By Kenny Wright
Organizers of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are excited to announce the all-new "MotorTrend Celebrity Showcase" to this year's lineup!   

SEMA and MotorTrend have partnered to bring you a truly one-of-a-kind experience, which is now open for registration here. Attendees of this track will be treated to a live interview session, moderated by auto specialist and television host Ant Anstead, and featuring some of the biggest names from MotorTrend:   

• Amir Bentatou ("Super Street Garage"): Owner and designer at RS Future, Amir shares his deep knowledge of all things speed and style with "Super Street Garage." 
• John "Nads" Naderi ("Super Street Garage"): Former editor-in-chief of "Super Street Magazine," Nads has been at the forefront of the tuner scene since its inception.  

• Lucky Costa ("HOT ROD Garage"): With a breadth of experience from domestics to Euros to Datsuns, Lucky is out to prove that anything can be a hot rod if you do it right.  
• Alex Taylor ("HOT ROD Garage") - Alex has been building and racing for as long as she's been able to grip a wrench. As the newest host of "HOT ROD Garage," her thirst for horsepower continues to propel the show forward.  

• Dave Kindig ("Bitchin' Rides"): Host of "Bitchin' Rides," Kindig and crew turn out some of the most creative, one-of-a-kind vehicles on the planet.  
• Kevin "KevDogg" Schiele ("Bitchin' Rides"): Working for Kindig-It Design, where he runs the 27,000-sq. ft. shop, Schiele has an unparalleled passion for the auto industry, and spends long hours in the shop making sure every build is just right.  
• Ant Anstead (Moderator): As the co-founder and chief engineer of Radford, he is responsible for overseeing the building process of every single bespoke, handmade vehicle to meet exact customer specifications.   

This diverse crew of automotive experts and media personalities, will share their experiences in the world of hot rods, restorations, restyling markets, what motivates them, and more.   

Get to know this group, while learning, laughing and taking in advice from the perspectives of these household names in the industry.   

This showcase is free and open to all SEMA Show attendees. It will be an exciting event, so register now while there's still time. 

MotorTrend Celebrity Showcase at the SEMA Show

• Tuesday, October 31
• 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. PT
• Location: West Hall (W326) 

REGISTER HERE!

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors: an entry price increase is approaching for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and one of the best ways for exhibitors to generate leads and convert sales at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for even more expanded visibility and foot traffic. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to quickly discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $95 before Friday, October 6. After that date, the first product entry is still free, with additional entries $150 each. There is no limit to the number of products a company can submit and no official close date for New Product Showcase entries (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

Each new product in the Showcase has a dedicated QR code that attendees can scan and learn more about the part and where the exhibitor is located, so getting involved is a great way to attract buyers to your booth. All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app, and possibly winning a Best New Product award, which will be presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

Attendees looking to get a jump start on their 2023 SEMA Show plan can download the SEMA Show app at semashow.com/app to view new products, find exhibitors and events, get an overview of the floorplan, and much more.

By SEMA Editors

There are five weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. 

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• September 28: Freeman Discount Deadline--Various Freeman services, including audio-visual and computers; carpet and booth cleaning order; credit card authorization/method of payment; electrical; accessories (advanced rate); furnishings (advanced rate); first-time exhibitor booth package; labor for hanging signage/banner; labor for installation/dismantle; payment authorization form; rental exhibit order (advanced rate); third party payment authorization; utilities; internet/telephone.
• September 29: Exhibitor registration is due for domestic guests (to receive badges in the mail) at semashow.com/register.
• October 6: New Products Entry (advanced rate).
• October 6: Products for Product-Vehicle Builders.
• October 6: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from Risk-strategies/Buttine).
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application Form.
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Proof of Insurance Deadline.
• October 13: Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse--CARPET/PAD only. 
• October 13: After-Hours Events.
• October 13: After-Hours Event--Proof of Security (Required if having an after-hours event). 
• October 13: Meeting/Function space reservation.
• October 16: Booth Catering Order Service--CENTERPLATE.
• October 18: Tents/Canopies--Full Circle Events.
• October 18: Freight--Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty.
• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.
• October 20: Photography Order--Expo Ease
• October 20: Plant and Floral Order--Expo Ease
• October 26: Freight--1st Day Shipments accepted at LVCC (refer to Target Floor Plan)
• October 27: Vehicle Detailing (Advanced Rate)--ShowFleet
• November 2: Last Day to Pick Up Banquet Tickets--12:00 p.m. deadline
• November 3: Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3 p.m.
• November 3: Online Registration Closes at 2 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will be able to grow their network and develop quality connections with leaders in their aftermarket niche by attending events hosted by SEMA councils and networks.  

While the Show offers a variety of opportunities to elevate and strengthen one's career and business, SEMA council and network events are the premier destination for Show attendees to forge meaningful relationships with peers in their specialized market segment. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone: those focused on hot rods and restoration, truck and off-road, automotive technology, automotive restyling, and wheel and tire, plus women and those aged 39 and under. 

"Building a trusted professional network with industry peers is essential to advancing your business and career goals," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils and networks. "With the worldwide automotive aftermarket industry coming together at the SEMA Show, there's no better place than these networking events to exchange information with those who share common interests and to gain insight into resources tailored to fit your business needs."   

This year's calendar includes receptions, happy hours, meetings and lunches, each exclusively crafted and planned to help members of each market segment make the most out of their SEMA Show experience. The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out.

Explore the event calendar and RSVP at this link.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing this week on "Proposals to Enhance Product Safety and Transparency for Americans." The subcommittee hearing included the review of 14 bills, including H.R. 906, "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act." The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure automotive enthusiasts, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to maintain and personalize vehicles as automotive technology evolves. 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a formal statement supporting H.R. 906 and encouraged lawmakers to expand the bill to include similar protections to protect businesses that produce and install parts that modify or customize vehicles. "SEMA strongly supports the REPAIR Act as drafted but also requests that the bill be expanded to clarify that it protects the right to modify vehicles, ensuring that auto manufacturers cannot employ any technological, legal, or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom, upgrade, or modify a vehicle," Spagnola said. Read his letter to the subcommittee.

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). It currently has 42 co-sponsors (21 Republicans and 21 Democrats). Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office

The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing this week on "Proposals to Enhance Product Safety and Transparency for Americans." The subcommittee hearing included the review of 14 bills, including H.R. 906, "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act." The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure automotive enthusiasts, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to maintain and personalize vehicles as automotive technology evolves. 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a formal statement supporting H.R. 906 and encouraged lawmakers to expand the bill to include similar protections to protect businesses that produce and install parts that modify or customize vehicles. "SEMA strongly supports the REPAIR Act as drafted but also requests that the bill be expanded to clarify that it protects the right to modify vehicles, ensuring that auto manufacturers cannot employ any technological, legal, or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom, upgrade, or modify a vehicle," Spagnola said. Read his letter to the subcommittee.

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). It currently has 42 co-sponsors (21 Republicans and 21 Democrats). Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair. 

By SEMA Editors

Industry members and exhibiting companies attending the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are invited to connect with students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry with a table at the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. PDT in West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

The networking breakfast is a staple of the SEMA Show Student Program, connecting automotive aftermarket leaders with the industry's future workforce. By hosting a table, industry members will be able to share their company's journey and help guide and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and the chance to create quality connections with students eager to jumpstart their automotive careers. 

Participation is free, and the event simply requires one-and-a-half hours from a company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required. Register your company here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at chriss@sema.org or 909-978-6692. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has selected 10 unique builds to showcase in its Feature Vehicle Build Program at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.

A Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 XR was named TORA Best in Show at the 2022 SEMA Show.

The Feature Vehicle Program--reserved for TORA member companies as a membership benefit--highlights the diverse landscape of the truck and off-road industry and the many opportunities the market represents. Through the program, SEMA Show attendees can be inspired by new design concepts and witness the unique ways that truck and off-road aftermarket products and technologies can be used.  

This year's selected companies and featured vehicles are:

• Berg Performance Inc.: '05 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 
• Custom Auto Air: '73 Jeep J10 
• Custom FN Customs: '72 Chevrolet Blazer        
• Dixie 4 Wheel Drive: '21 Jeep Gladiator            
• Eastern Truck & Accessories: '57 Willys Panel Wagon 
• Front Runner Outfitters: '23 Toyota Tundra   
• Pags Speed Shop: '74 Ford F-250 Crew Cab       
• Patriot Liner/American Coating Humvee: '85 AM General        
• Sandy Cats, LLC: '19 Toyota 4Runner  
• Southern Off-Road Specialists: '10 Toyota Tacoma       

Attendees of the SEMA Show are encouraged to visit the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail--located on the walkway outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center between North Hall and West Hall--to view the vehicles on display. Here, attendees will be immersed in a variety of different builds and be able to vote for their favorite to win the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award.  

The TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award winner will be announced at TORA's Reception on Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PDT inside the West Hall, 3rd Floor Pre-Function Area. All TORA member companies are invited to attend the event to join in on the awards ceremony, network in a relaxed atmosphere and learn about the benefits of being a TORA member. 

To learn more about the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance, visit sema.org/tora.

By SEMA Editors

As the aftermarket continues to look at fuel alternatives, biofuels may become the in-between that automobile manufacturers can use for performance internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles alongside their electric vehicle fleet.

Hear from Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane, and Bjorn Noack, director at Bosch in a new video linked here (and embedded below), from the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) as they explore where the aftermarket and internal combustion engines (ICE) will be in the next 15 years.

By watching the video, you'll gain insight into legislation supporting and hindering biofuel development, companies currently investing in this technology and whether or not the average enthusiast has access to biofuels. Watch it now! 

Note: The video is a continuation of the ETTN Facebook live chat that covered biofuels in 2021. 

By SEMA Editors

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, and SEMA has officially opened sponsorship opportunities for industry members to get involved and connect with consumers like never before.  

Companies can now secure their part of the exclusive SEMA Fest Marketplace--which is expected to provide access to more than 30,000 music and motorsports enthusiasts (and potential new customers)--across two days in a one-of-a-kind festival setting. Industry businesses wishing to participate in the SEMA Fest Marketplace can submit an Exhibit Space Application here.

In addition, organizers are also providing several types of sponsorship activations. But hurry, space is limited for these unique programs! If you're interested in SEMA Fest sponsorship opportunities, contact our dedicated representative at partnership@semafest.com.

How to Display Your Vehicle at SEMA Fest

Displaying your vehicle at SEMA Fest is another effective way to interact with enthusiasts of various levels and genres. Simply select "Display My Vehicle" in the ticketing options. All vehicles entered will be placed on a waitlist until the car is reviewed and approved. Vehicle displays do not require exhibitor sponsorship and include one (1) general admission ticket to the festival.

Additional key points regarding show vehicles include:  

• Approved vehicle owners will be advised by September 22 when their vehicle will need to arrive for check-in on either Wednesday, November 1, or Thursday, November 2, for placement at SEMA Fest. 
• SEMA Fest management will provide a schedule for when vehicles may depart the festival grounds after the event, Saturday night or Sunday morning, November 5. 
• Vehicles that arrive late for check-in will not be placed. 
• No refunds will be issued to vehicles that arrive late or cancel. 
• Vehicles displayed at SEMA Fest will not be eligible to compete in Battle of the Builders. 
• Vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show will not be able to display at SEMA Fest. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit semafest.com.