By SEMA Editors

The top five vote-getters will earn a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the 2019 SEMA Show.

Young entrepreneurs, students and business owners looking for an opportunity introduce their products to the $43 billion specialty-equipment market are encouraged to apply for the SEMA Launch Pad program, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN). The deadline to enter the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad and compete for a top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show is April 14.

“Since 2013, the SEMA Launch Pad program has given more than 200 young entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of experts and a chance to bring their groundbreaking product ideas into the automotive aftermarket,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We’re excited to see a new group of young leaders and innovative products emerge from this year’s program.”

Fifteen applicants will be awarded complimentary admission to the 2019 SEMA Show, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas—a two-day conference in June for exhibitors. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.

The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the business they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2019 SEMA Show, with the top five vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show.

“The top five finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of iconic industry judges, who will determine the winner of the top prize of $10,000, a turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more,” said Ridnouer. “SEMA Launch Pad is an amazing opportunity to help bring a product to market and create business exposure."

Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate, but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before April 14.

2019 Prize Packages

GRAND PRIZE: One Winner

• The finalist, top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:
• $10,000 to be used for the benefit of your business
• Turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show*
• One full-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News magazine
• Up to three hours of free custom scanning services at the SEMA Garage
• SEMA Manufacturers' Rep Network: Distribution/sales support consultation meeting

FINALISTS PRIZE: Five Competitors

The top 10 and semi-finalist prizes plus:

• Invitation to pitch at the live event for the grand prize held on November 4.
• SEMA Data Co-op: 50% off supplier monthly membership fees for your first year (up to a maximum of 10 SKU’s). New Prize for 2019!
• One ½-page, four-color advertisement in SEMA News. New Prize for 2019!
• One Live Chat on YEN’s Facebook page about how you started the business and your experience at Launch Pad. New Prize for 2019!

TOP TEN: 10 participants

• The semi-finalist prizes plus:
• Complimentary 2019 SEMA Show "Kiosk" Booth*
• Two exhibitor passes to the SEMA Show
• Two tickets to the SEMA Banquet
• One-hour mentoring session with an industry leader
• Widespread awareness of your brand and business

SEMI-FINALISTS PRIZE: 15 participants

• One-year SEMA membership.
• Complimentary registration to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit, two nights of hotel and meals at the event (June 18–19)
• $500 award to be used toward flight cost to the 2019 Exhibitor Summit.
• License to use the SEMA-filmed pitch video on company marketing deliverables.
• Widespread awareness of your business through SEMA communication channels

*All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize-winning company. Tax liability is based on the value of the prizes. All prize winners must complete a W-9 in order to receive a prize.

**No changes are permitted to the booth layout. Company does not accrue SEMA Show seniority points by reason of exhibiting at a 2019 SEMA Show “Kiosk” Booth in New Products Showcase Area or the “Turnkey” Exhibit Space with Premium Placement in the 2020 SEMA Show.

Learn more: Terms & Conditions.

By SEMA Editors

United is one of the airlines offering discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show. Alaska, Delta and United offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

To see the discounts available and to book your flight, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Alaska Airlines: 2019 SEMA Show travelers using Alaska Airlines can save 7% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 29–November 12. To make airline reservations, go to www.alaskaair.com and enter discount code “ECMC262” when searching for flights. If you have questions about the discount code, contact the group desk at 800-445-4435; however, a $15 per person ticketing fee will apply.

Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 5%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2019 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com or by calling the Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number. When booking online, select “Book A Trip,” and enter the Meeting Event Code “NY2NT” in the box provided on the “Book A Flight” page.

United Airlines: Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Book online at www.united.com. Enter your offer code “ZGJQ587851” in the “Promotions and Certificates” box when searching for your flights. Or call United Meetings at 800-426-1122, and provide them with the following information: Agreement Code “587851,” and Z Code “ZGJQ.” A service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

By SEMA Editors

United is one of the airlines offering discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show. Alaska, Delta and United offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

To see the discounts available and to book your flight, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Alaska Airlines: 2019 SEMA Show travelers using Alaska Airlines can save 7% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 29–November 12. To make airline reservations, go to www.alaskaair.com and enter discount code “ECMC262” when searching for flights. If you have questions about the discount code, contact the group desk at 800-445-4435; however, a $15 per person ticketing fee will apply.

Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 5%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2019 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com or by calling the Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number. When booking online, select “Book A Trip,” and enter the Meeting Event Code “NY2NT” in the box provided on the “Book A Flight” page.

United Airlines: Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Book online at www.united.com. Enter your offer code “ZGJQ587851” in the “Promotions and Certificates” box when searching for your flights. Or call United Meetings at 800-426-1122, and provide them with the following information: Agreement Code “587851,” and Z Code “ZGJQ.” A service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

By SEMA Editors

United is one of the airlines offering discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for the 2019 SEMA Show. Alaska, Delta and United offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

To see the discounts available and to book your flight, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Alaska Airlines: 2019 SEMA Show travelers using Alaska Airlines can save 7% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 29–November 12. To make airline reservations, go to www.alaskaair.com and enter discount code “ECMC262” when searching for flights. If you have questions about the discount code, contact the group desk at 800-445-4435; however, a $15 per person ticketing fee will apply.

Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 5%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2019 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com or by calling the Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number. When booking online, select “Book A Trip,” and enter the Meeting Event Code “NY2NT” in the box provided on the “Book A Flight” page.

United Airlines: Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from November 2–11. Book online at www.united.com. Enter your offer code “ZGJQ587851” in the “Promotions and Certificates” box when searching for your flights. Or call United Meetings at 800-426-1122, and provide them with the following information: Agreement Code “587851,” and Z Code “ZGJQ.” A service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone.

Attendee registration is for distributors, retailers, installers, PR/marketing staff and buyers who will meet with exhibitors. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment. Approved domestic attendees registered prior to October 11 will receive their badges in the mail.

Attendee registration is for distributors, retailers, installers, PR/marketing staff and buyers who will meet with exhibitors. Applicants may be required to submit proof of industry employment. Approved domestic attendees registered prior to October 11 will receive their badges in the mail.

By SEMA Editors

Start booking your SEMA Show hotel rooms now through OnPeak—the SEMA Show’s official housing provider.

SEMA Show management reports that the prevailing average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is $286 per night. When booking through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, the average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is only $174.

With the average SEMA Showgoer staying four nights in Vegas for the Show, booking through SEMA Show Travel & Lodging means a savings of more than $450.

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

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 aggressively pursue 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.

By SEMA Editors

Start booking your SEMA Show hotel rooms now through OnPeak—the SEMA Show’s official housing provider.

SEMA Show management reports that the prevailing average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is $286 per night. When booking through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, the average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is only $174.

With the average SEMA Showgoer staying four nights in Vegas for the Show, booking through SEMA Show Travel & Lodging means a savings of more than $450.

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

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 aggressively pursue 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.

By SEMA Editors

Start booking your SEMA Show hotel rooms now through OnPeak—the SEMA Show’s official housing provider.

SEMA Show management reports that the prevailing average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is $286 per night. When booking through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, the average rate for hotel rooms during the week of the SEMA Show is only $174.

With the average SEMA Showgoer staying four nights in Vegas for the Show, booking through SEMA Show Travel & Lodging means a savings of more than $450.

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

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 aggressively pursue 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.

By Douglas McColloch

The SEMA Data Co-op is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers, and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Superchips Flashcal Speedo Calibrator for New Ford F-Series Superchips has announced that is has extended its Flashcal for Truck product line to include the 2019 Ford F-Series gas-powered trucks. Intended for truck owners who have modified their trucks' gearing and/or tire size, Flashcal enables recalibration of the speedometer and correction of transmission shift schedules using the truck's factory OBD-II port. Flashcal also offers other popular features such as Auto Start/Stop management, trouble code read/clear, and tire-pressure monitoring for 28- to 40-in.-diameter tires. 888-227-2447 www.superchips.com PN 1545
Holley Single-Plane Split-Design Race Intake Manifold for GM LS Holley has released its Single-Plane Split-Design EFI Race Intake Manifolds for GM Gen III and IV LS engines. Designed specifically for cathedral-port cylinder heads and 4150-style square-bore throttle bodies, they're said to be lighter than ordinary split race intakes while costing one-third to one-half as much. The manifold's two-piece configuration allows for direct access to the internal plenum and port surfaces, which is said to enable easy custom porting and port-matching; shoulder-bolt locators and captured O-rings are said to afford easy, precise reassembly. Available on either silver or black finishes, the manifold features an A-B height of 7.32 inches (0-degree carb-flange angle) and cathedral ports that measure 3.28 inches tall by 1.10 inches wide. Fuel rails, O-rings and all necessary fasteners for installation are included. 888-464-6553 www.holley.com PN 300-255 (silver), 300-255BK (black)
Edge Products EvoHT2 Tuner for Ram 1500 5.7L/8A Combo Edge Products has announced the release of the EvoHT2 premium hand-held performance tuner for ’18-and-later Ram 1500 trucks equipped with the 5.7L V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission. The tuner is said to allow for easy tuning via reprogramming, or “unlocking,” the truck's performance control module (PCM). Performance benefits are said to include gains of as much as 29 hp and 37 lb.-ft. of torque, speedo recalibration (25- to 40-in. tires), transfer case and axle gear recalibrations, and TPMS functions. Edge will either ship an "unlocked" PCM to the purchaser for installation or reprogram the truck's existing PCM (allow two to three business days for turnaround). According to the manufacturer, all ordering and shipping details can be handled online. 888-360-3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN 36041-S
ARP Digital Rod-Bolt Stretch Gauge ARP has released a new Digital Rod-Bolt Stretch Gauge. Applying the proper amount of clamp load is one of the most exacting operations in engine building, and measuring bolt stretch accurately is crucial to achieve the correct clamping load. The ARP digital gauge measures bolt stretch to within one ten-thousandth of an inch (0.0001). The digital gauge is said to be easy to read, and accurate readings are enabled via opposing ball and pin-type probes that center on the bolt. The gauge also has a billet aluminum handle for ease of operation, and it comes with its own carrying case. 800-826-3045 www.arp-bolts.com PN 100-9943
Heatshield Products Hot Rod Sleeve Heatshield Products has announced the release of Hot Rod Sleeve. Made from a specially designed and weave that expands and contracts, the Hot Rod Sleeve is said to be an upgrade from conventional, plastic loom materials, with the ability to withstand temperatures as high as 1,000° F of continuous exposure, and up to 2,000° F of intermittent exposure, to protect underhood wiring and fluid lines from excessive heat. The sleeves are available in 10- and 100-ft. rolls, and in diameters ranging from 1/4 to 1 in.; 10-ft. lengths come with two HP Shrinks, which are used to seal the ends of the sleeve to ensure peak-level performance.   760-751-0441 www.heatshieldproducts.com PN varies by length/width