Young industry professionals and emerging leaders reunited at the 2021 SEMA Show – marking a successful conclusion of the largest North American automotive trade event since 2019.
Below are highlights of YEN-related activities that took place during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada:
YEN Mixer at Topgolf
Taking place the evening before the official opening of the SEMA Show, the YEN Mixer was a fun and informal way to kick off the busy week. With current and prospective members in attendance, participants enjoyed a casual networking event and discovered what YEN is doing to support aspiring leaders.
YEN Reception
More than 160 young executives celebrated the industry at the council’s official SEMA Show Reception on Tuesday evening of the Show. Rory Connell of Advanced Accessory Concepts LLC was recognized with the YEN Young Executive of the Year award, Kristin Backes of Derive Systems with the YEN Immediate Past Chair award, and Oracle Lighting with the YEN Vanguard award.
Six YEN members participated in the “car show” theme at the event and parked their vehicles on the Renaissance rooftop where the reception was located. SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting and SEMA Board Member Lindsay Hubley stopped by to join the festivities, while attendees got to channel their competitive side with games, including Jumbo Connect 4, Jenga and Cornhole.
Resources and Education
Many YEN members joined young industry CEOs as they discussed where the industry is headed during the SEMA Education seminar “Future Industry Outlook from CEO’s under 40, Powered by YEN.”
Moderated by Ian Lehn of BOOSTane, the discussion featured panelists Roland Hence, CEO at FrontLane LLC and 2020 SEMA Launch Pad winner; Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner at Lodestone Events and SEMA Board member; Matt Kossoff, CPO at Driven Lighting Group; and Jon Pulli, CEO at Turn 14 Distribution.
Included in the discussion is what vehicle ownership will look like in the next generation, advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs and more. Stay tuned to future YEN member updates and social media to access the link to the seminar recording.