Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, 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 MPMC's website |
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MPMC Media Trade Conference Manufacturer Registration Now Open
The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else do manufacturers have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.
Exhibitor registration for the 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open now through September 5, 2016. Only 100 spots are available, and participants will be chosen using a random number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2016 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2017 event if they submit a new application by the September 5, 2016, deadline. Exhibitor selection is available only for MPMC-member companies. The 2017 Media Trade Conference will be January 24–26 at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.
Media Registration will open in October 2016. For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.
Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.
For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Catch Up With HRIA Next Week in Pleasanton, California
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a general membership meeting at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association West Coast Nationals, taking place in Pleasanton, California. This is a great opportunity to connect with the council that represents your company in the hot-rod industry. Learn about the latest initiatives and projects that the council is working on and let your voice be heard by bringing your ideas to the table. Select Committee members and SEMA staff will be onsite to network and answer questions. We hope to see you there!
HRIA General Membership Meeting-Pleasanton, California
Thursday, August 25
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Palm Pavilion
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| Visit TORA's website. |
 The TORA Media Preview is a unique opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. |
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 TORA is looking for feature vehicle submissions in areas such as: lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep/SUV, off-road and street/lowered vehicles. |
TORA Media Preview Registration Now Open
The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is now accepting applications for the 2016 Media Preview event, which will take place Monday, October 31, prior to the opening of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
This event is a unique opportunity for truck accessory manufacturers to meet face-to-face with editors and reporters, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. Each manufacturer participant is selected from the application pool by lottery to set up temporary exhibit space within the Media Center. Throughout the four-hour event, the manufacturers can show samples and answer questions about their products.
The key to a successful experience is preparation, and knowing how to make the editors’ jobs easy. In order to help manufacturers maximize their experiences, TORA has gathered a few preparation materials from past events and webinars. These resources will help manufacturers be prepared for the media, and ultimately gain the best coverage possible. The following materials are especially helpful for companies that do not have a dedicated media relations division, or that just want to sharpen their skills:
- “Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show” – webinar by Larry Edsall
- “Media Panel: How to Maximize Media Exposure”– panel from 2014 Exhibitor Summit
- “How to Host a Successful SEMA Show Press Conference” – presentation from 2012 Exhibitor Summit
All applications for the 2016 TORA Media Preview event are due by September 9. Apply now! For more information, contact Allan Keefe at allank@sema.org 909-978-6696. For more information about attending as a member of the media, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723.
TORA Feature Vehicle Applications Now Open
The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for feature vehicles for the 2016 SEMA Show. Those who have a vehicle that represents the TORA membership are encouraged to apply. The council will look for submissions in such areas as: lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep/SUV, off-road and street/lowered vehicles. The SEMA Show is the most well-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 60,000 buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers featured on each vehicle.
Seven vehicles will be selected to be featured at the Show; two vehicles will be displayed in the TORA booth in Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured throughout common areas outside of the convention center.
Read more about the TORA Feature Vehicle criteria and apply now. The deadline to apply is September 2, 2016.
If you have any questions, contact Allan Keefe, senior manager of councils, at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website |
 Ronald L. Coleman |  Jessi Combs | |
 Jim Cozzie |  Brian Rowland | |
 Dave Ziozios |
Meet Your Launch Pad Judges
The SEMA Launch Pad voting period has gotten off to a strong start, where at the end, the top 10 finalists will be left standing. They will bring their products to the big stage at the 2016 SEMA Show and present in front of a live audience and a panel of judges made up of industry powerhouses. The contestants will be rated based on the following criteria: business clarity, product analysis and presentation.
Let’s meet the 2016 judges:
- Ronald L. Coleman, ownership partner, president and CEO, COMP Performance Group
- Jessi Combs, reality TV star, “All Girls Garage”
- Jim Cozzie, managing partner, Brenton Productions Inc.
- Brian Rowland, head of digital and eCommerce, Transamerican Auto Parts
- Dave Ziozios, CEO, Motovicity Distribution
Read more about the judges.
Vote for a Launch Pad contestant today!
For any questions regarding Launch Pad, please contact Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.