By SEMA News Editors

 

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has opened nominations for the Member of Excellence award, recognizing a volunteer who demonstrates the highest level of commitment and dedication to the Club.

 

The award honors the spirit of volunteering that serves as the foundation of the SCCA. From behind-the-scenes event organization to serving in specialized roles critical to event weekends, the Member of Excellence award celebrates individuals who give their time, energy and passion to help make SCCA events possible.

 

To qualify for the SCCA Member of Excellence award, nominees must have provided service to Club events or activities for a minimum of five years. However, candidates cannot be paid SCCA Staff members, current members of the SCCA Board of Directors or paid consultants to the organization.

 

When making a nomination, members are encouraged to include the following information about their nominee: 

• Program(s) supported
• Number of years contributing at SCCA events
• Whether the nominee has previously received any SCCA National, Divisional, or Regional awards

 

The nomination should also include a description explaining why the nominee should be selected as SCCA's next Member of Excellence.

 

The recipient of the award will receive a trip to any motorsports event of their choosing, anywhere in the world and with any sanctioning body. The award includes up to $5,000 in covered expenses, paid courtesy of an anonymous donor.

 

The Member of Excellence award was first presented in 2008, with the most recent past recipients being Leon Drake (2025) for his work with the RallyCross community; Matt Wojtkowiak (2024) for his dedication to SCCA Road Racing's tech specialty; and Earl Hurlbut (2023), whose journey with the Club began in the late 1960s and spanned Regional involvement, racing, flagging, registration and more.

 

A complete list of all SCCA award recipients can be found here.

 

Nominations for the 2026 Member of Excellence award must be submitted by Monday, November 16, 2026. The recipient will be revealed during the SCCA National Convention in January 2027.

 

Image courtesy of SCCA Tire Rack National Solo, Facebook

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with Las Vegas hotels across every price tier to offer the best nightly rates--plus exclusive perks and a simple, affordable booking process. Book now through onPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing partner, to maximize savings on your SEMA Show accommodations.

 

Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, can be made online at semashow.com/hotel.

 

 

The top five benefits of booking your 2026 SEMA Show hotel through our only official partner, onPeak, include:

 

Deep Value and Discounts 

SEMA negotiates the lowest available nightly rates--often below hotel rack rates. Skip the hours of searching online and book directly through onPeak--but don't wait! Visit semashow.com/hotel as early as possible to lock in the best available rates. 

 

Even better, organizers will price-match if you find a lower rate--so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block.

 

Earn Hotel Rewards Points

Hotel rewards points add up quickly, especially during trade show travel. Reservations made through official SEMA Show hotels are eligible for loyalty programs. Simply enter your rewards number when booking, and you're set.

 

For example, SEMA Showgoers who are already Marriott Bonvoy members (a free program) can earn points by following these steps:

• Book your SEMA Show hotel through onPeak, the official housing provider. Select a Marriott or MGM property.
• Enter your unique Marriott Bonvoy number in the "Hotel Rewards" section upon check-out. 
• IMPORTANT: Provide your Marriott Bonvoy number again at the front desk during check-in.

 

Fully Flexible Booking

Plans change. There are no change fees and no full prepayment required at the time of booking--unlike many other booking channels. You can modify or cancel your reservation without penalty through October 8.

 

Easy Group Bookings 

Book your entire group--large or small--in real time with immediate confirmations. Reserve rooms now and assign guests later.

 

You can select rooms based on preferred travel dates and manage payments for the full group or assign individual payment methods.

 

A Sustainable Hotel Stay 

The official SEMA Show hotel provider, onPeak, offers resources to support more sustainable travel. View hotel sustainability plans at onpeak.com/sustainability and explore additional travel tips at blog.onpeak.com.

 

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, 2026, 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

 

 

Whether you're seeking new products, emerging trends, real-world business insights or industry relationships, the SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, offers opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Ready to register? Get started.

 

If you're trying to convince your boss to approve the trip, start by forwarding them this article.

 

The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket gathers to see the latest innovations and preview what's coming down the line. Tens of thousands of industry professionals come together to explore all the opportunities that help drive growth throughout the year.

 

If your company is evaluating whether attending or sending employees to attend the 2026 SEMA Show is worth the investment, here are six reasons the answer is a resounding yes.

 

1. Discover the products and trends shaping the industry

 

The SEMA Show puts the latest automotive aftermarket innovations from across 14 dedicated categories across the SEMA Show campus:

 

West Hall: Powersports/SxS & Lifestyle; Restyling and Car Care Accessories; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road.

North Hall: Restyling & Trucks; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology.

Central Hall: Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace.

South Hall Upper: Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment.

South Hall Lower: The Global Tire Expo powered by TIA; Wheels & Accessories; and Collision & Tools.

 

Even better, the New Products Showcase––located in South Hall Lower––remains one of the most efficient ways to discover what's new across the industry. Exhibitors' recently introduced products are on display in one convenient location to help attendees identify new opportunities, compare solutions and build a more informed purchasing strategy.

 

For businesses that want to stay competitive, there's no substitute for walking the Show floor or the Showcase, holding new products in your hands and conducting face-to-face business with the real people behind the innovations.

 

2. Gain practical takeaways through SEMA Show education

 

The industry's challenges and solutions are evolving rapidly, and that's exactly why the SEMA Show education program exists: to help professionals stay ahead.

 

Educational sessions, with both free and paid options, provide insights on business growth, emerging technologies, leadership, sales, marketing, workforce development and more. Whether you're a business owner, manager or team member, SEMA Show education will let you return with ideas that can be applied to your company immediately.

 

3. Build relationships that create opportunities

 

The SEMA Show has always been about real connections.

 

Over the course of four days, attendees network with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, media members, builders and industry leaders from around the world. From formal receptions to spontaneous conversations in a Show booth, the relationships formed during Show week often lead to new partnerships, business opportunities and long-term professional growth.

 

4. Experience the industry's biggest attractions and activations

 

The 2026 SEMA Show features some of the most recognizable experiences in the automotive aftermarket, including:

• SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish

• FutureTech Studio

• New Products Showcase

• Toyo Tire Treadpass

• OPTIMA Unleashed

• SEMA Live

• Larry Chen's official SEMA Show artwork and displays

• SEMA Show Art Walk

• PRO Cup Challenge

• More activations announced soon!

 

These attractions offer attendees an up-close look at industry innovation, craftsmanship and future trends while creating valuable opportunities for learning and action-spurring inspiration.

 

5. Attend exclusive events that bring the industry together

 

Beyond the Show floor, attendees can participate in marquee events that celebrate and strengthen the automotive aftermarket community.

 

Confirmed events this year include the traditional SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast to open Show week, the SEMA Industry Honors awards ceremony at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and the legendary SEMA Cruise featuring a parade of the world's most unique and innovative vehicles as they roll out of the SEMA Show floor.

 

The fan-favorite SEMA Fest also returns in 2026. Showgoers can close out their Show week with a celebration of music, motorsports and car culture on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus (tickets required for purchase).

 

6. Be part of the industry's biggest week of the year

 

Industry insiders know that the SEMA Show is way bigger than the average trade show––for four days, SEMA is the center of the automotive aftermarket universe.

 

From the energy of the Show floor to dozens of activations and events, there are countless opportunities to learn, connect and see firsthand where the industry is headed.

 

The conversations, product discoveries and business relationships developed during Show week create value that lasts long after attendees return home.

 

Ready to make your case?

Forward this article to your manager, supervisor or company decision-maker and start the conversation about attending the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas.

 

Opportunities to discover new products, build relationships and gain industry insights happen every day. Opportunities to experience the entire automotive aftermarket in one place happen only once a year.

 

Need to learn more? Browse the SEMA Show website.

 

Ready to register? Get started.

 

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, 2026, 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 Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has opened applications for its Feature Vehicle Showcase, taking place at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, at sema.org/tora-feature-vehicle-showcase.
 

Every year at the SEMA Show, TORA showcases up to 10 unique vehicle builds in a premier spot located on the outside walkway between North and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The vehicles––built by TORA member companies and installed with member manufacturers' products––highlight the latest trends, products and technologies driving the truck and off-road market today.  
 

"The TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase is all about celebrating the builders, vehicles and aftermarket parts that drive the truck and off-road industry forward," said TORA Council Director Denise Waddingham. "We invite our members to submit an application for the opportunity to share their work with thousands of SEMA Show attendees."
 

Submissions are being accepted in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road, EV/Hybrid and CUV/crossover. Each vehicle selected to be showcased will be featured on TORA's social media channels and SEMA News up to and during the SEMA Show and be in the running for the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award announced during TORA's SEMA Show reception. 
 

Feature vehicle space at the SEMA Show is typically reserved for exhibitors. However, the TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase gives all TORA member exhibiting manufacturers, non-exhibiting builders and retailers a rare opportunity to obtain added exposure.
 

The cost to participate is $1,500 if selected, with $500 of that amount benefiting SEMA Cares––SEMA's nonprofit entity that supports children in need.
 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

There is still time to register for the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) virtual Coffee & Conversation on evolving consumer trends, taking place Thursday, June 4, at 9:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. EST.
 

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are virtual events where members gather to network and exchange insights on industry challenges. This session will focus on evolving consumer trends in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake landscape.
 

The session will be led by Alissa Maffett, vice president of strategy at Jackson Marketing; Alex Martini, owner at MetaMartini; and Jason Weidman, brand manager, wheels at The Wheel Group. Together, they will share insight into current purchasing behaviors, including how pricing pressures and fuel cost fluctuations influence buying decisions, product selection and upgrade timing.
 

Topics include:

• Who is today's consumer
• How buyer profiles have shifted in recent years
• What buyer profile shifts mean for manufacturers, retailers and installers
• Changes in where consumers are making purchases, both online and in-store
• How purchasing shifts impact sales strategies and customer engagement

Unlike webinars, where there is little time for interaction, Coffee & Conversations are designed to encourage open dialogue, shared experiences and practical takeaways in a relaxed, peer-driven environment.
 

With the event just days away, now is the time to register and be part of the discussion.
 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

In partnership with Mazda North American Operations, SEMA Garage is inviting aftermarket suppliers to participate in an upcoming SEMA Garage SoCal measuring session featuring two Mazda vehicles on June 18.
 

Highlighted by the availability of the all‑new '26 Mazda CX‑5, this session is intended to support supplier measurement activities to enable the development and evaluation of new accessory concepts and products.
 

The primary focus of the CX‑5 measuring session will be exterior appearance accessory development. However, Mazda welcomes accessory concepts and ideas for both exterior and interior applications for future consideration.
 

To optimize on‑site time and vehicle availability, a '26 Mazda CX‑50 will also be available during the session. The CX‑50 product focus will emphasize outdoor, adventure and activity‑oriented accessory opportunities.

 

 

A Mazda representative will be on site throughout the session to support supplier engagement, answer questions and provide clarification related to vehicle specifications and accessory development considerations.
 

Reserve your time slot now––space is limited, advanced RSVP is required.

 

 

SEMA Garage Mazda Measuring Session
June 18, 2026
1577 Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
View on Google Maps

 

If you have any questions regarding our SEMA Measuring Sessions, please email productdevelopment@sema.org.

 

 

Images courtesy of Mazda

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

 

SEMA and ORBA applaud President Trump's new executive order, which is a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.

 

Trump has rescinded Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land for close to 50 years now. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure and multiple-use management moving forward.

 

SEMA and ORBA have been working with a coalition of recreation, industry and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and have participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.

 

While the new executive order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.

 

For recreationists, businesses and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, this action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access and multiple-use management on America's public lands.

 

Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but the announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.

 

SEMA and ORBA look forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.

 

Read the White House executive order here.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Monica Garza 73

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

 

SEMA and ORBA applaud President Trump's new executive order, which is a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.

 

Trump has rescinded Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land for close to 50 years now. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure and multiple-use management moving forward.

 

SEMA and ORBA have been working with a coalition of recreation, industry and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and have participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.

 

While the new executive order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.

 

For recreationists, businesses and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, this action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access and multiple-use management on America's public lands.

 

Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but the announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.

 

SEMA and ORBA look forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.

 

Read the White House executive order here.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Monica Garza 73

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The 2026 SEMA Show floorplan has been released, and limited space remains for racing and performance brands looking to showcase their innovations, November 3-6, Las Vegas.

 

The value that the SEMA Show provides racing and performance exhibitors is unmatched. From engines and turbo kits to suspension, brakes, chassis, drivelines and everything in between, SEMA is the ultimate launchpad for your brand's innovations.

 

But the booth is just the beginning. With thousands of content creators and media outlets on the floor, brands' launches have the opportunity to go viral before the Show even ends.

 

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show gives your brand visibility, credibility, and influence that fuel sales all year long. With more than 153,000 attendees and more than 70,000 qualified buyers and decision-makers, the Show delivers direct access to customers actively seeking new products, suppliers and partnerships.

 

The Racing & Performance section in Central Hall of the SEMA Show is designed for discovery. Your booth is positioned where buyers come to find the latest high-performance innovations with high-traffic main circulation paths; groups of related performance and racing product categories; and is positioned among builders, tuners and high-performance shops.

 

When you exhibit at SEMA, you're not just renting space; you're joining a community that fights for the Right to Race and Right to Ride, which helps protect race tracks, land access and provides research to stay competitive.

 

While the Show floor is filling up fast, there are still opportunities for brands to get involved, helping maximize impact before the doors open in Las Vegas this November. Check out the floorplan at semashow.com/floorplan.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show takes place November 3-6 in Las Vegas. Ready to put your brand at the center of the truck and off-road market? Explore opportunities and reserve booth space at the Racing and Performance page, or get started with the exhibit application directly below.

 

 

Questions? Read this article or contact SEMA at 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362) or via email at customercare@sema.org.  

 

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, 2026, 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

 

There's still time to register for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network virtual education session "Creating Positive Outcomes with Generational Differences," taking place Tuesday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.
 

In a workforce that spans four generations, businesses today are uniquely positioned to turn generational diversity into a competitive advantage. During this session, a panel of aftermarket industry leaders will discuss how the different expectations, perspectives and communication styles of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z can help build stronger, collaborative teams that deliver better results. 
 

Moderated by Annette Bauer, owner and CEO of The Straightline Co., the session will feature panelists Tariq Ghani, community manager at Timbren; Eliza Leon, regional performance manager at Caliber Collision; Riley Schlick, owner at CEO at Riley's Rebuilds; and Marcus Umlauff, general manager––remarketing, KINTO, fleet management at Toyota Financial Services.
 

What You'll Learn:

• How generational perspectives impact communication and collaboration.
• Practical strategies to improve team dynamics across age groups.
• Ways to turn generational differences into opportunities for growth.
• Approaches to building more inclusive and productive workplaces.
   

With the webinar just days away, now is the time to register and start turning generational diversity into a workplace strength.