Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
 The MPMC mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. |
Industry Mixer for Performance Professionals
By SEMA Editors
A networking opportunity for members of the specialty-equipment industry will take place in conjunction with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, Thursday, January 23, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Those traveling to the MPMC Media Trade Conference and anyone living or working in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area are invited to attend the event. MPMC, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) will host the networking mixer in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.
This mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Along with the cash bar, karaoke will be open throughout the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities.
Members planning to attend should RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison via e-mail or at 909-978-6691.
 The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North. |
Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference
By SEMA Editors
Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.
The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.
Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.
View the list of participating exhibitors.
Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
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| Visit HRIA's website |
 HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines. |
Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama
By Della Domingo
The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.
“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”
HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.
“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”
Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.
For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.
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| Visit YEN's website |
 Justin Hartenstein |
YEN Member Insight: Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting
Justin Hartenstein, founder and president of Oracle Lighting, was a true automotive enthusiast from the beginning.
When Hartenstein began selling automotive parts in his eBay store in 1999, it was primarily items that he had installed but later taken off his own rides. He later started making items on his own and posting project pictures on online forums. Others began requesting parts, asking to buy what Hartenstein had made for himself. While he maintained his eBay store, Hartenstein was also going to school at the University of New Orleans and working full time.
It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that Oracle Lighting became the top priority for Hartenstein. His previous employer was greatly affected by Katrina. After the Hurricane, Hartenstein moved for a short period, and his own business was what he relied on. This was his turning point.
“When I moved back, I didn’t have any distractions, and it’s all I’ve done since then,” he said.
Oracle Lighting has been a SEMA member since 2003 and began exhibiting at the Show in 2009. The business has steadily grown, and in 2013, Oracle Lighting surpassed the 20-employee mark. Hartenstein’s wife Tiffanie also joined the company as the director of operations.
As Hartenstein focuses on research and development, he is constantly evaluating new advancements in LED technology, and how these advancements can efficiently be worked into the automotive industry.
When he first began Oracle Lighting, his motto was, “You gotta take risks to get rewards.” Over time, his personal and company focus has shifted to a customer-focused goal, “Keep doing right by the customer.”