By Laura Pitts
Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, can 
expect an expanded SEMA Education program as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.
The SEMA Show Education program will feature thought-provoking sessions, allowing attendees to tailor their program with a customizable learning journey of skill development and competency-based industry education.
In addition, SEMA Education has announced an exclusive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative that will transform the learning experience with women and diverse speakers. The DEI program is highlighted by three sessions beginning with the "Women in Automotive Symposium" (Wednesday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Attendees will engage, discover and connect with industry leaders and subject-matter experts on various industry topics during 15-minute, rapid-fire-style sessions. In addition, there will be a lineup of "micro-seminars," including "Becoming Certified Woman-Owned Enterprise," "Self-Branding: The ACTION Behind Building Your Personal Brand," "The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship as a Strategy for Success," and "Make the Jump! Four Steps to Becoming the Authority in Your Industry."
In addition, "NextGen in Motorsports--Showcasing the Next Generation in Motorsports" (Wednesday, November 1, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) will focus on the young racers breaking barriers and setting records. Attendees will hear how they have overcome adversity and achieved success as they share inspiring and entertaining anecdotes about their backgrounds, experiences and life stories. Attendees will gain insights as they learn about career pathways in motorsports and how racers are encouraging their peers to step into the world of auto competition.
Finally, "Reimagining Your Customer, and Your Brand, for Effective Product, Marketing and Business Strategies" (Monday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) will provide a deeper and alternate understanding of customer leads to better direct product, pricing and strategic business decisions for future success. In this session led by Toyota North America's Marcus Umlauff (General Manager - Truck Strategy) and Michael L. Moore (General Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications), attendees will explore the newfound definition of the "customer" and effective ways to message them using values, attitudinal and multicultural-based strategies.
Stay tuned for more on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of the keynote speaker, partner education tracks and more details.
SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.