By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Emily Reeves From Flying Sparks Garage

Instagram: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

TikTok: @imemilyreeves

Facebook: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

YouTube: @flyingsparksgarage

Follower counts: Instagram and TikTok: 233k. Facebook: 241k. YouTube: 348k.

Focus: Building adventure machines and making memories

Emily Reeves loves adventure--but she loves the memories she makes in the process even more. With her husband, Aaron, Reeves documents those adventures on her YouTube channel, Flying Sparks Garage, and shares her passion for off-the-wall projects of all kinds. Whether it's building a '69 Camaro or dropping a diesel engine in a yacht, Reeves aims to inspire everyone to pursue their passion and join them in using their voice to help protect the automotive industry.

Reeves has also continually used her own voice and platform to support the future of the aftermarket, attending the 2024 SEMA Washington Rally and supporting SEMA staff at a visit to the Capitol in March, where she met with lawmakers to advocate for the specialty-equipment and automotive industries.

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

Emily Reeves: I got into cars when I met my now husband. He was a mechanic and gearhead so if I wanted to be near him, I had to be in the shop. When we built a 350ci Small-Block Chevy for his '69 Camaro together (when I was 15!), I was hooked!

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

ER: Making memories with people I love in machines that excite me. Putting hours and massive effort into the builds and then hitting the road or water (we love boats too!) means so much to us.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community? 

ER: My favorite part has been hearing stories of how our experiences inspire others to build stuff and make memories together.

SN: As an industry content creator, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience? 

ER: Our main goal with our content is to create a space for folks to have hope for themselves, the future of the family unit, their abilities and having the guts to make their own dreams come true. We hope--by pushing ourselves through difficult circumstances in the shop and being in a positive and loving relationship despite everything--will inspire others to do the same.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

ER: The opportunity to advocate for our industry, passion, hobby and lifestyle is such an honor, but it's an honor given to each of us! Encouraging folks to speak out, send a letter through the SEMA website, comment, like and share on social media about a topic about our freedoms, means a whole lot to us. If we all work together (so speak out!), we can make a difference and sustain the growth our industry deserves.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

ER: Seeing our niece's face when we surprised her with her first project truck. The feeling that gave us-- that we have influenced the next generation of gearheads and given her something that she will work hard on for her whole life--that felt like the biggest achievement.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

ER: I am looking forward to everything in 2025! We have projects that range from diesel-swapping our yacht to getting our classic semi-truck back on the road and driving it across the country, to restoring our vintage RV and continuing weekly YouTube uploads covering all the progress. We have so much to look forward to and be grateful for.

SN: What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?

ER: Continued expansion and innovation. There are so many brilliant minds and passionate people in the automotive industry. I hope we can keep our communities strong with small businesses and keep the big companies expanding with all the moving parts.

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Emily Reeves From Flying Sparks Garage

Instagram: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

TikTok: @imemilyreeves

Facebook: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

YouTube: @flyingsparksgarage

Follower counts: Instagram and TikTok: 233k. Facebook: 241k. YouTube: 348k.

Focus: Building adventure machines and making memories

Emily Reeves loves adventure--but she loves the memories she makes in the process even more. With her husband, Aaron, Reeves documents those adventures on her YouTube channel, Flying Sparks Garage, and shares her passion for off-the-wall projects of all kinds. Whether it's building a '69 Camaro or dropping a diesel engine in a yacht, Reeves aims to inspire everyone to pursue their passion and join them in using their voice to help protect the automotive industry.

Reeves has also continually used her own voice and platform to support the future of the aftermarket, attending the 2024 SEMA Washington Rally and supporting SEMA staff at a visit to the Capitol in March, where she met with lawmakers to advocate for the specialty-equipment and automotive industries.

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

Emily Reeves: I got into cars when I met my now husband. He was a mechanic and gearhead so if I wanted to be near him, I had to be in the shop. When we built a 350ci Small-Block Chevy for his '69 Camaro together (when I was 15!), I was hooked!

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

ER: Making memories with people I love in machines that excite me. Putting hours and massive effort into the builds and then hitting the road or water (we love boats too!) means so much to us.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community? 

ER: My favorite part has been hearing stories of how our experiences inspire others to build stuff and make memories together.

SN: As an industry content creator, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience? 

ER: Our main goal with our content is to create a space for folks to have hope for themselves, the future of the family unit, their abilities and having the guts to make their own dreams come true. We hope--by pushing ourselves through difficult circumstances in the shop and being in a positive and loving relationship despite everything--will inspire others to do the same.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

ER: The opportunity to advocate for our industry, passion, hobby and lifestyle is such an honor, but it's an honor given to each of us! Encouraging folks to speak out, send a letter through the SEMA website, comment, like and share on social media about a topic about our freedoms, means a whole lot to us. If we all work together (so speak out!), we can make a difference and sustain the growth our industry deserves.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

ER: Seeing our niece's face when we surprised her with her first project truck. The feeling that gave us-- that we have influenced the next generation of gearheads and given her something that she will work hard on for her whole life--that felt like the biggest achievement.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

ER: I am looking forward to everything in 2025! We have projects that range from diesel-swapping our yacht to getting our classic semi-truck back on the road and driving it across the country, to restoring our vintage RV and continuing weekly YouTube uploads covering all the progress. We have so much to look forward to and be grateful for.

SN: What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?

ER: Continued expansion and innovation. There are so many brilliant minds and passionate people in the automotive industry. I hope we can keep our communities strong with small businesses and keep the big companies expanding with all the moving parts.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a virtual General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. PDT/2:00 p.m. EDT, during which select-committee leaders will share updates about PRO's member benefits. 

The meeting is open to current and prospective members and will enable attendees to discover resources designed to help automotive restylers succeed in the specialty-equipment industry. Attendees will hear about programs, events and volunteer opportunities designed to support professional growth. Additionally, details will be shared about the PRO Cup Challenge taking place at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.  

PRO membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the restyling and accessory markets--be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, or restylers and installers. If this sounds like you, don't miss this opportunity to take action in the industry and grow your network by getting more involved.  

Register here.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Tariffs continue to dominate the headlines, and it's tricky to sort out the latest news and what it means to the specialty-equipment industry. Here's the latest, as of June 3, 2025: 

Steel and Aluminum Are Scheduled to Double

President Donald Trump announced on May 30 that the United States will double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The latest headline with implications for the automotive sector comes as businesses navigate the effect of tariffs on global and domestic supply chains, particularly for critical parts, components and raw materials.

The United States imported more than $31 billion worth of iron and steel last year, with much of it sourced from Canada. Because the steel and aluminum tariffs apply to derivative products, vehicles could be impacted, even if assembled in the United States, if they contain imported steel and aluminum components. 

Federal Courts Throw Global Reciprocal Tariffs Into Flux

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) unanimously ruled on May 28 that the tariffs President Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful and exceed IEEPA's authority. The following day, a D.C. district court judge also ruled that the tariffs aren't legal, although he paused his order for 14 days to allow time for appeal. Following the CIT ruling, the federal appeals court granted the U.S. Department of Justice's stay request, which means the IEEPA tariffs can still be collected while the appeal is pending. The appeals court has expedited its proceedings on the IEEPA tariffs, requesting that the plaintiffs provide their brief by June 5 and the Trump administration respond by June 9.  

The rulings apply to the following IEEPA tariff actions: 

Fentanyl-related tariffs: ​​​​​​

• Canada (EO 14193) and Mexico (EO 14194): 25% tariff for goods that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference, and a 10% tariff for energy and potash imports that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference. 
   
• China (EO 14195): 20% tariff for all goods from China. 

Reciprocal tariffs:  

• Applied to all countries (except Canada and Mexico) (EO 14257): The country-by-country tariff rate is currently 10% with duties imposed on most products (there are exceptions for goods subject to Section 232 tariffs and other goods listed in Annex II of EO 14257).  
   
• President Trump has given countries until July 9 to negotiate trade deals with the United States, threatening to increase tariffs on each country equal to those imposed on U.S. exports.  
   

The CIT and D.C. District Court rulings do not affect the following tariffs: 

• Section 301 tariffs imposed on China, which were reduced from 125% to 10% on May 12 (this temporary reduction in tariffs on China expires on August 12); and  
   
• Section 232 tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum. 
   

Date We're Watching: July 9 for European Union (EU) Tariffs

The United States has threatened the EU with tariffs of up to 50%. EU countries are currently subject to the 10% IEEPA tariff. The Trump Administration is targeting the trade imbalance between the United States and its European counterparts, which surpassed $235 billion in 2024. A 50% tariff on EU imports is estimated to impact $606 billion in imported products, including auto parts.  

The Aftermarket's Best Resource for Tariff News: SEMA

While President Trump's tariffs on imported products, materials and components are having a significant impact on most sectors of the United States and world economies, the speed and volume in which they have been imposed and subsequent changes have made it challenging for everyone from small businesses to corporations to Washington insiders to fully understand the impact of tariffs on imports. SEMA's got your back and will continue to update members on this evolving issue.

For additional information, visit sema.org/advocacy/tariffs or contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Tariffs continue to dominate the headlines, and it's tricky to sort out the latest news and what it means to the specialty-equipment industry. Here's the latest, as of June 3, 2025: 

Steel and Aluminum Are Scheduled to Double

President Donald Trump announced on May 30 that the United States will double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective June 4. The latest headline with implications for the automotive sector comes as businesses navigate the effect of tariffs on global and domestic supply chains, particularly for critical parts, components and raw materials.

The United States imported more than $31 billion worth of iron and steel last year, with much of it sourced from Canada. Because the steel and aluminum tariffs apply to derivative products, vehicles could be impacted, even if assembled in the United States, if they contain imported steel and aluminum components. 

Federal Courts Throw Global Reciprocal Tariffs Into Flux

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) unanimously ruled on May 28 that the tariffs President Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful and exceed IEEPA's authority. The following day, a D.C. district court judge also ruled that the tariffs aren't legal, although he paused his order for 14 days to allow time for appeal. Following the CIT ruling, the federal appeals court granted the U.S. Department of Justice's stay request, which means the IEEPA tariffs can still be collected while the appeal is pending. The appeals court has expedited its proceedings on the IEEPA tariffs, requesting that the plaintiffs provide their brief by June 5 and the Trump administration respond by June 9.  

The rulings apply to the following IEEPA tariff actions: 

Fentanyl-related tariffs: ​​​​​​

• Canada (EO 14193) and Mexico (EO 14194): 25% tariff for goods that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference, and a 10% tariff for energy and potash imports that do not claim or qualify for USMCA duty-free preference. 
   
• China (EO 14195): 20% tariff for all goods from China. 

Reciprocal tariffs:  

• Applied to all countries (except Canada and Mexico) (EO 14257): The country-by-country tariff rate is currently 10% with duties imposed on most products (there are exceptions for goods subject to Section 232 tariffs and other goods listed in Annex II of EO 14257).  
   
• President Trump has given countries until July 9 to negotiate trade deals with the United States, threatening to increase tariffs on each country equal to those imposed on U.S. exports.  
   

The CIT and D.C. District Court rulings do not affect the following tariffs: 

• Section 301 tariffs imposed on China, which were reduced from 125% to 10% on May 12 (this temporary reduction in tariffs on China expires on August 12); and  
   
• Section 232 tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum. 
   

Date We're Watching: July 9 for European Union (EU) Tariffs

The United States has threatened the EU with tariffs of up to 50%. EU countries are currently subject to the 10% IEEPA tariff. The Trump Administration is targeting the trade imbalance between the United States and its European counterparts, which surpassed $235 billion in 2024. A 50% tariff on EU imports is estimated to impact $606 billion in imported products, including auto parts.  

The Aftermarket's Best Resource for Tariff News: SEMA

While President Trump's tariffs on imported products, materials and components are having a significant impact on most sectors of the United States and world economies, the speed and volume in which they have been imposed and subsequent changes have made it challenging for everyone from small businesses to corporations to Washington insiders to fully understand the impact of tariffs on imports. SEMA's got your back and will continue to update members on this evolving issue.

For additional information, visit sema.org/advocacy/tariffs or contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Time is running out to take advantage of the best possible pricing for your 2025 SEMA Show badge. Right now, online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. On June 28, the rate will increase to $75 per person, before increasing again on September 27 to $100 per person, both online and on-site.

Maximize your savings. Register now!

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year's SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo (tires) and Wheels & Wheel Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most important week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs exploring the industry's most significant challenges and offering immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built. Network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show's mobile app to see lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location. In addition, this year's program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings--all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You'll also meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that will lead to real results and quality connections.
• Show Features: SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; and the SEMA Show Art Walk.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau and vehicle demonstrations will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional's business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Each year, the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) showcases up to 10 unique vehicle builds in a prime location at the SEMA Show through its Feature Vehicle Showcase. 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.    

Applications for the 2025 TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase are now open. Selected applicants will have their vehicle displayed as part of the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail located outside the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall.   

"The TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase is all about raising awareness of the various business opportunities in the truck and off-road industry," said TORA Council Director Denise Waddingham. "We invite our members to submit an application for the chance to demonstrate their innovation in front of 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.   

Companies interested in showcasing a vehicle must be a current SEMA and TORA member, and manufacturers must be exhibiting at the SEMA Show. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that amount benefiting SEMA Cares.   

Submit your application today.

By Ashley Reyes

In the last decade, the world of hot-rod design and fabrication has seen a major shift toward utilizing industrial technology to create works of art. Although CNC machines and computer-aided design (CAD) have been prevalent in the industry, especially with billet aluminum wheels and part manufacturers, smaller custom-build shops are adopting CNC equipment and beyond.  

For example, 3D scanning and printing has become a piece of equipment many shops are starting to use daily. The cost of the equipment and software is becoming more affordable and, what once needed a master technician to operate, is now getting to the point that anyone with mechanical abilities can be a pro.  

To spotlight opportunities surrounding modern technology in the hot rod industry, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion on Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT. During the session, a panel of industry experts will discuss types of new equipment that hot-rod shops are using, skill sets that are needed to use this equipment, how technology has changed each guest's business and investments that businesses should expect to make. 

Panelists include Sean Smith, owner and lead designer of Sean Smith Designs; Jeremy Carlson, owner and lead designer of Avante-Garde Design; and Zack Ingram, owner and designer at Zrodz and Fiber Forge Composites. Moderating the discussion will be Karl Schulman, general manager of Garret's Rod Shop.  

Register here. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show is now accepting submissions to participate in the 2025 Bin Program, which offers automotive publications a simple way to gain mass exposure for their magazine.

Showcase your magazine where it matters--the aftermarket's premier event--and make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show's 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors.

In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, participants will get to display and distribute their publication at the 2025 SEMA Show.

Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers; act now and submit your details here.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on June 3, 2025. Submissions for the Bin Program at the 2025 SEMA Show are now closed. Questions? Contact Lynne Johnson, SEMA Marketing Director, Agency and Creative Services, at lynnej@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

A big part of planning a successful week at the SEMA Show is securing the best accommodations for your needs. Location, low price, amenities and ratings will all be important factors in determining the right place to stay for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

To make the process as quick, easy and affordable as possible, Show organizers have once again partnered with onPeak, the official hotel provider of the SEMA Show, to offer not only offer the best nightly rates, but plenty of other unparalleled perks. Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online at this link. 

See the top five benefits of booking your 2025 SEMA Show hotel through our only official partner, onPeak, below:

• Earn Hotel Rewards Points 

We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter in your rewards number when securing your reservation and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the block. 

• Deep Value and Discounts 

We work hard to negotiate the lowest available nightly rates--even below the hotel's rack rate. It will be hard to beat our rates, so forget about spending hours searching online for a great deal; just book through onPeak. 

• Fully Flexible Booking   

We know plans change so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 9, 2025.  

• Easy Group Bookings 

Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time, with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 

• A Sustainable Hotel Stay 

The official SEMA Show hotel provider, onPeak, is available to help you find confidence in living a sustainable lifestyle. View a hotel's sustainability plans on their website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online here. 

Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show is also open and only $50 per person until Friday, June 27.

Register for the 2025 SEMA Show here

The cost of online registration will increase to $75 starting June 28, and as of September 27, will cost $100 per attendee. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.