Stay on top of all the action going down at the SEMA Show through the stream of information from exhibitors via their Twitter lists.

Stay informed and up to date with all of the exhibitor activity at the 2012 SEMA Show through Twitter. SEMA has created an easy way to follow a stream of information from exhibitors at the SEMA Show via Twitter lists.

Simply follow these two leads: 

• www.twitter.com/SEMASHOW/semashow-exhibitors-2012a
• www.twitter.com/SEMASHOW/semashow-exhibitors-2012b

Additionally, follow @SEMASHOW for the latest news and events throughout the week of the Show, and join the conversation at #SEMASHOW. 

• Text "Attendee" to 66937 for updated SEMA Show alerts.
• Text "Press" to 66937 for updated press conferences and SEMA Show alerts.

New Cars, New Techniques – Are You Ready?

It’s no secret that cars today are more electronically complex than ever before. It is enough to baffle even the most seasoned car enthusiast. Appearance, suspension and engine upgrades have always been mechanical in nature so the experienced touch of a technician’s hand is always reassuring to achieve a great final aftermarket upgrade. Electronic upgrades, particularly those related to comfort and entertainment, are not as easily achieved. The question is: Are you ready? If you find yourself having difficulty making sense of how to approach today’s modern vehicles to achieve better sound, add safety and convenience upgrades and expand the enjoyment for both drivers and passengers, you don’t want to miss any of the Mobile Electronics Education Sessions taking place Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31, at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Here’s a look at a few can’t miss sessions:

Car Audio Mythbusters: Robust Business in the Aftermarket Is Easier Than You Might Think
Presented by: Andy Wehmeyer, Global Product Line Manager at Harman Consumer Group
Tuesday, October 30, 9:30am-10:30am (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Andy Wehmeyer is a consummate audio guru, but you will find his knowledge of complex car audio topics blends seamlessly with his ability to convey business-minded, solution-based approaches to selling and installing car audio products. It’s an opportunity in your business with the right mindset and skills. Believe it or not, it’s an underserved market. Andy will bust some common myths and show you how to make car audio a part of your business and keep your customers pleased with the results. Do not miss this important car audio business-focused session.

Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Complex Dashboards
Presented by: Derek Schmiedl, Chief Operating Officer at NAV-TV
Tuesday, October 30, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Let vehicle-electronics-integration expert Derek Schmiedl show you how today’s complex dashboards are a source of profit and opportunity, not the nail in the coffin. If you’re seeking a great understanding of how to approach additions such as audio, navigation, video and reverse cameras to modern vehicles, this session is chock full of great content that will change your business. It’s really about embracing integration instead of running away from it. Whether you’re in the car audio business or a vehicle customizer, Derek’s informative session will help guide your car electronics integration path.

Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment
Presented by: Jeff Varick, Brandmotion; Pete Kallgren, Rostra
Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

After traversing the SEMA Show, you’ll want to stop in to this informative and (pardon the pun) ‘comfortable’ session about adding luxury features to modern vehicles. Whether you’re a retailer, customizer/restyler, a used- or new-car dealership or an expediter, this session provides the nuts and bolts of the products and the luxury and convenience features that you can add where the factory left off. Whether it’s cruise control, power windows, heated seats or reverse camera systems, Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren will ramp up your opportunities for keeping happy customers while keeping it profitable in the process.

And don’t forget to come meet Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions in person at the 2012 SEMA Show for his hands-on session entitled Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques, which will take place Tuesday, October 30, in room N257. There will be live demonstrations in this session!

Check out all the Mobile Electronics Track sessions:

Tuesday, October 30 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. - Car Audio Mythbusters; presented by Andy Wehmeyer

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. - Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Dashboard; presented by Derek Schmiedl

• 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques; presented by Bryan Schmitt

Wednesday October 32 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. - Modernize Electronics in Hotrods, Classics and Muscle Cars; presented by Tony Candela

• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. - Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment; presented by Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren

New Cars, New Techniques – Are You Ready?

It’s no secret that cars today are more electronically complex than ever before. It is enough to baffle even the most seasoned car enthusiast. Appearance, suspension and engine upgrades have always been mechanical in nature so the experienced touch of a technician’s hand is always reassuring to achieve a great final aftermarket upgrade. Electronic upgrades, particularly those related to comfort and entertainment, are not as easily achieved. The question is: Are you ready? If you find yourself having difficulty making sense of how to approach today’s modern vehicles to achieve better sound, add safety and convenience upgrades and expand the enjoyment for both drivers and passengers, you don’t want to miss any of the Mobile Electronics Education Sessions taking place Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31, at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Here’s a look at a few can’t miss sessions:

Car Audio Mythbusters: Robust Business in the Aftermarket Is Easier Than You Might Think
Presented by: Andy Wehmeyer, Global Product Line Manager at Harman Consumer Group
Tuesday, October 30, 9:30am-10:30am (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Andy Wehmeyer is a consummate audio guru, but you will find his knowledge of complex car audio topics blends seamlessly with his ability to convey business-minded, solution-based approaches to selling and installing car audio products. It’s an opportunity in your business with the right mindset and skills. Believe it or not, it’s an underserved market. Andy will bust some common myths and show you how to make car audio a part of your business and keep your customers pleased with the results. Do not miss this important car audio business-focused session.

Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Complex Dashboards
Presented by: Derek Schmiedl, Chief Operating Officer at NAV-TV
Tuesday, October 30, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Let vehicle-electronics-integration expert Derek Schmiedl show you how today’s complex dashboards are a source of profit and opportunity, not the nail in the coffin. If you’re seeking a great understanding of how to approach additions such as audio, navigation, video and reverse cameras to modern vehicles, this session is chock full of great content that will change your business. It’s really about embracing integration instead of running away from it. Whether you’re in the car audio business or a vehicle customizer, Derek’s informative session will help guide your car electronics integration path.

Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment
Presented by: Jeff Varick, Brandmotion; Pete Kallgren, Rostra
Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

After traversing the SEMA Show, you’ll want to stop in to this informative and (pardon the pun) ‘comfortable’ session about adding luxury features to modern vehicles. Whether you’re a retailer, customizer/restyler, a used- or new-car dealership or an expediter, this session provides the nuts and bolts of the products and the luxury and convenience features that you can add where the factory left off. Whether it’s cruise control, power windows, heated seats or reverse camera systems, Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren will ramp up your opportunities for keeping happy customers while keeping it profitable in the process.

And don’t forget to come meet Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions in person at the 2012 SEMA Show for his hands-on session entitled Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques, which will take place Tuesday, October 30, in room N257. There will be live demonstrations in this session!

Check out all the Mobile Electronics Track sessions:

Tuesday, October 30 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. - Car Audio Mythbusters; presented by Andy Wehmeyer

• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. - Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Dashboard; presented by Derek Schmiedl

• 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques; presented by Bryan Schmitt

Wednesday October 32 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

• 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. - Modernize Electronics in Hotrods, Classics and Muscle Cars; presented by Tony Candela

• 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. - Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment; presented by Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren

	The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge lets fans to help their favorite drivers, builds and charities, while earning an opportunity to win daily prizes in the sweepstakes, as well as the Grand Prize of an exclusive race experience.

The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, which will make charitable donations totaling $100,000, is giving fans a chance to win, too. For 10 days, fans not only get to help their favorite drivers, builds and charities win, they also have opportunities to win prizes themselves.

From October 20–29, fans can login to www.toyotaracingdreambuild.com to vote for their favorite Dream Build Challenge team and register to win the Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. Fans can cast their votes to help the winning charity take home $50,000, with second place receiving $25,000, third place $15,000 and fourth $10,000, and they also can register for an opportunity to win daily prizes in the sweepstakes.

The Grand Prize will feature an exclusive race experience, and the winner can select from either a NASCAR or NHRA race event.  

The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip will include two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card. NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.

If an NHRA race is preferred, the Grand Prize will feature two general event tickets for select NHRA races with driver pit hospitality access, event parking and a $1,500 American Express gift card. The winner will also have an opportunity for a meet and greet with one or more Toyota racing driver(s).

Additionally, once per day during the voting period, a fortunate fan will take home a $100 American Express gift card. Daily winners can also be featured on the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge home page at their discretion.

Mary Pozzi's ’73 custom Chevrolet Camaro was awarded "Best of Show" at the 2011 Gran Turismo Awards.

Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA), publisher of the Gran Turismo racing franchise, will host the 10th annual Gran Turismo Awards at the 2012 SEMA Show. The hottest rides from the Show will have the opportunity to be immortalized in a future Gran Turismo title, selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

The awards will be presented to winning vehicles in five categories: Best Truck or SUV, Best Hot Rod, Best Domestic Automobile, Best European Import and Best Asian Import. A Grand Prize of Best in Show will be selected by Yamauchi and be presented to the winner at the Show. That winning vehicle will then join the esteemed list of GT Award winners with a playable part in future Gran Turismo games.

Access the official contest rules and to registration for the Gran Turismo Awards. The contest ends Wednesday, October 31. The winners will be notified at the Gran Turismo Awards event on Thursday, November 1.

Mary Pozzi's ’73 custom Chevrolet Camaro was awarded "Best of Show" at the 2011 Gran Turismo Awards.

Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA), publisher of the Gran Turismo racing franchise, will host the 10th annual Gran Turismo Awards at the 2012 SEMA Show. The hottest rides from the Show will have the opportunity to be immortalized in a future Gran Turismo title, selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

The awards will be presented to winning vehicles in five categories: Best Truck or SUV, Best Hot Rod, Best Domestic Automobile, Best European Import and Best Asian Import. A Grand Prize of Best in Show will be selected by Yamauchi and be presented to the winner at the Show. That winning vehicle will then join the esteemed list of GT Award winners with a playable part in future Gran Turismo games.

Access the official contest rules and to registration for the Gran Turismo Awards. The contest ends Wednesday, October 31. The winners will be notified at the Gran Turismo Awards event on Thursday, November 1.

	In 2006, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) presented Leo Kagan with the SEMA Scholarship Committee's Humanitarian Award.

The Leo Kagan Scholarship has been established as part of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund—a group that promotes industry leadership by supporting the educational efforts of current and future automotive professionals.

Kagan is an industry icon who was instrumental in the founding of the SEMA Scholarship Program. The new scholarship will be presented annually to a female interested in a career in the restyling market.

"While women were not traditionally involved in our industry, they have become more and more integral over the years," said Kagan. "I'm glad that this SEMA Scholarship will ensure that females receive support and encouragement to pursue careers in the automotive restyling market. Such diversity in our industry is what contributes to the excitement and innovation of the specialty-equipment market."

Kagan began his career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry in 1964 when he was working with Hurst. He went on to work for Amco—the convertible top manufacturer—for about 15 years, before serving as SEMA president from 1975–1979. During his tenure at SEMA, he played a key role in moving the world-famous SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to Las Vegas.

Kagan continued to be active in the association, helping to establish the SEMA Scholarship Program. In 1982, Kagan was recognized for his contributions by being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—a prestigious honor reserved for very few individuals.

"Leo has contributed a great deal to SEMA and to the industry for nearly 50 years. It's great to recognize his long-time work and support through this scholarship," said Joel Ayres, SEMA Scholarship Committee chairperson. "Leo's impact and contributions to this industry will continue to be felt for generations to come."

The Leo Kagan Scholarship will be among the many scholarships SEMA awards annually. SEMA scholarships are presented annually to students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. A total of $130,000 was awarded to 69 individuals in 2012. Applications for the next school year will be available at www.SEMA.org/scholarships in early December, with applications due April 5, 2013.

	In 2006, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) presented Leo Kagan with the SEMA Scholarship Committee's Humanitarian Award.

The Leo Kagan Scholarship has been established as part of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund—a group that promotes industry leadership by supporting the educational efforts of current and future automotive professionals.

Kagan is an industry icon who was instrumental in the founding of the SEMA Scholarship Program. The new scholarship will be presented annually to a female interested in a career in the restyling market.

"While women were not traditionally involved in our industry, they have become more and more integral over the years," said Kagan. "I'm glad that this SEMA Scholarship will ensure that females receive support and encouragement to pursue careers in the automotive restyling market. Such diversity in our industry is what contributes to the excitement and innovation of the specialty-equipment market."

Kagan began his career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry in 1964 when he was working with Hurst. He went on to work for Amco—the convertible top manufacturer—for about 15 years, before serving as SEMA president from 1975–1979. During his tenure at SEMA, he played a key role in moving the world-famous SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to Las Vegas.

Kagan continued to be active in the association, helping to establish the SEMA Scholarship Program. In 1982, Kagan was recognized for his contributions by being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—a prestigious honor reserved for very few individuals.

"Leo has contributed a great deal to SEMA and to the industry for nearly 50 years. It's great to recognize his long-time work and support through this scholarship," said Joel Ayres, SEMA Scholarship Committee chairperson. "Leo's impact and contributions to this industry will continue to be felt for generations to come."

The Leo Kagan Scholarship will be among the many scholarships SEMA awards annually. SEMA scholarships are presented annually to students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. A total of $130,000 was awarded to 69 individuals in 2012. Applications for the next school year will be available at www.SEMA.org/scholarships in early December, with applications due April 5, 2013.

The Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase is one of the SEMA Show's most popular attractions, with thousands of buyers and media visiting the area throughout the week.

The Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase is one of the SEMA Show's most popular attractions, with thousands of buyers and media visiting the area throughout the week. Exhibitors still have time to submit products to be included in the Showcase.

• The first submission is free of charge to all exhibitors; additional entries are $150 each.
• After the Show, exhibitors will receive a list of leads of those who scanned their product in the Showcase.
• Buyers and media often visit the showcase before hitting the Show floor and identify the exhibitors they plan to visit during the Show.
• Every product submitted is photographed and featured in upcoming issues of SEMA publications.
• The photos are also made available and used by media throughout the year.

“Participating in the New Products Showcase is one of the easiest things an exhibitor can do to heighten product awareness,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “This is one of the best returns on investment that an exhibitor can make.”

Exhibitors can enter the New Products Showcase using the online form.

	SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees can utilize a new member benefit from UPS to help lower their shipping and delivery costs.

SEMA has partnered with UPS to introduce a new member benefit that will help lower shipping and delivery costs. The benefit includes up to 34% off many package deliveries, more than 70% off Less than Truckload (LTL) freight and special offers on other UPS business services, such as parcel insurance, cargo finance loans, design and test labs and more.

“SEMA is always looking for ways to add value to our members’ benefits, and our strong partnership with UPS provided a great solution,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “The discounts and benefits offered by UPS can make all the difference to a business trying to grow in these tough economic times.”

UPS has a long history of working with SEMA and the automotive industry. UPS provides SEMA Show exhibitors with streamlined and discounted services to help with shipments of products and booths back to their businesses after the Show. UPS experts help ensure that items are appropriately packaged, boxed and shipped where they need to go. They also assist with completion of forms and paperwork required for international shipments.

Having worked closely with the industry for several years, UPS has a good understanding of the industry and the needs of SEMA members. As a result, special discounts and services were developed for SEMA-member companies.

“The enhanced level of benefits UPS now offers SEMA members reflects our ongoing commitment to the automotive industry and the premier trade association for the automotive specialty market,” said Kristin DeBates, automotive segment marketing manager at UPS. “Logistics is our passion, but our mission is to help customers build business more efficiently, and these new offers can do just that.”

For complete details on the discounts and services, visit www.sema.org/UPS.