By Lauren Wilbor

The following column was written by SEMA Manager of Digital Communications and Partnerships, Government Affairs Lauren Wilbor:

Two weeks ago was a big week, and I mean BIG. 

While many of us were wrapping up a successful PRI Show in Indy, the SEMA team was also racking up some major wins both in D.C. and Uzbekistan…yes, you read that right.  

First, on Capitol Hill, the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act was officially introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives. The SEMA-led bill creates a clear path to ensure ADAS systems can be properly calibrated after vehicles are modified. This legislation is about safety, certainty, and making sure enthusiasts have the information they need to keep modifying the vehicles they own (safely).  

In 2026, getting the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act passed will be a major priority for SEMA. We'll be rolling out clear ways for members and enthusiasts to support this effort, from education to advocacy, and your voices will be critical in keeping this issue front and center on Capitol Hill. 

And then came the cherry on top of an already banner year: at the FIA General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, SEMA was named the first-ever recipient of the FIA President's Award for Excellence in Communications. We were honored for our groundbreaking campaign to stop EV mandates and preserve vehicle choice in the U.S., and it's thrilling the people outside of our country get how big a deal that was! Members of the team accepted the historic award in person at the General Assemblies meeting. Being recognized on a global stage is something our team is incredibly proud of, and we recognize we couldn't have done it without support from people like you. So here's to you, too! View more HERE. 

A great show in Indianapolis, a major policy milestone on Capitol Hill, and international recognition from one of the most important organizations in the automotive and motorsports world… not a bad way to head into the holidays. Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and remind lawmakers why our culture and industry matter. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season. 

More to come in the new year! 

— Lauren Wilbor

By Lauren Wilbor

The following column was written by SEMA Manager of Digital Communications and Partnerships, Government Affairs Lauren Wilbor:

Two weeks ago was a big week, and I mean BIG. 

While many of us were wrapping up a successful PRI Show in Indy, the SEMA team was also racking up some major wins both in D.C. and Uzbekistan…yes, you read that right.  

First, on Capitol Hill, the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act was officially introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives. The SEMA-led bill creates a clear path to ensure ADAS systems can be properly calibrated after vehicles are modified. This legislation is about safety, certainty, and making sure enthusiasts have the information they need to keep modifying the vehicles they own (safely).  

In 2026, getting the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act passed will be a major priority for SEMA. We'll be rolling out clear ways for members and enthusiasts to support this effort, from education to advocacy, and your voices will be critical in keeping this issue front and center on Capitol Hill. 

And then came the cherry on top of an already banner year: at the FIA General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, SEMA was named the first-ever recipient of the FIA President's Award for Excellence in Communications. We were honored for our groundbreaking campaign to stop EV mandates and preserve vehicle choice in the U.S., and it's thrilling the people outside of our country get how big a deal that was! Members of the team accepted the historic award in person at the General Assemblies meeting. Being recognized on a global stage is something our team is incredibly proud of, and we recognize we couldn't have done it without support from people like you. So here's to you, too! View more HERE. 

A great show in Indianapolis, a major policy milestone on Capitol Hill, and international recognition from one of the most important organizations in the automotive and motorsports world… not a bad way to head into the holidays. Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and remind lawmakers why our culture and industry matter. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season. 

More to come in the new year! 

— Lauren Wilbor

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member companies have a great opportunity to connect with the next generation of automotive talent by attending the upcoming Career Fair at the SEMA Garage SoCal. 

The career fair will take place Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. PST and will be hosted by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and Society of Automotive Engineers Southern California (SAE SoCal).  

The goal of the career fair is to unite aftermarket businesses and industry professionals with passionate students who are ready to enter the workforce. Company representatives will be able to share internship and job opportunities, offer career guidance and provide feedback on vehicles that the students are building for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions. Last year, more than 425 students from 30 colleges attended and this year is expected to be just as impactful.    

In addition to meeting students, attending the event is a powerful way to gain brand visibility and network with the broader aftermarket community. Attendees will also receive an exclusive tour of the SEMA Garage and its state-of-the-art equipment supporting product development. 

Attending the event is free for SEMA members and lunch will be provided. Non-members will pay $500 to SAE SoCal to help offset the costs of the event.

Reserve your table today. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has recently established a new, centralized Customer Care Team to deliver an elevated customer experience designed to make getting help easier and faster than ever with a new contact number and email.

Whether you're a member, part of the industry or just curious about SEMA, the Customer Care Team is ready to provide fast, accurate and hassle-free support.
 

How to contact the Customer Care Team:
 

Call: 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362)

Email: customercare@sema.org
 

From answering your questions to connecting you with the right resources, the Customer Care Team is here to ensure you get the assistance you need, whenever you need it.

By SEMA News Editors

Hemmings and San Francisco Artist Jeremy Fish Debut Limited-Edition Collaboration Celebrating California Car Culture

Hemmings, known as the world's largest online collector car marketplace, is entering new creative territory with its first artist collaboration. The company has partnered with San Francisco illustrator Jeremy Fish to design a limited-edition T-shirt and poster honoring California's deep connection to car culture.

"This illustration was inspired by my love and long-standing fascination with the volume of amazing classic cars that have survived in California," said Fish.

The design, debuted at the Hemmings Motor Club Rally in Paso Robles, blends California state flag motifs with a classic late-'70s Ford Bronco, reimagined in Fish's iconic style. The limited-edition design reflects Hemmings' commitment to bridging its more than 70-year legacy with contemporary culture and expanding its reach to new generations of enthusiasts.

"This collaboration marks an important moment for Hemmings," said Dan Stoner, creative director at Hemmings. "Jeremy's work captures the spirit of California in a way that speaks to both lifelong collectors and younger fans who are discovering classic cars for the first time. It shows how art and automotive culture can come together to celebrate tradition while creating something fresh."

Fish's appreciation for Hemmings runs deeper than the collaboration itself. In 2020, he discovered and purchased an exceptionally preserved '87 Toyota Corolla on the Hemmings marketplace—a Toronto import with fewer than 19,000 miles. "In my ongoing search, I found what may be one of the most immaculate daily-driver Corollas in the world," said Fish. "It's nice to have a 40-year-old car that's this reliable. I really appreciate Hemmings for making that kind of find possible."

Fish is a San Francisco–based illustrator and fine artist who has spent nearly three decades shaping the city's visual culture. His work spans galleries and museums worldwide as well as collaborations in skateboarding, streetwear, music and public art. Known for storytelling through a cast of whimsical yet eerie characters, Fish has earned notable honors, including San Francisco City Hall's first artist-in-residence in 2015 and Major League Baseball's inaugural artist-in-residence with the San Francisco Giants in 2024.

Hemmings' partnership with Fish represents a broader effort to connect the brand with the art, culture and lifestyle communities that fuel today's car culture.

The limited-edition T-shirt ($20 MSRP), poster ($10 MSRP; appears to be sold out at press time) and more Hemmings products are available at hemmings.com/store. To learn more about Jeremy Fish, visit sillypinkbunnies.com. 

Chip Foose Invites Contest Entries to Restore Vehicle Lost to California Wildfires

Coulson Aviation announced the launch of the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new initiative was created to support California wildfire survivors by restoring a vehicle damaged during the 2024–2025 fires. Automotive design icon and TV star Chip Foose joined Wayne and Britton Coulson on stage to reveal the program and personally invite affected residents to apply.

The contest will award one wildfire survivor a professionally restored vehicle, completed with guidance from Chip Foose and executed by Coulson Autosports. With up to $100,000 in parts and labor on offer, it's hoped the team can help return a valued vehicle to the road, whether it is a family heirloom, a daily driver or a significant car damaged by the fires.

"This is about helping someone rebuild something that mattered to them," said Foose. "Cars hold memories. They represent family, milestones and identity. Being part of a project that helps someone move forward after such a devastating loss is incredibly meaningful to me."

Coulson Aviation created the contest as an extension of its wildfire response mission. The company is best known for operating the world's largest aerial firefighting fleet, and its crews witnessed firsthand the personal toll wildfires took on the communities.

How to Enter

The contest is free to enter and open to California residents who were directly impacted by the 2024–2025 wildfires. Entrants are asked to submit photos and/or video of their damaged vehicle along with a short explanation of why the restoration matters to them.

Key dates include:

• Contest launch: November 20, 2025
• Final entry deadline: January 20, 2026
• Finalists selected: Late January 2026
• Public voting period: February 1-15, 2026
• Winner announced: March 1, 2026
• Vehicle reveal: 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show, or shortly after

Full contest rules and entry details are available at rise.coulsonaviation.com.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies Announces Supply Agreement With Less Common Metals and Solvay

Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a Rochester, New York-based manufacturer of high-performance magnets and precision components, announced a supply agreement with Less Common Metals and Solvay to secure a reliable source of high-quality, Western-origin rare earth materials for the production of advanced permanent magnets.

According to the company, the agreement signals Arnold's commitment to strengthening the rare earth supply chain and ensuring long-term stability for customers in aerospace, defense, automotive and energy markets.

These supply chain developments complement Arnold's ongoing capital investments in Switzerland and expanded manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, positioning the company to serve multiple markets worldwide in a commercially competitive fashion.

For more information, visit arnoldmagnetics.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

• SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 14, at the facility located at 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765.
• SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170.

🆕BIG NEWS: attendees at the Diamond Bar location can now opt into an exclusive third day of training, available only at that facility. Day 3 reinforces the objectives from the two-day curriculum by layering diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness onto real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Concepts are applied through hands-on exercises rather than taught as standalone lectures. To participate in the 3rd day of ADAS training, choose the "3-Day" option when signing up.

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" or "Detroit" tab). Can't make it in January or February? Stay tuned for more training opportunities later in 2026.

The most recent SEMA Garage AUTEL sessions sold out quickly, so organizers recommend signing up NOW!

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 Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Cameron Lewis, marketing director at KC Turbos, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Lewis in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Cameron Lewis: "Get it right the first time, that's the main thing." This saying, from a Billy Joel song, is something my mother would sing to me whenever my brothers and I felt like slacking on something. It has become a core value for me to always strive to "get it right" right from the start. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

CL: Passion and my love for all things automotive related. I have been a diehard gearhead since I was a little kid and can't see myself doing anything else for a living if it isn't related to cars or trucks in some manner. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

CL: In my garage, working on the next project. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

CL: Make a pre-plan, review it on paper and review it again in my head. Preparation is a major factor for success. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

CL: Bruno Sacco, the original designer for some of the most iconic '80s and '90s Mercedes-Benz cars. I have a soft spot for that era of Mercedes-Benz, owning and racing one, and would love to talk about some of the design inspirations he drew from to create such timeless cars. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing exclusive industry insight to the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show--January 30-Feburary 1, 2026, in Pomona, California--with a panel discussion focused on careers in the hot-rod industry.

Designed to spotlight the people, skills and opportunities driving the hot-rod market, this session will give attendees a first-hand look at how passion for hot rods can translate into meaningful and long-lasting careers. 

The panel will take place on Friday, January 30, at 12:00 p.m. PST in Building 9 at the Pomona Fairplex, and will feature a conversation with industry experts and builders highlighting the wide range of career paths available across the automotive aftermarket. Panelist information will be announced closer to the event. 

Ideal for industry professionals and lifelong enthusiasts, the panel offers an opportunity to ask questions, gain practical career advice and better understand the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket. 

If you are attending the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, save the date to learn, grow and connect.

By Jaclyn Sunseri, 2025 Forum Participant

Participating in the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum was a defining experience in my professional development, one that challenged me to rethink what effective leadership truly looks like. This event is designed to empower women in the automotive and manufacturing industries, and it did that for me.

The program combines tactical leadership sessions with emotional intelligence development, self-reflection and community building. Each segment of the agenda contributed to reshaping how I lead, influence and inspire others within my organization and industry.

The 2025 event opened with an atmosphere of warmth and energy, bringing together an incredible group of professionals. The reception and networking sessions created an immediate sense of connection among professionals who shared a drive to grow and lead authentically.

The first keynote, "Creating Your Community and Finding Inspiration," presented by Brenda Wells, set the tone for the days ahead. She emphasized the importance of cultivating intentional relationships that encourage accountability and growth. Her insights inspired me to redefine how I approach mentorship within my own team, moving beyond guidance to build mutual relationships grounded in trust, feedback and shared purpose.

One of the most transformative moments came from Crystalyn Aucoin's interactive session, "Overcoming, Surviving and Thriving." Her vulnerability and perspective on navigating adversity resonated deeply. It reaffirmed that flexibility, empathy and authenticity are essential components of modern leadership. The session inspired me to create an environment where my team feels safe to share challenges, seek support and learn through vulnerability.

The leadership track sessions led by Julie Couret, including "Unstoppable Teams" and "High-Performance Leadership," offered a powerful framework for sustaining team excellence. Couret's principles reinforced the value of clarity, consistency and empowerment. I returned to my organization with a renewed focus on aligning individual goals to broader company objectives, ensuring that every team member can see how their contribution drives company success.

An impactful inclusion in the forum was Dale Carnegie's teachings on emotional intelligence and engagement. The session "Employee Engagement: You Are the Critical Factor," challenged me to lead with influence rather than authority. It reminded me that great leadership begins with listening and empathy. These lessons prompted me to integrate new recognition practices and to measure success not only by performance metrics but also by morale and engagement.

Brenda Wells' closing keynote, "The Art of Executive Presence," tied everything together. Her insights on presence, poise and vision underscored the importance of leading with both confidence and composure. She encouraged us to "hold the vision and trust the process," a message that continues to shape how I navigate periods of transformation and uncertainty.

The SBN Women's Leadership Forum is a catalyst to executive change and empowerment. It sharpened my leadership skills, strengthened my emotional intelligence and expanded my professional community. Most importantly, it reminds me daily that true leadership isn't about position or title; it's about purpose, presence and the ability to elevate others along the journey.

Registration Now Open for 2026

The SBN Women's Leadership Forum returns in 2026 with all-new programming that will empower women in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success. Taking place March 3–5 in San Diego, California, the Forum will bring female professionals together for dynamic education sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities that will spark new insights on what it means to be an impactful leader.   

Early registration is just $799 for SBN members and $999 for non-members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 for SBN members and $1,099 for non-members up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf.  

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is calling on passionate members like you to get involved and make an impact! Volunteer now for Members-at-Large positions across SEMA's nine councils and networks. 

Serving as a volunteer leader is your opportunity to: 

• Expand your network – Connect with fellow industry professionals and leaders. 
• Shape the future – Influence programs, events and resources that move the industry forward. 
• Build your skills – Gain leadership experience and professional development. 
• Give back – Contribute your expertise to help others in the community. 
• Be recognized – Stand out as an engaged, committed industry advocate. 
• Have a voice – Represent your segment and share ideas that matter. 

Your participation helps strengthen the community that drives us all forward. 

👉 Apply today to become a Member-at-Large Volunteer and help guide the future of your industry. 

SEMA's Councils and Networks: 

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) 
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) 
• Future Leaders Network (FLN) 
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) 
• Motorsports Performance & Media Council (MPMC) 
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) 
• SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) 
• Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) 
• Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) 

Together, we drive the industry forward. 

SEMA is calling on passionate members like you to get involved and make an impact! Volunteer now for Members-at-Large positions across SEMA’s nine councils and networks.