Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Vintage Air is hiring a buyer responsible for planning, negotiating, selecting and purchasing product for manufacturing needs. The buyer must conduct market research, analyze and evaluate suppliers and products, continuously monitor purchase orders and create reports as needed. A bachelor’s degree in business logistics or other related field of study is required.
Turn 14 Distribution is hiring a divisional purchasing manager responsible for assigned vendor relationships, inventory management, product mix, critical analysis and overall profitability. You are the leading voice for your assigned categories and must collaborate effectively with the sales, marketing, accounting, warehouse and web development teams. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. A minimum 4–6 years of progressive experience in purchasing and automotive knowledge are required.
EAH is hiring a head of sales and dealer operations responsible for leading a team of 30+ sales associates to serve enthusiast customers and drive sales and margin growth for ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsports and EVAnnex. This position will be responsible for driving sales performance by capitalizing on sales leads, retaining existing customers and driving basket size and profitability initiatives while providing customers with outstanding service. More than 10 years of sales leadership in a direct to consumer market with a team size greater than 30 associates is required.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) named Kyle Fischer as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Fischer is the director of branding and promotions at Hot Shot’s Secret, an aftermarket company that specializes in protective fuel and oil additives.
Get to know Fischer in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is your current job? What do you do and how long have you been doing it?
Kyle Fischer: I have been with Hot Shot’s Secret since 2017. After spending time as director of marketing, then director of sales, I am currently in the role of director of branding and promotions. My responsibilities include working with media and advertising partners, developing industry relationships and overseeing our promotional efforts—most notably, our motorsports involvement.
SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive manufacturing?
KF: I have worked in marketing and sales roles throughout many industries. However, I have always had a great personal passion for everything automotive. When the opportunity presented itself to join the Hot Shot’s Secret team, I did not hesitate as it provided me the ability to combine my passion with my career at an exciting company focused on manufacturing great products and advancing the automotive industry.
SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for MPMC, what inspired you to volunteer, and how has it impacted you?
KF: I have not yet had the privilege to volunteer for MPMC, but I would love to spend some time in support of this great council. I have been very impressed and thankful for my experience with MPMC, in particular the Media Trade Conferences. Dating back to the in-person conferences and through the virtual conferences, I am grateful to MPMC for playing a part in connecting me with some key industry relationships as well as great friendships.
SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?
KF: A couple of the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today include the threat of legislative regulation and the death of many small local racetracks. I am an optimist, however. I find motivation when I see our industry band together to defend our passion, as seen with the RPM Act. And I am further motivated when I see small-town racing and racetracks in a continuous evolution to get youth into the sport and spectators in the stands. The motorsports industry has survived some big punches as of late, and this resiliency coupled with manufacturers like Hot Shot’s Secret advancing technology, I see the industry absolutely booming in five years from now.
SEMA: What’s your favorite car-related movie and what do you like about that movie?
KF: I love to have a good laugh, so my favorite car-related movie has to be “Talladega Nights.” We all have to laugh at ourselves sometimes, and this movie does a hilarious job of bringing humor to the sport of racing. Not to mention, it might be one of the most quoted movies that you hear when at the racetrack. Like Ricky Bobby’s pearl of wisdom, “If you ain’t first, you’re last!”
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
KF: On any given Saturday, chances are you can find me at the racetrack, whether it’s for work or pleasure… or both! At Hot Shot’s Secret we have found that keeping a direct connection from the manufacturer to the racer plays a key role in R&D. That is why I am at some racetrack around the country on behalf of Hot Shot’s Secret on average three weekends per month. I’m usually enjoying my local racetrack on that fourth weekend during my time off from work, too!
Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC's social media, SEMA News and future MPMC member updates.
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Performance Electronics as this week’s member spotlight company. Performance Electronics in an engineering company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of embedded electronic control systems.
Get to know their company story in SEMA’s interview with sales and marketing specialist Tim Michaliszyn below:
SEMA: Tell us the story of your company.
Tim Michaliszyn: Performance Electronics designs and manufactures stand-alone engine controllers and accessories for engine swaps, race cars and EFI conversions. In addition to our own line of products that we sell direct to the consumer, Performance Electronics designs and manufactures custom electronics for other companies. From the initial concept to final product, PE offers hardware, software and mobile-app design to complement the electronic controllers tailored to our customer’s requirements.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
TM: Performance Electronics stands out because we design and manufacture our products locally, so we have complete control over quality and the final product.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now and the projects you are working on.
TM: In 2022, Performance Electronics is focused on continuing to streamline our processes in development projects. We are working on a new EFI ECU and Ignition Controller design, as well as a new Wideband controller with additional features.
SEMA: Tell us something about the business you are proud of.
TM: We are proud of our newest ECU design. It will incorporate a lot of newer engine control technologies and failsafe features. In addition to the new hardware design, it will be featuring newly designed software to help streamline the tuning process.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
TM: Building relationships with your customers and other people in the industry is important. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to continue to improve on what you do.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.
SEMA Hires Karen Bailey-Chapman to Lead Public and Government Affairs
SEMA has hired Karen Bailey-Chapman to lead its Washington, D.C., office as senior vice president, public and government affairs. SEMA represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry and created the position to strengthen and grow the industry’s legislative and advocacy program.
“As the automotive aftermarket is increasingly impacted and threatened by government actions, it is critical that SEMA continues to represent and protect the industry in Washington, D.C.,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Karen will be instrumental in raising visibility of the specialty-equipment market. She is a highly experienced legislative strategist who will elevate SEMA’s advocacy efforts.”
Bailey-Chapman has a proven track record of success in local, state, federal and global government affairs and advocacy campaigns. Most recently, Bailey-Chapman served as senior vice president of external affairs for American Beverage Association. Previous experience includes senior roles with casino company Penn National Gaming and the D.C.-based public affairs firm DCI Group.
Bailey-Chapman will oversee all government affairs efforts for SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI), a subsidiary of SEMA dedicated to the motorsports market. She will lead programs related to legislation, regulations and government policies on issues affecting climate change, consumer choice, business opportunities and more.
The new senior-level role is the most recent expansion of SEMA’s legislative program. SEMA recently introduced an individual membership program designed to strengthen its PAC, and last month the association hosted the SEMA D.C. Rally—a two-day fly-in event consisting of about 100 in-person meetings on the Hill.
Formula DRIFT Drivers to Be Featured at Pennzoil “Dare to Perform” Experience
(R-L): Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa
and AdamLZ.
Renowned Formula DRIFT drivers and their vehicles will be at Pennzoil’s “Dare to Perform” experience located at booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
The full RTR Motorsports team, including Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa and AdamLZ, will be on-site and in the Pennzoil booth for meet and greets, autograph sessions and media interviews throughout the week. DeNofa’s #88 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD will be on display for show attendees to view the vehicle’s 1,200 hp, protected by Pennzoil. Also in the Pennzoil booth, viewers can catch the Formula DRIFT vehicle “Fiorella,” a Ferrari, built by FFF Drifting Department driven by legendary Italian driver, Federico Sceriffo. Interviews with the drivers are available upon request.
Shell to Showcase Latest Technology in Pennzoil SEMA Show Booth
With more than 14,000 of its scientists and engineers around the world focused on pioneering the latest technology, Shell invites Showgoers to take an extended look into its newest innovations in technology and fuels/lubricants portfolio offerings at the SEMA Show in the Pennzoil Booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
Get up close and personal with projects, including:
Dual Fuel Vehicles
The Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Raptor is the fourth generation of Dual Fuel Vehicles. The Shell technical team spent hundreds of hours modifying the engine and fuel system to run on two different fuels simultaneously.
INDYCAR Going Carbon Neutral:
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
Beyond the “Yellow Submarine”, Pennzoil and Shell have deep roots with the INDYCAR Series with Pennzoil becoming the official motor oil in 2021, and beginning in 2023, Shell will produce a new race fuel for the NTT INDYCAR Series as the series’ official fuel. The 100% renewable race fuel consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, to create a fuel that is 100% “renewable” under the applicable regulatory frameworks. The fuel developed by Shell is set to make the NTT INDYCAR Series the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel.
Shell Hydrogen:
The Shell scientists will be able to speak to the growing partnership between Toyota and Shell Hydrogen with the Toyota Hydrogen Hyperion at the booth. Hyperion is a technology company focused on hydrogen-based power and delivery. Based in Orange, California, Hyperion delivers cutting edge space technology, pioneered by NASA, to the world.
Work with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition:
Pennzoil is working with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) to tackle the recycling of plastic containers. The goal of this coalition is to establish a market-sustaining program in the United States. Pennzoil is taking a leadership role in the effort through product design, sourcing and delivery as part of a circular economy. They are currently piloting a program together in Atlanta. The recycling pilot is a one-year project involving over 40 locations in Atlanta and aims to assess and measure the economic and market drivers for post-consumer recovery and recycling and more.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
SEMA has announced the finalists for two prestigious awards: Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year. Winners will be named at the 2022 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1.
SEMA will announce the winners of the Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year awards at the 2022 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1.
Both awards are a part of SEMA’s esteemed industry awards program that honors outstanding companies for their positive impact and contributions to the specialty-equipment market during the past year. This year’s finalists are:
SEMA Manufacturer of the Year:
Baja Designs
Diode Dynamics
Max Trac Suspension
SEMA Channel Partner of the Year:
English Racing
Torqued Distribution
Turn 14 Distribution
The SEMA Manufacturer of Year award recognizes an influential business for their business practices and service to customers. The SEMA Channel Partner of the Year award, which is an expansion of the previous SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award, honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry.
All SEMA Showgoers are invited to be among the first to learn who the award winners are by attending the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1, at 7:30 a.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. The breakfast will conclude just before 9:00 a.m., giving those in attendance time to hit the Show floor when it opens.
The 2022 SEMA Show will include a brand-new feature—the eBay Motors Experience, where attendees will be able to experience the industry’s products live, in action. Located in more than 100,000-sq.-ft. of space in front of the Las Vegas Convention Center, eBay Motors Experience will anchor the outdoor area and welcome Showgoers with dynamic, experiential activities as soon as they arrive onsite.
Showgoers will be able to witness extreme performance at the Hoonigan Burnyard, take part in immersive ride-alongs, and get up-close to some of the industry’s most coveted vehicle builds.
The eBay Motors Experience will consist of multiple activities taking place simultaneously. Showgoers will be able to witness extreme performance at the Hoonigan Burnyard, take part in immersive ride-alongs, and get up-close to some of the industry’s most coveted vehicle builds.
“The eBay Motors Experience will be the center of the action at this year’s Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It will be set up so that attendees are able to engage with the vehicles and the products in a way that they’ve never been able to do before. Showgoers are going to feel the impact of the feature immediately when they arrive at the Show.”
The Hoonigan Burnyard returns to the SEMA Show with its signature brand of drifting, burnouts and aggressive, high-powered vehicles.
The eBay Motors Experience is open to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers during the event, Tuesday-Friday, November 1–4. To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show or to register for the event, visit www.semashow.com or download the official SEMA Show mobile app.
SEMA is calling all SEMA Show car builders to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition—by the October 14 deadline. Open exclusively to builders with a car or truck displayed at the annual trade show, the competition celebrates and honors top builders for participating in what many consider to be the pinnacle of automotive events.
“Since 2014, we’ve provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, creativity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Show Exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. SEMA Battle of the Builders not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other’s builds in the final round.”
SEMA Battle of the Builders gives builders to opportunity to gain global recognition, including possible inclusion in a one-hour television special or SEMA’s social channels, and a chance to be recognized and named as the industry’s top builder. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories:
Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
Young Guns—before crowning the coveted title, Battle of the Builders Champion.
The four categories have evolved for the 2022 competition. Hot Rod Trucks will now compete with traditional Hot Rod builds. The former Truck class becomes more focused on 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road builds while the Sport Compact class is expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic builds as well. The age limit for the Young Guns class has also been raised from 27 to 29 years old. As part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry, the association will continue its SEMA Young Guns category for builders who are 29 and younger.
“Each year, we meet amazing young builders through the Young Guns program,” said de Vera. “It is inspiring to witness the passion, drive and courage they have to put their blood, sweat and tears into their projects and to compete with their pride and joy in this competition. To see the industry embrace them as they build a network of contacts and connections that will fuel a lifelong career is exactly why the Young Guns class was created. Fortune definitely favors the brave, and we want to highlight that.”
Although the SEMA Show is a trade-only event, consumers can experience the excitement of the event and see the winning Battle of the Builder vehicles during the SEMA Cruise and at SEMA Ignited (www.semaignited.com), the official SEMA Show after-party taking place from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 14. Calling all builders!
The 2022 SEMA Show is about four weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.
The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.
The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.
SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.
Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.
Shuttle bus service is provided from all hotels in the SEMA Show block.
The following are advantages of booking in the SEMA Show block versus an Airbnb:
Customer Service
Lodging through the SEMA Show block will give you dedicated customer service support for managing your reservation and will still have on-site customer service from the hotel. This includes check-in, housekeeping and concierge services.
Airbnb customer service can be difficult to contact, and is often left to the Airbnb host to manage. Check-in for your lodging can be difficult to navigate with lock boxes, keycodes or having to make a trip to an alternate location to access lodging keys. Airbnb lodgings often do not include dedicated customer service unless booking through the Airbnb Luxe program.
Proximity to Venue
For larger city venues, such as the Las Vegas Convention Center, proximity should be factored in. Hotels are typically offered within a radius that allows for an event-sponsored shuttle route, walking distance to the convention center or a short and inexpensive ride-share option. With Airbnb, locations tend to be further away from the city center, main attractions or the convention center.
Booking Lodging for a Large Group?
Airbnb does tend to lend for a better budget when traveling in large groups; however, this option does not cater to privacy for your group members, and keep an eye out for fees associated with additional guests. You may find the hotel will offer more privacy at a better rate.
Hotel Group reservations (those including multiple rooms) are available for the 2022 SEMA Show. The SEMA Show block online system makes this complex responsibility easy: simply look for the “Group Bookings (2+ Rooms)” option when conducting your initial search and you’ll be all set to make/manage rooms for your whole team with more flexibility than anywhere else.
Hotel Reward Points
Airbnb currently doesn’t offer loyalty rewards that most major hotels do, which can be utilized for room upgrades, free room nights and more, depending on the hotel loyalty program.
By booking in the SEMA Show block, you can earn rewards points with your preferred hotel chain—simply enter your rewards or frequent guest number when booking through our online system. When we transfer your reservation details to the hotel approximately two weeks prior to the event, your frequent guest number will be included with your information, and you will receive your points.
Transportation to and From the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show block offers convenient access to the Las Vegas Monorail with station stops at the below hotels:
SAHARA
Westgate
Harrah’s/The Linq
Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
Bally’s/Paris
MGM Grand
Shuttle bus service is provided from all hotels in the SEMA Show block, excluding those located within a quarter-mile distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SEMA has hired Karen Bailey-Chapman to lead its Washington, D.C., office as senior vice president, public and government affairs. SEMA represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry and created the position to strengthen and grow the industry’s legislative and advocacy program.
