By Douglas McColloch

Tim Strange, Strange Motion	Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
Josh Poulson, Auto Additions	Big Mike

At SEMA Show Education Days, expert builders from around the world will share their secrets to help attendees hone their personal vehicle-customizing skills.

“The best thing that [the sessions] give younger aspiring builders is an opportunity to listen to the stories from some of the top builders on how they got started, and to learn some of the business practices that they subscribe to,” said Rick Love of Vintage Air, a leading producer of performance A/C systems. “We also have Q&A sessions where attendees can ask any questions they want.”

Regardless of experience or market niche, SEMA Show Education Days has a program to take building and fabricating skills to the next level.

Don't miss these 2017 sessions:

Fabrication Techniques — 3D Machining on a Router Table (AE2)

In this session, attendees will learn learn how to fabricate 3D shapes safely and efficiently without a CNC machine. They will see fabrication demonstrations that use a router table and safety sled, and learn how to build professional-grade trim panels, dash faceplates, speaker adapters and other components that are compatible with factory interior designs.
Presenter: Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting; Bryan Schmitt, President and Founder, Mobile Solutions USA
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N253

Restoration Builder’s Panel, Powered by ARMO (BD1)

What does it take to become a successful vehicle builder/restorer? How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the potential pitfalls you need to know? Whom should you partner with, or should you go it alone? In this session presented by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), attendees will get answers to these questions, and much more, from some of the restoration industry’s most respected names.
Presenters: EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs; Tim Strange, Strange Motion; Frank Arone, Arone Restoration; Chris Ryan, Ryan’s Rod & Kustom; Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
Moderator: Amy Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Hot Rod Builder’s Panel, Powered by HRIA (BD2)

This session, presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), reviews many of the same topics as the aforementioned session, with a greater emphasis on the rodding sector. Attendees will learn what it takes to be a successful vehicle builder and how to carve out their own distinctive niches in the market. They will hear expert tips to help grow their businesses, review potential obstacles and discuss solutions with some of the industry’s top builders.
Presenter: Rick Love, Vintage Air
Time: Thursday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Builder Peer-spectives: Resto, Hot Rod, Off-Road, Tuner (BD3)

Every vehicle build takes on a life of its own, and each builder has his or her own unique design approach and market niche to cultivate. In this session, attendees will discuss best practices with master builders representing the sport-compact, hot-rod, restoration, and off-road sectors. They will discover which build elements are common across all sectors, and see how each vehicle type poses its own unique build challenges and solutions.
Presenters: Brian Brennan, TEN; Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop; “Big Mike”; Jerry Zaiden, Camburg Engineering; Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
Time: Tuesday, October 31, 8:00 am.–9:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Five Key Trends to Boost a Restyling Shop’s Business, Powered by PRO (VA2)

In this session, presented by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will get dialed into the latest trends in automotive restyling and learn how to transform these trends into exciting, profit-boosting accessory packages. Listen and learn as experienced top-tier restylers share effective marketing strategies in a fast-paced, information-packed session.
Presented by: Josh Poulson, Auto Additions; Joey Johnston, Tops & Trends; Dino Perfetti, Automotive Concepts
Time: Thursday, November 2, 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N253

View the complete lineup of education sessions.

By Douglas McColloch

Tim Strange, Strange Motion	Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
Josh Poulson, Auto Additions	Big Mike

At SEMA Show Education Days, expert builders from around the world will share their secrets to help attendees hone their personal vehicle-customizing skills.

“The best thing that [the sessions] give younger aspiring builders is an opportunity to listen to the stories from some of the top builders on how they got started, and to learn some of the business practices that they subscribe to,” said Rick Love of Vintage Air, a leading producer of performance A/C systems. “We also have Q&A sessions where attendees can ask any questions they want.”

Regardless of experience or market niche, SEMA Show Education Days has a program to take building and fabricating skills to the next level.

Don't miss these 2017 sessions:

Fabrication Techniques — 3D Machining on a Router Table (AE2)

In this session, attendees will learn learn how to fabricate 3D shapes safely and efficiently without a CNC machine. They will see fabrication demonstrations that use a router table and safety sled, and learn how to build professional-grade trim panels, dash faceplates, speaker adapters and other components that are compatible with factory interior designs.
Presenter: Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting; Bryan Schmitt, President and Founder, Mobile Solutions USA
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N253

Restoration Builder’s Panel, Powered by ARMO (BD1)

What does it take to become a successful vehicle builder/restorer? How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the potential pitfalls you need to know? Whom should you partner with, or should you go it alone? In this session presented by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), attendees will get answers to these questions, and much more, from some of the restoration industry’s most respected names.
Presenters: EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs; Tim Strange, Strange Motion; Frank Arone, Arone Restoration; Chris Ryan, Ryan’s Rod & Kustom; Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
Moderator: Amy Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Hot Rod Builder’s Panel, Powered by HRIA (BD2)

This session, presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), reviews many of the same topics as the aforementioned session, with a greater emphasis on the rodding sector. Attendees will learn what it takes to be a successful vehicle builder and how to carve out their own distinctive niches in the market. They will hear expert tips to help grow their businesses, review potential obstacles and discuss solutions with some of the industry’s top builders.
Presenter: Rick Love, Vintage Air
Time: Thursday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Builder Peer-spectives: Resto, Hot Rod, Off-Road, Tuner (BD3)

Every vehicle build takes on a life of its own, and each builder has his or her own unique design approach and market niche to cultivate. In this session, attendees will discuss best practices with master builders representing the sport-compact, hot-rod, restoration, and off-road sectors. They will discover which build elements are common across all sectors, and see how each vehicle type poses its own unique build challenges and solutions.
Presenters: Brian Brennan, TEN; Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop; “Big Mike”; Jerry Zaiden, Camburg Engineering; Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
Time: Tuesday, October 31, 8:00 am.–9:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N258

Five Key Trends to Boost a Restyling Shop’s Business, Powered by PRO (VA2)

In this session, presented by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), attendees will get dialed into the latest trends in automotive restyling and learn how to transform these trends into exciting, profit-boosting accessory packages. Listen and learn as experienced top-tier restylers share effective marketing strategies in a fast-paced, information-packed session.
Presented by: Josh Poulson, Auto Additions; Joey Johnston, Tops & Trends; Dino Perfetti, Automotive Concepts
Time: Thursday, November 2, 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N253

View the complete lineup of education sessions.

By Linda Spencer

The International Happy Hour provides SEMA Show exhibitors the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2017 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is now open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 14th edition of the event, which is open to all 2017 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Registration is complimentary, but required.

RSVP now!

By Linda Spencer

The International Happy Hour provides SEMA Show exhibitors the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2017 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is now open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 14th edition of the event, which is open to all 2017 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Registration is complimentary, but required.

RSVP now!

By Linda Spencer

The International Happy Hour provides SEMA Show exhibitors the opportunity to network with international buyers, distributors and international media.

Registration for the 2017 International Happy Hour (IHH)—the SEMA Show’s largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gathering—is now open. Network with international buyers, distributors and international media, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., in room N255 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 1,000 companies are expected to attend the 14th edition of the event, which is open to all 2017 SEMA Show exhibitors.

The IHH will also feature a panel of distinguished international journalists who serve as SEMA Global Media Award judges.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255

Registration is complimentary, but required.

RSVP now!

By SEMA Editors

Old school will meet new school during the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition when builders of classic cars, hot rods, imports, trucks and SUVs go head-to-head for the top builder title. SEMA had a chance to interview two builders who are entering unique trucks into the competition.

Lonny Childress, co-owner of Gateway Classic Mustang, said SEMA Battle of the Builders is “the best of the best, bringing out the best.” That’s why he’s bringing his best with a ’69 Ford F-100. From a custom-built trailer hitch, Recaro seats and a new bed floor, check out what he has done to prepare for the 2017 competition.

Jacob Neuenschwander owns the ’04 Dodge Ram truck that won the Young Guns category at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Lima, Ohio, earning him a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition. Custom airbrushed paint on the outside of the truck is mirrored on the door jams and door panels inside the truck. Check out other unique interior and exterior features and see why he’s excited to go to the SEMA Show.

Subscribe to the SEMA Show’s YouTube Channel to see the latest builder interviews and more leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Old school will meet new school during the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition when builders of classic cars, hot rods, imports, trucks and SUVs go head-to-head for the top builder title. SEMA had a chance to interview two builders who are entering unique trucks into the competition.

Lonny Childress, co-owner of Gateway Classic Mustang, said SEMA Battle of the Builders is “the best of the best, bringing out the best.” That’s why he’s bringing his best with a ’69 Ford F-100. From a custom-built trailer hitch, Recaro seats and a new bed floor, check out what he has done to prepare for the 2017 competition.

Jacob Neuenschwander owns the ’04 Dodge Ram truck that won the Young Guns category at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Lima, Ohio, earning him a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition. Custom airbrushed paint on the outside of the truck is mirrored on the door jams and door panels inside the truck. Check out other unique interior and exterior features and see why he’s excited to go to the SEMA Show.

Subscribe to the SEMA Show’s YouTube Channel to see the latest builder interviews and more leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Old school will meet new school during the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition when builders of classic cars, hot rods, imports, trucks and SUVs go head-to-head for the top builder title. SEMA had a chance to interview two builders who are entering unique trucks into the competition.

Lonny Childress, co-owner of Gateway Classic Mustang, said SEMA Battle of the Builders is “the best of the best, bringing out the best.” That’s why he’s bringing his best with a ’69 Ford F-100. From a custom-built trailer hitch, Recaro seats and a new bed floor, check out what he has done to prepare for the 2017 competition.

Jacob Neuenschwander owns the ’04 Dodge Ram truck that won the Young Guns category at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Lima, Ohio, earning him a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition. Custom airbrushed paint on the outside of the truck is mirrored on the door jams and door panels inside the truck. Check out other unique interior and exterior features and see why he’s excited to go to the SEMA Show.

Subscribe to the SEMA Show’s YouTube Channel to see the latest builder interviews and more leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Old school will meet new school during the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition when builders of classic cars, hot rods, imports, trucks and SUVs go head-to-head for the top builder title. SEMA had a chance to interview two builders who are entering unique trucks into the competition.

Lonny Childress, co-owner of Gateway Classic Mustang, said SEMA Battle of the Builders is “the best of the best, bringing out the best.” That’s why he’s bringing his best with a ’69 Ford F-100. From a custom-built trailer hitch, Recaro seats and a new bed floor, check out what he has done to prepare for the 2017 competition.

Jacob Neuenschwander owns the ’04 Dodge Ram truck that won the Young Guns category at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Lima, Ohio, earning him a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition. Custom airbrushed paint on the outside of the truck is mirrored on the door jams and door panels inside the truck. Check out other unique interior and exterior features and see why he’s excited to go to the SEMA Show.

Subscribe to the SEMA Show’s YouTube Channel to see the latest builder interviews and more leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center.

Stay up-to-date on the latest SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Sort by type of announcement and/or market segment to find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently.

Below are some of the latest announcements you will find in the Online Media Center:

• The Simpson III Tent and Annex Make a Practical Pair
• ARB Elements Weatherproof Fridge/Freezer Accessories
• ARB Elements Weatherproof Fridge/Freezer
• SATA RPS Cups Save Time and Material
• SATA Set to Unveil the Newest Special-Edition Spray Gun Design at SEMA 2017
• BOLT Lock Features Doetsch “Secured Valor” Jeep JKU in SEMA Booth
• 4 New Products From Liquid Armour Protective Coatings LLC
• The First SGS Passed DIY Ceramic 9H Coating Kit
• Malco Unveils Unique Invention for Sanding Contours
• NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher Will Be in the Heidts Suspensions Booth
• Hank Robinson, the Engraving Expert, Demonstrating at SEMA

Exhibitor press releases can be found at www.SEMAShow.com/press.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

The 2017 SEMA Show will take place October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. Register now!