When the doors of the 2021 SEMA Show officially open Tuesday, November 2, attendees will scope the Show floor for new and trendsetting products, meet with customers, and see nearly 2,000 custom vehicles with the latest in performance and styling upgrades. With the Show floor brimming with eye candy and fuel for the imagination, the SEMA Show Education Program is available to provide the know-how and knowledge to succeed in the specialty-equipment marketplace.

If you are a fan of the historic photos that appear in the SEMA Heritage department of SEMA News, you have Bob D’Olivo to thank—in more ways than one. D’Olivo, who passed away in July at age 94, shot many of those photos during his 40-plus-year career at Petersen Publishing Company.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) was founded to represent a community of companies that serve the needs and passions of automotive enthusiasts around the world. There are a few different categories of SEMA membership—manufacturers, distributors/retailers, and a variety of service providers—but with few exceptions, only companies have ever been allowed to join SEMA.

As the industry gets ready to reconnect in person at the 2021 SEMA Show, the excitement and pace of both domestic and international buyer registrations are building. This article focuses on the international buyer—those residing outside the United States seeking products to meet local demand, whether it be in Sweden, the United Arab Emirates or South America. What follows are some top tips for attracting international buyers to your booth. After all, SEMA members’ products have great overseas appeal.

While the SEMA Market Research department is widely recognized for its annual “SEMA Market Report,” other lesser-known services it offers include consulting to help members understand what data is available to them—even beyond what is provided directly in its reports—and their potential business opportunities based on that data.

The annual SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry are recognized and celebrated. But this year’s Installation Gala, held July 30 in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), was especially poignant.

SEMA’s Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is planning for a dynamic week at the SEMA Show, beginning with a new location and culminating in the TORA Awards Reception.

Providing resources to improve members’ businesses is top of mind for the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). In recent years, WTC has prioritized education, offering seminars on industry-centric topics. In 2019, WTC powered The Stage at the SEMA Show, featuring interviews with thought leaders.

Industry news from SEMA-member companies, including XLerate Group, Eastwood Company, Legendary Companies and more.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) aims to energize and inspire members through networking and learning experiences during the SEMA Show, to be held November 2–5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).