SEMA Data’s Next Evolution

 

 

Those who follow politics know that by February, state legislatures across the United States are fully underway. This is an especially important topic for SEMA members who frequently want to know what our association is doing to effectively engage government leaders and bring about positive outcomes for our industry. Seeing an increase in legislative and regulatory overreach, many are concerned about the automotive specialty-equipment industry’s future.

SEMA Garage emissions labs enable members to develop products that function properly without compromising a vehicle’s emissions status, and to demonstrate compliance more cheaply and quickly than most outside labs.

It’s been decades since SEMA, the association, first recognized the need to have a voice at the table when it comes to legislative and regulatory affairs. The result was an office, staffed by legal and legislative professionals, in Washington, D.C., aimed at better informing lawmakers about the specialty products industry and the important role it plays in American culture and the overall American economy.

Along with SEMA’s work in government affairs, trade events, and professional advancement programs, it’s long been a top priority to help businesses make data-driven business decisions by means of targeted research. The goal is to help members understand the size and scope of the industry, and help define investment opportunities, segment by segment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.