By SEMA News Editors

 

The SEMA Show, this year November 3-6 in Las Vegas, serves as the stage for the newest products, technologies and trends shaping the automotive aftermarket. For exhibitors looking to maximize their impact on the SEMA Show floor, one opportunity stands above the rest: the New Products Showcase.

 

Recognized as the no. 1 destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase gives exhibitors a dedicated display for their latest innovations and best-selling products.

 

And with the first product entry always free, it's one of the easiest ways to increase your company's visibility before and during the Show.

 

Review the qualifications and details below, and enter products today through the Exhibitor Dashboard's "Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships" section found at exhibitor.semashow.com.

 

Make Sure Your Product Qualifies

 

To be eligible for the New Products Showcase and New Product Awards, a product must have been introduced to the marketplace after the 2025 SEMA Show and be available for shipment within 90 days following the close of the 2026 SEMA Show or by February 2027.

 

Products that don't meet these requirements can still be displayed in the Showcase as an Exhibitor Pick, but they won't be eligible for New Product Award consideration.

 

Know What It Costs

 

The first product entry is free.

 

Additional entries are $95 each through Friday, October 2. After that deadline, the cost increases to $175 per product.

 

Choose the Right Category

 

New for 2026, exhibitors can enter products in the new Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle category, joining the Showcase's existing lineup:

• Car Care & Protection
• Collision Repair & Refinish
• Emerging Technology
• Engineered New Product
• Exterior Accessory
• Interior Accessory
• Package Design & Display
• Performance-Racing
• Performance-Street
• Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle
• Street Rod & Custom Car
• Tire & Related
• Tools & Equipment
• Truck & Off-Road
• Wheel & Related

 

Have a product that fits multiple categories? You can enter the same product more than once, but you'll need to provide a separate display for each category.

 

Think Beyond the Display

 

The New Products Showcase isn't simply another exhibit. It's one of the busiest destinations at the SEMA Show.

Located at the east end of Lower South Hall, the Showcase serves as a primary entrance to the Show floor and attracts thousands of buyers and media members looking for what's new.

 

Recent FastSensor analysis found that the Showcase generated more than 620,000 brand impressions during the most recent SEMA Show.

 

Visitors spent an average of 21 minutes exploring products, while nearly 45% of qualified attendees engaged deeply with multiple categories or displays.

 

Even more impressive, 78% of buyers and media members reported visiting an exhibitor's booth after discovering a product in the Showcase.

 

For exhibitors looking to generate leads, build brand awareness and increase booth traffic, the data shows the program delivers measurable results.

 

Take Advantage of the Extra Exposure

 

Participation doesn't end when your product is placed on display.

 

Eligible entries are automatically considered for the prestigious SEMA New Product Awards, with winners announced during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, November 3, and featured in special SEMA coverage.

 

Participating products also receive added exposure through SEMA News, SEMA magazine, the SEMA Show app, SEMAShow.com and the exclusive New Products digital catalog.

 

Exhibitors can further expand their reach through enhanced product listings, Buyers' Guide advertising and on-site branding opportunities. Contact sales@sema.org to learn more.

 

Plan Your Logistics

 

Products should be delivered to the New Products Showcase during designated check-in hours on Sunday, November 1, and Monday, November 2. Products checked in before 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday are eligible for New Product Award consideration.

 

Need to ship products ahead of time? Advance receiving at the Freeman warehouse begins in October, with shipments due by Wednesday, October 21. Even if products are shipped in advance, an exhibitor representative must still check them in during the scheduled check-in period.

 

If you prefer, you can display a product video on a continuously running laptop or tablet, or provide a QR code linking to an informational landing page or video. Marketing or sales copy isn't permitted in these materials.

 

After the Show, exhibitors are responsible for retrieving their products on Friday, November 6, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. UPS representatives will be available to assist with return shipping.

 

Ready to Enter?

 

Exhibitors can submit products through the Exhibitor Dashboard at exhibitor.semashow.com.

 

Still have questions? Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, call 909-396-0289 or visit semashow.com/contact.

 

Need booth space? Get started at semashow.com/buyabooth.

 

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

 

Nominations are open for the 2026 SEMA Council & Network Awards, which recognize members who have made outstanding contributions to the aftermarket industry during the past year.  

 

With 21 award categories, the program celebrates both people and companies whose innovation, leadership, volunteerism and service have positively impacted their segment or community.

 

Why Nominate in 2026?

 

Passionate industry leaders are at the heart of the industry's growth and success. Nominating a peer (or yourself) is an easy way to celebrate noteworthy achievements that deserve to be recognized.  

Winners represent the most distinguished members of the council and network community. This recognition helps boost motivation, inspire continuous innovation and show recipients that their hard work is seen and valued. 

 

Who's Eligible?

 

To be eligible, a nominee must be a member of the council or network presenting the award and meet the award criteria. Nominations are open in the segments of hot rods and restoration, truck and off-road, automotive restyling, wheels, tires, brakes and suspension, and professional communities supporting women, engineers, and young professionals.

 

Past recipients have included small and large businesses, established leaders, emerging professionals and dedicated volunteers. 

 

Deadline Hits Next Month

 

The deadline to nominate is Friday, September 4.

 

Winners will be recognized during the SEMA council and network events at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas.

 

Nominate a deserving leader, volunteer or business today at sema.org/cn-awards.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Stewart Webb, owner and founder of Xcalibur Media, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

 

Get to know Webb in his interview with SEMA News below. 

 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Stewart Webb: "We all put our clothes on the same way." I had an old boss tell me that no matter where someone is in life, we're all still people at the end of the day. That stuck with me, because it means you treat everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of their title, success or where they are on their journey.

That mindset has shaped how I operate in this industry. It's helped me build real relationships, stay grounded and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others coming up. As I've grown, I've made it a priority to give back, to support the next wave, share what I've learned and help others keep moving forward.

 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

SW: The people and the cool cars.

 

SN: Where can you be found on Saturday? 

SW: At a local car meet, off-roading with the crew or browsing the marketplace for a new project rig.

 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

SW: I do my homework first, understanding the topic, the goals and what's required. From there, I focus on the people in the room. I try to understand what matters to them, not just what matters to me or the company. Once you know that, you can guide the conversation in a way that aligns everyone.

I come in with a clear direction, backed by the right information, so we can move efficiently toward a decision that makes sense for the whole group.

 

SN: If you could go to lunch with an industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

SW: My former boss, Scott Drake. He played a big role in shaping my career, and I'd love the chance to sit down, catch up and learn from how he continues to lead and make an impact.

 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kerri Petersen, marketing director at Stage 8 Locking Fasteners, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

Get to know Petersen in her interview with SEMA News below. 

 

SEMA News: What does your job entail?

Kerri Petersen: All marketing tactics for Stage 8 Locking Fasteners.

 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

KP: I remember back in the early 2000s, most of the men wouldn't acknowledge me as I walked around with my boss; I'd have to be the one who put my hand out and introduce myself. I also hugged a lot and not many men did.

 

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

KP: Relatability: I like to learn about people and their lives, not just the business side of things.

Thoroughness: I see the details and follow things through from start to finish.

Optimism: I see goodness in all. I say it's either a lesson or a blessin' and sometimes both. I see favorable outcomes and believe in the path chosen.

 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?

KP: Leslie Allen––she's a real PR queen and stays positive in all she does.

 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

KP: You're never stuck where you are. There are always options. Underpromise and overdeliver. Be kind. Be open to the possibilities. Ask and you shall receive. I've learned a lot over the years. Relationships will last regardless, even if the company the person works for changes. I stay positive in every interaction. I go to SEMA with no meetings booked––knowing that I'll get exactly what I need when I need it. And by day three, I'll make a list of who I want to see, and 100%, I see everyone on that list without scheduling it. It's crazy.

 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

KP: I hung out with guys who worked on their American muscle classics when I was a kid. That's what we did all the time. I had an appreciation for Camaros, Chevelles, Luvs, Mustangs, Rancheros and my first truck was a '76 Datsun pickup and learned to drive in a mini–Dodge Ram, so I had an appreciation for the mini trucks as well.

My first magazine subscription was Car Craft. Who knew that so many years later, I'd work for an ad agency in the automotive aftermarket and work with so many great manufacturers. I worked there for 15 years and now work for Stage 8 Locking Fasteners and Larry's Thunderbird and Mustang Parts doing marketing for both companies. I now attend as many car and truck shows as I can, primarily in the Chevy C10 truck community. I have found this is where I love to spend my time and document the shows for others who might not be able to attend. I love getting owners' stories about their vehicles and love sharing their passion and heart about their builds with others.

 

SN: What do you like to do outside of the industry?

KP: Photography, attending my kids' activities, going to baseball games, taking care of my dad, traveling around the world seeing things I haven't seen before, exploring, seeing where God takes me next and who he has me meeting.

 

---

 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) named Erica Sietsma, CEO and founder of Autofluencer, as the council's newest spotlight member.

 

Get to know Sietsma in the SEMA News interview below.

 

SEMA News: What is your current job? What do you do and how long have you been doing it? 

Erica Sietsma: I'm the founder and chief everything officer at Autofluencer. We started the company three years ago.

 

SN: Did you ever consider another career or industry?

ES: I've been in the automotive industry since 2002. It was originally accidental but then I fell in love with the industry. I was on the new-car side for 20 years and switched over to the performance/aftermarket side in 2023 and it's way better!

 

SN: How long have you been volunteering for MPMC, what inspired you to volunteer and how has it impacted you?

ES: I just started volunteering for MPMC this year; however, I've been attending the Media Trade Conference for the last three years and it is hands down my favorite event all year.

 

SN: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?

ES: Budgets, budgets, budgets. Everything is tightening down, which means we have to work smarter than ever and think differently. Cash/profits are not as free flowing as they were a few years ago and we must do more with less––but in a good way, not a sucky way. I think technology will play a big part in this coupled with rock-star team members.

 

SN: What's your favorite car-related movie and what do you like about it?

ES: This movie isn't technically car-related, but the vehicle plays a huge role: Thelma & Louise! I inherited my grandmother's Thunderbird at the time the movie came out, albeit a way less cool version (it was an '86). And I would argue that their '66 Thunderbird was the third main character in that movie.

 

SN: On a Saturday, where can you be found? 

ES: Seeing as it's summer, on a boat!

 

Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC's social media, SEMA News and future MPMC member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Registration is now open for the 2026 ADAS Symposium, co-hosted by SEMA Garage and MEMA on Tuesday, August 25 in Southfield, Michigan.

 

This year's symposium is intentionally designed as a highly focused gathering of industry leaders actively shaping the future of ADAS service and calibration.

 

Participants will engage in a full day of executive briefings, progress updates and collaborative working sessions addressing the industry's most pressing challenges, from calibration consistency and serviceability to emerging technologies and implementation pathways.

 

The program is structured to drive alignment, decision-making and tangible next steps across the aftermarket ecosystem.

 

Attendance is intentionally limited to ensure a productive, candid and outcomes-driven environment.

 

Reserve your spot on the MEMA website here.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Every successful business has a plan for the future, and for thousands of automotive aftermarket executives, business owners, buyers and decision-makers, that plan includes the 2026 SEMA Show.

 

Returning to Las Vegas, November 3-6, the industry's premier trade event brings together the newest products, emerging trends and the people driving the future of the automotive aftermarket in one destination.

 

Whether you're evaluating new suppliers, strengthening customer relationships or looking for the next opportunity to grow your business, the SEMA Show delivers four days of face-to-face meetings and firsthand access to the products and ideas shaping the industry.

 

Register Now to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Badge

 

Approved attendees can register for a SEMA Show badge for just $75 now through September 25. After, the price increases to $100.

 

The sooner an attendee registers for the SEMA Show, the more they save. Early registrants can also get a head start on their SEMA Show plan, with access to the Registration Resource Center to print receipts, register a spouse, book hotels, reserve a spot in one of dozens of educational sessions, purchase tickets to events like SEMA Fest, the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, SEMA Industry Honors, and more.

 

 

 

How to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Hotel

 

Hotel reservations are open through SEMA's only official housing partner, onPeak. Bookings made in the official SEMA Show block are eligible for hotel loyalty and member programs and are guaranteed to be the lowest possible prices available. That's right: organizers will price-match if you happen to find a lower rate, so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block at semashow.com/hotel. 

 

 

How to Save on Airfare to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with several airlines to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show. 

 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners––detailed at the link below––attendees can take advantage of airfare savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event. 

 

 

How to Save on the Las Vegas Monorail and The Vegas Loop During SEMA

 

Las Vegas Monorail

 

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops Showgoers off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and Sahara.

 

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

 

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

 

The Las Vegas Loop

 

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

 

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

 

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

 

SEMA Fest Is Back in 2026

 

SEMA Fest––which recently announced an all-star lineup featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and 311––returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, with motorsports, music and car culture. 

 

Qualified SEMA Show attendees can add SEMA Fest tickets directly through the Registration Resource Center when securing a Show badge.

 

Non-industry friends and family can purchase tickets now at SEMAFest.com, along with passes for the one-day "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public," a bucket-list experience for automotive enthusiasts.

 

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, buyer and media registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

SEMA is accepting nominations for its prestigious industry awards recognizing companies and individuals within the automotive aftermarket whose leadership, innovation and service have left a meaningful impact. The nomination deadline is Friday, August 14, at www.sema.org/awards.

 

The SEMA Industry Awards are among the association's highest honors and recognize the recipient's outstanding contributions to the specialty equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in five different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and the Visionary 8.

   

To be considered, a nominee must exhibit professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward.

 

Why Nominating Matters

 

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business, and even more so to grow an entire industry. Nominating a deserving candidate helps ensure that those who best embody SEMA's mission are recognized for their impact. In doing so, SEMA can inspire continuous innovation, encourage industry involvement and strengthen the businesses and people that keep the aftermarket thriving.  

 

When considering a nominee, members should look for individuals and companies whose contributions extend beyond their own business and are helping advance the automotive aftermarket at large. Ideal candidates may include companies demonstrating outstanding business practices, individuals driving the industry forward through new innovations and ideas or volunteer leaders who dedicate their time to advancing industry initiatives and mentoring others.

 

If you know a company or individual that deserves industry-wide attention for their contributions, submit a nomination by Friday, August 14, at www.sema.org/awards.  

 

2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best

 

The 2026 SEMA Show, held November 3-6 in Las Vegas, will bring together automotive icons and next-gen disruptors to celebrate the past, present, and future of the aftermarket industry. The festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

 

On Thursday, November 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year. 

 

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year––a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build––will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards. 

By SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for August's SEMA Garage Diamond Bar AUTEL ADAS trainings, with an exclusive third day available.

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, SEMA Garage is once again partnering with AUTEL to deliver hands-on, in-depth training designed to keep repair professionals ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. These highly sought-after sessions focus on ADAS fundamentals, calibration techniques and proper reporting practices--skills that are becoming increasingly critical as more ADAS-equipped vehicles enter the market.

 

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, August 13, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (View on Google Maps). 

 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on August 13 builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the "3-Day" option when registering on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

 

How to Reserve Your Spot 

 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website by: 

• Visiting autel.us/autel-academy.
• Select ADAS TRAINING.
• Navigate to the "California" tab, and click REGISTER.

 

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration, especially for the limited-capacity Detroit event.

 

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

Winners of the last year's 2025 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund were celebrated at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

 

SEMA has announced the winners of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursuing automotive-related careers pay for college tuition and helps employees of SEMA member companies pay off student loans. This year, SEMA awarded a combined total of $100,000 in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards to 50 individuals.   

 

The SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness programs help foster the next generation of automotive industry leaders by supporting students and recent graduates as they begin their education and careers.  

 

"We were impressed by the knowledge and passion for the industry that shined through the applications of this year's winners," said SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "By selecting 50 winners, we are supporting 50 careers that will have a positive impact on the future of the automotive aftermarket, and we couldn't be prouder of the people we've selected to chart the course."  

 

More than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students since the program's establishment in 1984. Online applications for next year's awards will open January 1, 2027, at sema.org/scholarships. 

 

2026 SEMA Scholarship Award Winners: 

 

Recipient (Institution, Major) – Award Designation (if applicable) 

 

• Mark A. Alvarez (Pitt Community College, Automation Technology)  
• Jayden Amos (University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering) – FLN Award   
• Aaron H. Bastian (Old Dominion University, Mechanical Engineering Technology) – Wally Parks Award  
• John Bedell (The University of Texas at Austin, Aerospace Aeronautical) 
• Drake B. Bellessa (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering) – ETTN Award  
• Farrah Berry (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering) 
• Maxwell W. Caldwell (Pittsburg State University, Career & Technical Education)  
• Christopher P. Choquette (Grand Canyon University, Business) 
• Danika M. Cox (Michigan Technological University, Mechanical Engineering) – Trudy Thompson Award  
• Clancy J. Cummings (McPherson College, Automotive Technology) – HRIA Award  
• Avery H. Driscoll (Colorado School of Mines, Materials Engineering) – Jim A. Borre Award  
• Jack Freeman (University at Buffalo, Mechanical Engineering) – Chris Raschke Award  
• Evan A. Grossardt (WyoTech, Autobody Collision) – TORA Award  
• Ethan Hammontree (Southern Methodist University, Business)   
• William B. Herman (University of Notre Dame, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Luke M. Higginbotham (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering) – Steve Woomer Award  
• Ryan M. Hoff (Florida State College at Jacksonville, Engineering)  
• Jadyn Jessen (University of Central Florida, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Evan C. Jezek (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding) – Joseph B. Amato, Sr. Award  
• Braydon M. Kennedy (Anderson University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jordan Lei (University of Waterloo, Computer Engineering)  
• Maxwell A. Mamishev (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Electrical Engineering)  
• Cristian B. Martins (McPherson College, Automotive Technology) – ARMO Award  
• John B. Morris (McPherson College, Automotive Restoration)  
• William O. Nollette (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Mechanical Engineering) – WTSBC Award  
• Thomas Olayvar (Los Angeles Pierce College, Automotive Technology) – PRO Award  
• Cole Paradis (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automation Technology) – Mike Kunzman Award  
• Julia M. Pieri (Florida State University, Accounting)  
• Camden G. Rassel (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technician) – Melvin Burton Award  
• Katarina Schafer (Mohawk College, Mechanical Engineering Technology) – SBN Award  
• Elle E. Scranton (California State University-Fullerton, Business, Management) – Leo Kagan Award  
• Cameron J. Seals (University of Maryland Global Campus, Automotive Technology)   
• Samantha Septer (Belmont Abbey College, Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies) 
• Atticus Temple (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)  
• Cameron T. Tolbert (Heartland Community College, Automotive Technician) – Dave Killackey Award  
• Isabel S. Tuman (Weber State University, Automotive Technology) – Nat Danas Award  
• Ethan F. Watrous (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Automotive Engineering and Technology) – Joe Hrudka Award  
• Shaun T. Weaver (Purdue University-Main Campus, Motorsports Engineering) – Dan Borré Award   
• Grant T. Wilson (Ohio State University-Main Campus, Chemical Engineering) – Harlan Felder Award  
• Isaac SK Yong (Purdue University-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)   

 

2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners: 

 

Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major) 

 

• Elizabeth Busniewski (MagnaFlow, Northwood University, Automotive Aftermarket) 
• Leslie P. Fitch (Coats Company, Mid-Continent University, Business, Management)  
• Kristi Fogwell (AMS OSRAM Sylvania, University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, Marketing)  
• Austin M. Holland (King Shocks, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Dallas Johannes (ALP USA – SoffSeal, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Data Analysis)  
• Teresa Lang (Stellantis, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Engineering)  
• Jordan Mosher (Diode Dynamics, Lindenwood University, Advertising and Strategic Communications)  
• Hailey J. Petsch (Honda, Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Michael L. Sanata (JEGS. High Performance, Kent State University at Kent, Fine Arts)  
• Carly E. Truhler (Motor State Distributing – Lane Automotive Inc., Indiana University-Bloomington, Business)  

 

Online applications for next year's awards will open January 1, 2027, at sema.org/scholarships.