By Ashley Reyes

There's still time to join the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar, "Navigating a Leadership Change," on Thursday, September 8, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Leadership change is a disruptive but common reality in the workplace, often impacting retention, morale, productivity and performance. During this session, attendees will hear from Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting, as she moderates an informative discussion with Jaclyn Bradham of Oracle Lights, Tara Demuth of R&S Truck Caps, Erika Marquez of Warn Industries and Natalie Simon of Ford. Together, they will share real examples of how they've successfully navigated change, managed uncertainty and contributed positively during leadership transitions.

You'll learn:

• How to recognize the different layers of impact during leadership changes.
• Communication strategies for setting expectations and managing uncertainty.
• Strategies to protect culture and retention.
• What managers and leaders need to succeed.
• How to support your new manager while demonstrating your expertise and value in a productive way.
• Tools to help employees stay adaptable and resilient.

Leadership changes are inevitable, but how they are managed can prepare teams for long-term success. Register now and gain the insights to handle leadership transitions, whether as an emerging leader or team member impacted by change.

Register now.

Feed Image Courtesy of Shutterstock | PeopleImages

By Ashley Reyes

Calling all SEMA Show builders and engineers: Does your vehicle build demonstrate engineering excellence?  

SEMA is accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award here.

What is the Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award?

Now in its fourth year, the award recognizes a feature vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or in a specific aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond physical appearance. The award also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and spotlighting on the connection between a vehicle's design and engineering.   

Who qualifies to enter?

Builders exhibiting a feature vehicle at the SEMA Show are eligible to apply. Entries should demonstrate technical excellence, innovative design and creative problem-solving that advances vehicle performance, functionality, safety or overall capability.

What are the benefits?

As a SEMA Industry Award recognizing standout engineering achievement, the award offers builders an opportunity to gain industry-wide recognition at the SEMA Show.

The winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, November 5, and will receive a commemorative trophy. In addition, the winning vehicle and team will be featured in SEMA Show communications, providing valuable exposure to industry professionals and the media.

What is required to enter?

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build, along with the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 28, at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until Friday, September 4, to submit nominations for the 2026 SEMA Council & Network Awards at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

Across eight of the SEMA councils and networks are businesses and individuals whose contributions are making a meaningful impact in their aftermarket segments. The Council & Network Awards Program recognizes those who have positively influenced their communities over the past year.

Not sure who to nominate? Consider someone who demonstrates these qualities:

1. They move their aftermarket segment forward: They introduce new ideas, drive innovation or create or support programs that elevate their business or community.

2. They give back to the industry: They support SEMA council and network programs and the aftermarket industry through active participation or volunteerism.  

3. They lead with integrity: They demonstrate leadership, collaboration and a commitment to strengthening their segment and the success of those around them.  

Award recipients will be recognized during their respective council and network events at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6 in Las Vegas. These events provide an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments in front of peers, colleagues and industry leaders.

Nominate a council or network member who deserves to be recognized before time runs out at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

Next Hyundai Tucson Gets a Boxier Look

The next-generation Hyundai Tucson has been spotted testing in the Austrian Alps ahead of its expected debut later this year, revealing a more angular design for the SUV that competes with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

The heavily camouflaged prototype appears to abandon the current Tucson's rounded styling and curved window line for a squarer overall shape. Up front, the prototype features vertically stacked LED headlights, lower lighting elements and what appears to be a full-width light bar. A clamshell-style hood is also visible beneath the camouflage.

The rear remains heavily disguised, although vertically oriented taillights at the outer edges are visible. An exposed exhaust outlet suggests the prototype is powered by either a gasoline or hybrid powertrain, while other reports have indicated that Hyundai is considering additional electrified powertrain configurations.

Inside, the prototype features Hyundai's latest three-spoke steering wheel, including the brand's four-dot Morse code-inspired "H" design in the center. Shift paddles and controls for driver-assistance and infotainment functions are also visible, along with a slim, high-mounted digital instrument display.

Hyundai has confirmed the new Tucson will be revealed globally later this year, with European sales expected to begin in 2027.

BMW's Next M EV Shows Its Performance Intent

BMW's revived i3 nameplate is set to expand into performance territory, with a high-performance version of the electric 3 Series undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.

While BMW has not confirmed the model's name, it has been referred to as the i3M in reports. Other possibilities include iM3 or M3, as BMW determines how the new EV fits within its performance lineup.

The prototype appears close to production specification, with camouflage concentrated on key exterior areas. Up front, the M model receives a more aggressive fascia with rectangular openings, horizontal slats and additional lower elements. The headlights carry over the narrow design of the standard i3, while the hood gains a prominent duct that could help cool electronic components.

The performance-oriented model also appears to have wider fenders, larger black wheels and drilled brake rotors. At the rear, the prototype features a diffuser and raised bumper sections whose final production purpose remains unclear.

Reports indicate the model will use four electric motors, one at each wheel, producing approximately 700 hp. The system is expected to provide torque vectoring and the ability to decouple the front axle for rear-wheel-drive operation. BMW is also developing simulated gear shifts for the EV.

The car will use BMW's Neue Klasse 800-volt EV architecture. Production reportedly could begin in March 2027, with a reveal expected before the end of this year.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

By SEMA News Editors

Attendees are officially headed to the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6. (Not yet registered? Learn why to attend and register here).

The SEMA Show is where the automotive industry gathers––and the experience starts well before Showgoers arrive in Las Vegas.

From finding ways to stretch the travel budget to mapping out the Show floor, a little planning now can help attendees spend more time connecting with the people, products and ideas that help maximize their businesses and careers.

Maximizing a SEMA Show Budget

A few smart decisions before arriving can help attendees save on travel, make the most of their time and get a stronger return on the trip.

The recent SEMA News guide features dozens of ways to stretch a SEMA Show budget and covers everything from registering early and building an agenda to tips for making the most of SEMA membership perks, promoting attendance to customers and followers, and maximizing a team's ROI.

Book Hotels Through the Official SEMA Show Hotel Block and Save on Airfare

Attendees who book through the official SEMA Show hotel block, managed by onPeak, can earn eligible hotel loyalty rewards points while taking advantage of discounted rates, flexible reservation policies and convenient access to Las Vegas hotels.

The SEMA Show team negotiates rates exclusively for attendees, often below publicly available pricing, and participating reservations are backed by price-match protection.

Learn more about the benefits of booking through the official SEMA Show hotel block and discover airfare discount codes.

Discover What a SEMA Show Registration Includes

For attendees already registered, it's time to see everything set for the Show.

Visit the Registration Resource Center to explore education sessions, networking opportunities, special events and other experiences available during the 2026 SEMA Show. Use it to see what's included with a SEMA Show registration and start building a schedule that makes sense based on the floorplan.

Some experiences require additional registration or tickets, including select partner education sessions, SEMA Industry Honors, the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast and SEMA Fest.

Make and Agenda for the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show covers a lot of ground.

Explore the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan to find exhibitors, product categories, feature vehicles, activations and other must-see destinations. Attendees can also view the interactive floorplan to start building a route.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show is where the industry comes together, but the connections you make are what drive results. From inviting customers to using lead retrieval tools, exhibitors have access to resources that can help them turn their trip to the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, into meaningful business opportunities.

Put Your Build in the Spotlight

Your booth isn't the only place your brand can make an impression at the 2026 SEMA Show. The Feature Vehicle Display program gives exhibitors another opportunity to showcase products in a real-world application, attract attention and drive additional traffic and connections across the Show floor.

Although the July 31 application deadline has passed, SEMA Show organizers are still accepting feature vehicle applications, which will be reviewed at the end of September or as space allows. Approved vehicles are also promoted through the SEMA Show app with details about the build, products, builder and sponsoring exhibitor.

Select applicants who submitted on or before July 31 will receive an approval and confirmation email on August 28. Applications that submit after the July deadline are subject to approval at the end of September, or as space allows.

Learn more about Feature Vehicle Displays and how to apply in the "Vehicles/Car Displays" section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Capture Leads With Xpress Leads

Instead of writing down contact information manually, exhibitors can use Maritz's Xpress Leads to scan attendee badges in just a few seconds and capture lead information. The tool also makes it easy to review leads at the end of each day so your team can stay organized and follow up after the Show.

Learn more about Xpress Leads.

Invite Customers to the Show

The new "Invite a Customer" program gives exhibitors a complimentary way to reach customers, prospects and guests with personalized invitations to the 2026 SEMA Show and 2026 AAPEX. Exhibitors can share a unique registration link, use a pre-programmed email service or provide customers with a unique Customer Pass Code.

Learn more about the "Invite a Customer" program.

Register Your Team

Make sure your booth is staffed and ready to connect with attendees by registering your team members in advance through the SEMA Show Exhibitor Resource Center. After logging in with your exhibitor company name and password, you can manage your team's registration and prepare your staff for Show week.

Register your team.

Measure Booth Engagement With FastSensor

Exhibitors can use FastSensor's AI-powered analytics to understand how attendees move through and interact with their booth. Reporting options measure visibility, impressions, walk-bys, dwell time, traffic flow and engagement, giving exhibitors data they can use to evaluate their Show performance.

FastSensor offers three reporting levels: Impact, Engagement and Growth, with pricing starting at $3.75 per square foot. Each provides progressively deeper insight into attendee movement and booth performance.

Explore FastSensor booth analytics.

Keep Up With Deadlines and the Exhibitor Service Manual

With the 2026 SEMA Show approaching, exhibitors should keep key deadlines for booth orders, rentals, vehicle applications, celebrity appearances and other Show requirements on their radar. The SEMA Show deadlines checklist provides a centralized reference for upcoming dates and can help exhibitors stay on schedule and avoid unnecessary costs.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

For additional information on booth services, regulations, vehicle displays, marketing opportunities and other exhibitor resources, visit the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Missed the first parts of our SEMA Show exhibitor tips? View it below:

• Have a Plan for the 2026 SEMA Show: Essential Resources for Exhibitors
• Exhibitors: Maximize Your Marketing ROI at the 2026 SEMA Show

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

By SEMA News Editors

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, staying ahead means continuing to learn.

The 2026 SEMA Show will give aftermarket professionals the opportunity to sharpen their industry knowledge, gain practical insights and discover new strategies through SEMA Education.

With dozens of expert-led sessions covering everything from emerging vehicle technology and AI to business strategy, leadership, regulatory changes and future industry trends, attendees can build a personalized education schedule designed to help them stay informed and ready for what's next.

SEMA Education returns to the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas, with dozens of expert-led sessions, most included with a SEMA Show registration.

The full education schedule is now available at semashow.com/education-schedule, where attendees can browse sessions and explore SEMA Education tracks. Showgoers can also learn more about partner programs from SCRS, I-CAR and TIA.

Reserving a spot in advance by adding education sessions during SEMA Show registration or by logging into the Registration Resource Center after registering is highly encouraged. Keep in mind that some partner sessions require separate registration or fees, which are noted on the schedule.

SEMA Education: Built Around the Topics That Matter

SEMA Education offers sessions designed for every stage of an automotive aftermarket professional's career across eight education tracks:

• Sales and Marketing (12 sessions): Discover new ways to connect with customers, strengthen your brand and grow your business through proven marketing and sales strategies, including topics featuring artificial intelligence (AI).
• Small-Business Strategy (8 sessions): Practical advice for owners and managers looking to improve operations, increase profitability and prepare for the future.
• Emerging and Executive Leadership (5 sessions): Develop leadership skills, strengthen communication and prepare yourself or your team for greater responsibility, including sessions presented by Dale Carnegie.
• Vehicle Technology (5 sessions): Stay current on rapidly evolving vehicle systems, aftermarket technologies and technical developments affecting the industry, including advanced fuels, AI-related tools, ADAS and more.
• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends (3 sessions): Get a clearer picture of where the industry is headed through market insights, research and trend analysis, including the "SEMA State of the Industry."
• Legislative and Regulatory (3 sessions): Learn about policy changes, emissions regulations and other government actions that could impact your business, including EPA and CARB compliance, ADAS certification and more.
• Inside the Shop (3 sessions): Hear from experienced builders, technicians and shop leaders tackling the real-world challenges businesses face every day, including sessions powered by SEMA's Councils and Networks.
• Talent Management (3 sessions): These sessions focus on recruiting, developing and retaining the workforce your small business needs to succeed.

Learn From Industry Partners: SCRS, I-CAR and TIA

Collision repair professionals can explore specialized sessions presented by SCRS and I-CAR, covering technical training, repair procedures, emerging vehicle technologies and other topics relevant to today's repair environment.

For tire dealers, installers and service professionals, TIA will once again offer education focused on technical knowledge, business practices and issues affecting the tire industry.

More information about partner programs, individual sessions and registration requirements is available at semashow.com/education-schedule.

Build Your SEMA Education Schedule Before You Arrive

Experienced attendees build their education schedule before arriving in Las Vegas. Setting aside even a few one-hour sessions can help bring new ideas like improving shop operations, preparing for regulatory changes, finding new ways to market business or developing the next generation of leaders.

Review the complete 2026 SEMA Education schedule, reserve your sessions and start planning your week today at semashow.com/education-schedule.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by adding education sessions during SEMA Show registration or by logging into the Registration Resource Center after registering. Some partner sessions require separate registration or fees, which are noted in the schedule.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host a Virtual General Membership Meeting to update its members on current programs and industry resources tailored to their business. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 29, at 11:00 a.m. PDT/2:00 p.m. EDT on Zoom.

WTSBC Virtual Membership Meetings provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from council leadership, learn about the council's key priorities and initiatives and discover ways to get more involved as a member. Attendees will learn about upcoming networking events, educational opportunities and resources tailored to the undercar aftermarket community. This meeting also includes a preview of WTSBC events planned for the 2026 SEMA Show, enabling members to get a head start on planning for a productive week in Las Vegas in November.

WTSBC membership is open to manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers, and service providers who serve the aftermarket under chassis industry. If this sounds like you, don't miss your chance to grow your business by getting involved and joining the meeting.

Save your spot here or click below.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive aftermarket professionals attending the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, can grow valuable industry connections at the upcoming networking event hosted by the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). The event is scheduled for August 20 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. EDT at the Staybridge Suites.

Designed to bring together professionals from across the truck and off-road market, the event will provide attendees with opportunities to network, exchange ideas and learn more about how SEMA Councils and Networks support the industry.

Benefits of attending include:

• Build relationships with manufacturers, builders, retailers and media representatives.
• Discover SEMA programs, resources and events designed to help businesses succeed.
• Receive updates on advocacy efforts impacting the truck and off-road community.
• Learn how to volunteer and make a meaningful impact within the industry.

The mixer is an opportunity for members to strengthen industry relationships while supporting the future of the automotive aftermarket through SEMA Councils and Networks involvement.

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here.

To learn more about SEMA Councils and Networks, visit www.sema.org/volunteer.

By Ashley Reyes

Motorsports product manufacturers can build quality relationships with leading automotive media during the MPMC Media Trade Conference, taking place February 2-4, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. The 2027 conference is celebrating its 30th anniversary as the industry's premier business-to-media networking event, giving manufacturers opportunities to share their latest product and company news with media in a focused environment.

SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members can register now at  mediatradeconference.com to secure the lowest price. After September 8, registration rates will increase by $100.

Since 1998, the Media Trade Conference has served as the industry's premier event for connecting manufacturers with media professionals, including journalists, reporters, editors, podcasters and content creators. Participating manufacturers receive a hotel suite that serves as their "exhibit space" throughout the week. Over the three days, they will host up to 42 prescheduled, 30-minute meetings with media outlets to discuss opportunities for future coverage, including product features, technical content, podcast interviews and long-term editorial relationships. 

"I am a huge fan of the Media Trade Conference," said Trent McGee of Centerforce Clutches. "It's really expanded because media outlets used to be traditionally print, the whole media landscape has completely changed. As a result, it's very much a moving target. The Media Trade Conference really gives you an opportunity to expand your reach or make connections that you probably otherwise wouldn't have. "

Over the years, the Media Trade Conference has built a strong reputation within the industry for its unique format, with quality conversations happening from room to room and after-hours events encouraging relationship-building and networking. As the event celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027, attendees can expect to leave with valuable connections that can amplify their brand and products for years.

Your Next Media Feature Could Be Just One Meeting Away––Sign Up Today

Manufacturer registration for the Media Trade Conference is open to SEMA MPMC, TORA and PRI business members. Exhibitors can save money by registering before the September 8 early-bird pricing deadline. Media registration will open in October. To learn more and to register, visit mediatradeconference.com.