16–24 drove more than 155 billion miles in 2017?

Despite media reports to the contrary, young people do care about cars and are engaged with the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Of the 38.4 million people in the United States ages 16–24, 24 million have access to a vehicle and drive. Of these, 7.9 million accessorize, accounting for roughly $7.2 billion in spending in our industry. By age 23, more than 30% modify their vehicle(s) in some way.

Cars are also an important part of their lives: 79% of young accessorizers think that their vehicles help them stay closer to their friends, and one in four belong to a group related to cars on social media.

Want to learn more about young drivers and how you can reach them more effectively? Curious about how they shop? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” available now at www.sema.org/research.

Attending the 2018 SEMA Show? Want to learn more about young accessorizers? Check out the Young Enthusiasts education session, Thursday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC Upper North Hall, N252. Register for the session today.

By Kyle Cheng

SEMA’s new “Young Accessorizers Report” is now available through SEMA Market Research.

Did you know that young adults age 16–24 drove more than 155 billion miles in 2017?

Despite media reports to the contrary, young people do care about cars and are engaged with the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Of the 38.4 million people in the United States ages 16–24, 24 million have access to a vehicle and drive. Of these, 7.9 million accessorize, accounting for roughly $7.2 billion in spending in our industry. By age 23, more than 30% modify their vehicle(s) in some way.

Cars are also an important part of their lives: 79% of young accessorizers think that their vehicles help them stay closer to their friends, and one in four belong to a group related to cars on social media.

Want to learn more about young drivers and how you can reach them more effectively? Curious about how they shop? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” available now at www.sema.org/research.

Attending the 2018 SEMA Show? Want to learn more about young accessorizers? Check out the Young Enthusiasts education session, Thursday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in LVCC Upper North Hall, N252. Register for the session today.

By Jim Graven

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 during Show week.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 and demonstrating its services to buyers in a second location—the Grand Lobby in SEMA Central.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. “With two specialized SDC booth locations, we will be able to talk to more manufacturers and buyers at the Show.  

“In addition, we are spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum status in the SDC. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data in the marketplace from that manufacturer to populate their website, computer or anywhere else they need catalog and point-of-sale data. Make sure you stop by these manufacturers’ booths and ask them if you can receive their data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data from the SDC or to become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free five-minute demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Additionally, the SDC is scheduling meetings in booth #20679 every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, one level above the Show floor in the raised meeting room.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, senior director of membership. “Data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Sophia Sifuentes at sophias@semadatacoop.org or call 909-978-6654.

By Jim Graven

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 during Show week.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 and demonstrating its services to buyers in a second location—the Grand Lobby in SEMA Central.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. “With two specialized SDC booth locations, we will be able to talk to more manufacturers and buyers at the Show.  

“In addition, we are spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum status in the SDC. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data in the marketplace from that manufacturer to populate their website, computer or anywhere else they need catalog and point-of-sale data. Make sure you stop by these manufacturers’ booths and ask them if you can receive their data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data from the SDC or to become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free five-minute demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Additionally, the SDC is scheduling meetings in booth #20679 every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, one level above the Show floor in the raised meeting room.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, senior director of membership. “Data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Sophia Sifuentes at sophias@semadatacoop.org or call 909-978-6654.

By Jim Graven

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 during Show week.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679 and demonstrating its services to buyers in a second location—the Grand Lobby in SEMA Central.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. “With two specialized SDC booth locations, we will be able to talk to more manufacturers and buyers at the Show.  

“In addition, we are spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum status in the SDC. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data in the marketplace from that manufacturer to populate their website, computer or anywhere else they need catalog and point-of-sale data. Make sure you stop by these manufacturers’ booths and ask them if you can receive their data through the SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data from the SDC or to become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free five-minute demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Additionally, the SDC is scheduling meetings in booth #20679 every hour from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the Show (until Friday at 4:00 p.m.). The SDC booth is located behind the Ford display in Central Hall, one level above the Show floor in the raised meeting room.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SEMA Data Co-op is the only industry-owned and -operated product-data repository with all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” said Jim Graven, senior director of membership. “Data receivers love our program, which provides unlimited data exports at no charge to SEMA members.”

For more information, contact Sophia Sifuentes at sophias@semadatacoop.org or call 909-978-6654.

By Kristopher Porter

The SEMA councils and networks are teaming up with SEMA Education to bring useful education seminars to anyone interested in attending during the Show. There are many options for everyone in the industry; find one below:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO

Are TV builds a reality? What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the pitfalls? Who do you partner with? Get answers to these questions and more from some of the industry’s most respected builders.

Meet the panelists:

• EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
• Tim Strange, Strange Motion
• Jesse Henke, J&H Restorations
• Jordan Henke, J&H Restorations
• Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom

This educational seminar will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in room N258. Register now.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry. New vehicle technologies from ADAS to autonomy are driving this shift, and it’s being shaped by demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Cars and trucks will grow smarter and cooler with connected vehicle systems, high-efficiency engines, vehicle electrification and increased safety performance. This forum will bring together SEMA council and network experts to discuss how members can compete in today’s rapidly evolving market segments and leverage new aftermarket growth opportunities for connected, assisted and automated vehicles outlined in the SEMA Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunities Report. This event will take place Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront, Powered by ETTN

Racing technologies and performance products are critical to the continued relevance and innovation within the SEMA community for both traditional members and next-generation performance businesses, enthusiasts and fans. Racing and high-performance cars are central to the future of vehicle electrification and bringing advanced motorsports technologies to the street. SEMA manufacturers need to pay attention to performance developments in electric and hybrid powertrains, as well as drive-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations being used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. This event will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing With Confidence, Presented by ETTN

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are active safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies are impacting their products, installations and businesses. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, Powered by ETTN

Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. SEMA manufacturers, distributors and installers are facing increasing challenges today and in the coming years as vehicles become more complex due to assisted, connected and automated driving technologies, as well as demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Horsepower and hardware are being matched with computing power and software. New market segments are being created in safety, performance, vehicle emissions, electronics, connected and automated driving. This panel session will focus on the practices, challenges, policies and product liability considerations you need to know to grow and prosper in the evolving performance aftermarket. This event will take place Thursday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Hot Rod Builder Panel, Powered by HRIA

On Thursday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.

Professional Restylers Organization

PRO Reception

Take Your Company’s Sales to the Next Level, Powered by PRO

Want your restyling or truck-accessory center to stand head and shoulders above the crowd? In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to stay ahead of the competition. Listen and learn as industry veterans share insider tips and tactics to sharpen sales skills and build a more successful business. Gain insights into restyling trends and the best ways to market profitable accessory packages to a dealership or retail clientele. Take your shop’s sales to the next level—discover how earning a sales professional credential can help your company out maneuver the competition. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 31, in LVCC N253 from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Register now.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

Body Politics—The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women, Powered by SBN

In this program, attendees will learn about the power differential—the effect of gender-based listening modes, subtle differences in everything from smiles and eye contact to space and touching, and the new rules of business etiquette for old standards, such as handshakes and greetings and pats on the back. “Body Politics” is an eye-opening, ear-widening, “Aha!” experience. This session will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.

Good Enough Now: Women at Work, Powered by SBN

In a sea of mixed messages, we find ourselves lost between impossible expectations, frustrating people and little room for creativity and humility. We need to hold space for reclaiming self-responsibility, trying and connecting so we can do the best we can with what we have instead of striving for perfection or just opting out under pressure. This session will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC N254. Register now.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs, Powered by WTC

The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC room N256. Register now.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

SEMA Launch Pad, the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas

The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive entrepreneur business competition, and the finals are being held at the 2018 SEMA Show! The event will be held on Monday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater—one day before the SEMA Show officially opens. After more than 75 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants, who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges who will decide the ultimate winner of the 2018 program. Designed to take their businesses and products to the next level, the grand-prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2019, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now.