It may seem like yesterday to some of us, but next month will mark the 10th anniversary of the transaction that brought the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and publications to the SEMA organization. Since then, PRI has expanded its mission to become the leading advocacy organization to help protect and grow racing for the future.
SEMA invests in infrastructure that allows the industry to move forward. The SEMA Garage and SEMA Show are tangible examples. Another key infrastructure investment, less tangible but no less significant, exists primarily as a digital platform.
SEMA Show 2022: Big Ideas and Broad Horizons
chads
Sun, 01/01/2023 - 19:02
The 2022 SEMA Show included all the excitement and familiar features that make the Show the industry’s annual must-attend event. This year, the Show grew by 35% from the previous year—a clear demonstration that the industry is back to full strength. Many exhibitors grew their footprint, taking advantage of a newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center.
When We Honor Industry Leaders, We Honor Achievement
chads
Fri, 07/01/2022 - 12:34
Recognizing successful individuals and companies is an important aspect of SEMA’s role as it pursues its mission of helping the industry succeed and prosper. Along with helping to enhance the aftermarket community, awards provide a way of sharing best practices and achievements.
A New Plan to Invest in the Future
chads
Sun, 05/01/2022 - 10:10
It’s been 10 years since the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) hosted the “SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women.” That project was a conspicuously successful all-female build that captured the attention of the industry and provided a spotlight for a great number of women working in the aftermarket. Now the current SBN team has conceived of another signature all-female build—this time one that has the potential to engage on an even wider basis and serve as a catalyst on a number of strategic fronts.
A Message From the Association
chads
Tue, 03/01/2022 - 12:32
As most SEMA members have learned by now, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting, who traditionally pens this column, announced his retirement on January 5. In his position over the last 20 years, Chris has helped guide the industry through numerous challenges, and his leadership will surely be missed. His retirement will bring changes, but at times like this, we are reminded that change is inevitable—it’s the only constant in life and business.
The 2021 SEMA Show clearly indicated that a large portion of our industry values an event that provides face-to-face contact, innovative new products, networking, and the opportunity to renew its love affair with the automobile. Congratulations are due all around, and especially to those who worked through obstacles and overcame uncertainties in order to make the 2021 Show their priority.
It’s exciting to see the progress industry investments in business technology have yielded in the last decade. For example, we’ve seen additive manufacturing and computer-aided design dramatically reducing product development iterations, speeding up time to market and saving time and money.
It has been two long years since the industry last gathered in Las Vegas for our annual trade event, so for everyone who has waited in anticipation, welcome to the 2021 SEMA Show!
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.