Tickets to the second annual SEMA Fest--Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus in Las Vegas--are now available at SEMAFest.com, but don't wait to act! Ticket prices will increase on Sunday, October 6.
You won't want to miss Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey all performing live on the SEMA Show campus, so buy your tickets now for just $59 before the cost increases.
Whether going for the live music, custom rides, thrilling motorsports action or an unforgettable atmosphere, SEMA Fest is the event of the year for automotive enthusiasts and music fans. Buy your tickets now and save at SEMAFest.com.
Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not get you into the SEMA Fest concerts; a SEMA Fest concert ticket must be purchased.
Guests are encouraged to secure their hotel stay for SEMA Fest as soon as possible through OnPeak, SEMA Fest's only official housing provider. View available hotels here and select your preferred stay dates!
Keep an eye on SEMA News for headliner spotlights and more details--including motorsports activations!--on this one-of-a-kind event. For more details and tickets, visit SEMAFest.com.
Tickets to the second annual SEMA Fest--Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus in Las Vegas--are now available at SEMAFest.com, but don't wait to act! Ticket prices will increase on Sunday, October 6.
You won't want to miss Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey all performing live on the SEMA Show campus, so buy your tickets now for just $59 before the cost increases.
Whether going for the live music, custom rides, thrilling motorsports action or an unforgettable atmosphere, SEMA Fest is the event of the year for automotive enthusiasts and music fans. Buy your tickets now and save at SEMAFest.com.
Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not get you into the SEMA Fest concerts; a SEMA Fest concert ticket must be purchased.
Guests are encouraged to secure their hotel stay for SEMA Fest as soon as possible through OnPeak, SEMA Fest's only official housing provider. View available hotels here and select your preferred stay dates!
Keep an eye on SEMA News for headliner spotlights and more details--including motorsports activations!--on this one-of-a-kind event. For more details and tickets, visit SEMAFest.com.
SEMA has announced the recipients of its 2024 SEMA Data Excellence Awards. These awards honor brands that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to data proficiency by delivering the most comprehensive product content for retailers and resellers in the SEMA Data network.
"Achieving data excellence requires diligence and commitment," said Gigi Ho, SEMA vice president of technology, data and strategic initiatives. "We commend the manufacturers who have achieved this significant milestone that benefits the entire industry."
As consumers continue to shop online, it's essential that manufacturers maintain excellent data quality that meets or even exceeds industry standards. Ensuring that products are accurately represented can help resellers streamline their operations and eCommerce stores, boost sales and ensure customers are equipped with accurate and complete product information when shopping for automotive parts.
The 2024 SEMA Data Excellence award-winning brands have surpassed this feat, meeting the most stringent requirements of the SEMA Data Scorecard v3--a comprehensive tool designed to guide manufacturers in improving the quality of their product data. Each tier of the scorecard--Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum--presents a more rigorous challenge to create and catalog additional fields of product information. Those with Gold and Platinum scores are distinguished as having achieved Data Excellence.
"We firmly believe that quality data drives sales," said Scott Brickey, IT director at Advanced Clutch Technology. "Since SEMA introduced the Platinum standard years ago, it has been our mission to attain it every year--this year being no exception. Detailed descriptions, accurate pricing, actual product images and valid fitments are crucial for making our parts easily accessible across platforms and helping customers make informed decisions."
"Our team worked incredibly hard to achieve a Platinum score," added Patricia Lierman, product and sales information specialist at Blue Ox. "We take pride in knowing that the information we provide to our customers is of the highest quality."
SEMA Data is the industry's largest product database with more than 650 brands, a collective inventory of more than 4.5 million parts and an active network for more than 4,750 resellers. It serves as the central hub for product information in the specialty-automotive market, supplying manufacturers and resellers with continuing education regarding evolving product data standards, as well as a comprehensive set of online data management tools.
Award winners will be celebrated during the SEMA Data Users Group Meetup on Monday afternoon before the official start of the 2024 SEMA Show. To learn more about SEMA Data, visit www.semadata.org.
Covercraft Adds Business and Operations Veterans to Staff
Jim Chick (left) and Travis Jansen.
Covercraft has added two business and operations veterans, Jim Chick and Travis Jansen, as chief commercial officer and chief operating officer. These roles will be instrumental in driving company growth, the company said.
Chick is a veteran of the automotive industry with decades of experience in the aftermarket segment, specifically in the performance and off-road verticals.
Jansen is an experienced executive with expertise in building progressive lean organizations and developing high-performance manufacturing operations, the company said.
These staff additions come as the company prepares for the 2024 SEMA Show in November where Covercraft will be focused on meeting with current and potential customers as well as introducing new officially licensed program additions such as Mopar and Mustang 60th anniversary products.
VIP Tires & Service Opens New Massachusetts Location
VIP Tires & Service is opening a new location in Hanover, Massachusetts, the automotive service provider and tire dealer announced.
The new store will create eight to 10 new jobs, prioritizing the hiring of qualified local residents, the company said. With 14,000 sq.-ft. of dedicated space and 10 service bays, the Hanover location is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, including Hunter Alignment technology and Autel automotive scanners. It will also stock almost 3,000 tires on-site.
"At VIP Tires, we're committed to going the extra mile for the communities we serve," said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP. "This means fostering a well-educated workforce, creating local jobs, and ensuring the safest driving experience possible. Our teams' focus on creating exceptional experiences for our customers will fit right in with residents in Hanover and surrounding communities. And by partnering with local schools and offering cutting-edge technology, we believe we can make a real difference in Hanover."
Miami International Autodrome Unveils New Layouts for Year-Round Racing
South Florida Motorsports, organizer of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, has added four new configurations to the Miami International Autodrome--in addition to the current Grand Prix layout—to enable the circuit to be operational throughout the year.
The four new "inner loop" layouts are constructed exclusively on private property and do not cross public roads. In addition to attracting new competitive events, the changes allow the facility to host a variety of corporate functions and other private track activities throughout the year, according to track officials.
The new section of track was built after Turn 10, heading back towards the straight that runs parallel to Snake Creek. Two additional hairpins, just before Turn 17 and after Turn 3, offer two additional layouts for permanent use. The track will commence operations for corporate and private events in October 2024.
NASCAR has named Ticketmaster as its official ticketing partner.
The move complements Ticketmaster's partnership with Speedway Motorsports and further unifies ticketing for fans, according to NASCAR.
The partnership will allow fans to discover upcoming races and events on Ticketmaster social-media platforms. The NASCAR Tracks app will fully integrate with Ticketmaster Ignite, meaning fans will have a single source for ticket and event-related information when attending NASCAR races.
SEMA Show organizers remind this year's exhibitors that the deadline for Freeman early order discounts is approaching on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Order early and save up to 40% on rental exhibit orders, signs and graphics, utilities and related services.
In addition, exhibitors who did not attend the recent Freeman webinar on the 2024 SEMA Show--but would like to plan for the Show like a pro--can watch it on-demand on YouTube and below, and read a recap below:
The above webinar covers a variety of helpful tools and resources available to exhibitors 24/7, including:
How to access exhibitor online resources, including the Exhibitor Services Manual, the one-stop-shop for everything needed to plan a SEMA Show booth and experience.
SEMA Show services overview.
SEMA Show information and on-site tips.
In addition, several helpful questions came up during the Q&A session, including the following:
Q: Where can I go for all the information I need to know to plan my exhibit? A: Visit the Exhibitor Service Manual on SEMAShow.com.
Q: What is included with my booth? A: Visit the SEMA Show "Included With A Booth" webpage.
Q: Is there a list of all exhibitor deadlines for 2024? A: Visit the SEMA Show Deadlines Checklist.
Q: When are the target move-in times for freight?
A: Navigate to the "Target Times - When Your Freight Must Be at Your Booth" module of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
Q: How do I get my booth materials to the SEMA Show? Can I hand-carry it? A: Visit the Freight Service webpage.
Q: Where can I learn more about the hanging signs? A: There is still time to arrange a hanging sign above your booth (Note: linear booths are not permitted to hang signs above their exhibits).Visit the Hanging Sign Design notification on SEMAShow.com to learn more.
Q: How can I display a vehicle/build in my SEMA Show booth? When can I move it in?
A: Visit the Booth Vehicle Display information webpage on SEMAShow.com.
Q: How can I arrange for detailing of my booth vehicle or SEMA Show featured vehicle?
A: SEMA partners with top industry service providers. Visit the SEMA Show Vehicle Detailing webpage for information on and to book detailing for booth vehicles and featured vehicles.
Q: How can I enter a product into the New Product Showcase? Is the first entry really free? A: The New Product Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, media members and content creators looking for all the innovations from the Show floor in one dedicated display. Rules, regulations and submission information can be found on the SEMA Show New Products webpage.
Yes, the first New Products Showcase entry IS ALWAYS FREE; each additional product entry is $95 through Sunday, October 6, and just $175 after that date. Enter here.
Q: How can I access the Freeman dashboard and place orders? A: To access the Freeman dashboard and place your Freeman orders, visit the Freeman Online SEMA Show Exhibit Solutions webpage. Remember, early order discounts and advanced rates end on Thursday, October 3.
Q: How can I contact Freeman with questions?
A: Freeman offices are available to contact at SEMA@Freeman.com or 1-888-508-5054 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST on Monday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT on Friday.
Q: How can I contact SEMA with my exhibitor questions? A: SEMA Show exhibitors with questions may contact Show Director of Operations Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org, who will be happy to assist during regular PDT business hours, Monday through Friday.
As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals at the 2024 SEMA Show, it's important to stay up-to-date on upcoming deadlines. Click here for a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget. In addition, exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees.
Ever wonder why your organization should become a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member?
In the latest episode of "Hammer Down," the Official SEMA HRIA Podcast, hosts Kevin Oeste, owner of V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and Tim McCarthy, HRIA chair and owner of Hushmat and ZyCoat, sit down with SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board Chairman Kyle Fickler of Procharger and SEMA Board Member Norris Marshall of BluePrint Engines as they share insights on the benefits of joining SEMA and HRIA, answering the key question, "What's in it for me?"
Tune in to hear:
Answers to what SEMA and the HRIA are all about.
Insights on what SEMA and the HRIA do to help and protect automotive-aftermarket businesses.
Ways that specialty-equipment manufacturers, hot-rod builders, event organizers and other businesses can get involved to help the industry be successful.
Spagnola, Fickler and Marshall are not only SEMA leaders, but have extensive business experience in the specialty-equipment industry and racing and are avid enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional hot-rod journey, "Hammer Down" delivers informative and entertaining discussions that celebrate the passion, ingenuity and enduring legacy of the hot-rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help hot-rod businesses succeed. Listen to all episodes wherever you get your podcasts or follow the podcast using this link.
Join the Small Business Legislative Council on October 10 for a webinar to hear attorneys from Barnes & Thornburg discuss reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires companies to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial owners before January 1, 2025.
Click here to register for the webinar, which takes place on October 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. This webinar is a free member benefit for SEMA members.
Importantly, this webinar will thoroughly explain the reporting requirements under the CTA along with the three primary exceptions to the statute that small businesses can use to exempt themselves from FinCEN's burdensome reporting:
Employ more than 20 employees.
Operate at a physical office in the United States.
Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales.
The CTA, enacted in 2021, was passed to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. The CTA took effect on January 1, 2024 and imposed reporting obligations on all business entities within the scope of the "reporting company" definition under the statute. Entities that do not fall within one of the CTA's categories of exemptions will be required to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Networkby December 31, 2024.
The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:
Serves as a senior officer.
Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors.
Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions.
Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner:
Name
Date of birth
Address
The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government, or Indian tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted.
Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants").
Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi.
Webinar Details: "Small Business and the Corporate Transparency Act"
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT
Register: All SEMA member companies can listen to the webinar for free and should register by using this link.
Go Deeper: Barnes & Thornburg attorneys previously published an alert on the CTA reporting requirements that can be found at this link.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
Join the Small Business Legislative Council on October 10 for a webinar to hear attorneys from Barnes & Thornburg discuss reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires companies to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial owners before January 1, 2025.
Click here to register for the webinar, which takes place on October 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. This webinar is a free member benefit for SEMA members.
Importantly, this webinar will thoroughly explain the reporting requirements under the CTA along with the three primary exceptions to the statute that small businesses can use to exempt themselves from FinCEN's burdensome reporting:
Employ more than 20 employees.
Operate at a physical office in the United States.
Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales.
The CTA, enacted in 2021, was passed to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. The CTA took effect on January 1, 2024 and imposed reporting obligations on all business entities within the scope of the "reporting company" definition under the statute. Entities that do not fall within one of the CTA's categories of exemptions will be required to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Networkby December 31, 2024.
The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:
Serves as a senior officer.
Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors.
Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions.
Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner:
Name
Date of birth
Address
The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government, or Indian tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted.
Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants").
Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi.
Webinar Details: "Small Business and the Corporate Transparency Act"
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT
Register: All SEMA member companies can listen to the webinar for free and should register by using this link.
Go Deeper: Barnes & Thornburg attorneys previously published an alert on the CTA reporting requirements that can be found at this link.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)has named Kirstin Backes, sales and marketing director, trucks at COBB Tuning, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Backes in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?
Kirstin Backes: Modifying cars and trucks has occupied my every waking thought since I was 19. I won't tell you how many years that's been, but I will tell you that attempts to build a career in anything less passion-driven were very short-lived. This is the only industry for me. I get to talk about cars and trucks with other people who love cars and trucks, for work. It's the best.
SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
KB: I love the projects they're doing to work on the issues that face restylers, and restyler-focused manufacturers. I think there's a ton to learn from both groups, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the people who work in a dealership-focused headspace every day.
SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KB: Go for it. Know that you'll sometimes be paid in passion bucks, but that's okay--it's well worth it to do something you love every day. Even more than that, volunteer with a council or network, especially if you're new to the industry. Volunteering pays exclusively in passion bucks, but the people you meet and the relationships you'll forge are invaluable.
SN: What is your dream vehicle?
KB: For years, I would've told you a Toyota Tundra. I achieved that dream over a year ago, and use it for camping and wheeling far away from people as often as possible. That said, you'll find me with it at the Home Depot parking lot on a lot of weekends, too.
Looks like it's time for a new dream!
SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?
KB: At my first SEMA Show, John Menzler encouraged me to volunteer with FLN [Future Leaders Network] back in 2010 (of course, back then it was YEN [Young Executives Network]). He changed the course of my life and the course of my career. I had no idea I was talking to a legend in the business. Sadly, he passed before I could say thank you. Here's to you, Menzler!
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
KB: I tried leaving; made more money, had a great boss and worked for a stable company. Where's the excitement in that? I was bored to tears. Never again.
SN:Where can you be found on a Saturday?
KB: Working on a gut renovation at my house, taking on the trails and camping or working at an event for COBB.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
