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. |
Catch up with the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) at the following events taking place at the 2016 SEMA Show:
ARMO Reception
ARMO is hosting its annual industry awards reception at the 2016 SEMA Show. The council will recognize top companies and individuals in the automotive restoration industry for their outstanding accomplishments. In addition to the awards ceremony, the reception provides the perfect atmosphere for networking with fellow restoration professionals. Enjoy food and beverages while mingling with industry friends and members of the select committee. The reception will be held Tuesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14.
ARMO/HRIA Booth #23395
ARMO will once again share a booth with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) as the two councils share similar initiatives and have crossover in membership. Select committee members will be stationed at the booth throughout the Show to discuss the benefits of ARMO membership and opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Six feature vehicles will be on display in the combined booth, three representing the restoration segment and three representing the hot-rod segment. Stop by booth #23395 to network with restoration professionals and learn about the latest council initiatives.
ARMO General Membership Meeting
ARMO is holding a general membership meeting at the 2016 SEMA Show. All ARMO members attending the Show are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about the latest council initiatives and discuss industry-specific ideas and concerns. In addition to council updates, ARMO select committee member Brian Rowland of TAP Worldwide will lead an engaging discussion on “Data & E-commerce in the Restoration Market.” With extensive experience in this area, Rowland will show attendees why data and e-commerce go hand in hand. The meeting will take place Wednesday, November 2, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Westgate Conference rooms 4–6.
Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO
At this discussion panel, well-known restoration builders will share their experiences in restoring vehicles, give business tips and discuss the latest restoration trends. Bring questions, as there will be Q&A at the end! This educational session will take place Wednesday, November 2, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in room N258.
Register for these ARMO events.
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| Visit ETTN's website |
 Elaina Farnsworth |
Elaina Farnsworth to Educate SEMA Members on Vehicle Connectivity During SEMA ETTN Quick Talks Session
By Tim Sayers
As one of the featured presenters at the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) inaugural Quick Talks—Experts Talk Vehicle Technology at the 2016 SEMA Show, Elaina Farnsworth, CEO of Mobile Comply, will share her expertise on the connected and autonomous vehicle industry. Farnsworth will present “Connected Car Connectivity,” Thursday, November 3, at 9:00 a.m., in room N258 in the Upper North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. One of four Quick Talk sessions scheduled for the 2016 SEMA Show, Farnsworth’s session will examine devices within a vehicle that connect to other devices, networks or services inside the home, office, other vehicles or infrastructure. Topics will include telematics, mechatronics and artificial intelligence technologies that interact with the environment to provide greater safety, entertainment, comfort and the “connected-life” experience.
Farnsworth is an internationally recognized public speaker, writer and thought leader in the connected and autonomous vehicle industry. In her dynamic role as CEO of Mobile Comply, Farnsworth and her team develop cutting-edge education and certification for companies entering into this new and exciting space. She is a strong advocate of mobility and intelligent transportation, and understands up-to-date factors that drive the industry.
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| Visit HRIA's website |
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is looking forward to connecting with hot-rod professionals at the SEMA Show at their events and booth located in Central Hall.
HRIA Reception
HRIA will host its annual industry awards reception at the 2016 SEMA Show. The event is highly anticipated by hot-rod professionals, and is the second-most-attended event at the Show. Join the council for a cocktail hour followed by a banquet-style dinner while catching up with old friends and networking with industry professionals. The awards ceremony will be moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air. Top companies and individuals in the hot-rod segment will be recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Be sure to check out the six feature vehicle hot rods that will be on display throughout the event. The HRIA Builder’s Challenge Pinewood cars will also be on display. These one-of-a-kind miniature hot rods will be auctioned off to benefit SEMA Cares charities. Sponsored tables are also available for purchase, benefitting the SEMA Scholarship Fund. To sponsor a table, contact Director of Councils Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org. The reception will be held Wednesday, November 2, from 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center.
HRIA Booth #23395 Central Hall
HRIA will once again share a booth with the Automotive Restoration Market Association (ARMO) at the 2016 SEMA Show. The two councils share common initiatives and have crossover in membership. Select committee members will be stationed at the booth throughout the Show to discuss the benefits of HRIA membership and opportunities to get involved and volunteer.
In the heart of Hot Rod Alley, the HRIA booth has been commonly referred to as “Central Park” because the booth creates an inviting atmosphere for hot-rod industry professionals to meet and network. Six feature vehicles will be on display in the shared booth, three representing the restoration market and three representing the hot-rod market. The Builder’s Challenge pinewood cars will also be on display in the booth and will be auctioned off at the HRIA reception.
Hot Rod Builder’s Panel: Powered by HRIA
Are TV builds a reality? What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder? What are the pitfalls? Who do you partner with? Get answers to these questions and more from some of the industry’s most respected builders in this panel discussion moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air. This educational session will take place Thursday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in room N258.
Register for these HRIA events.
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| Visit TORA's website. |
The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting networking and educational events at the 2016 SEMA Show, designed to connect and advance light-truck professionals.
TORA Booth #34183 and Happy Hour
TORA will be located in the Upper South Hall in booth #34183 at the 2016 SEMA Show where two must-see feature vehicles will be on display.
TORA is hosting a happy hour in its booth at the close of the first day of the SEMA Show. Stop by the centrally located booth for a drink and to network with truck and Jeep industry professionals. Select committee members will be there to answer any questions about council initiatives and the many benefits that TORA membership can bring your company. Happy hour will be held Tuesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in TORA booth #34183 in Upper South Hall.
TORA Reception
TORA will host a reception at the 2016 SEMA Show. TORA members and fellow industry professionals will gather for a fun evening of networking while enjoying beverages and hors d'oeuvres. The council will honor outstanding TORA companies and individuals for their contributions to the light-truck segment with their annual awards ceremony. A fun tradition at the TORA reception is the pinewood drag races, in which attendees can rent pinewood trucks to participate. This has turned into a much-anticipated competitive event. Pinewood trucks will be on display at the reception for purchase as well. All race and purchase proceeds go toward SEMA Cares children’s charities. The reception will take place Wednesday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., located in the Westgate Conference Rooms 7–14.
Off-Road, Truck and Jeep Builder’s Panel: Powered by TORA
In this new panel discussion aimed at truck and Jeep builders, attendees will hear from a panel of well-known vehicle builders discussing their experience building trucks and discussing what it takes to be a successful builder. Bring questions as the panel will open the discussion for Q&A. This educational event will take place Thursday, November 3, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., located in LVCC Upper North Hall room N252.
Register to attend these TORA events.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
MRN Rise and Network Event
The Manufacturers Rep Network (MRN) is hosting a complimentary breakfast and networking event on Thursday morning of the SEMA Show in the Members Lounge. MRN members are encouraged to attend and fuel up for another big day at the Show as they network with fellow independent sales reps. An awards presentation will also be held to celebrate the lifetime achievements of one special MRN member who will be inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame. Additionally, a manufacturing company will be honored with the MRN STAR Award for their exceptional conduct with manufacturers reps.
The event will take place Thursday, November 3, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in the Members Lounge, LVCC N251.
Questions? Please contact SEMA Council Director Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has a busy week of events planned for the 2016 SEMA Show, designed to connect and educate restyling professionals.
PRO Booth #12579 and Happy Hour
PRO will have a booth (#12579 in North Hall) at the 2016 SEMA Show, which will serve as a destination point for PRO members to network and learn about the latest council initiatives. PRO will also host a happy hour in its booth, Wednesday, November 2, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., which will be a great opportunity to take a mid-week break and mingle with motivated restyling buyers and exhibitors. The PRO select committee and dozens of PRO members will be on hand to share what the council has to offer and to discuss opportunities to get more involved.
PRO Reception
PRO will host its annual industry awards reception—the premier networking opportunity for restyling professionals—at the 2016 SEMA Show. Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink while catching up with old friends and mingling with the council leadership while the council honors influential leaders in the restyling industry. The reception will be held Tuesday, November 1, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., on the pool deck of the Westgate Hotel.
PRO General Membership Meeting
PRO will hold a general membership meeting at the 2016 SEMA Show. All PRO members attending the Show and representatives from restyling companies who would like to learn more about the council are encouraged to attend. Council leadership will present the council’s current initiatives and will also open the discussion to the general membership to hear their thoughts and ideas. The PRO General Membership Meeting will take place Thursday, November 3, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC room N234.
Capturing Accessory Sales at Auto Dealerships, Powered by PRO
Vehicle accessorization is big business, generating $36 billion annually in direct retail sales. Studies show that 70% of accessories are sold to new-vehicle buyers within 30 days of vehicle purchase. But dealers only capture 13% of those accessory sales. That leaves a lot of money on the table. How do you keep that business at your dealership? Put pizzazz in the showroom that shoppers can’t resist. 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 room N252.
Building a Profitable and Professional Dealer-Direct Sales Team, Powered by PRO
Through the PRO Sales Training Manual, revised and reintroduced in 2015, the council continues to provide tools to improve business practices and procedures. PRO’s most recent initiative, the development of the SEMA Salesperson Competency Certificate, is based on the sales manual. By measuring a salesperson’s knowledge, the certificate builds a more professional industry, enhances the industry’s image and conveys a company’s—and an individual’s—commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. This session shows what it takes to create a successful dealer outreach and builds an understanding of the 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 room N256.
Planning for the Future: New Vehicle Technologies, Powered by PRO
Connected and automated vehicle technologies, advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) and other mobility options will significantly improve safety. The aftermarket industry is playing an increasingly important role in retrofitting and installing many of these systems and technologies on the 250-million vehicles already on U.S. roads. 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 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. Key among them: recruiting and managing technicians, managing and training sales staff, running a retail versus wholesale operation, promoting a company’s image, heightening the level of professionalism in the industry, managing the bottom line, advertising, promotions, finding the ideal work environment and being involved in SEMA and PRO. This educational session will take place Friday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in room N254.
Register to attend these PRO events.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
Connect With Fellow Industry Women at the 2016 SEMA Show through SBN Events
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has curated informative and educational events for the 2016 SEMA Show. There is an event for everyone and every interest from networking with students, to learning today’s body politics to the SBN Networking Reception.
Why the SEMA SBN Networking & Wine Tasting Reception Should Be on Your SEMA Show Schedule
SBN welcomes professionals invested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket industry to an exclusive evening of networking and engagement. This is a great opportunity to build community with industry professionals, network and explore opportunities in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The event will include wine tasting, featuring a sommelier introducing wines with unique food pairings.
What your colleagues have to say about the event:
“The SBN wine-tasting reception is fun and fresh! Just what we need in a week of serious business.”
—Joann Bortles, Crazy Horse Custom Paint & Fabrication
“It was unique, elegant and the assortment of food and wine were a nice touch. I met a ton of great people and can’t wait to do it again!”
—Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates
“The event was great! I bragged to all of my colleagues that it was amazing and they must go in 2016!”
—Erika Klein, Auto Anything
The event will take place Wednesday, November 2, 2016, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at Westgate: Ballroom E.
Don’t forget to share this event with your colleagues—its open to both men and women!
For more information about the SBN events at the SEMA Show, please contact Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.
Don’t miss the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) Industry Reception for a chance to network with fellow industry professionals and honor one WTC member being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
WTC Reception
WTC is hosting its annual industry reception at the 2016 SEMA Show, Tuesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Renaissance pool deck. Enjoy an evening of networking with fellow wheel and tire industry professionals, along with a bite to eat and a drink. Mingle with the select committee and learn about opportunities to get more involved. The council will hold an awards ceremony to honor influential wheel and tire professionals.
WTC General Membership Meeting
WTC is hosting a General Membership Meeting at the 2016 SEMA Show. All WTC members and representatives from companies that specialize in manufacturing, distributing and selling wheels and tires are encouraged to come. Learn about the latest council initiatives and resources that WTC provides through membership. Mix and mingle with the select committee and SEMA staff and learn how to 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.
Register to attend these WTC events.
The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting events at the 2016 SEMA Show designed to connect and recognize young industry professionals.
YEN Reception
YEN is hosting a reception at the 2016 SEMA Show. This dynamic event is a great networking opportunity and is highly anticipated among the industry’s young professionals. Come out for an evening of food, drinks and connecting with other young professionals in the industry. YEN select committee members will be on hand to discuss opportunities to get more involved in the network’s initiatives. The event will also honor top young professionals for their outstanding accomplishments within the industry. The reception is taking place Tuesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., in the Westgate Paradise Center.
YEN General Membership Meeting and Mixer
YEN 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 and learn about the benefits of YEN membership and sign up at no cost. The meeting will be held Monday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., in room N242.
SEMA Launch Pad
The fourth annual SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN is a young entrepreneur competition with industry executives pitching their new products and budding businesses to a panel of automotive industry icons acting as judges at the 2016 SEMA Show. The competition started with nearly 80 applicants, from which the top-10 finalists were selected by a Facebook voting process as they prepare to 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.