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 market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit YEN's website |
Five Entrepreneurs Face Off for Launch Pad Title
By Amanda Gubbins
The field has been narrowed, and the Young Executives Network (YEN) has announced the final five contestants in the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition: Samuel Giles, Ian Lehn, Sarah Park, Roger Peterson and Jack Zampolin.
Dozens of YEN members, all under age 40, initially shared their business concepts in video format. The top 10 advanced to the voting round, where the public then selected five finalists via a voting app on the YEN Facebook page. The 2014 contest garnered 5,670 votes—more than five times last year’s count. The competition's growth is especially exciting to the network leadership.
“This year we received 20,486 unique visitors to the voting app,” explained Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison. “To this end, the competition is well on its way to achieving the goal of raising awareness about young automotive business entrepreneurs.”
The finalists will proceed to the live competition, where they will each give their business pitch to a panel of industry leaders during the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The judges will evaluate each of the businesses and select a winner, who will walk away with a prize package of services designed to get the concept off the ground.
Show attendees are invited to watch the final round unfold on Wednesday, November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N258. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register through their SEMA Show dashboards. Registrants should log in at www.SEMAShow.com and select the event, “The Next Great Business: How Entrepreneurs Pitch their Ideas.” Lunch will be served to the first 125 individuals to arrive at the event.
Here are the finalists:
 Samuel Giles | |
Samuel Giles – Managing Director, Intellectual Capital Consulting Ltd.
From Samsung to Sony to Apple, the smart-watch era has arrived. The patented Blackhawk Smartwatch Remote Engine Starter introduces an elegant connected-car solution for auto enthusiasts. The fashion-forward smart watch represents an outward expression of auto enthusiasts’ passion for their vehicles. Incorporating both sophisticated hardware and software, the Blackhawk RES merges the essence of Silicon Valley and Detroit, while carving out a novel niche.
Samuel Giles is a registered United States patent agent and received his technical training in physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In addition, Giles received his bachelors in information systems and MBA from the University of Toledo. Drawing on his experience of university technology transfer and business development, he develops strategic patent portfolios that position the Blackhawk RES to remain a force in the aftermarket industry for years to come.
 Ian Lehn | |
Ian Lehn – President, BOOSTane Octane Engineering
Taking inspiration from his stepfather, who sparked a love for the automotive aftermarket, Ian Lehn began to flourish as an innovator in the mechanical engineering classrooms of Georgia Tech, claiming the top prize for the school’s most prestigious competition three years running. The contest required creation and construction of an indirect drive system for human transportation, and Lehn won with three different designs. During his final year in school, Lehn recognized problems associated with fuel-octane reliability, race fuel accessibility and the general effectiveness of octane boosters. He developed an affordable alternative to racing fuel and started BOOSTane, which has since undergone seven years of formulation and testing. The product was developed with a certain demographic in mind—individuals who want to restore lost octane points and stabilize the harmful effects of ethanol to protect their engines.
 Sarah Park | |
Sarah Park – Co-founder & President, The Hybrid Haven
Sarah Park studied the cognitive sciences at the University of California Irvine, where she developed a passion for learning about human motivation and societal change. Before co-founding the Hybrid Haven, she worked in business development and brand marketing at Nippon Oil Co., where she was immersed in the oil and energy fields, and the automotive aftermarket. At the 2013 SEMA Show, Parks met her business partner Edward Rueda, a veteran Toyota master technician and one of the first to work extensively with hybrid vehicles. Rueda had already opened his own repair shop, called “The Hybrid Haven.” Now, with Parks’ help, the company will offer its business model, hybrid/EV service, diagnostic know-how, access to national parts and supply networks, marketing exposure and other valuable resources to independent repair shop owners in a franchise package. The company’s goal is to become a catalyst in the automotive industry by creating the aftermarket service and resource infrastructure for hybrid and EVs.
 Roger Peterson | |
Roger Peterson – Founder & CEO, MG Research LLC
MG Research LLC (MGR) focuses on innovation in marketing channel research and analytics. As its core methodology, MGR develops and employs proprietary web 3.0 applications to achieve high-quality market research in the specialty-equipment industry. In its capacity as a consumer research start up, MGR will work to solve immediate research needs.
Through its proprietary mobile app (The Enthusiast App), MG Research will solve a growing information source deficit among end users by introducing the world’s first mobile specialty-parts search engine. This search engine matches specialty parts to users, their vehicles and their customization preferences. MGR will deliver primary research data to specialty-parts manufacturers and their distribution networks in real time. The company believes that by making access to good information accessible, it can help contribute to the growth of the specialty-equipment industry.
 Jack Zampolin | |
Jack Zampolin – Vice President of Business Development, RightPSI Inc.
Jack Zampolin is the vice president of business development at RightPSI—manufacturer of a patented tire cap that shows if a tire is over- or under-inflated. Users can also pump directly into the cap and use it as a gauge while pumping, eliminating the need for a traditional tire gauge. The caps fit all cars, trucks, motorcycles and any other tire with a Schrader valve, and are produced in a wide range of PSI levels. Zampolin's role includes sales, distributor relations, marketing and PR. He also led the charge on a successful Kickstarter campaign last spring. Zampolin is a newcomer to the automotive aftermarket and is passionate about well-made products. He is very excited to bring RightPSI to a wider audience.
YEN General Membership Meeting
The Young Executives Network (YEN) will hold a general membership meeting on Monday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join the leadership and other members as they celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to young professionals in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in, or prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
Discussion topics will include:
- YEN Annual Reception
- SEMA Launch Pad
- YEN Power Tour
- YEN Networking Events
- YEN Member Activation Program (MAP)
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit ARMO's website. | |
Save the Date for ARMO Awards Reception
The annual awards reception for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will be held Tuesday, November 4, in ballrooms D and E of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH). Members and individuals interested in learning more about the council are invited to register and attend the event, which will run from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The evening will feature opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new connections, and honor a few of the industry’s influential restoration professionals during the awards presentations.
General Membership Meeting
ARMO will hold a general membership meeting, Wednesday, November 5, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in conference rooms 4–6 of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). The group will discuss current initiatives and plans for the future over pastries and coffee. This event is a great introduction to the council for new and prospective members, and a chance to share challenges and ideas. Register today to save your seat.
Builder’s Roundtable
The ARMO roundtable provides an opportunity each year for members to discuss issues facing the industry. Geared toward small businesses and shop owners, the event provides a forum for companies to exchange information about challenges, solutions and opportunities in a casual, small-group setting. This year’s event will take place Thursday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N236. Register today.
For more information about ARMO’s SEMA Show events, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host a joint networking reception with the Young Executives Network (YEN) on Tuesday, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in ballroom C of the Westgate (formerly LVH). All ETTN members, YEN members and other professionals interested in exploring the groups are invited. The event will feature casino tables, specific areas showcasing emerging technologies, an awards ceremony and refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will hold its annual awards reception, Wednesday, November 5, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., in ballrooms A and B of the Westgate (formerly LVH). The event provides a community-building opportunity for members and a chance for prospective members to learn more about the group’s focus. The evening’s festivities will include awards presentations and a Pinewood Builder's Challenge auction to raise money for the charities supported by SEMA Cares. Register for the event today.
For more information, contact Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Save the Date for the TORA Reception
The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom C. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the reception will feature networking opportunities and three award presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.
The TORA is also looking for volunteers for the annual TORA Industry Awards Reception and Fall Nationals Pinewood Drags.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
TORA Booth Happy Hour
Are you a buyer interested in meeting exhibitors in the truck and off-road industries? Are you a manufacturer hoping to build leads in a casual environment on the Show floor? Truck and off-road buyers and exhibitors are invited to the TORA Happy Hour at the TORA booth (#34183) in upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the 2014 SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learning about the council over a drink. Register today, or volunteer to help staff the booth.
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| Visit MPMC's website. |
Motorsports Manufacturers: Make Connections at the 2014 PRI Show
The Performance Racing Industry Show week will kick-start for members of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) with a general membership meeting on Wednesday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Indiana Convention Center, room 243. The meeting will provide participants a chance to share challenges and opportunities facing the segment. Lunch will be served to attendees following the meeting. Register today to join the group and share your perspective.
The council also looks forward to bringing back Education Day in 2014, with a few adjustments and new features. The “New Racing Products in the Fast Lane” event will feature three 30-minute sessions on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in the convention center. Guests will have their choice of three presentations, which will run concurrently. Each presentation will focus on cutting-edge products from MPMC members, allowing attendees to learn more about the parts in a casual, small-group setting. To RSVP for individual seminars, access the PRI Attendee Registration Dashboard and select the MPMC link for more information.
The complete schedule of sessions follows:
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Room 240: Mahle
Room 241: MSD
Room 242: Turbosmart
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Room 240: Holley
Room 241: Driven Racing Oil
Room 242: Lunati
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Room 240: Ron Francis Wiring
Room 241: Edelbrock
Room 242: Comp Cams
Finally, the 2014 MPMC Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a formal induction ceremony and networking reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 12, in the Indiana Convention Center, room 243. Attendees will have the chance to network over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Register today.
For more information about these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@SEMA.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Discussion Topics Announced for SEMA Show Rep Roundtable
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions for reps, November 2, 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in Ballrooms D&E of the Westgate (formerly the LVH). Through roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions that address real issues. The event will also include a group discussion on trending topics. The cost is $25 for SEMA-member reps, $35 for others.
2014 Discussion topics will include:
- "How to Recruit Next-Gen Talent in the Rep Industry" – Amy Hirsh Robinson, principal, Interchange Consulting Group
- "Future Automotive Trends Affecting Reps: OE, Manufacturers, WDs" – Gavin Knapp, senior market research manager, SEMA
- "Trends in Healthcare: How Rep Agencies Navigate Obamacare" – Gladys Zolna Esq., partner, Freeborn & Peters LLP
- "How MRERF Can Help Reps Conduct Business" – Karen Jefferson, CSP, CMPR, executive director, MRERF
- "Business Apps for Reps" – Tyler Tanaka, president, Cie Studios
- "Reps as SDC Receivers—Value Add Proposition" – Jon Wyly, president and CEO, SEMA Data Co-op
To reserve your seat, register today through your SEMA Show dashboard. For more information, contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691, bryanh@sema.org.
MRN Rep Center
MRN members will have exclusive access to a number of resources in the Rep Lounge at the 2014 SEMA Show. The lounge, located inside the Members Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center, room N251), will be open Monday, November 3–Friday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Inside the lounge, printers and a charging station will be available. A private room is also open for client meetings and can be booked on site. Reps also have the opportunity to connect with manufacturers through a rep matching service—a book of information about interested exhibitors will be in the lounge for reps to review during the week. Exhibitors seeking representation for their product lines should submit the online form prior to the Show for inclusion.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballrooms F and G, in Las Vegas.
The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.
Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
PRO Booth Happy Hour
Visit PRO in the North Hall at Booth #12561 during Show hours to learn more about what the council has to offer, the group's long-term goals or just to meet the leadership face to face. Be sure to take a mid-week break by mingling with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors over drinks at the PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 5, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Register for the Happy Hour, or volunteer to help staff the booth today.
PRO General Membership Meeting
PRO members and others who would like to learn more about the council are invited to attend a general membership meeting, Thursday, November 6, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N234. The meeting will provide a chance to learn more about the group’s focus and connect with other restylers over breakfast. Register today.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
 Café SEMA is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. | |
Café SEMA—In the Know With a Cup of Joe is a one-hour roundtable discussion that allows members to take a deeper dive into pressing topics. The event will be held November 7, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N243. Each presenter comes prepared to share their expertise and answer questions during this interactive event. The cost is $10 for SEMA members, $20 for non-members. Register today through your SEMA Show dashboard.
The 2014 speakers and topics are:
- “How Much Information Are You Willing to Share to Promote Sales? Developing a strategy and process for sharing business information, from application information to stock on hand and production schedules.” – S. Kellie Colf, Colf Creative Resources
- “Integrated Marketing for Innovative Products and Services: Using editorial, Google remarketing, social media and paid advertising to promote innovative and technical products and services, and anything that needs an explanation.” – Christina Kwan, Kwan International Media & Marketing, and Kathryn Reinhardt, Magnaflow
- “Managing Your Business’ Reputation in a Digital Age: Tools for monitoring your reputation and strategies for responding to issues.” – Tracy Teuscher, The Buzz Maker! Public Relations and Holly Krozel, Martin and Co.
- “Recruiting and Sustaining Top Talent in Your Organization – Making Interns Part of Your Plan: Internships that serve the host organization and the students.” – Julia Johnson, Skyline College, and Rose Kawasaki, Exports International
- “Actually Working Together: Effective communications between engineers, developers, creative and business managers inside the organization.” – Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates Racing Engines, JoAnn Bortles, Crazy Horse Paint, and Melanie White, Hellwig Products
- “Doing Business Globally: Taking advantage of emerging markets, duties, regulations.” – Elizabeth Couch, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Linda Spencer, SEMA
- “Standardized Product Information: How to collect, standardize and share product information; Developing the standard to include CARB information” – Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
- “Making Your Pitch for an OE Dollar Car: Required information, correct format and how to turn an OE head” – Sherry Kollien, Ford Motor Co., and Theresa Contreras, LGE-CTS Motorsports
Gear Up Girl
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) will once again collaborate with SEMA Education to host Gear Up Girl on Monday, November 3, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N263 C. This unique networking event connects female students with established leaders in the industry. SBN members have the chance to help students gain a broad understanding of career paths in the specialty-equipment market and develop networking skills. The event is free, but participants are required to register through their SEMA Show dashboards.SBN General Membership Meeting
The SBN will hold a general membership meeting, Monday, November 3, from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N242. Join SBN leadership and members to celebrate the year's accomplishments, look forward to future goals and discuss topics of interest to females in the automotive industry. This is a chance for current members to get plugged in, or prospective members to learn more about joining. Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay and network over refreshments. Register for this event on Facebook.
Discussion topics will include:
- SBN Reception
- Speed Networking Breakfast
- Café SEMA
- Gear-Up Girl Networking Event
- Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
- Member Resource Pool
- Industry Challenges and Opportunities
 During the SBN Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes. | |
By Jenna Jefferies
The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), will take place Thursday, November 6, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Westgate (formerly the LVH), Ballroom A.
This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Make more than a dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment structured to keep the introductions flowing.
While you enjoy a hot breakfast, the SBN award ceremony will take place, honoring this year’s Athena Champion, Athena Woman of the Year and Athena Rising Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts.
Until October 18, the cost for SEMA members is $35 and $45 for non-members. After October 18, the cost is $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members. Reserve your tickets today through your SEMA Show dashboard.
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| Visit WTC's website |
Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception
The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.
Register now! For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
WTC General Membership Meeting
The WTC general membership meeting will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, rooms N219-N220. The meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for members to network and learn from each other. This is also a great venue to learn how to get involved, share feedback or voice concerns and opportunities. In particular, members will learn more about a new resource to aid in selecting the correct wheel and tire fit for trucks—WTC’s Ride Guide—and a vehicle data-sharing program. Register today.