Compiled by SEMA Editors

Race Winning Brands Welcomes Industry Veteran Vic Wood

Race Winning Brands (RWB) has welcomed industry veteran Vic Wood as a regional tech support manager. Wood comes to Race Winning Brands with more than 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. A native of Australia, Wood came to the United States in 2000, and has established a decorated history.

Wood is committed to the engine building and racing sectors both professionally and personally. His contributions to the industry have been reflected and actively recognized by organizations including SEMA and NHRA dating back to 2005, but his personal racing achievements are equally notable. Prior to coming to the United States, Wood was a winning drag racer and dirt oval competitor in both Midgets and Sprint Cars, building many of his own engines. Wood also drove a 245-mph roadster at Bonneville Speed Trials and remains an avid hot rodder with his ‘64 Chevy C10 pickup powered by a blown 410ci Dart Machinery-equipped engine.

At RWB, Wood will service automotive engine builders, performance shops and distributors throughout the midwest. He will remain based out of the Kansas City area to serve the midwest territories representing RWB effective immediately.

Pep Boys Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Pep Boys is celebrating its 100th year in business by announcing business expansion plans and investments. Over the next several months, the #PepBoysRoadTrip, a custom, Pep Boys-branded bus, will travel across the country. Along the way, Pep Boys will mark the opening of new locations and kick-off new business initiatives, while celebrating the team members and customers who helped the xompany reach this milestone. For more information, visit the Pep Boys website.

Oleksandr Antonenko Joins Eleven Engineering R&D Design Team

Eleven Engineering Inc. has announced that Oleksandr Antonenko has joined the company’s growing Research & Development design team. Antonenko has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

Premium Guard Receives 2021 ACPN Award for Web Catalog Content Excellence

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) received the bronze Content Excellence Award for its Premium Guard Filters web catalog from the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN). The award was presented during the ACPN’s virtual 2021 Knowledge Exchange Conference.

The Premium Guard Filter catalog at www.pgfilters.com/filter-lookup was designed to help users easily identify the exact part needed for their application. It offers three search options: classic search, dynamic search, and VIN search.

Attended by most major manufacturers, distributors, and parts experts in the automotive content space, the annual ACPN Knowledge Exchange provides a focused and unique opportunity to learn, share best practices, network with peers, and interact with service providers in the content management space. ACPN, a community of the Auto Care Association, created the ‘Content Excellence Awards’ to recognize the best examples of accurate and innovative product content in the auto care industry.

Off-Road Expo: New Date and Location in California

The 2021 Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire will be held at Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California, October 9-10. The event will continue its tradition of convening the off-road community together in Southern California.

The Off-Road Expo team is currently working through logistics and the layout of the new space, which will include both indoor and outdoor exhibit space and will accommodate exhibitors and sponsors starting with those who already have contracts in place.

Bonnier Events also recently announced a venue change for the Arizona Off-Road Expo, partnering with NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway. That event is scheduled for September 11-12.

More information is available at www.offroadexpo.com.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

The 2021 SEMA Space Allocation process was completed in late-June, with more than 1,700 companies selecting their booth locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.

Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.

Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.

In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 feet under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.

For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show Space Allocation process wrapped up earlier this week, and more than more than 1,700 companies are confirmed to exhibit, and many more are expected before the event takes place in November.

The SEMA Show floorplan is live, and buyers are currently examining the event's layout to see who will be there for 2021.

Companies that would like to exhibit at this year's SEMA Show to reconnect with customers and generate new business, can get started at www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. This year's Show offers even more opportunities for exhibitors reach new buyers. SEMA Show management recently announced that buyer registration for the Show has started at the fastest pace they have seen in the event's 54-year history.  

SEMA Show exhibitor Cometic Gaskets is ready to reunite with customers in person, and reach out to more buyers outside of the company's local region.

“We are most looking forward to face-to-face conversations and reconnecting with our customers old and new. Cometic is located in the midwest, and exhibiting at SEMA allows us to connect with our West Coast customers and industry segments, such as desert racing.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By Maurice O‘Connell

The 2021 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Wednesday–Friday, July 28–30, in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Learn to properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships

For more information, contact semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

  By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Installation Gala, Friday, July 30, in Las Vegas, to honor 2021's SEMA Hall of fame Inductees—Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore and Carl Schiefer. The gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.

Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors is sworn in, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.

The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.sema.org/gala.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

ETTN Seeks Volunteers

Providing programs and educational offerings are essential elements of the mission statement for the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN). From in-person Lunch ’N’ Learn events and virtual meetings to Live Chats, Member Insights, the Student Competition and Vehicle Sharing Programs, ETTN offers a menu of resources, but few would exist if it weren’t for volunteers. While the select committee initiates and implements the various programs, it takes a collaborative effort that relies on member input and participation.

“As a select committee, we want more interaction with our members and to offer more opportunities to encourage engagement,” said Ian Lehn, the network’s outgoing chair. “We’re looking for volunteers to be on task forces and work groups to help with the heavy lifting and bring fresh ideas. This is your opportunity to get involved.”

As an example, Lehn cited the Student Competition Program made a shift this year. For the first time, ETTN collaborated with the Society of Automotive Engineers to provide a contingent of network members who volunteered to serve as judges. Though races were on hold at press time, students presented their business and design projects under the SAE banner.

“These kids are excited to be part of our industry, and we were excited to engage with the students and universities to further build that pipeline of innovation into our industry,” Lehn said. “Getting our members involved was huge.”

Call to Action

New initiatives are also in the pipeline.

“Our educational Live Chat series received such high marks from our membership that we would love to create more educational events and develop programs whereby our membership doesn’t just hear about things but gets involved hands-on,” Lehn said.

The new ETTN Symposium Subcommittee will focus on creating an event that will combine product features and an educational component. The Symposium Committee is looking at several resource options to ensure members are utilizing the resources provided by SEMA to benefit their company.” The concept for symposium’s format is based on the MPMC presented by the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council.

“The symposium will utilize the trade conference platform, but instead of media attendees, we’ll have technology services,” Lehn said. “That will enable ETTN-member companies to engage with tech services that can assist in developing new products and technologies. We’re super excited about this new program.

“We’ve got a lot of new things happening and need our members to get involved. If you’ve ever been interested in volunteering or in being part of the select committee, this is your opportunity to make your mark on the industry.”

This program is still being considered by the Committee will be reviewed by the Board of Directors in the near future.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, email Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org, or call 909-323-2149.

By Jay Carpio, Fredy Ramirez & Carr Winn

“Carr Parts” is dedicated to builders. It’s about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It’s about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handiwork. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode 11 features Bryan Brown, sharing the top three questions he gets on social media about LS swaps.

For more information about other talented young builders, visit SEMA's Young Guns at www.semayoungguns.com.

SEMA’s video team is currently in production on future episodes of “Carr Parts“ and we’d love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note on social via @SEMA_Association and we’ll connect with you.

We can't wait to find the next guest for “Carr Parts.” And finally...keep building.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

On the Road With TORA

Leading up to 2020, the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) planned to host regional events at enthusiast and trade shows. Though TORA held a networking reception at the January 2020 King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California—and an informal gathering at the Detroit 4Fest in mid-September—the pandemic put the kibosh on other plans.

With restrictions loosening and a yearning for the great outdoors, TORA is hitting the trail. For starters, TORA teamed with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the Young Executives Network (YEN) to co-host a mixer at the Keystone Big Show in Dallas. As the first aftermarket trade venue since the pandemic onset, the event was highly anticipated.

“The show was good,” said Troy Wirtz, incoming TORA chair. “Attendance was reduced, but we expected that. Canadians couldn’t come, which made a big difference, but the conversations we had were good—lots of optimism in the air. As an exhibitor, it was definitely worth being there.”

Partnering with the SBN and YEN was also worthwhile.

“The reception was great, very well received,” Wirtz added. “Turnout was great. There were 85 attendees. Everyone loved the idea of being together in person.”

To connect with buyers during show hours, TORA had a booth staffed by SEMA Council Director Denise Waddingham and select committee members.

“It gave us an opportunity talk to jobbers and create awareness about TORA, to let them know we’re their voice within SEMA,” said Wirtz, and it paid off. “We got three new members, but even if we hadn’t, it would’ve been worthwhile.”

The Road Ahead

Next up was the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The council organized a trail ride and hosted a reception at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, which held an off-road show in lieu of the cancelled Vendor Expo.

Other events under consideration include the Northwest Overland Rally, slated for mid-June in Plain, Washington, and the Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona, in September.

“Our goal is to have six regional events this year, some still in the planning stages,” Wirtz said. “Being able to host these events is a great way to bring our community together, whether it’s new people who want to learn more about our council or our members who are there to network and support TORA.”

TORA council members met with SBN and YEN network members at a mixer during the Keystone Big Show in Dallas.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

YEN Pushing Forward With Networking and Leadership Programs

Much is happening within the Young Executives Network (YEN). In March, YEN hosted a joint reception with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the Truck & Off-Road Alliance during the Keystone Big Show.

“This was the first time YEN was part of a networking event at the Big Show,” said Kirstin Stone, YEN immediate past chair. “Being the first trade show since everything shut down, it was exciting. Turnout was amazing. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm. For a group as community-focused as YEN, we were sorely missing the camaraderie.”

In other news, the SEMA Launch Pad competition, powered by YEN, has undergone significant changes, including a prize package now valued up to $92,000. Eligibility has been opened to anyone 18 or older, eliminating the age-40 cutoff. All but the finale will be prerecorded, much like SEMA360.

“This is a much bigger deal than it’s ever been,” Stone said. “With changes to the prize package and eligibility, it’s our hope that the program attracts a much broader pool of applicants. We’re excited that the finale will take place live at the SEMA Show.”

For more details, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

Partnering With Dale Carnegie

A year ago, Nick Caloroso was hired by The Retrofit Source. His boss promptly enrolled him in a two-week professional-development course presented by Dale Carnegie, renowned for professional and leadership training. It was a life-changing experience.

“I was inspired by the course,” said Caloroso, the newly installed YEN chair. “To have someone invest in my professional development was huge.” He thought it could fall in line with a leadership-development concept the select committee was considering. The members agreed, and YEN’s proposal to team up with Dale Carnegie gained traction with the SEMA Board and staff. YEN hosted a Focus Group in April, providing SEMA staff, Board members, YEN select committee members and YEN members at-large an opportunity to experience the value of the Dale Carnegie program firsthand.

Participants took part in practice exercises and discussed the priorities they would like to offer YEN members through a leadership and professional development program. With input from participants, Dale Carnegie developed a proposed Leadership/Professional Development program for YEN members. YEN and SEMA staff are now reviewing the information and preparing a proposal for a YEN Professional Development program to be reviewed by the SEMA Board of Directors.

Pending approval, the program will open applications for up to 25 YEN members to participate, and focus on providing them with leadership abilities, tools for communication and skills for success.

By SEMA Editors

Kevan Morris, executive vice president for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and consumer-electronics industry veteran passed away on Saturday, June 26.

A well-respected and cherished member of the Pioneer family, Kevan’s affiliation with Pioneer began in 1984.  While working at Pacific Stereo selling car stereo components directly to consumers, he was recruited into the role of Product Specialist at NLS Marketing, a rep firm in Bellevue, Washington, selling Pioneer car electronics to retailers throughout Washington state.

In August 1986, Kevan officially joined Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. as a District Sales Manager covering car electronics in the Pacific Northwest territory.  In the 35 years since, Kevan quickly ascended the ranks of Pioneer and held numerous sales and management positions related to Pioneer’s car electronics, home electronics, and television businesses, culminating as executive vice president, a position in which he served with distinction since May 2011.   

The entire Pioneer global family mourns the loss of such an outstanding leader, teammate, and friend.