By SEMA Editors

Myles Kovacs

The 2019 SEMA Show Education program includes more than 100 seminars designed to help business owners and industry professionals be more competitive and knowledgeable about how to succeed in the $45 billion automotive aftermarket. Back by popular demand are free professional headshots for all Showgoers and Power User cards that reward those attending three or more seminars. A new feature is the the SEMA Education STAGE, where Showgoers will be able to hear from leading experts without leaving the Show floor.

“SEMA Showgoers and their business will benefit from hearing unfiltered, candid insights from business experts and their peers in the industry,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “The seminars are a great resource in helping Show attendees translate the innovation found on the trade show floor to success back in the office.”

Among the features of this year’s SEMA Show Education program:

• The STAGE, featuring DUB co-founder and entrepreneur Myles Kovacs. With interviews hosted multiple times daily, Kovacs will join top industry professionals and personalities as they participate in intimate conversations that will inspire, motivate and cultivate. Produced in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will address topics such as wheel and tire trends, best practices, marketing and sales.
• Free professional headshots to all attendees and exhibitors. Headshots will be taken November 5–8 at the STAGE, where Showgoers will have the opportunity to quickly touch up their photo and have it emailed to them right away. It’s recommended that participants come prepared and dress professionally.
• The QUAD. At the QUAD, across from the SEMA Members Lounge – North (N251), Showgoers can pick up their Power User Card, earn free SEMA swag, attend educational seminars and learn about career opportunities. To become an Education Power User, Showgoers are required to attend three seminars, where they will receive a card-hole punch from a room ambassador. Once all three seminars are attended, they can return to the QUAD to pick up their limited-edition SEMA swag. 
• New retail learning track: Retail Next. Focusing on the market segment’s critical and ever-evolving role in the automotive distribution channel, Retail Next seminars will provide attendees with practical solutions addressing increased competition, financial management and the path to purchase.
• Women Driven learning track. Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the seminars are aimed at building a community of female professionals and allies who can learn from one another’s experiences by highlighting issues that women currently face in their careers and the skills critical for their success.

Also available are learning tracks on tires and collision repair that are created through a partnership with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

“The SEMA Show is the only place where can you take part in such a valuable and comprehensive learning experience, taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The seminars are open to all Showgoers with credentials, and most education seminars are available free of charge.”

To view the entire 2019 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/education.

By SEMA Editors

Myles Kovacs

The 2019 SEMA Show Education program includes more than 100 seminars designed to help business owners and industry professionals be more competitive and knowledgeable about how to succeed in the $45 billion automotive aftermarket. Back by popular demand are free professional headshots for all Showgoers and Power User cards that reward those attending three or more seminars. A new feature is the the SEMA Education STAGE, where Showgoers will be able to hear from leading experts without leaving the Show floor.

“SEMA Showgoers and their business will benefit from hearing unfiltered, candid insights from business experts and their peers in the industry,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “The seminars are a great resource in helping Show attendees translate the innovation found on the trade show floor to success back in the office.”

Among the features of this year’s SEMA Show Education program:

• The STAGE, featuring DUB co-founder and entrepreneur Myles Kovacs. With interviews hosted multiple times daily, Kovacs will join top industry professionals and personalities as they participate in intimate conversations that will inspire, motivate and cultivate. Produced in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will address topics such as wheel and tire trends, best practices, marketing and sales.
• Free professional headshots to all attendees and exhibitors. Headshots will be taken November 5–8 at the STAGE, where Showgoers will have the opportunity to quickly touch up their photo and have it emailed to them right away. It’s recommended that participants come prepared and dress professionally.
• The QUAD. At the QUAD, across from the SEMA Members Lounge – North (N251), Showgoers can pick up their Power User Card, earn free SEMA swag, attend educational seminars and learn about career opportunities. To become an Education Power User, Showgoers are required to attend three seminars, where they will receive a card-hole punch from a room ambassador. Once all three seminars are attended, they can return to the QUAD to pick up their limited-edition SEMA swag. 
• New retail learning track: Retail Next. Focusing on the market segment’s critical and ever-evolving role in the automotive distribution channel, Retail Next seminars will provide attendees with practical solutions addressing increased competition, financial management and the path to purchase.
• Women Driven learning track. Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the seminars are aimed at building a community of female professionals and allies who can learn from one another’s experiences by highlighting issues that women currently face in their careers and the skills critical for their success.

Also available are learning tracks on tires and collision repair that are created through a partnership with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

“The SEMA Show is the only place where can you take part in such a valuable and comprehensive learning experience, taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The seminars are open to all Showgoers with credentials, and most education seminars are available free of charge.”

To view the entire 2019 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/education.

By SEMA Editors

Myles Kovacs

The 2019 SEMA Show Education program includes more than 100 seminars designed to help business owners and industry professionals be more competitive and knowledgeable about how to succeed in the $45 billion automotive aftermarket. Back by popular demand are free professional headshots for all Showgoers and Power User cards that reward those attending three or more seminars. A new feature is the the SEMA Education STAGE, where Showgoers will be able to hear from leading experts without leaving the Show floor.

“SEMA Showgoers and their business will benefit from hearing unfiltered, candid insights from business experts and their peers in the industry,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “The seminars are a great resource in helping Show attendees translate the innovation found on the trade show floor to success back in the office.”

Among the features of this year’s SEMA Show Education program:

• The STAGE, featuring DUB co-founder and entrepreneur Myles Kovacs. With interviews hosted multiple times daily, Kovacs will join top industry professionals and personalities as they participate in intimate conversations that will inspire, motivate and cultivate. Produced in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will address topics such as wheel and tire trends, best practices, marketing and sales.
• Free professional headshots to all attendees and exhibitors. Headshots will be taken November 5–8 at the STAGE, where Showgoers will have the opportunity to quickly touch up their photo and have it emailed to them right away. It’s recommended that participants come prepared and dress professionally.
• The QUAD. At the QUAD, across from the SEMA Members Lounge – North (N251), Showgoers can pick up their Power User Card, earn free SEMA swag, attend educational seminars and learn about career opportunities. To become an Education Power User, Showgoers are required to attend three seminars, where they will receive a card-hole punch from a room ambassador. Once all three seminars are attended, they can return to the QUAD to pick up their limited-edition SEMA swag. 
• New retail learning track: Retail Next. Focusing on the market segment’s critical and ever-evolving role in the automotive distribution channel, Retail Next seminars will provide attendees with practical solutions addressing increased competition, financial management and the path to purchase.
• Women Driven learning track. Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the seminars are aimed at building a community of female professionals and allies who can learn from one another’s experiences by highlighting issues that women currently face in their careers and the skills critical for their success.

Also available are learning tracks on tires and collision repair that are created through a partnership with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

“The SEMA Show is the only place where can you take part in such a valuable and comprehensive learning experience, taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The seminars are open to all Showgoers with credentials, and most education seminars are available free of charge.”

To view the entire 2019 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/education.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Garage team is putting the finishing touches on the ’66 Bronco restomod that will be appearing in the WD-40 booth at the 2019 SEMA Show.

WD-40 and the SEMA Garage have partnered for a charity build featuring a ’66 Ford Bronco, which will be unveiled during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas at the WD-40 booth #62129, Wednesday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m. Soon after, it will be auctioned with all of the proceeds benefiting Childhelp—an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in the United States by helping victims and those at risk.

The restoration retains the classic look of the ’66 Bronco, but make no mistake about it, this custom build is endowed with modern equipment delivering up-to-date capabilities. Under the hood lies a 3.5L ecoboost engine that produces 375 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Wilwood disc brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The suspension features Skyjacker springs and shocks and it rests upon Currie Enterprises front and rear axles with a 4.56 gear ratio. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in. and the front is a Dana 44 with Warn locking hubs.

American Racing Wheels and 35-in. Toyo tires add traction and ground clearance while retaining the Classic look. The paint is reminiscent of a WD-40 blue and the interior has been redone using Distinctive Industries/Roadwire materials. The Bronco also features many one-off custom parts, such as the Magnaflow exhaust and 3D-printed center console.

To view the Bronco’s progress, follow the SEMA Garage on Instagram and Facebook.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Garage team is putting the finishing touches on the ’66 Bronco restomod that will be appearing in the WD-40 booth at the 2019 SEMA Show.

WD-40 and the SEMA Garage have partnered for a charity build featuring a ’66 Ford Bronco, which will be unveiled during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas at the WD-40 booth #62129, Wednesday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m. Soon after, it will be auctioned with all of the proceeds benefiting Childhelp—an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in the United States by helping victims and those at risk.

The restoration retains the classic look of the ’66 Bronco, but make no mistake about it, this custom build is endowed with modern equipment delivering up-to-date capabilities. Under the hood lies a 3.5L ecoboost engine that produces 375 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Wilwood disc brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The suspension features Skyjacker springs and shocks and it rests upon Currie Enterprises front and rear axles with a 4.56 gear ratio. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in. and the front is a Dana 44 with Warn locking hubs.

American Racing Wheels and 35-in. Toyo tires add traction and ground clearance while retaining the Classic look. The paint is reminiscent of a WD-40 blue and the interior has been redone using Distinctive Industries/Roadwire materials. The Bronco also features many one-off custom parts, such as the Magnaflow exhaust and 3D-printed center console.

To view the Bronco’s progress, follow the SEMA Garage on Instagram and Facebook.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Garage team is putting the finishing touches on the ’66 Bronco restomod that will be appearing in the WD-40 booth at the 2019 SEMA Show.

WD-40 and the SEMA Garage have partnered for a charity build featuring a ’66 Ford Bronco, which will be unveiled during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas at the WD-40 booth #62129, Wednesday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m. Soon after, it will be auctioned with all of the proceeds benefiting Childhelp—an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in the United States by helping victims and those at risk.

The restoration retains the classic look of the ’66 Bronco, but make no mistake about it, this custom build is endowed with modern equipment delivering up-to-date capabilities. Under the hood lies a 3.5L ecoboost engine that produces 375 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Wilwood disc brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The suspension features Skyjacker springs and shocks and it rests upon Currie Enterprises front and rear axles with a 4.56 gear ratio. The rear axle is a Ford 9-in. and the front is a Dana 44 with Warn locking hubs.

American Racing Wheels and 35-in. Toyo tires add traction and ground clearance while retaining the Classic look. The paint is reminiscent of a WD-40 blue and the interior has been redone using Distinctive Industries/Roadwire materials. The Bronco also features many one-off custom parts, such as the Magnaflow exhaust and 3D-printed center console.

To view the Bronco’s progress, follow the SEMA Garage on Instagram and Facebook.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Samuel Hard and his ’70 Dodge Charger, Ron Hinshaw and his ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Kevin Long and his ’72 Plymouth Barracuda.

Samuel Hard ’70 Dodge Charger Scheduled to Appear: Pypes Exhasut #21527 Sam Hard travels from the U.K. to enter BOTB with his ’70 Dodge Charger. The Charger may look familiar to some as it appeared in the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise. The vehicle has since been modified. The project features Carl Edwards’ NASCAR chassis and running gear from 2012. The racing engine produces 560 bhp and features custom Pypes exhaust that incorporates the NASCAR system. The interior includes a custom Arc audio system, JL audio marine head unit and Cobra seats.

Ron Hinshaw, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro  Scheduled to Appear: Douglass Interior Products #24585 Ron Hinshaw enters BOTB with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The interior features a Knish Kustoms interior using Douglass Interior Products leather and a replica Impala fiberglass dash stuffed with AutoMeter gauges. The vehicle is powered by an LS3 and controlled by a 4L60E, and Baer Brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The build rests upon a Detroit Speed chassis and Asanti Wheels.

Kevin Long, ’72 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Mothers Polish #61008 Kevin Long has been building vehicles for a long time. He enters BOTB with a ’72 Plymouth Barracuda. The project sits atop of an Art Morrison chassis with Detroit Speed Gen X front and rear suspensions. Baer six-piston brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop on Budnik Hawk SKO wheels. The build is powered by a 528 Hemi with a custom intake manifold, a Holley EFI and a Flowmaster exhaust system.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Samuel Hard and his ’70 Dodge Charger, Ron Hinshaw and his ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Kevin Long and his ’72 Plymouth Barracuda.

Samuel Hard ’70 Dodge Charger Scheduled to Appear: Pypes Exhasut #21527 Sam Hard travels from the U.K. to enter BOTB with his ’70 Dodge Charger. The Charger may look familiar to some as it appeared in the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise. The vehicle has since been modified. The project features Carl Edwards’ NASCAR chassis and running gear from 2012. The racing engine produces 560 bhp and features custom Pypes exhaust that incorporates the NASCAR system. The interior includes a custom Arc audio system, JL audio marine head unit and Cobra seats.

Ron Hinshaw, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro  Scheduled to Appear: Douglass Interior Products #24585 Ron Hinshaw enters BOTB with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The interior features a Knish Kustoms interior using Douglass Interior Products leather and a replica Impala fiberglass dash stuffed with AutoMeter gauges. The vehicle is powered by an LS3 and controlled by a 4L60E, and Baer Brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The build rests upon a Detroit Speed chassis and Asanti Wheels.

Kevin Long, ’72 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Mothers Polish #61008 Kevin Long has been building vehicles for a long time. He enters BOTB with a ’72 Plymouth Barracuda. The project sits atop of an Art Morrison chassis with Detroit Speed Gen X front and rear suspensions. Baer six-piston brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop on Budnik Hawk SKO wheels. The build is powered by a 528 Hemi with a custom intake manifold, a Holley EFI and a Flowmaster exhaust system.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: Samuel Hard and his ’70 Dodge Charger, Ron Hinshaw and his ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Kevin Long and his ’72 Plymouth Barracuda.

Samuel Hard ’70 Dodge Charger Scheduled to Appear: Pypes Exhasut #21527 Sam Hard travels from the U.K. to enter BOTB with his ’70 Dodge Charger. The Charger may look familiar to some as it appeared in the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise. The vehicle has since been modified. The project features Carl Edwards’ NASCAR chassis and running gear from 2012. The racing engine produces 560 bhp and features custom Pypes exhaust that incorporates the NASCAR system. The interior includes a custom Arc audio system, JL audio marine head unit and Cobra seats.

Ron Hinshaw, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro  Scheduled to Appear: Douglass Interior Products #24585 Ron Hinshaw enters BOTB with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The interior features a Knish Kustoms interior using Douglass Interior Products leather and a replica Impala fiberglass dash stuffed with AutoMeter gauges. The vehicle is powered by an LS3 and controlled by a 4L60E, and Baer Brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop. The build rests upon a Detroit Speed chassis and Asanti Wheels.

Kevin Long, ’72 Plymouth Barracuda Scheduled to Appear: Mothers Polish #61008 Kevin Long has been building vehicles for a long time. He enters BOTB with a ’72 Plymouth Barracuda. The project sits atop of an Art Morrison chassis with Detroit Speed Gen X front and rear suspensions. Baer six-piston brakes are tasked with bringing the vehicle to a stop on Budnik Hawk SKO wheels. The build is powered by a 528 Hemi with a custom intake manifold, a Holley EFI and a Flowmaster exhaust system.

By Kristopher Porter

During the ARMO awards presentation, the council will recognize the contributions of individuals and companies in the restoration segment, with awards presented to the winners of the 2019 ARMO Person of the Year and the ARMO Business of the Year.

SEMA’s councils and networks will host the following receptions at the 2019 SEMA Show, to be held November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

ARMO Reception

Gather with members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Tuesday, November 5, for an evening of camaraderie and celebration. Billed as the premier event in the automotive restoration industry, the annual ARMO Awards Reception will kick off at 5:15 p.m. at the Westgate Resort & Casino, Conference Rooms 7–14. All ARMO members are invited to attend and enjoy dinner, beverages and networking.

During the awards presentation, the council will recognize the contributions of individuals and companies in the restoration segment, with awards presented to the winners of the 2019 ARMO Person of the Year and the ARMO Business of the Year. The new-product award winners from the ARMO Hot Products Showcase will also be recognized. Mark your calendar for this must-attend event.

Register here.

HRIA Reception

Join the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) as members get together for a lively evening of networking, appetizers, beverages and celebration of individuals and companies that have contributed to the progress of the hot-rod industry. The much-anticipated event is slated for Wednesday, November 6, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., at the Westgate Paradise Center. Mix and mingle with industry friends in a relaxed environment. Grab a drink, a plate of snacks and settle in at a table to watch the show. After the colors are presented by the color guard and the national anthem is sung, John McLeod will emcee the event as industry leaders are awarded and recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Companies may also purchase reserved tables for the best seats in the house. All proceeds from table reservations benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. But act fast; tables sell out quickly. To reserve a table, email Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Register here.

PRO Reception

Soak up the Vegas vibe at the liveliest party in town: the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Industry Awards Reception, set for Tuesday, November 5, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino pool deck. Mix and mingle with industry icons, leaders and friends as PRO celebrates in high style.

Enjoy live music, hot hors d’oeuvres, beverages and conversation in a relaxing moonlight setting. Celebrate the growth and progress of the restyling industry during the awards reception as PRO tips its hat to top performers in four categories: Restyler of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year and the Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement recipient. All members are invited to attend the PRO networking event of the year.

Register here.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) reception offers industry women an opportunity to celebrate and network with industry peers.

SBN Reception

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) invites industry women to attend an evening of celebration and networking. The annual SBN Reception will be held Wednesday, November 6, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Ballroom D. There’s no better way to close out the second day of the Show than by mingling with fellow women of the industry while enjoying finger foods and beverages.

SBN select committee members will circulate throughout the evening, networking with current members and with other women interested in learning more about SBN. Committee members are great resources for any questions about the network and can explain how and why to get more involved.

Register here.

TORA Reception

Calling all truck and off-road professionals! You’re invited to attend the annual TORA Reception, hosted by the Truck & Off-Road Alliance. The fun-filled event is set to take place Wednesday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m., in front of the South Hall adjacent to the Hoonigan SEMA of Shred feature. Unwind after a busy day at the Show. Enjoy beverages and appetizers under the stars, while networking with industry colleagues and friends. Join in honoring leading companies and individuals during the awards presentation.

The iconic Pinewood Drag Races will once again take place this year. Sponsor a vehicle by donating to SEMA Cares children’s charities, and cheer as your pinewood car competes. A raffle for door prizes will also be held, with all proceeds donated to the charities.

Register here.

WTC Reception

Attendees of the WTC Reception will enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages as WTC marks 20 years of serving the wheel and tire segment.

Join the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) and hundreds of wheel and tire industry members for an evening of celebration and networking in a relaxed atmosphere by the Renaissance Hotel pool, Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Enjoy connecting with industry professionals and catching up with friends over food and beverages as WTC marks 20 years of serving the wheel and tire segment.

Talk about what’s happening in the industry, exchange special moments and share must-see attractions from this year’s SEMA Show. Join in honoring a wheel and tire industry pioneer who will be inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame during the awards presentation. Learn how you can get involved in WTC.

Register here.

YEN Reception

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting its popular annual awards reception. The dynamic event is an outstanding networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. Enjoy connecting with other young professionals over food, drinks and conversation on Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate Paradise Center.

YEN Select Committee members will be on hand to talk about opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives. The event also will honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. During the reception, YEN will name one leading professional as Young Executive of the Year and celebrate an individual who actively supports young people in the industry with the YEN Vanguard award. This is one event you don’t want to miss.

Register here.