By Kristin Goodwin

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) is a long-established tradition to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive industry.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at this year's Gala, Friday, July 21, in Anaheim, California, to honor the 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees.

Since its inception in 1976, the Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized and the outgoing Directors are thanked. In addition, SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a passion and love for the industry--and join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees' lifetime achievements--during an evening with cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited; a full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets. 

The event will take place at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W. Convention Way).

Register for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Two customized Jeeps and one customized 4Runner, modified as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, are now available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com. 

Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers and was built by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.  

The public is invited to bid on the vehicles in the auctions currently running on BringaTrailer.com.

Check out each build below and learn more by visiting the auction link for each. Bidding closes Wednesday, July 5.

Mon Valley Career & Technology Center | 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Wichita Falls Career Education Center | 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School | 1996 4Runner  

Bid and learn more here.

These builds wouldn't be possible without the amazing support and generosity of the sponsors who helped make this happen. To see a complete list of the supporters, visit sema.org/student-builds#sponsors. 

For more details about the program and the vehicles, visit sema.org/student-builds.

By Ashley Reyes

A collaborative environment between men and women in the workplace is essential to building a strong, supportive environment for all professionals. In the traditionally male-dominated automotive aftermarket industry, establishing an organization in which women are supported by their male counterparts fosters innovation and success.

SEMA members are invited to the second session of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Male Ally Webinar Series, Real Life Scenarios: Examples of Male Ally Support, on Tuesday, July 25 at 12:00 p.m. PDT to hear from a panel of industry leaders as they share real-life scenarios of how men can further support women in their roles.

Senior Business Leader Randall Speir, Justin Perret of Oracle Lighting and Mark Taylor of Kam Marketing will give examples of successes and failures that they have experienced while being an ally to women, provide solutions for how to improve the working relationship between men and women, and share tips for how women can react to or interpret male allyship.

Attendees will walk away knowing how to start the effort of being a male ally, how to spread the mindset within their teams and why a male ally program is needed. Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members can take advantage of money-saving benefits that will help them get their products to market through exclusive services offered by the SEMA Garage. Conveniently located as a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility in Diamond Bar, California, and a 45,000-sq.-ft. location in Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage offers the tools, technology and services that members need to get their innovations to market--as well as the space necessary to work efficiently and accurately.

Installation Center 

Both SEMA Garage locations offer state-of-the-art installation centers that members can access for free. The studio-quality environments are fully equipped with vehicle bays, lifts and tools that members can utilize to test-fit product prototypes, create installation videos or install components on a project vehicle. In addition to having maximum flexibility and space to achieve their goals, business members are able to access SEMA's on-site team of engineers who can answer questions and assist with product development tools.

Training Center

Available at $500 a day (a $350 discount off the $850 non-member price), both garages offer fully equipped training facilities that companies can use for a variety of functions, ranging from new-product reveals to company educational sessions. The training centers are equipped with a suite of presentation and sound equipment, as well as a kitchen for catering and breaks, or catering can be provided upon request. The seating capacity at the Diamond Bar location is 150 and 90 for the Detroit facility.

As SEMA members continue to develop cutting-edge products and accessories that add enjoyment to vehicle ownership, the SEMA Garage is available to help businesses get their ideas off the drawing board and into the hands of customers. To learn more about SEMA Garage services, including the installation and training centers, 3D scanning and printing, ADAS testing, vehicle measuring sessions and emissions testing, as well as discounts available, visit semagarage.com or contact SEMA membership at 909-610-2030.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) for cocktails and late-night snacks following the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, Friday, July 21 in Anaheim, California. While SEMA provides valuable industry resources and services, the PAC adds a critical dimension to public and government affairs by actively engaging with lawmakers, lobbying for favorable legislation, and safeguarding our future through political involvement. 

By law, SEMA is not allowed to use association funds to impact the electoral process. This is where SEMA PAC comes in. The PAC is a resource allowing SEMA members to pool their personal funds to contribute to candidates and lawmakers supporting our industry.

Interested in the event or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Attendance is limited and requires a purchase to attend; RSVP today!

By Ashley Reyes

Product and service providers can connect directly with aftermarket engineers actively seeking resources to streamline their product development by attending the 2023 Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium.

Taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, and hosted by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the event provides a one-stop opportunity for businesses to:  

• Showcase how their product or service can help engineers be more effective and efficient.  
• Meet one-on-one with engineers to explore possibilities for collaboration and co-innovation. 
• Take part in networking sessions that will provide opportunities to build connections and trust.  
• Gain firsthand knowledge of market demands and customer pain points, helping businesses to align their services with industry needs.  
• Learn about advancements in alternative internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, vehicle communication standards, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and more through high-powered education sessions.

Product and service providers are identified as companies that resell final products to the mass consumer market (i.e., companies offering rapid prototyping, simulation, consulting, etc.) and those that offer tools or services to companies that support the development of hard parts, manufacturing processes, consumables or research and development (R&D).  

View the program schedule or list of the current registered providers. 

To learn more about the N.E.R.D. Symposium and opportunities to create partnerships that grow your business, and to sign up, visit sema.org/nerd. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Aaron Marshall as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Marshall founded Berg Performance, an aftermarket specialty shop for Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche vehicles. Get to know Marshall in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Aaron Marshall: An absolute love for the vehicles we work on and wanting to share the little-known capability of platforms we service. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

AM: SEMA and TORA are fantastic platforms that we have not participated in much. This gives us an outlet to step outside our bubble. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

AM: It's a tough market. Be better than everyone else and be genuine. 

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? 

AM: We built it--an '08 Cayenne Turbo. You could find me at the canyon road ripping it up or at the end of the trail.  

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las  Vegas, is open at SEMAShow.com/register. Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register by Friday, June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through Friday, September 29 and $120 after that date.

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information to plan their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event.

This year's SEMA Show will offer an attendee and buyer experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. The event is the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and tailor a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs led by subject-matter experts, thought leaders and industry leaders.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.