By Ashley Reyes

On Tuesday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a webinar covering automotive aftermarket opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) space.

The EV aftermarket is still in its early stages, presenting major opportunities for early adopters. However, it also raises new questions about how to customize EVs while maintaining safety, performance and regulatory compliance. During this session, a panel of EV experts will offer strategic guidance as consumer demand for EVs rises and the aftermarket industry begins to evolve.

Key insights include:

• High-growth areas such as performance upgrades, tuning, fleet optimization and vehicle customization.
• Shifts in consumer preferences and how EV buyers differ from internal combustion engine (ICE) customers.
• Collaboration strategies with OEMs and navigation of emerging regulations.
• Future technologies like software-driven upgrades, connected vehicles and autonomous systems.
• Actionable advice from EV industry experts to help businesses pivot successfully.

Speakers for this webinar include Maverik Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV; Hugo Normand, research and development director at Technologies Ingenext; and Brian Reese, president and CEO of T Sportline.

Designed for manufacturers, retailers, fleet managers and enthusiasts, this session will offer attendees with the insights and tools needed to innovate and succeed in the rapidly evolving EV aftermarket. Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show, taking place from November 4–7 in Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. It's the epicenter of all things automotive, spanning every corner of the market from high-horsepower racing applications to cutting-edge ADAS innovations, and offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see, touch and hold all the latest and greatest products the aftermarket has to offer. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

You can register now to secure your 2025 SEMA Show badge to make sure you can see all of the newest innovations from aftermarket manufacturers, all in one place. Register here for just $75 per person before registration prices increase on September 27 to $100 per person, both online and on-site.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year's SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA (tires) and Wheels & Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most crucial week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs that explore the industry's most significant challenges and offer immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built—network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show's mobile app to view lists of all events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances, and speakers, including date, time, and location. In addition, this year's program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings--all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You'll also have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that'll lead to real results and high-quality connections.
• Show Features: The SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; the SEMA Show Art Walk, the International Pavilion and more to be announced.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations, such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau, and vehicle demonstrations, will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional's business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is only $75 per registrant. Register soon, because on Saturday, September 27, registration both online and on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Exhibiting companies and industry professionals attending the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 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 6, from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. PST 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 mission and help guide and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and is a 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 Joe Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at josee@sema.org.  

SEMA Show exhibitor and exhibitor staff registration is available online here. For more SEMA Show exhibitor deadlines, visit the Exhibitor Service Manual online here. For more information, visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Selina Rentz Weddle, catalog coordinator at Mann Hummel, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Weddle in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Selina Rentz Weddle: I've been with Mann Hummel for four years now, and I truly appreciate being part of a global company that genuinely prioritizes environmental sustainability.

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

SRW: The most challenging aspect of my role is tackling decades of outdated data while bridging the gap between legacy software and modern digital solutions.

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

SRW: I've been in the industry for nearly five years, starting my journey in customer service as a temp. Mann Hummel was my first company in this field.

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

SRW: Tenacity: My relentless drive to achieve more makes me an excellent problem solver who thinks outside the box. I don't give up easily and am always learning new tricks and skills.  
Empathy: My ability to "read the room" and connect with others has been both a blessing and a curse. While I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, this quality makes me genuine and unique—I never meet a stranger.
Self-Confidence: This is something I've developed since entering the industry. The people in my circle have definitely helped me see myself differently.

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

SRW: I entered this industry in my late 30s, so it was entirely new to me. I had to prove myself to many people who questioned my knowledge and abilities. Most of them were men with decades of experience, which I respect. However, one thing about me is that I thrive when someone tells me I can't or don't know how to do something. I then strive to become an expert at whatever the challenge is.

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

SRW: Jennifer Gibson is my mentor and my champion, and I credit her with my heavy involvement in the industry. She is one of our women leaders and a powerhouse within our organization. I admire her and my relationship with her has been educational and healing.

Justin Wickham—my boss! Justin saw something in me on day one and has encouraged and pushed me to the next level in my career. I have never had such a supportive leader ever; he is my biggest fan! I wouldn't be where I am today at Mann Hummel or as involved with AA without those two fantastic people.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? 

SRW: Nurture yourself, not just your career—this statement resonated deeply with me and shook me to my core. As someone who has always been a people pleaser, it has become my daily mantra. While professional growth is important, we often forget to take care of ourselves too. Especially as women, there's always something or someone else that needs our attention. We often have to put out fires before we can enjoy a 20-minute meditation or a Sunday evening bubble bath. So, keep striving for the next best thing for you, and then for your career.

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

SRW: No—I was a restaurant owner until COVID-19 happened; however, I have always been the little girl under the car with my grandad, so it has always been in my blood and a passion. I helped my grandad rebuild a '79 Volkswagen van and my uncle rebuild a '78 Harley FXS. So, I guess you can say I was pre-destined to have my hands in the automotive world at some point.

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

SRW: My grandmother is the most influential person in my life, both personally and professionally. She raised me and shaped me into the woman I am today. Her resilience and dedication have been incredibly inspirational. Watching her go back to college in her 30s and earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in her 40s was truly motivating. She would take me to her classes when I was just 10 years old, which sparked my constant thirst for knowledge. She is my loudest cheerleader and often says she is living her second career vicariously through me.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Crue Blakeley, director of engineering at American Expedition Vehicles, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Crue Blakeley: "Fail Faster." During the early stages of my career, I was fortunate to have some incredible mentors. Their approach was straightforward: test your product early, gain insights from those tests and make iterative improvements leading up to the launch. Often, this meant experiencing quick failures, but each setback provided valuable lessons that helped refine the product into something better.

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

CB: I'm a gearhead, plain and simple.  

SN:  Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

CB: Typically golfing. If not, I'm lucky enough to get to travel and camp at some incredible places thanks to AEV.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

CB: I try to learn as much about the subject as possible. I'm definitely an over-preparer, so having more information than not is my goal.

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

CB: Chip Foose. I grew up watching and learning and to me he was the face of this industry for a long time.

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

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, who represents the state's 53rd Assembly District, recently toured the EGR USA manufacturing facility in Ontario to gain firsthand insight into the specialty automotive aftermarket and the role SEMA plays in supporting local innovation and economic development.

EGR, a longtime SEMA member, is a key employer in Rodriguez's district, specializing in truck and SUV accessories. The company utilizes the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar to support product development through services like 3D scanning, emissions testing and ADAS calibration.

Assemblymember Rodriguez, whose district includes Ontario and surrounding communities in the Inland Empire, was joined by her field representative, Sophia Cohen, and welcomed by EGR Vice President of Operations Bryan Speer, SEMA Senior Manager of State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz, and other EGR team members and SEMA staff. The visit included a walkthrough of EGR's production floor, showcasing advanced manufacturing processes such as acrylic fabrication, robotic trimming, fender flare molding and Rivian part assembly.

"Education is the first step to understanding this industry, and visits like this help play a crucial role in building that understanding," said Damien Rickards, chief operating officer for EGR USA. "It's hard to sometimes get our name out there, so having an elected official tour our Ontario facility was really important. The more influence we can have, the better--it's great for EGR, it's great for the local economy and local jobs."  

Assemblymember Rodriguez expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see how EGR integrates resources from across the industry to produce high-quality products not only for automotive applications but also for home décor and other sectors. "It's inspiring to see EGR leading with innovation and creating quality jobs right here in our community," said Assemblymember Rodriguez. "Their success is a testament to the Inland Empire's talent, creativity, and growing economic strength."

SEMA has 58 member companies in California's 53rd Assembly District, supporting nearly $1 billion in economic output and more than 3,000 jobs. Rodriguez's visit reflects her commitment to supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and regulatory reform. She is also a coauthor of Leno's Law (SB 712), a SEMA-supported bill that expands smog check exemptions for collector vehicles.

"We're grateful to Assemblymember Rodriguez for taking the time to engage with our members and see the impact of our industry up close," said Muñoz. "Her leadership and support are vital to ensuring that California's policies foster innovation and economic opportunity."

For more information or to host your own lawmakers on a facility tour, contact Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, who represents the state's 53rd Assembly District, recently toured the EGR USA manufacturing facility in Ontario to gain firsthand insight into the specialty automotive aftermarket and the role SEMA plays in supporting local innovation and economic development.

EGR, a longtime SEMA member, is a key employer in Rodriguez's district, specializing in truck and SUV accessories. The company utilizes the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar to support product development through services like 3D scanning, emissions testing and ADAS calibration.

Assemblymember Rodriguez, whose district includes Ontario and surrounding communities in the Inland Empire, was joined by her field representative, Sophia Cohen, and welcomed by EGR Vice President of Operations Bryan Speer, SEMA Senior Manager of State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz, and other EGR team members and SEMA staff. The visit included a walkthrough of EGR's production floor, showcasing advanced manufacturing processes such as acrylic fabrication, robotic trimming, fender flare molding and Rivian part assembly.

"Education is the first step to understanding this industry, and visits like this help play a crucial role in building that understanding," said Damien Rickards, chief operating officer for EGR USA. "It's hard to sometimes get our name out there, so having an elected official tour our Ontario facility was really important. The more influence we can have, the better--it's great for EGR, it's great for the local economy and local jobs."  

Assemblymember Rodriguez expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see how EGR integrates resources from across the industry to produce high-quality products not only for automotive applications but also for home décor and other sectors. "It's inspiring to see EGR leading with innovation and creating quality jobs right here in our community," said Assemblymember Rodriguez. "Their success is a testament to the Inland Empire's talent, creativity, and growing economic strength."

SEMA has 58 member companies in California's 53rd Assembly District, supporting nearly $1 billion in economic output and more than 3,000 jobs. Rodriguez's visit reflects her commitment to supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and regulatory reform. She is also a coauthor of Leno's Law (SB 712), a SEMA-supported bill that expands smog check exemptions for collector vehicles.

"We're grateful to Assemblymember Rodriguez for taking the time to engage with our members and see the impact of our industry up close," said Muñoz. "Her leadership and support are vital to ensuring that California's policies foster innovation and economic opportunity."

For more information or to host your own lawmakers on a facility tour, contact Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Exhibiting at the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a great way for motorsports parts manufacturers to develop quality connections with the industry's top media professionals.

Below are frequently asked questions about exhibiting at the next conference, taking place January 27-29, 2026, in Anaheim, California.

What is the Media Trade Conference?

Unlike a traditional trade show where exhibitors meet with buyers and resellers, the Media Trade Conference focuses on private 30-minute meetings between manufacturers and media. Manufacturers participate in more than 40 meetings over the course of three days, gaining valuable, curated connections with media who can promote their news and products to mass audiences.  

How many media attend?

Nearly 100 unique media outlets attend the conference on average each year. Representatives in attendance include established automotive-aftermarket journalists, editors, podcasters and content creators.

What does the setup look like?

Exhibiting manufacturers receive a designated suite within the Embassy Suites Hotel that will serve as their meeting space during the three days. The room offers ample space for manufacturers to lay out their products and display marketing materials that will be of value to the media that they meet with.

What happens outside of the meetings?

Daily lunches, networking breaks and an industry reception are scheduled throughout the week. These events are great for furthering connections, scheduling time on your own to meet additional media, or just catching up with industry peers and friends in a relaxed setting.

Who is eligible to exhibit?

The Media Trade Conference is open to SEMA MPMC, SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and PRI business members.

What is the price to attend?

Early-bird pricing for exhibitors is $850 until September 8 and will increase to $950 beginning September 9.

When does media registration open?

Media registration begins in October.

Still have questions?

Contact MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Innovation, creativity and passion drive the specialty-equipment industry forward. Anyone who has ever attended the SEMA Show knows this, as it's where the best automotive builders debut their custom creations, showcase their craft, and make their place in the industry known.    

With the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--just three months away, SEMA wants to remind builders of the opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for their talents if their featured vehicle is one that exemplifies excellence in engineering.    

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award honors a featured vehicle at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. It also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

If you think your build has what it takes to win, now is your chance to show the industry what you're made of.

Nominate for the 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award here and below.

By Ashley Reyes

In today's workplace, diversity cannot be imposed but must be nurtured and encouraged to create lasting change. To help automotive professionals lay the groundwork for a more diverse future workforce, specifically in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) will host a webinar on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.

The "STEM Allyship: Empowering the Future Workforce" session will explore various barriers that hinder access to STEM-based careers, including socioeconomic challenges, geographical limitations and persistent stereotypes. Attendees will hear from industry experts as they offer insights into how individuals and organizations can address these barriers and highlight existing educational opportunities that promote diversity in STEM.  

Key takeaways include how to:  

• Address industry skill gaps and develop and attract diverse STEM talent.
• Promote innovation and foster creativity through diverse teams.
• Build a sustainable talent pipeline and engage future generations in automotive careers.
• Tackle recruitment barriers and overcome socioeconomic and geographical challenges.
• Stay competitive and up-to-date with technological advancements and market changes.

Panelists include Dean Case, membership director at Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SoCal/consultant at Motivo; Kira Daczko, regional admissions director at Universal Technical Institute (UTI); and Tamara Robertson, engineer at Electronic Instrumentation and Technology (EIT), "Mythbusters" host and STEM ambassador for the Jessi Combs Foundation and Society of Women Engineers. Rachel Speir, marketing specialist at RS Marqueting, will moderate the discussion.

Register here.