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 ARMO's website. |
Restoration Builders Panel—Meet the Panelists
The Restoration Builders Panel, Powered by ARMO is set to take place Wednesday, November 2, at the 2016 SEMA Show. During this discussion, well-known restoration builders will share their experiences in restoring vehicles, give business tips and discuss the latest restoration trends.
Meet the Panelists!
Tim Strange, Strange Motion Rod & Kustom
Strange grew up around hot rods and customs. He has taken that foundation and built it into Strange Motion—a company that specializes in high-end hot rods and customs.
Robert Whitter, Independent Restoration Specialist
Whitter has been building, restoring and collecting cars for more than 40 years. He brings a unique perspective to the panel as a successful independent builder.
Chris Ryan, Ryan’s Rod and Custom
Armed with a mechanical engineering degree from Penn State University and some of the most state-of-the-art equipment, Ryan will tackle anything from a scratch-built hot rod to any degree of resto-mod to full-on restorations.
Jim and Mike Ring, Ringbrothers
While better known for building award-winning hot rods, the Rings are nonetheless familiar with what it takes to restore original-panel parts and pieces.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
 Melanie White |
Melanie White to Provide Insights on Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to SEMA Members During SEMA ETTN Quick Talks Session
As one of four industry experts presenting at the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology (ETTN) inaugural Quick Talks – Experts Talk Vehicle Technology at the 2016 SEMA Show, Melanie White, vice president of Hellwig Products Co. Inc., will share her expertise on Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
White will present “ESC Electronic Stability Control,” Thursday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., in room N258 in the Upper North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. ESC is an automotive technology that helps drivers maintain proper control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by keeping the vehicle headed in the intended direction of the driver, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of road traction. She will also cover how new technology like this affects business plans and product development.
White is vice president of Hellwig Products Co. Inc.—a family-owned and -operated company founded in 1946 that manufactures load and sway control suspension for aftermarket light-duty trucks and musclecars and an OE suspension manufacturer. White volunteers for SEMA on the ETTN select committee, and is immediate past chair of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). She is passionate about technology and how it will shape and change the future of the aftermarket industry.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
Hot Rod Builders Panel—Meet the Panelists
The Hot Rod Builders Panel, Powered by HRIA is set to take place Thursday, November 3, at the 2016 SEMA Show. Attend this session to hear some of the industry’s most respected builders discuss such topics as establishing yourself as a builder, growing and boosting your reputation, and what it takes to become a successful builder.
Meet your Panelists!
Troy Trepanier, Rad Rides by Troy
Rad Rides by Troy is one of the most well-known and respected names in the business. In addition to building cars for many of the top automotive collectors in the country, Trepanier has worked closely with Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota on a variety of promotional vehicles. Because of his presence in the hot-rod industry, Trepanier has been featured on Discovery Channel’s “Rides,” participated with Chip Foose on two “Overhaulin’” episodes, and has been highlighted in several documentaries concerning his efforts in Bonneville land-speed racing.
Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
Since 1991 Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop has been about producing timeless hot rods by forging musclecar attitude with hot-rod craftsmanship. Many of the cars built by Alloway’s have gone on to win awards at automotive events throughout the country and become recognizable icons within the automotive aftermarket industry.
Pete Chapouris, SO-CAL Speed Shop
Chapouris has been building award-winning hot rods virtually since he started cruising the boulevards around his hometown of El Monte, California, in 1955. His innovative style and seat-of-the-pants marketing took the hot-rod industry from the backyard to the mainstream. His cars have won every major award over the years, and he himself has been inducted into virtually every Hall of Fame that exists in the hot-rod world.
Alan Johnson, Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop
Since 1993, Johnson and his crew have been turning cutting-edge hot rods that combine the latest technology and trends while always staying grounded to the traditional roots of hot rodding. Over the years, they have garnered numerous awards, from Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Shades of the Past, the Chip Foose Design Award, the Ridler Award and others.
Roy Brizio, Roy Brizio Street Rods
Roy Brizio Street Rods has for more than 20 years earned a well-deserved reputation for providing the parts and pieces as well as complete turnkey cars that have defined modern hot rodding. In fact, the Brizio name has been synonymous with quality hot rods for nearly half a century and has spanned two generations.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
Off-Road Truck and Jeep Builders Panel—Meet the Panelists
The Off-Road Truck and Jeep Builders Panel, Powered by TORA is set to take place during the 2016 SEMA Show, Thursday, November 3, at 3:30 p.m. In this new panel discussion aimed at truck and Jeep builders, attendees will hear from a panel of well-known vehicle builders discussing their experiences building trucks and what it takes to be successful.
Meet your Panelists!
- Fred Williams, TEN: The Enthusiast Network
- Jerry Zaiden, Camburg Engineering
- Mel Wade, Off Road Evolution
- Mario Donovan, Adventure Trailers LLC
- Keith Bailey, Off-Road Connection
- Adam Woodlee, Wide Open Design
Register to attend this TORA event.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
 The Manufacturers Rep Network (MRN) will visit first-time exhibitors in the Performance Pavilion and Westgate to share their expertise on successfully handling and following up on SEMA Show leads. |
Rep Match Gives You Leads
The Manufacturers Rep Network (MRN) will visit first-time exhibitors in the Performance Pavilion and Westgate to share their expertise on successfully handling and following up on SEMA Show leads. Taking place immediately prior to the start of the Show on Friday, November 4, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., they will also pass out bagels and Red Bull to exhibitors for a morning boost. Additionally, the MRN will share insights on the benefits of working with independent sales reps and their latest manufacturer benefit—the RepMatch program.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
Restyling Education Track at the SEMA Show:
Capturing Accessory Sales at Auto Dealerships, Powered by PRO
Listen and learn as industry experts share their knowledge and insights into how accessorizing can help grow your business and your bottom line.
This educational session will take place Tuesday, November 1, from 10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. in LVCC room N252.
Building a Profitable and Professional Dealer-Direct Sales Team, Powered by PRO
This session shows what it takes to create a successful dealer outreach and builds an understanding of the PRO certificate program, thereby delivering practical tips and ideas attendees can put to use immediately in their company.
This educational session will take place Wednesday, November 2, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC room N256.
Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies, Powered by PRO
Listen and learn as a panel of experts discusses how advanced vehicle technology is transforming the automotive and aftermarket industries, and explores the challenges and opportunities posed by evolving vehicle technologies and mobility options.
This educational session will take place Thursday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC room N256.
10 Steps to Operating a Successful Restyling Shop: Powered by PRO
In this session, three leading restylers with more than 60 years of combined industry experience will share their ideas and strategies—and invite audience participation—on essential discussion topics.
This educational session will take place Friday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC room N254
Register to attend these PRO events.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
SBN-Powered Seminars for Industry Women:
Body Politics: The Non-Verbal Differences Between Men and Women, Powered by SBN
The corporate landscape is an ever-fluctuating political space; that’s why the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has put together the educational seminar “Body Politics - The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women.” At this event, you will learn the power differential—the effect of gender-based listening modes, subtle difference in everything from smiles and eye contact to space and touching. Body Politics is an eye-opening experience that will leave all equipped with the most up-to-date rules of business etiquette. Please join SBN on November 2, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., in LVCC room N253.
Creating a Community that Drives Change, Powered by SBN
As women in a predominately male industry, it is important to know there is a community of like-minded professional women driving positive change. That’s why SBN has brought together a panel of influential women who inspire and lead in their everyday lives to discuss the future of the industry for the “Creating a Community that Drives Change” educational event. Please join us November 2, from 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC room N264 for this important all-female panel.
Register for these seminars and check out all of SBN’s events happening at the SEMA Show.
 Mingle with the select committee and learn about opportunities to get more involved at the Wheel and Tire Council reception. |
WTC Reception
WTC General Membership Meeting
The Wheel and Tire Council is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the SEMA Show. All WTC members and companies that specialize in manufacturing, distributing and selling wheels and tires are encouraged to come. Learn about the latest council initiatives and resources that the WTC provides through membership. Mix and mingle with the select committee and SEMA staff, and learn how you can become more involved in the industry.
The meeting will take place Monday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., at the Renaissance, Paramount Room.
 The YEN reception is a great networking opportunity in which select committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives. |
The Young Executives Network is holding a general membership meeting and networking opportunity the day before the opening of the 2016 SEMA Show. This is a great opportunity to catch up with fellow YENsters and hear updates on the latest network initiatives from the select committee. If you are not a member, this event serves as the perfect opportunity to mingle with the network leadership, learn about the benefits of YEN membership and sign up at no cost.
SEMA Launch Pad
The fourth annual SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN is a competition for young entrepreneurs, in which industry executives pitch their new products and budding businesses to a panel of automotive industry icons acting as the judges at the 2016 SEMA Show. The competition started with nearly 80 applicants. The top-10 finalists were selected by a Facebook voting process and will pitch their businesses at this live event. Watch and learn how these young entrepreneurs started their companies and launched their products in the marketplace as they compete for the chance to win the grand prize.
The live event will take place Wednesday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258.