By Ashley Reyes
With a focus on providing automotive aftermarket professionals with content designed to improve their careers and businesses, the SEMA Virtual Education Program will help members enhance their professional development and include comprehensive presentations, insightful discussions and short videos that teach, inform, inspire and entertain. The virtual and on-demand offerings provide members with the flexibility to participate remotely and at their convenience.
“We are excited to launch this new initiative that will make it easier than ever for members to participate in top-quality, industry-leading education,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “We’ve heard from our members that education is a top priority for them, and the SEMA program brings the knowledge and information they need to advance their businesses. Introducing a year-round virtual element will make it possible for all members, from builders and engineers, to marketers and sales staff, to participate and prepare for greater success.”
More sessions will be announced throughout the year, and will be placed in tracks, such as professional development, government affairs or market research, to make it easy for members to identify offerings that may be of greatest interest to them. Upcoming sessions include:
SEMA Virtual Education Upcoming Events
*Stay tuned to SEMA eNews as new events are announced weekly.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 – YEN Live Chat with Jamie Meyer
Track: Industry Talks
Dr. Jamie Meyer joined Performance Racing Industry (PRI) as its president during 2020. He’s since navigated the challenges from the pandemic and introduced a number of new programs and initiatives to help the motorsports industry continue to succeed. Connect with Meyer during the Live Chat to learn how he is able to stay focused amidst the industry’s challenges, what he does to keep his team motivated and why he remains committed to supporting the racing performance industry.
Location: YEN Facebook page
Thursday, January 14, 2021 – Digital Marketing in 2021: What the Winners are Doing
Track: Marketing & Sales
One of the most popular sessions from 2020 will be presented during this simu-live webinar, where presenter and founder of (Un)Common Logic Jim McKinley will participate and answer questions during the event. Find out what companies that are killing it with their digital marketing campaigns have in common, discover what successful digital marketers are doing and get tips for bringing targeted traffic to your website.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - Everything You Need to Know About the New PPP Program
Track: Legislative & Regulatory
Last month, the $900 billion federal stimulus law that was enacted included $284 billion for first and second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a simpler one-page loan forgiveness application form. Learn more about the new law during this informational webinar presented by national columnist and CPA Gene Marks.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 – Tire Knowledge 201: Standards for Determining Rim Width and Load Capacity
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Wheel and tire professionals are strongly encouraged to tune in to this webinar, where leading tire technical experts will address the specifics of load index and load ranges, when and where they apply, and how to calculate the correct air pressure for certain applications. This 40-minute session will answer all the basic questions and empower sales staff to be able to communicate and effectively sell to consumers.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 – Navigating Career Advancement Conversations
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills Series, powered by SBN
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
As the new year begins, it’s time to think about your career. Promotions and job advancements are likely top of mind, but asking for a raise or promotion is not always easy. In “Navigating Career Advancement Conversations," owner of HR Culture Geek Elizabeth Jacobs will help attendees understand the best methods to connect with management to successfully attain salaries, raises and promotions. The one-hour session will address how to avoid what can potentially be an uncomfortable conversation, and how to focus the discussion on their work and not the finances.
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – What Now? Industry Path in the Wake of Disruption
Series: SEMA Industry Insights Series
Track: Trends & Research
As aftermarket businesses enter the new year, the state of the industry will be closely watched for new sales trends and market planning. Join SEMA Market Research as they introduce potential scenarios for 2021 and explore the industry’s path in the wake of disruption, the economy, and changes in vehicle segment sales and market size.