By SEMA Editors

Exhibitors can take advantage of the New Products Showcase by entering a qualified product for free.

While more than 3,000 credentialed members of the media attend the SEMA Show each year, standing out from among 2,000-plus exhibitors and getting the attention of reporters who are overworked and on tight deadlines can be challenging. A good media strategy, along with a well-executed trade-show plan, can generate increased product awareness and lead to profitable sales.

Of course, every exhibitor is unique, and results will vary from company to company. Nevertheless, key strategies for SEMA Show exhibitors include:

• Posting press releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center: By posting news releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center, you ensure that reporters looking for Show-related news do not miss out on your story. Posting to the Online Media Center can also generate coverage from SEMA’s publications and social media outlets. Post your release today.

• Entering the New Products Showcase: Exhibitors can take advantage of the New Products Showcase by entering a qualified product for free. Providing a detailed description of that product can generate additional exposure and drive traffic to the booth. The Showcase often generates additional coverage in SEMA publications and online. Enter a product now.

• Having someone dedicated to media efforts: Having an outside agency/consultant has many benefits, especially since they typically have media-relations experience and resources. However, exhibitors can still be successful by keeping their media relations in-house. The key is to assign someone the responsibility of managing the media program and to not treat it as a secondary thought. While your primary business is getting the product ready and selling to buyers, making the media a priority will lead to top results.

• Targeted media outreach: Media at the SEMA Show cover an array of market segments, including motorsports, off-road, mobile electronics and more. Reach out to media targeted to your market and industry. Conduct web-based research and audit to identify relevant media who covered the SEMA Show in previous years and reporters who would potentially be interested in their story.

• Pitches to media before the SEMA Show opens: Reporters are often contacted months before the SEMA Show and offered story ideas, images, facts and access to high-level company executives. Invite publications that are planning special SEMA Show editions, under embargo, to individual briefings with company executives in advance of the Show opening.

• Creating a comprehensive press kit: Knowing that thousands of media outlets will be at the SEMA Show, develop a comprehensive press kit to distribute onsite at the event. In addition to having press kits available to reporters in the booth, exhibitors are able to place press kits and releases in the official SEMA Show Media Center at no cost.

To learn more about all of the PR opportunities available for exhibitors, visit the Exhibitor Services Manual or contact an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

By Katie Carson

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will conclude its series of general membership meetings at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association event taking place August 24 in Pleasanton, California.

These meetings serve as a great opportunity to connect with the council that represents your company in the hot-rod industry. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects the council is working on and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table. Select committee members and SEMA staff will be on-site to network and discuss opportunities to become more involved.

HRIA General Membership Meeting-Pleasanton, California
Thursday, August 24
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Palm Pavilion
Register now!

By Katie Carson

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will conclude its series of general membership meetings at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association event taking place August 24 in Pleasanton, California.

These meetings serve as a great opportunity to connect with the council that represents your company in the hot-rod industry. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects the council is working on and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table. Select committee members and SEMA staff will be on-site to network and discuss opportunities to become more involved.

HRIA General Membership Meeting-Pleasanton, California
Thursday, August 24
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Palm Pavilion
Register now!

By Juan Torres

Ryan Basseri, a 2015 top 10 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) contestant, shares what his company, Rywire, is planning for the 2017 SEMA Show, and the details that have gone into this one-of-a-kind build. From a fully customized Mugen body kit, Rays wheels, custom sheet-metal interior, cage, custom electronics system, seats and more, find out why he competes in SEMA Battle of the Builders:

Russ Taylor of Fusion of Ideas Motorsports is bringing a full carbon-fiber conversion Z28 that races in the NASA Super Touring Series, SCCA and Speed Ventures to the 2017 SEMA Show. On the cutting edge of technology, Taylor integrates an iPad into the dash. Find out what else he’s doing to prepare the vehicle for the premier automotive trade show, and why he believes it will be a contender in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition:

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

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition can register at www.sema.org/botb. The deadline for entry is September 1.

By Juan Torres

Ryan Basseri, a 2015 top 10 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) contestant, shares what his company, Rywire, is planning for the 2017 SEMA Show, and the details that have gone into this one-of-a-kind build. From a fully customized Mugen body kit, Rays wheels, custom sheet-metal interior, cage, custom electronics system, seats and more, find out why he competes in SEMA Battle of the Builders:

Russ Taylor of Fusion of Ideas Motorsports is bringing a full carbon-fiber conversion Z28 that races in the NASA Super Touring Series, SCCA and Speed Ventures to the 2017 SEMA Show. On the cutting edge of technology, Taylor integrates an iPad into the dash. Find out what else he’s doing to prepare the vehicle for the premier automotive trade show, and why he believes it will be a contender in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition:

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

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition can register at www.sema.org/botb. The deadline for entry is September 1.

By Juan Torres

Ryan Basseri, a 2015 top 10 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) contestant, shares what his company, Rywire, is planning for the 2017 SEMA Show, and the details that have gone into this one-of-a-kind build. From a fully customized Mugen body kit, Rays wheels, custom sheet-metal interior, cage, custom electronics system, seats and more, find out why he competes in SEMA Battle of the Builders:

Russ Taylor of Fusion of Ideas Motorsports is bringing a full carbon-fiber conversion Z28 that races in the NASA Super Touring Series, SCCA and Speed Ventures to the 2017 SEMA Show. On the cutting edge of technology, Taylor integrates an iPad into the dash. Find out what else he’s doing to prepare the vehicle for the premier automotive trade show, and why he believes it will be a contender in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition:

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

SEMA Show builders interested in gaining national exposure by showcasing their cars and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition can register at www.sema.org/botb. The deadline for entry is September 1.

By Amelia Zwecher

When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

The SEMA Career Center wants to help your company conduct the best interviews to ensure that you hire top talent that fits your organizational culture. When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

Do’s

• Open the meeting by introducing yourself and putting the applicant and yourself at ease with some casual remarks.
• Be aware of your personal prejudices and biases.
• Use open-ended, behavioral and situational questions (job-specific).
• Allow for periods of silence to let the applicant clarify thoughts.
• Summarize the applicant’s statements.
• Take notes.
• Ask job-related questions.
• Be mindful of employment laws (local, city, county, state and federal).

Don’ts

• Don’t use casual remarks that might be “indirectly revelatory” and that may be EEO sensitive and not job-related.
• Don’t get trapped by the halo effect, the mirror image or the reversed halo effect. Generally, avoid closed-ended questions and double questions.
• Don’t fill every second of the interview with words, but don’t allow silence to become over-extended either.
• Don’t use the exact words the applicant used to summarize or paraphrase the applicant’s thoughts and feelings.
• Don’t let note taking interfere with the flow of the interview.

A training packet was designed to provide members with an overview of the issues arising from the latest developments in employment law. This presentation is designed to be informative and should not be considered legal advice. It’s important to be aware of local, city and county laws or ordinances, as well as state-specific laws that may provide greater employment-law-related protections to employees working in that particular city, county or state than under federal law.

View the full presentation packet on SEMA’s website.

To find additional guidance, visit the SEMA HR Hub. For more information, contact manager of career services Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR, at ameliaz@sema.org.

By Amelia Zwecher

When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

The SEMA Career Center wants to help your company conduct the best interviews to ensure that you hire top talent that fits your organizational culture. When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

Do’s

• Open the meeting by introducing yourself and putting the applicant and yourself at ease with some casual remarks.
• Be aware of your personal prejudices and biases.
• Use open-ended, behavioral and situational questions (job-specific).
• Allow for periods of silence to let the applicant clarify thoughts.
• Summarize the applicant’s statements.
• Take notes.
• Ask job-related questions.
• Be mindful of employment laws (local, city, county, state and federal).

Don’ts

• Don’t use casual remarks that might be “indirectly revelatory” and that may be EEO sensitive and not job-related.
• Don’t get trapped by the halo effect, the mirror image or the reversed halo effect. Generally, avoid closed-ended questions and double questions.
• Don’t fill every second of the interview with words, but don’t allow silence to become over-extended either.
• Don’t use the exact words the applicant used to summarize or paraphrase the applicant’s thoughts and feelings.
• Don’t let note taking interfere with the flow of the interview.

A training packet was designed to provide members with an overview of the issues arising from the latest developments in employment law. This presentation is designed to be informative and should not be considered legal advice. It’s important to be aware of local, city and county laws or ordinances, as well as state-specific laws that may provide greater employment-law-related protections to employees working in that particular city, county or state than under federal law.

View the full presentation packet on SEMA’s website.

To find additional guidance, visit the SEMA HR Hub. For more information, contact manager of career services Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR, at ameliaz@sema.org.

By Amelia Zwecher

When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

The SEMA Career Center wants to help your company conduct the best interviews to ensure that you hire top talent that fits your organizational culture. When beginning the interview process, hiring managers must be cognizant of best practices and laws to ensure compliance.

Do’s

• Open the meeting by introducing yourself and putting the applicant and yourself at ease with some casual remarks.
• Be aware of your personal prejudices and biases.
• Use open-ended, behavioral and situational questions (job-specific).
• Allow for periods of silence to let the applicant clarify thoughts.
• Summarize the applicant’s statements.
• Take notes.
• Ask job-related questions.
• Be mindful of employment laws (local, city, county, state and federal).

Don’ts

• Don’t use casual remarks that might be “indirectly revelatory” and that may be EEO sensitive and not job-related.
• Don’t get trapped by the halo effect, the mirror image or the reversed halo effect. Generally, avoid closed-ended questions and double questions.
• Don’t fill every second of the interview with words, but don’t allow silence to become over-extended either.
• Don’t use the exact words the applicant used to summarize or paraphrase the applicant’s thoughts and feelings.
• Don’t let note taking interfere with the flow of the interview.

A training packet was designed to provide members with an overview of the issues arising from the latest developments in employment law. This presentation is designed to be informative and should not be considered legal advice. It’s important to be aware of local, city and county laws or ordinances, as well as state-specific laws that may provide greater employment-law-related protections to employees working in that particular city, county or state than under federal law.

View the full presentation packet on SEMA’s website.

To find additional guidance, visit the SEMA HR Hub. For more information, contact manager of career services Amelia F. Zwecher, PhD, PHR, at ameliaz@sema.org.

By Chad Simon

Nearly 500 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2017 SEMA Installation and Gala, themed “Leaders & Legends,” at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, on July 28, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

Nearly 500 members of the automotive specialty-parts industry attended the 2017 SEMA Installation and Gala, themed “Leaders & Legends,” at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California, on July 28, to pay tribute to the specialty-equipment industry’s pioneers and dedicated volunteers.

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda served as the evening’s emcees. Honorees included the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2017—GiGi Carleton, Robert E. Petersen Foundation; Doug Evans, Bonnier Corp.; and Barry Meguiar, Meguiar’s. (Read more about the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.)

The festivities kicked-off with the Pinewood Drag Races—an annual fundraiser for SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp and Victory Junction. In addition to the Stock, Build-It-For-Me (BIFM) and Unlimited classes, the races include the Council Cup and Industry Cup Challenge. Children living at the Childhelp facilities and Victory Junction campers built the vehicles for the BIFM class and donors sponsored their racecars for $95.

A reception followed shortly after the races ended, where SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting took the stage to personally recognize the efforts of outgoing Board of Directors officials and welcome the incoming Board. They included:

• Wade Kawasaki of Coker Tire, Chairman of the Board (incoming)
• Tim Martin of K&N Engineering, Chair-Elect (incoming)
• Nate Shelton of Driven Performance Brands, Immediate Past Chairman/Secretary (outgoing)
• Doug Evans of Bonnier Corp., Immediate Past Chairman/Secretary (incoming)
• John Johnson of The Spartan Group, Treasurer (outgoing)
• Peter Lehman of Granite Creek Capital Partners LLC, Treasurer (incoming)
• James Lawrence of Power Automedia (incoming)
• Greg Adler of Transamerican Auto Parts (re-elected)

Here’s a look at the pinewood leaderboard:

Council Cup

1st Place: SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
2nd Place: Young Executives Network (YEN)
3rd Place: Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

Build It For Me Class (cars and trucks built by kids)

1st Place: WeatherTech
2nd Place: Truckin’ America
3rd Place: Holmes Enterprises

Stock Class

1st Place: Keystone Automotive Operations 
2nd Place: Bodyguard Truck Accessories
3rd Place: Manke Trucking

Unlimited Class

1st Place: Dave Williams, Go Rhino Products
2nd Place: Ian Lehn, BOOSTane
3rd Place: Jessi Combs, RAD

Industry Cup Challenge (member category represented)

1st Place: Allied Exhaust (WD), 2.462 seconds
2nd Place: LGE-CTS (Service), 2.466 seconds
3rd Place: RTM (Media), 2.474 seconds
4th Place: Mothers (Manufacturer), 2.482 seconds
5th Place: Bob Cook Sales (Manufacturers’ Reps), 2.484 seconds

While the racing is over, it’s not too late to make a direct donation to Childhelp and Victory Junction via SEMA Cares.

The following photos showcase activities from the 2017 SEMA Installation and Gala.

Guests enjoyed live music during the reception.	The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, held in conjunction with the Installation and Gala, raised money for charities supported by SEMA Cares.
The Gala was emceed by industry personalities Jessi Combs (left) and Jarod DeAnda (right).	SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed attendees to the annual Installation and Gala.
SEMA Cares Chairman Rich Barsamian encouraged guests to sponsor a Pinewood car to help raise money for children’s charities.	SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki was formally introduced to Installation and Gala attendees.
Outgoing SEMA Immediate Past Chairman/Secretary Nate Shelton (second from left) was recognized for his contributions.	Chris Kersting, Wade Kawasaki and Doug Evans welcomed SEMA Board of Directors Chair-Elect Tim Martin (second from left).
James Lawrence (second from left) was welcomed as a new SEMA Board member.	New SEMA Board officer Peter Lehman (second from left) assumed the role of treasurer.
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Doug Evans.	2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee GiGi Carleton.
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee Barry Meguiar.	The 2017–2018 SEMA Board of Directors.