By SEMA News Editors

The start of the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, is just a few short weeks away, so if you haven't booked your hotel yet, now is the time to secure your room through OnPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing provider, to not only get the best possible rates, but accommodations that will help you maximize your week at the aftermarket's premier industry event.

While rooms are still available, space is limited. The official 2026 SEMA Show hotel block at semashow.com/hotel includes a range of options, including the following properties*:

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club (Elara, Flamingo, Strip and Paradise)
• MGM Grand
• New York New York
• Park MGM
• SAHARA

Attendees who book through the official 2026 SEMA Show hotel block, managed by onPeak, can earn eligible hotel loyalty rewards points while taking advantage of discounted rates, flexible reservation policies and convenient access to Las Vegas' top hotels. Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show are available at semashow.com/hotel.

Whether you're traveling solo or coordinating accommodations for your entire team, booking through the official SEMA Show housing provider offers benefits you won't find through many third-party booking sites.

Earn Hotel Loyalty Rewards When Booking in the SEMA Show Block

One of the biggest advantages of booking through the official SEMA Show hotel block is that eligible reservations can earn hotel loyalty rewards points. Simply enter your rewards program information during the booking process, then confirm it again at check-in to receive eligible credit for your stay.

For example, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by:

• Booking a participating Marriott or MGM property through the official onPeak reservation system.
• Entering their Marriott Bonvoy membership number in the "Hotel Rewards" section during checkout.
• Providing the same membership number again when checking in at the hotel.

It's one more way your trip to the SEMA Show can continue delivering value long after you leave Las Vegas.

Exclusive Rates With Price-Match Protection

SEMA negotiates discounted hotel rates exclusively for attendees, often below publicly available pricing. Instead of spending hours comparing booking sites, attendees can reserve with confidence through the official hotel block.

If you happen to find a lower qualifying rate elsewhere, the official housing provider also offers price-match protection, giving you another reason to book early through semashow.com/hotel.

Flexible Reservations

Travel plans can change, and the official SEMA Show hotel block is designed with that in mind. Reservations can be modified or canceled without penalty through October 8, and full prepayment is not required at the time of booking, offering flexibility that many online travel sites don't.

Simple Group Booking

Managing hotel reservations for multiple employees doesn't have to be complicated. The onPeak system allows companies to reserve multiple rooms with immediate confirmation, assign guest names later and choose whether to manage payments centrally or individually.

Sustainable Travel Options

Attendees interested in making more environmentally conscious travel decisions can also explore sustainability information for participating hotels through onPeak. The platform provides resources that help travelers identify properties and practices that align with their sustainability goals.

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 open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

* All prices subject to change. Check semashow.com/hotel for the latest pricing and information. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, serves as the stage for the newest products, technologies and trends shaping the automotive aftermarket. And recognized as the No. 1 destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase gives exhibitors a dedicated display for their latest innovations and best-selling products.

Below, preview some of the brand-new products that will debut at the 2026 SEMA show, and get a glimpse at the SEMA Show plans for a few of the industry brands that will have a presence on the Show floor.

HayesX

Booth #24655

HayesX will be unveiling it HayesX-250, an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, at the 2026 SEMA Show, the company announced. Often referred to as a flying car, the HayesX-250 bridges the automotive and aviation worlds, and is designed and fully compliant with the US FAA Part 103 regulations for ultralight vehicles. No pilot license is required to fly the aircraft.

Key safety features include a Formula 1-inspired protective roll cage, aviation-grade materials, validated manufacturing processes, multiple layers of system redundancy and a whole-aircraft parachute system.

See HayesX on the SEMA Show floor

Juggernaut USA

Booth #12581

Juggernaut USA will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the first time, and will be introducing its full-coverage skid plates and underbody armor made from ¼-in. 5052-H32 aluminum, and is cut, formed and powdercoated in the company's own shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. No imported plates, no outsourced steps. Every plate bolts on without drilling, keeps oil-change access open and carries a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

The company currently builds armor for Ford trucks (F-150, Raptor, Super Duty, Ranger, Expedition), Chevy and GMC HD trucks, the Toyota Tacoma, and Ram ProMaster and Mercedes Sprinter adventure vans, with more platforms on the way.

See Juggernaut USA on the SEMA Show floor

Black Forge Trucks

Booth #12010

Black Forge will debut RuggedGate, a patent-pending steel tailgate cap, at the 2026 SEMA Show.

Every late-model pickup carries a plastic cap across the top edge of the tailgate. It's a cosmetic part sitting in a structural spot. The retaining clips work loose over a few months of normal use, and the cap eventually tears off, usually under load in the middle of a job. RuggedGate is a steel tailgate cap that bolts to the truck's factory mount points.

RuggedGate installs over the existing cap, whether it's cracked, broken, or already gone. No drilling, no adhesive, no trip to a body shop. Eight pre-stamped holes land on the factory access-plate screw locations and the original screws hold it down, so install runs about two minutes. Mounted, it sits flush and looks like factory equipment.

See Black Forge Trucks on the SEMA Show floor

Apollo Sprayers

Booth #34159

Apollo Sprayers International, Inc., a manufacturer of HVLP electric painting systems, will be showcasing its Maxi-Miser line of automotive painting systems at the 2026 SEMA Show.

Maxi-Miser is Apollo Sprayers' product line built specifically for automotive collision and refinish work. Shop owners, custom paint shops and mobile technicians. Maxi-Miser systems are engineered to address overspray, transfer efficiency and compressor contamination issues directly, according to the company, and will be the focus of Apollo Sprayers' presence on the show floor. For those who have not yet worked with Maxi-Miser painting systems, the company will offer a hands-on look at the equipment in operation, along with the opportunity to speak directly with the Apollo Sprayers team members who design and support it.

Apollo Sprayers' booth will feature its core Maxi-Miser lineup, including the Maxi-Miser 3000 PRO, the PRECISION-6 PRO and the POWER-6 VS.

See Apollo Sprayers on the SEMA Show floor

By SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for November and December SEMA Garage Los Angeles and SEMA Garage Detroit AUTEL ADAS training sessions.

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

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Los Angeles, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Los Angeles will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, November 19, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765. (View on Google Maps here). 

SEMA Garage Detroit will then host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 2, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, December 3, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170. (View on Google Maps here). 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3––November 19 at SEMA Garage Los Angeles and December 3 at SEMA Garage Detroit––builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the "3-Day" option when registering on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

How to Reserve Your Spot 

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

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

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration for both0 limited-capacity events.

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

By SEMA News Editors

The Press Conference Schedule for the 2026 SEMA Show––November 3-6, Las Vegas––is now available, featuring an exciting lineup of exclusive announcements, product debuts and vehicle unveilings from some of the industry's leading brands and innovators. 

Attendees will have a front-row seat to the news, technologies and trends set to shape the future of the automotive aftermarket. From cutting-edge tools and performance products to groundbreaking vehicle builds and industry-first innovations, the press conferences offer an early look at the developments that will generate buzz long after the Show concludes. 

Qualified attendees are encouraged to register now and secure their badges in advance. For more information, visit SEMAshow.com. 

Official 2026 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule 

(As of October 12, 2026; all times PST; subject to change) 

Tuesday, November 3

• 7:30 a.m.-8:50 a.m. SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Featuring Best New Products Announcement (Westgate Ballrooms)
   
• 9:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m. Ford Powers What Builders Imagine (West Hall, Booth #55033)
   
• 9:30 a.m.-9:50 a.m. Mitsubishi Motors Returns to SEMA for the First Time Since 2012 (West Hall, Booth #52249)
   
• 10:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m. Toyota Walkaround with Rutledge Wood and Friends (Central Hall, Booth #22200)
   
• 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m. Ringbrothers 1965 Pontiac GTO Reveal (Central Hall, Booth #23889)    
   
• 11:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m. Rumblebee x Jay Leno (North Hall, Booth #10030)
   
• 11:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m. Meguiar's 125th Anniversary & Unveiling (Central Hall, Booth #22357) 
   
• 12:00 p.m.-12:20 p.m. Holley Performance Brands: What's Next (Central Hall, Booth #22463)
   
• 12:30 p.m.-12:50 p.m. BluePrint Debuts '55 Bel Air w/ CAL Auto Creations (Central Hall, Booth #23243) 
   

• 1:30 p.m.-1:50 p.m. CTEK Introduces New Boosters (Central Hall, Booth #23933)
   
• 2:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. BILDTRAK: David Choe Debuts the BILDTRAK G-1 Mapping System (South Hall-Lower, Booth #43253)
   
• 2:30 p.m.-2:50 p.m. Granatelli Motor Sports to Unveil His and Hers 1973 Chevrolet Trucks (Central Hall, Booth #24717)
   
• 3:00 p.m.- 3:20 p.m. SHOWA Performance: A New Era on Four Wheels (West Hall, Booth #55217)
   
• 3:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m. SEMA Battle of the Builders: Top 3 Motorcycle Announcement and Top 40 Automotive Announcement (Central Hall, Booth #24743)
   
• 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. NAPA Press Conference (Media Center, Room S219)
   
• Time TBD DRIVEN Press Conference (Booth #24743)
   

Wednesday, November 4

• 9:30 a.m.-9:50 a.m. TOPDON Unveiling Revolutionary Diagnostic Tool (South Hall-Upper, Booth #37183)
   
• 10:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m. ASA Automotive: ASA Shifts Into the Next Gear with OMNI (South Hall-Lower, Booth #43059)
   
• 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m. HayesX Unveils HayesX-250 Flying Vehicle at SEMA (Central Hall, Booth #24655)
   
• 11:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m. Power Service Diesel Additives: New Flush Data: Lower DEF, Higher Torque (Central Hall, Booth #23425)
   
• 11:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m. ORACLE Lighting: Lensless Headlight Line Grows (Central Hall, Booth #23763)
   
• 12:00 p.m.-12:20 p.m. ORACLE Lighting: Oracle Lighting Awards Presentation (Central Hall, Booth #23763)
   
• 12:30 p.m.-12:50 p.m. Unleash the Trail: Marstrail Global Brand & Product (West Hall, Booth #59225)
   
• 1:00 p.m.-1:20 p.m. Mobile Lift Concepts: Introducing the MobileMech Mobile Lift Trailer! (North Hall, Booth #13161)
   
• 1:30 p.m.-1:50 p.m. Landscape Durable Tires: Landscape Puts Tire Durability to the Test (South Hall-Lower, Booth #48225)
   
• 2:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration: Dynamic Unveils M.A.R.S.: Rethinking Mobile ADA (South Hall-Upper, Booth #35239)
   
• 2:30 p.m.-2:50 p.m. Martech Corporation: Unveiling the El Loco Murcielago Kustom Batmobile (South Hall-Upper, Booth #37139)
   
• 3:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m. SEMA: Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care Top 12 Announcement (Central Hall, Booth #24743)
            

Thursday, November 5                     

• 3:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m. SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Motorcycle Announcement and Top 4 Automotive Finalists Announcement (Central, Booth #24743)
           

Friday, November 6                                              

• 11:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m. SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care Overall Automotive Winner Announcement (Central, Booth #24743)

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 open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

By SEMA News Editors

The light-truck segment has become a dominant force in the U.S. automotive landscape, extending well beyond traditional pickups. Pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans now account for nearly two-thirds of vehicles on the road, and more than 80% of new-vehicle sales come from these segments. And that continued shift is creating a broad range of opportunities for the specialty-equipment industry.

According to the "SEMA Light-Truck Snapshot," pickups remain a significant part of the market, representing about 20% of vehicles on the road. More than $15 billion is spent annually to accessorize and modify pickups, which account for about 30% of the overall specialty-parts market. At the same time, the segment is diversifying as new midsize and small pickups introduce additional platforms for accessories and utility products.

SUVs continue to offer significant opportunities, particularly as automakers expand their off-road-focused offerings in response to consumer demand. The Jeep Wrangler remains one of the most modified vehicles on the road, while the Ford Bronco has continued to gain sales.

CUVs have emerged as another major opportunity. They account for about half of new-vehicle sales and more than 30% of vehicles on the road. Their growing association with outdoor recreation, utility and rugged capability has helped drive CUV accessory sales to 16% of the market.

With more than $30 billion spent each year on accessories and modifications for light trucks, the segment represents a substantial and growing market for specialty-equipment businesses.

The full report goes much further. The new "SEMA Light-Truck Snapshot" provides a deeper look at the trends, vehicle segments and opportunities shaping this market.

The SEMA Light-Truck Snapshot is free for SEMA members and $2,000 for non-members.

Download the full "SEMA Light-Truck Snapshot" report for a closer look at the data and findings.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2026 SEMA Fest lineup is revving up for a high-energy finale to SEMA Week, with drifting demonstrations, exotic and hypercar displays, motorsports attractions and live music taking over the SEMA Show campus on Friday, November 6. Tickets are available at semafest.com.

Don't wait until they sell out. Purchase your tickets and explore options including the SEMA Show - Friday pass available at semafest.com.

Motorsports and Automotive Activations at 2026 SEMA Fest

OPTIMA will bring drifting demonstrations to SEMA Fest, showcasing the precision, speed and car-control skills that have made drifting a popular part of the automotive enthusiast scene.

The Globe of Death will add another dose of spectacle, with riders navigating a spherical steel structure at high speed.

Supercar Saturdays Florida will also return to SEMA Fest after making its debut last year. The organization will showcase a selection of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles, adding some of the world's most exclusive performance cars to the event's collection of featured vehicles.

Together, the demonstrations and vehicle displays will give enthusiasts an up-close look at different sides of automotive performance and car culture.

Live Music Closes Out SEMA Week

The automotive attractions will be joined by a four-band lineup headlined by multi-platinum punk-rock band The Offspring.

The Southern California group will bring its catalog of hits, including "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright" and "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," to the SEMA Fest stage.

Jimmy Eat World will add its alternative-rock sound to the lineup, while 311 will bring its mix of rock, reggae, funk and hip-hop influences. California rock band The Alive rounds out the bill.

"SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "By bringing together the world's premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note."

SEMA Fest serves as the public-facing finale of SEMA Week, extending the SEMA Show experience into an evening celebration of automotive culture, motorsports and music.

Tickets are available at semafest.com, including general admission, VIP concert access and combination tickets that provide access to both SEMA Fest and Friday public access to the SEMA Show.

For more information about the SEMA Show and SEMA Week, visit SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

With the October 16 deadline fast approaching, builders planning to display a vehicle at the 2026 SEMA Show have one final opportunity to enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care. Builders can submit an entry while securing their vehicle's Show placement, but a feature vehicle space or booth space must be secured by October 16 to remain eligible.

Enter at semabotb.com.

Now in its 13th year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care has become a proving ground for custom vehicle builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show. For 2026, the competition is expanding beyond four wheels with the debut of the SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout, creating a new opportunity for custom motorcycle builders to earn industry recognition on the SEMA Show stage. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution, with entries advancing through the competition until one builder is ultimately named the overall Bike Builder champion.

The Bike Builder Shootout joins the program's four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. As in years past, winners from these four classes will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.

Supporting the Next Generation of Builders With the BFGoodrich Young Guns

Builders age 29 and younger can enter the BFGoodrich Young Guns category, which continues to provide emerging talent with increased visibility and opportunities to compete alongside some of the industry's most respected names.

If you have a 2026 SEMA Show build, you can enter the Battle of the Builders competition while working to secure its Show placement. The BOTB operations team will review applications and verify the vehicle's status for displaying at the 2026 SEMA Show. To continue in the competition, the vehicle's feature vehicle space or booth space must be secured by October 16, 2026.

If you have already secured a spot on the 2026 SEMA Show floor for your build, you can enter now at semabotb.com.

Enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care today.

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, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

Note: Battle of the Builders entrants may enter while working to secure their vehicle's placement at the SEMA Show. However, the vehicle must have its feature vehicle space or booth space secured by October 16, 2026, to continue in the 2026 BOTB competition. Applying for the Battle of the Builders does not grant a vehicle a spot at the 2026 SEMA Show.

To apply for a feature vehicle space at the 2026 SEMA Show, a SEMA Show exhibiting company must sponsor the space. Once sponsorship has been secured, builders can apply for a feature vehicle space here. See the feature vehicle rules and regulations for additional information. Questions about applying for a feature vehicle space can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The Auto Film Mastery Conference, the provider of online education and training for the automotive film industry, will join SEMA Week on Monday, November 2. For the first time ever, the one-day conference will be part of the SEMA Show's broader education offering, taking place in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Learn more and register at autofilmmastery.com.

Designed for window tinters, paint protection film installers, automotive detailers and other restyling professionals, the conference focuses on helping businesses grow, improve sales processes and stand out in their local markets ahead of the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6.

The Auto Film Mastery Conference will feature three speakers addressing leadership, sales and business development:

• Harry Rahman – "Stop Hiring People Like You: Hire for What You're Missing." Rahman will discuss how to understand natural leadership styles, identify gaps and build a team that complements individual strengths.
• Dom Cardarelli – "Stop Chasing the Sale: Build a Process Customers Trust." Cardarelli will explore how to create a consultative sales process that builds customer confidence, strengthens a business's reputation and helps close better customers.
• Erik Devash – "Why Some Businesses Win: What the Best Companies Do Differently." Devash will share strategies for focusing time, improving the customer journey and creating a competitive advantage.

Attendees can choose between General Admission and VIP passes. Both include access to all sessions, keynotes and panel discussions, networking opportunities, Q&A sessions and special offers from conference sponsors. VIP passes also include reserved seating in the VIP section and full recordings of this year's conference sessions.

Auto Film Mastery Conference ticket sales close Saturday, October 31. For more information and to register, visit autofilmmastery.com.

For more information about the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

FeedStation Opens 'Horsepower' Shopify App to All Automotive Sellers

FeedStation, an eCommerce technology company serving the automotive aftermarket, has made "Horsepower," its Shopify app built specifically for automotive parts sellers, publicly available.

Following several months of private beta use by automotive eCommerce businesses, Horsepower has been approved for public distribution in the Shopify App Store and is now available to all eligible Shopify merchants.

"Automotive sellers didn't get into this business because they wanted to spend their days managing spreadsheets, inventory feeds and product data," said Michael Linnane, CEO of FeedStation. "We built Horsepower to handle that complexity for them. Sellers should be able to decide what they want to sell and how they want to run their business, and then trust the technology to do the repetitive work behind the scenes."

Horsepower brings together many of the functions required to operate an automotive Shopify store, including:

• Real-time supplier inventory
• Automated pricing and margin rules
• Automotive product and catalog data
• Supplier connections
• Vehicle fitment
• Product listings
• Order management
• Intelligent logistics and dispatch

Horsepower is built on technology developed by FeedStation, which provides eCommerce infrastructure for established automotive sellers operating across Shopify and marketplaces including Amazon, eBay and Walmart. Horsepower brings that experience to a Shopify-focused application designed to be accessible to a broader range of automotive businesses. "Our goal isn't to turn automotive experts into eCommerce technology experts," Michael said. "It's to give automotive experts the technology they need to build great eCommerce businesses."

FeedStation will demonstrate Horsepower at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3–6 in Las Vegas, giving automotive retailers, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners an opportunity to see the platform in action.

For more information, visit feedstation.com.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Rawpixel.com

Reality Docu-Series 'Restyling America' Premieres on YouTube

"Restyling America," a new reality-documentary series has premiered on YouTube and is aiming to showcase the craftsmanship and stories behind the restyling industry.

Hosted by Jesse Stoddard, "Restyling America" aims to educate and entertain industry professionals and enthusiasts by revealing craftsmanship and business stories behind vehicle personalization.

"Most people only see the finished vehicle," Stoddard said. "We want them to see the creativity, craftsmanship, and business relationships behind it ––and understand what professional restylers make possible."

The Florida premiere follows Restylers Aftermarket Specialist across its two Northwest Florida locations. Cameras capture active work, including wheels, suspension, tint, wraps, leather, audio, electronics, bedliners and fleet projects, while introducing the owners, technicians, customers, and local relationships that keep the business moving.

The episode does not stop at a shop tour. Stoddard and Restylers' GM Steve Davis also visit a dealership to show how restylers help dealers differentiate their inventory and create new revenue opportunities. At Gary Smith Ford, the cameras captured Davis pitching a customized vehicle package––and the dealership saying yes to a real preload commitment. What began as a sales conversation became an on-screen business outcome, giving industry viewers a rare look at how a professional restyler can turn an idea into a deal.

A second episode, filmed in Minnesota and now in post-production, expands that story. It follows a Champion Auto Systems sunroof from manufacturing through installation at Automotive Concepts, then visits P&L Automotive to show the scale, systems and pace of a high-volume dealer-services operation. A dealership handoff involving the Pink Bronco and a customized blue Bronco for Higher Power Fitness shows how personalization can express identity, advance a mission and create business value.

Production is led by Bruce Dear of SVP Media, whose commercial, documentary and post-production experience spans more than two decades. Stoddard, founder and co-host of the "Ride-in-Style Podcast" and a member of the SEMA PRO Select Committee, serves as the audience's informed guide, asking the questions viewers would ask and translating the industry for those largely invisible outside enthusiast and trade circles.

For more information, visit restylingamerica.com.

The AAM Group Announces 2027 Membership Meeting Dates and Location

The AAM Group has announced that its 2027 Membership Meeting will take place May 18–20, 2027, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. 

The annual event will bring together AAM distribution members, supplier partners and other industry professionals from across the organization's network for three days focused on strengthening relationships, identifying new opportunities and supporting continued growth throughout the automotive aftermarket, the organization said.

The meeting brings key decision-makers and buyers from across AAM's distribution network directly together with supplier partners, creating valuable opportunities for face-to-face conversations, purchasing discussions, strategic planning and new business development, AAM Group representatives said.. 

Returning to Schaumburg for 2027, the Membership Meeting will also provide attendees with opportunities to explore new products and programs, participate in business and marketing discussions and collaborate on initiatives designed to help AAM members and suppliers grow their businesses. 

For more information, visit theaamgroup.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restoration professionals still have time to join an upcoming webinar focused on how video content can help their business stand out, build trust and increase sales in today's marketplace.

"ARMO General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion: Gears & Growth––Building Trust and Finding Customers on Social Media," will take place on Thursday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Hosted by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), the general membership meeting will feature brief updates on ARMO's initiatives and member resources. The event will then transition into a panel discussion moderated by Joanna Agosta Shere, president at Steele Rubber Products, and featuring panelists Barry Alt, founder and digital marketing strategist at Motor Head Digital; Jason Chandler, marketing director at Auto Metal Direct; and Tony D'Antonio, CEO and founder at D'Antonio Automotive.

During this session, attendees will learn how busy automotive businesses can use simple, authentic behind-the-scenes video to prove their quality and secure direct-to-consumer sales. Panelists will also discuss how shops can turn the work they are already doing in the garage into an effective sales and community-building tool without requiring a large production budget.

Whether you're looking to increase visibility, build customer confidence or create more engaging video content through authentic storytelling, this session will provide practical strategies you can implement immediately.

ARMO membership is open to SEMA member companies serving the automotive restoration market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restorers and car clubs. To learn more or to join, visit www.sema.org/armo.