By Kristopher Porter
The SEMA councils and networks are teaming up with SEMA Education to bring useful education seminars to anyone interested in attending during the Show. There are many options for everyone in the industry; find one below:
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Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Restoration Builders Panel: Powered by ARMO
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.
Meet the panelists:
- EJ Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs
- Tim Strange, Strange Motion
- Jesse Henke, J&H Restorations
- Jordan Henke, J&H Restorations
- Lenny Schaeffer, Redemption Rod & Custom
This educational seminar will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in room N258. Register now.
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Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
New Technologies, New Opportunities: Vehicle Technology Roundtable, Powered by ETTN
Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. We are witnessing one of the most fundamental shifts in the history of the automotive industry. New vehicle technologies from ADAS to autonomy are driving this shift, and it’s being shaped by demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Cars and trucks will grow smarter and cooler with connected vehicle systems, high-efficiency engines, vehicle electrification and increased safety performance. This forum will bring together SEMA council and network experts to discuss how members can compete in today’s rapidly evolving market segments and leverage new aftermarket growth opportunities for connected, assisted and automated vehicles outlined in the SEMA Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunities Report. This event will take place Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.
Racing and Performance Forum: Keeping Technology at the Forefront, Powered by ETTN
Racing technologies and performance products are critical to the continued relevance and innovation within the SEMA community for both traditional members and next-generation performance businesses, enthusiasts and fans. Racing and high-performance cars are central to the future of vehicle electrification and bringing advanced motorsports technologies to the street. SEMA manufacturers need to pay attention to performance developments in electric and hybrid powertrains, as well as drive-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. Members attending this forum will hear directly from a full grid of frontline leaders and experts on the latest technologies and innovations being used in racing and adapted to production, as well as the direction, relevance and importance of motorsports and technology to the future of the performance industry. This event will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems: Customizing With Confidence, Presented by ETTN
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are active safety technologies developed to automate vehicle systems for safer driving. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was one of the first ADAS technologies deployed and regulated. Leading SEMA companies customize with confidence and ensure compliance by knowing how ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies are impacting their products, installations and businesses. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.
Advanced Vehicle Technology: Practice, Policy and Challenges, Powered by ETTN
Advanced vehicle technologies are changing how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced, shared and owned. SEMA manufacturers, distributors and installers are facing increasing challenges today and in the coming years as vehicles become more complex due to assisted, connected and automated driving technologies, as well as demographic, regulatory, social and environmental pressures. Horsepower and hardware are being matched with computing power and software. New market segments are being created in safety, performance, vehicle emissions, electronics, connected and automated driving. This panel session will focus on the practices, challenges, policies and product liability considerations you need to know to grow and prosper in the evolving performance aftermarket. This event will take place Thursday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., in LVCC room N258. Register now.
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Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Hot Rod Builder Panel, Powered by HRIA
On Thursday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in LVCC N258, join an interactive panel discussion with well-established hot-rod builders and shop owners. Led by Rick Love of Vintage Air, the builders will go through their best practices in customer-relations, business operations and building tips, tricks and stories. Register now.
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Professional Restylers Organization
PRO Reception
Take Your Company’s Sales to the Next Level, Powered by PRO
Want your restyling or truck-accessory center to stand head and shoulders above the crowd? In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to stay ahead of the competition. Listen and learn as industry veterans share insider tips and tactics to sharpen sales skills and build a more successful business. Gain insights into restyling trends and the best ways to market profitable accessory packages to a dealership or retail clientele. Take your shop’s sales to the next level—discover how earning a sales professional credential can help your company out maneuver the competition. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 31, in LVCC N253 from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Register now.
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SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Body Politics—The Nonverbal Differences between Men and Women, Powered by SBN
In this program, attendees will learn about the power differential—the effect of gender-based listening modes, subtle differences in everything from smiles and eye contact to space and touching, and the new rules of business etiquette for old standards, such as handshakes and greetings and pats on the back. “Body Politics” is an eye-opening, ear-widening, “Aha!” experience. This session will take place Tuesday, October 30, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., in LVCC N253. Register now.
Good Enough Now: Women at Work, Powered by SBN
In a sea of mixed messages, we find ourselves lost between impossible expectations, frustrating people and little room for creativity and humility. We need to hold space for reclaiming self-responsibility, trying and connecting so we can do the best we can with what we have instead of striving for perfection or just opting out under pressure. This session will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC N254. Register now.
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Legal & Regulatory: Navigating the World of Import Tariffs, Powered by WTC
The Trump Administration has imposed and threatened to impose significant tariffs to address intellectual property theft and perceived global trade imbalances. The U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory actions being taken by other countries, are causing significant turmoil within the auto industry, as companies seek to grapple with unexpected price hikes and supply-chain disruptions. This seminar will review the status of tariffs on steel/aluminum, Chinese products and imported auto parts, along with renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Accord (NAFTA). The speakers will provide an analysis of current international trade negotiations and efforts to combat the tariffs. This event will take place Wednesday, October 31, from 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m., in LVCC room N256. Register now.
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Young Executives Network (YEN)
SEMA Launch Pad, the Next Great Business: Entrepreneurs Pitch Their Ideas
The SEMA Launch Pad is the premier automotive entrepreneur business competition, and the finals are being held at the 2018 SEMA Show! The event will be held on Monday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Theater—one day before the SEMA Show officially opens. After more than 75 qualified applicants, the contest has been narrowed down to the top 10 contestants, who will participate in this live event. Each contestant has a new automotive product or service that they will pitch to a panel of iconic industry judges who will decide the ultimate winner of the 2018 program. Designed to take their businesses and products to the next level, the grand-prize includes opportunities for marketing and exposure through industry media outlets, a turnkey SEMA Show booth for 2019, access to business tools and resources and so much more. Register now.