By SEMA Editors

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.

For the fifth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2017—whether they’re in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—SEMA News would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They’re also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they’ll have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business successes, contributions to their organizations, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2017 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2017.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.

For the fifth consecutive year, SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2017—whether they’re in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—SEMA News would like to hear from you.

It is very likely that SEMA members are currently working with creative and talented young professionals who are already moving the industry in new and different directions. They’re also the ones who have played major roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies—in areas that include marketing and product development—with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach and customer interaction.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they’ll have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. These are people who know what’s going on at the ground level, who see opportunities that are now forming and who travel in circles that may be very different from those of our “old-school” industry leaders.

Winners will be chosen based on their business successes, contributions to their organizations, industry knowledge and community involvement. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2017 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2017.

By SEMA Editors

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 classifieds posted to the website.

Car Builder/Sheet-Metal Fabricator: Custom Rod Garage is hiring three talented sheet-metal fabricators/car builders with at least five years of hands-on experience to add to its team. The ideal candidate must have a good work ethic and possess the ability to perform tasks on time and professionally, have solid TIG and MIG welding skills, metal shaping experience, and familiarity with the general fabrication tasks associated with building custom vehicles. Must have your own tools and a valid driver’s license.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV Developer: Steelcraft Group is hiring a Microsoft Dynamics NAV developer responsible for developing new functionality within existing applications and NAV, working closely with company managers to design and implement new functionality, planning and growing the integration processes to developing applications, assisting in strategic improvement with business processes and maintaining existing software. The successful candidate must have strong Microsoft Dynamics-NAV development experience, proven experience working with NAV and SQL Server (2–3 years), and a solid understanding of ERP processes.

Technician/Mechanic: Prestige Golf Carts is hiring three technicians/mechanics responsible for performing highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, and repair Club Car, Polaris GEM, E-Z-Go, Cushman, Yamaha and Taylor Dunn carts, maintaining a detailed history of vehicle performance or mechanical failure, and diagnosing vehicles based on observational and mechanical testing as well as information provided by the customer. Ideal candidates are required to have experience within the power sports, automotive and/or golf-cart fields and be well versed in suspension, electrical and diagnostic work.

12-Volt Installer: CPS Companies is hiring a 12-volt installer responsible for installing both electronics and hard parts, including remote starts, navigation systems, DVD systems, audio systems, Bluetooth kits, tonneau covers, running boards, etc. This person will interface with customers frequently to complete installs and handle any concerns. A minimum of two years’ 12V installation experience is required or the equivalent training/education. Along with technical expertise, the ideal candidate will be customer-service, detail and team oriented.

Machinists: ATI Performance is hiring machinists. The CNC mill machinist must be capable of checking parts to print, making offset changes and producing good-quality parts at the end of the production run. Two years of shop experience is required. The CNC lathe operator must be capable of reading drawings and making offset changes on their own. This requires a solid grasp of micrometers, calipers and other measuring devices. The CMM operator should be able to constantly monitor product quality and seek ways to improve it. The manual lathe operator position requires previous manual lathe experience and the ability to use appropriate tools, read drawings and check the parts for accurate boring, drilling, reaming, milling, grinding etc., in order to create a product with high quality and symmetry on the axis of rotation.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Virtual Career Fair, June 1, 2017, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)

• Jeep Heritage Expo, June 3, 2017, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge Headquarters, Suwanee, Georgia

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, July 6, 2017, Goodguys PPG Nationals, Columbus, Ohio

• TORA General Membership Meeting, June 9, 2017, Ontario Truck & Jeep Fest, Ontario, California

• PRO General Membership Meeting, June 15, 2017, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott, Detroit

• SEMA Measuring Session, June 15, 2017, Mazda Technical Research Facility, Irvine, California

• Alex Xydias 95th Birthday Bash, June 17, 2017, Petersen Garage at Fairplex, Pomona, California

• SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 19–20, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• SEMA Town Hall Meeting, July 11, 2017, Competition Specialties, Auburn, Washington

• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 14, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Export Fair, July 25–26, 2017, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California

• SEMA Installation Gala, July 28, 2017, Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center, Pomona, California

• HRIA General Membership Meeting, August 24, 2017, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, California

• 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, Shanghai, China

• Manufacturing Day, October 6, 2017

• 2017 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Jason Catullo

Circus Circus is among several Las Vegas hotels that are available for less than $150 per night.

Showgoers who have not yet secured rooms for the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to check out the hotel deals and options available on www.SEMAShow.com/travel. All hotel reservations made through the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, OnPeak, come with guaranteed low rates, no hidden fees and exclusive room blocks. 

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available. Hotels can be searched and sorted by alphabetical order, rating, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center or price. The following are hotels available for less than $150 per night.

• Circus Circus
• Excalibur
• Luxor
• Stratosphere

For an extra level of service and assurance, guests are identified as SEMA Showgoers, and the hotel staff is prepared to deliver a higher level of service and direct guests to Show-related programs, such as free shuttles.

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider.

For assistance with your reservations, call OnPeak at 866-611-8831 (for international callers, dial +1-312-527-7300), Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CDT). If you have an existing reservation, have your OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Companies that are not affiliated with the SEMA Show include:

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Exhibition Housing Services
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• WholesaleTravelPlanners

By Jason Catullo

Circus Circus is among several Las Vegas hotels that are available for less than $150 per night.

Showgoers who have not yet secured rooms for the 2017 SEMA Show are encouraged to check out the hotel deals and options available on www.SEMAShow.com/travel. All hotel reservations made through the SEMA Show’s official housing partner, OnPeak, come with guaranteed low rates, no hidden fees and exclusive room blocks. 

The Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com features a real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available. Hotels can be searched and sorted by alphabetical order, rating, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center or price. The following are hotels available for less than $150 per night.

• Circus Circus
• Excalibur
• Luxor
• Stratosphere

For an extra level of service and assurance, guests are identified as SEMA Showgoers, and the hotel staff is prepared to deliver a higher level of service and direct guests to Show-related programs, such as free shuttles.

Read more about the benefits of booking through the Show’s official housing provider.

For assistance with your reservations, call OnPeak at 866-611-8831 (for international callers, dial +1-312-527-7300), Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (CDT). If you have an existing reservation, have your OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

Note: Attendees and exhibitors should be vigilant if approached by companies or services other than OnPeak that imply or claim to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Management is aware of other housing companies and travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing you or your company to book your guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts.

Reservations made through an agency other than OnPeak are at your own risk. Exhibitors and attendees contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms should notify SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.

Companies that are not affiliated with the SEMA Show include:

• Book My Rooms LLC
• Convention Housing Management
• Convention Expo Travel
• Elite Corporate Planners
• Exhibition Housing Services
• Expo Housing
• Global Housing Management (GHM Travel)
• HDMC Group
• IEP Group
• International Events
• Le Company LLC
• TradeShow Housing
• WholesaleTravelPlanners

In partnership with Mazda, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’17 Mazda CX-5 measuring session. Every angle and aspect of this best-selling CUV has been improved to make driving better, thanks to more than 250 enhancements. Mazda designers and engineers accomplished features including a quieter cabin and available metal wood trim without sacrificing driving dynamics. As a result, this carefully crafted and refined CX-5 is versatile, spacious, innovative and efficient, with up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (highway).

In partnership with Mazda, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’17 Mazda CX-5 measuring session. Every angle and aspect of this best-selling CUV has been improved to make driving better, thanks to more than 250 enhancements. Mazda designers and engineers accomplished features including a quieter cabin and available metal wood trim without sacrificing driving dynamics. As a result, this carefully crafted and refined CX-5 is versatile, spacious, innovative and efficient, with up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (highway).

In partnership with Mazda, the SEMA Garage has announced the ’17 Mazda CX-5 measuring session. Every angle and aspect of this best-selling CUV has been improved to make driving better, thanks to more than 250 enhancements. Mazda designers and engineers accomplished features including a quieter cabin and available metal wood trim without sacrificing driving dynamics. As a result, this carefully crafted and refined CX-5 is versatile, spacious, innovative and efficient, with up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (highway).

Editor-in-Chief for Hot Rod magazine Evan Perkins talks with Dennis Pittsenbarger about the future of the magazine and their role in the industry.