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.

Just days after winning the prestigious NHRA U.S Nationals in Indianapolis, Antron Brown made his way to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the SEMA-supported Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. On Wednesday, September 7, the three-time Top Fuel world champion, who began his racing career nearly 40 years ago, appeared before Congress to share personal stories about the need for federal law to protect grassroots racing and tens of thousands of jobs in the motorsports parts industry.

NHRA driver Antron Brown advocates for the motorsports industry by testifying before the U.S. Committee on Environment and Public Works in Washington, D.C., on September 7.

With his wife, Billie Jo, and two sons, Anson and Adler, at his side, Brown shared how motorsports taught him to set goals, work hard to achieve them and other important life lessons. Representing a four-generation family of racing professionals, Brown talked about how he began racing motorcycles at the age of 4, has enjoyed a successful career with 70 NHRA wins and became a team owner earlier this year. He continues to support and promote the NHRA to the community and youth groups, relaying the origins of the organization that was formed in 1951 to get hot rodders safely off the streets and onto the track.

“Americans all over the country enjoy the hobby of modifying vehicles into racecars,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “The bipartisan RPM Act would clarify that vehicles to be used solely for competition are not to be treated like the cars that drive on our nation’s roads. This legislation would ensure small businesses that help hobbyists who transition vehicles into racecars, which are not driven on the roads, are not unfairly punished or targeted through EPA enforcement. It was a pleasure to welcome champion driver Antron Brown today and hear his life’s story, which reinforces how the RPM Act would protect the future of motorsports by making clear those who want to pursue their passion can affordably do so without fear of Washington bureaucrats.”

Ranking Member Capito is amongst the 31 bipartisan co-sponsors of the RPM Act. First introduced in 2016, the bipartisan bill would enshrine in Federal law that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles.

“Racing is much more than just a pastime for me,” said Brown. “I have countless fond childhood memories and have learned many life lessons at the racetrack. I have built a life on the track and am building a business through AB Motorsports. I feel strongly that we must keep the path to entry into motorsports accessible to future racers.”

Brown explained that for amateur racers, modifying production vehicles is the only cost-effective way to get into racing. He testified that the converted motorcycle that he began racing cost about $5,000; a purpose-built vehicle would have been 10 times that amount.

This practice of converting street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles had gone unquestioned until 2015 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft ruling stating that it is not legal to convert production vehicles into dedicated race vehicles. Although the ruling was never finalized, the EPA maintains its position that such conversions are not legal and continues to enforce against the production and sale of high-performance parts.

Brown emphasized during his testimony that the RPM Act is focused solely on dedicated race vehicles that are trailered to and from the racetrack. Opponents to the RPM Act acknowledged during the Senate hearing that such vehicles do not have a measurable or meaningful impact on the environment.

“Racing is important to many Arizonans—and it’s a part of our state’s legacy,” said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “The RPM Act will help provide certainty to Arizona’s amateur racers and auto mechanics from EPA regulations, which could harm their ability to enjoy the hobby of motorsport.”

The RPM Act would not impede on the EPA’s ability to enforce clean air laws. Vehicles driven on public streets would continue to be governed by the federal Clean Air Act.

“For nearly 45 years, the Clean Air Act did not apply to dedicated race vehicles. The EPA’s recent interpretation of the law has thrown the motorsports industry into a state of uncertainty,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Now that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has held a hearing on the RPM Act, we urge the committee to schedule a vote on the bill. SEMA is urging all racers, motorsports businesses and fans to ask their elected officials to support and pass the RPM Act.”

“Racers and small businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell race parts have waited long enough. It’s time to pass the RPM Act and give the racing community the clarity it needs and deserves,” said Spagnola.

The SaveOurRacecars.com website has resources to help identify and contact the appropriate policymakers about the RPM Act.

SVRA Announces Largest Schedule Yet for 2023

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) has announced its biggest season yet for its 2023 schedule, which features 22 events at premier venues across the country. With a tentative date at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, in early February, the 2023 SVRA season will be in full swing when it visits Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, on February 23–26.

After visits to Louisiana, Georgia, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Washington, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee and Utah, SVRA will close its season with the traditional U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of The Americas on November 2–5, when drivers will compete for the coveted, limited-edition Bell Racing commemorative gold helmets.

View the full schedule here.

DirtFish, FIA Join Forces to Find North America ‘Rally Star’

DirtFish and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), who have joined to help find promising talent from around the world, have announced a special event for North American racers. Racers between the ages of 17 and 26 from the United States or Canada are eligible for the FIA’s Rally Star program, which will award a multi-year journey through a 2023 training season followed by the potential for two years in the Junior WRC and a full WRC2. Challengers will go through four rounds of Digital Challenges to compete with the WRC 9 game for five timed runs on any platform: PC; PS4, PS5; Xbox One, XBox X/S.

At the same time, DirtFish will run its own Digital Challenge on the simulator rig—complete with official FIA Rally Star partner Thrustmaster hardware—at the Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington. Winners of the FIA Rally Star Digital Challenges, along with potential wild card entries, will progress further in the competition to reach the All-American FIA Rally Star Finals in Peru in December.

Success at that event ensures a seat in the seven-strong FIA Rally Star team for 2023, with six training rallies in a Ford Fiesta Rally3. Then it’s time for the Junior WRC competition, with the top three drivers from 2024 advancing to a repeat program in 2025. If a racer scores the Junior title that season, they move to the WRC2 title in a Rally2 car for 2026.

For more information, visit fiarallystar.com.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

Steele Rubber Products Named NSRA Manufacturer of the Year

Steele Rubber Products has been named Manufacturer of the Year by the National Street Rod Association (NSRA). More than 8,500 cars were seen at the 2022 NSRA Street Rod Nationals over a four-day span. The event was particularly special for Steele Rubber Products, as the company was presented with the NSRA Manufacturer of the Year award. This award has been presented every year since 1972 to recognize a manufacturer that has made outstanding contributions to the street-rod hobby and industry.

Steele Rubber Products representative Eddie Lail accepted the award on behalf of the company at the NSRA Award Ceremony on August 5. “I appreciate everything that everyone has done for us,” he said. “I appreciate all of our employees that have worked hard to make our parts the way our customers want it, and I want to thank the NSRA for this award.”

Power Automedia Promotes Andrew Almazan to Vice President of People

Power Automedia has announced that Andrew Almazan has been promoted from creative operations director to vice president of people after celebrating nine years with the company. Power Automedia believes in the magic of the automobile and building something special. That is only accomplished through adhering to its core values. Andrew has embodied these values and been a prime example of leadership within the organization throughout his tenure.

Almazan joined the company as a staff writer for Rod Authority in 2013, generating content and managing projects for the title until he became the editor a year later. As his career continued to develop, Andrew's role expanded to Hot Rod group editor, editorial operations manager and creative operations director. Over the years, he worked closely with members of senior leadership, led cross-functional teams and exercised conflict resolution skills which allowed his career to continue developing.

In his new role as vice president of people, Almazan will be responsible for leading all HR initiatives and ensuring that core values continue to be upheld across all departments.

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.

  By Douglas McColloch

Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2022, the annual SEMA Show has evolved to fit the times, reflecting and responding to changes in the specialty automotive industry, and this year’s Show should be no different. With an extra 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space courtesy of the new West Hall, last year’s Show provided attendees with more room to conduct business in a collegial environment while still having ample space to enjoy a dazzling array of enthusiast events, builds, competitions and networking opportunities. The 2022 Show promises more of the same.

The West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center is home for exhibitors from the Truck, SUV & Off-Road, Restyling & Car Care Accessories and Powersports & Utility Vehicles sectors.

While the SEMA Show floor is organized by category and numbered to improve navigation, an ideal way to simplify the Show experience is with the 2022 SEMA Show app, which contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floor plans and daily event information—all accessible from mobile devices.

The Show app also features a scanning function that allows attendees to capture product information from the New Products Showcase and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, and it’s available as a free download from your mobile device’s native app store or by logging on to www.SEMAShow.com/app.

SEMA Awards Presentation

• Silver Drive, Outside the Central Hall Entrance
• Monday, October 31, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

The annual SEMA Awards, given to the top-trending vehicle models in six categories, will be presented Monday, October 31, the day before the SEMA Show officially opens. The awards are presented to automakers for the SEMA Car of the Year, SEMA Truck of the Year, SEMA 4x4-SUV of the Year, SEMA Sport Compact of the Year, SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year and SEMA EV of the Year.

SEMA Award winners are determined and voted on by SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers to recognize vehicles that manufacturers are investing in and developing products for. The program heightens awareness for aftermarket products and exemplifies the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers that develop products to improve vehicle performance, safety and convenience as well as appearance and comfort.

A first stop for many attendees, the New Products Showcase provides Showgoers with an up-close opportunity to examine the more than 2,500 new products on display at the Show.

The New Products Showcase

• Upper South Hall, Booth #31307

A first stop for many attendees and a must-see for everyone else, the New Products Showcase provides a window into the automotive aftermarket for the coming year as hundreds of manufacturers roll out their latest innovations. In all, the 2022 New Products Showcase is expected to exhibit more than 2,500 new and featured products in a brand-new, 30,000-sq.-ft. exhibition space in the Upper South Hall. For 2022, two additional product categories will be added to the Showcase: advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and EV technology.

The New Products Showcase enables buyers to focus their efforts on the companies they need to see to keep the product pipelines active and their inventories fresh, and media attendees can get a glimpse of the latest trends to emerge from the industry’s leading influencers. Additionally, scanning products with your mobile device using the SEMA Show app enables communications between buyers and exhibiting companies to generate leads and drive future sales.

Throughout the week, SEMA Education hosts more than 100 seminars, workshops and demonstrations hosted by industry professionals.

SEMA Central

• Grand Lobby, Monday, October 31–Thursday, November 3, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

This year, SEMA Central expands to offer Showgoers a more immersive industry experience than ever before. Visit this Show hub to see top-tier vehicle builds and center-stage interviews with iconic personalities. There’s even a boutique shop to outfit you with the latest SEMA Gear.

SEMA Central is also the place to see celebrity appearances, to take in daily panel discussions and Brew Talks with some of the industry’s most notable and knowledgeable figures, and to get an up-close look at last year’s Battle of the Builders winner Bob Matranga’s classic ’55 Chevy, which will be on display during Show Week. SEMA Central is also the site for the finals of SEMA Launch Pad, SEMA’s annual competition of automotive entrepreneurs. (See page 52.)

Feature Vehicle Displays

• Various Locations

The SEMA Show is renowned for the innovative parts and accessories displayed on show vehicles representing every industry niche, from cars and trucks to powersports. Much more than rolling works of art, the vehicles offer an in-person look at real-life applications of the aftermarket’s latest and most impressive products.

Located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, inside and out, the displays connect with Showgoers as an extension to the exhibit booths of the product creators. The SEMA Show app features a scanning function that allows attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show.

Returning to the SEMA Show for 2022, SEMA Overland Experience casts a spotlight on the fast-growing adventure lifestyle sector that encompasses every backcountry activity from camping and fishing to kayaking and ATV riding.

SEMA Overland Experience

• West Hall, Booth #62236

With many similarities and connections to off-roading, adventure travel, aka overlanding, has strong roots in Australia and South Africa, and in the United States, its popularity has exploded over the past decade. Buyers at the 2022 SEMA Show will be able to see products and vehicles specifically for overlanding in the expanded SEMA Overland Experience area. This special exhibit will include dozens of customized vehicles with fully popped-out tents, survival accessories and portable kitchen systems all displayed among exhibitors supporting the growing overlanding market.

The coming wave of electrified vehicles was the talk of the 2021 SEMA Show, and nowhere was this more apparent than at SEMA Electrified, the SEMA Show’s showcase for the latest EV technologies.

SEMA Electrified

• North Hall, Booth #11268

As a trade association, SEMA looks down the road for emerging trends in performance and hot rodding, and it views vehicle electrification as a modern-day expression of those enthusiast pursuits. Now SEMA Electrified offers the industry an opportunity to see where this growing segment might take us in the next five to 10 years and beyond. Experience for yourself the surprising technologies that are advancing and redefining the performance aftermarket. At SEMA Electrified, you’ll encounter some incredible custom electric-vehicle conversions and noteworthy parts and products that are currently driving the market.

SEMA Launch Pad

• Central Hall, Booth #22970

Fifteen executive-level innovators compete in a “Shark Tank”-like business competition for automotive entrepreneurs. The Top 5 are then selected for an elimination competition to be held on Wednesday, November 2, at SEMA Central, with the final two candidates presenting their pitches at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 3. The ultimate winner will then receive a prize package of nearly $100,000. Throughout Show Week, each of the 15 competitors will have their new products on display in the Launch Pad Corral and the Featured Products Showcase. Visit the Corral to learn about the products and businesses.

Another must-see feature, SEMA Battle of the Builders showcases some of the world’s most talented vehicle builders in a day-long competition that concludes SEMA Show week.

SEMA Battle of The Builders

• North Hall, Booth #10139

Since its debut in 2014, SEMA’s premier showcase of the builder’s art has become one of the Show’s biggest attractions. It returns for 2022 and runs all during Show week before culminating on Friday, November 4, in North Hall. Forty of the world’s most creative builds will be judged by a panel of industry experts, with the Top 12 vehicles advancing to the finals in four distinct categories that are new for 2022: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck, 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road, Sport/Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic and Young Guns (builders under age 29). The winning vehicles will lead the procession at SEMA Cruise, which takes place immediately after the winners are announced.

Open to the public on the Show’s final day, SEMA Cruise gathers hundreds of Show vehicles in a four-wheeled caravan that wends its way toward SEMA Ignited, the Show’s final event.

SEMA Cruise

• Silver Drive

Vehicles from the 2022 SEMA Show begin parading out of the Convention Center at Show close—4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4—to the delight of thousands of fans in grandstands along the route.

More than 1,000 vehicles will take part in the SEMA Cruise, which proceeds toward the West Hall parking lot and SEMA Ignited, the Show’s official after-party that’s open the public. Spectators have a ringside seat to view the coolest cars on the planet, and the Cruise has become one of the Show’s most anticipated events.

SEMA Ignited

• West Hall Parking Lot

The 2022 SEMA Show culminates at SEMA Ignited, the official after-party that launches immediately after the Show ends on Friday, November 4. The event takes place in the West Hall Parking Lot—just a short walk away—and is free to all credentialed Show attendees.

Introduced in 2014, the annual event is also open to the public, giving consumers the chance to glimpse some of the vehicles and excitement from the world-famous, trade-only SEMA Show. The party is a great way for Showgoers to unwind from the week while enjoying a night of food, entertainment, drifting demonstrations and more. Gates open at 3:00 p.m., and your SEMA Show badge serves as your free ticket. For more information, visit www.SEMAignited.com.

SEMA Gear

• Various Locations

For your shopping convenience, SEMA Gear stores are located throughout the Show in the Bronze Lot, the East Lobby, SEMA Central, the Grand Lobby, the Grand Plaza, the Central Hall, the Skybridge and the West Hall. Don’t forget to stop by and pick up gifts and SEMA Show memorabilia for friends and business associates back home. You’ll find T-shirts, hats, bags and more at each store. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to SEMA Cares charities.

Parking near the convention center is scarce (and expensive) during SEMA Show Week, so the Las Vegas Monorail is an attractive alternative. It connects the convention center with many major hotels, and it runs extended hours during Show week. SEMA members can also get discounted fares.

LVCC Loop

• West Hall, Central Hall, Lower South Hall

Walking the SEMA Show floor can eat into valuable time, so Showgoers looking to maximize their efficiency during Show Week can take advantage of the new LVCC Loop. A 1.7-mi. subway tunnel that connects West, Central and South Halls at three dedicated stations, the Boring Company-built Loop can save time by transporting attendees from one end of the Convention Center to another in roughly 4 min., and the system can transport more than 4,000 passengers per hour.

While all of the information contained in this article was accurate at the time this issue went to press, be sure to visit www.SEMAShow.com or the SEMA Show app for the latest updates and schedules.

These are the first shots of the Cadillac Celestiq (actually) testing on public roads. While Cadillac released their own images of the Celestiq “on the road,” the shots were really taken inside of its Warren Technical Center.

The Celestiq will be Cadillac’s flagship sedan aimed at the ultra-luxury space going to battle with Tesla's Model S, the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS in terms of performance but with a more premium cabin experience and a much higher price tag. Cadillac wants this car to be mentioned in the same breath as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. GM President Mark Reuss said, “as Cadillac’s future flagship sedan, CELESTIQ signifies a new, resurgent era for the brand.”

Inside, behind a wide two-spoke steering wheel, expect a massive 55-in. LED screen that spans pillar to pillar across the dash, with additional screens for each rear passenger. Cadillac stated that of the five LED screens inside the Celestiq, the front passenger’s screen features a “digital blinds” innovation that prevents the driver from getting distracted and viewing what's seen (similar to Jeep’s approach with the Grand Wagoneer’s front passenger touchscreen).

Not much is known about the powertrain (we’re told 0–60 will clock in around 2.8), but the production Celestiq will sit atop GM’s corporate Ultium platform. The Celestiq included, will be derived from the Ultium vehicle platform toolkit and batteries that’ll be shared across numerous segments within the GM portfolio, from Chevrolet’s Blazer SS all the way north to the GMC Hummer EV duo.

Additionally, GM has plans to install up to 40,000 new Level 2 charging stations across the United States, specifically aimed at underserved, rural and urban areas. The goal, through what GM calls Ultium Charge 360, is to bring public charging to greater parts of the community with the help of its dealer network.

Expect the Celestiq to have an official debut in late-’23 as a ’25 MY.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

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.

Many SEMA Show hotels, such as The LINQ Hotel & Casino, offer reduced resort fees for Showgoers.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees.

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website do not include the resort fee (except for Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World and Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. Daily resort fee is included in the nightly rates).

Hotel Name	onPeak Resort Fee	Hotel Resort Fee	Savings Difference
Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas	$35	$45	$10
Ballys Las Vegas	$37	$39.95	$2.95
Bellagio	$35	$45	$10
Caesars Palace	$45	$45.95	$0.95
Circus Circus Hotel	$21	$36.28	$15.28
Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World	$39	$45	$6
Courtyard by Marriott — Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
Downtown Grand	$26	$29.95	$3.95
Elara, Hilton Grand Vacations	$25	$25	$0
Embassy Suites Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas	$25	$45	$20
Excalibur	$30	$35	$5
Flamingo Las Vegas	$37	$39.95	$2.95
Golden Nugget	$25	$36	$11
Harrah's Las Vegas	$35	$39.95	$4.95
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo	$25	$25	$0
Hilton Grand Vacations – Las Vegas CC	$25	$25	$0
Hilton Grand Vacations on the Strip	$25	$25	$0
Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World	$39	$45	$6
Las Vegas Marriott	N/A	N/A	N/A
Luxor Hotel and Casino	$30	$35	$5
MGM Grand Hotel Casino	$35	$39	$4
New York New York Hotel and Casino	$35	$37	$2
OYO Hotel and Casino	$20	$37	$17
Palace Station	$29.99	$39.67	$9.68
Paris Las Vegas	$45	$45.95	$0.95
Park MGM	$35	$39	$4
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino	$39	$39.95	$0.95
Renaissance Las Vegas	$20	$30	$10
Residence Inn Convention Center Las Vegas	N/A	N/A	N/A
SAHARA Las Vegas	$29	$39.95	$10.95
SpringHill Suites Convention Center	N/A	N/A	N/A
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas	$39	$45	$6
The Cromwell	$45	$45.95	$0.95
The LINQ Hotel & Casino	$35	$39.95	$4.95
The Mirage Hotel and Casino	$35	$39	$4
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino	$27	$45	$18
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino	$27	$45	$18
The Signature at MGM Grand	$35	$39	$4
The STRAT Hotel	$32	$37	$5
The Westin Las Vegas	$24	$32	$8
Treasure Island	$30	$39	$9
Tropicana LV – A Doubletree by Hilton	$25	$37	$12
Trump Hotel Las Vegas	$19	$35	$16
Vdara Hotel and Spa	$35	$45	$10
Westgate Las Vegas Resort	$35	$36.99	$1.99
Wynn Las Vegas	$25	$45	$20

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

  

The 2022 SEMA Show Education program will feature more than 70 seminars designed to inspire personal and professional development. Led by industry- and subject-matter experts, the program offers a customizable lineup of sessions and workshops that confront industry challenges, capitalize on emerging trends, highlight and reinforce business best practices, enhance leadership skills and much more.

One of the newest components of the 2022 Show Education program are four sessions focused on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The first DEI session, "Diversity and Inclusion: How You Can Advance Equal Opportunity in Your Workplace," takes place Tuesday, November 1, and will presented by James Pogue, Ph.D., President and CEO of JP Enterprises.

In addition to the DEI sessions, three new tracks have been added: “Inside the Shop,” “Enthusiast” and “Keynote.” The “Inside the Shop” series will motivate aspiring builders and technicians as they hear from leading customizers sharing their experiences crafting off-road machines, hot rods, musclecars and detailed restorations.

The new “Enthusiast” track, scheduled for Friday, November 4, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., will feature industry personalities and celebrities providing insight on building cars, ideas for obtaining sponsorships and the importance of protecting the automotive aftermarket from overregulation. One of the five sessions, “Celebrity Insights,” moderated by African American Racers Association Cofounder Chris Harris, will give attendees a glimpse into the lives of some of their favorite celebrities, legends and luminaries.  

The “Keynote” track will feature the new “Main Stage Experience,” where some of the industry’s iconic figures and leaders will bring their unique perspectives on ways to strengthen business strategies. The Main Stage promises to be an immersive, informative and entertaining experience. The first presentation is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, the opening day of the 2022 SEMA Show.

Building on the success the 2021 Show's education program, the “Leadership Essentials” track, presented by Dale Carnegie, returns to the Show offering six courses spread out over three days. The courses, which can be taken as a whole or individually, feature trainers from Dale Carnegie providing the institution’s acclaimed leadership, communications and sales program that improve both individual and business performance.

“The SEMA Show has a lot to offer, from seeing new products and vehicle builds, meeting with manufacturers, learning from experts and developing meaningful relationships that you can only get from an in-person event,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We encourage Showgoers to take advantage of all the elements of the SEMA Show so that they get the greatest ROI.”

With a wide array of seminars and workshops, the education offerings at the Show provide something for everyone. The 14 tracks available are:

• Aftermarket Updates & Future Trends
• Business Management
• Digital Marketing
• Electric Vehicles
• Enthusiast
• I-Car Collision Repair Training
• Inside the Shop
• International Roundtables
• Keynote
• Leadership Essentials (presented by Dale Carnegie)
• Legislative and Regulatory
• SCRS Repairer Driven Education
• Tire Industry Association
• Vehicle Technology

All sessions are held in meeting rooms at the Las Vegas Convention Center, making it easy and convenient for attendees to schedule seminars between meetings with exhibitors. Registrants can sign up for the education program while applying for SEMA Show credentials at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

For a review of the 2022 SEMA Show Education Program, visit www.SEMAshow.com/education.

  

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is calling all SEMA Show car builders to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition. 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!

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.