By Ashley Reyes
Excitement is building as the automotive specialty-equipment industry prepares to reunite at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Among the many highlights at SEMA is the presentation of the prestigious SEMA Council & Network Awards, which honor members who have made significant contributions to their market segments over the past year. Winners will be announced and celebrated at each council and network's reception during the Show, highlighting the recipients' positive impact on the industry, outstanding accomplishments or exceptional business practices.
Visit sema.org/cn-awards to view the criteria for each award and to submit a nomination by the Friday, August 2 deadline.
Nominations are being accepted now for awards in the following categories:
- Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO): Business of the Year, Person of the Year.
- Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN): Engineer of the Year.
- Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award.
- Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year (Design & Engineering Award and Evolution of Hot Rodding Award entries will open closer to the SEMA Show).
- Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award.
- SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN): #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year.
- Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador Award.
- Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC): Hall of Fame.
In 2023, Emily Miller, the founder of Rebelle Rally, received the FLN Vanguard Award and TORA Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year Award for her positive impact on young professionals' careers and her support and awareness of the truck and off-road market.
Emily Miller (middle), the founder of Rebelle Rally, received both the FLN Vanguard Award and TORA Jessi Combs Ambassador Award for her positive impact on young professionals' careers and the truck and off-road market.
"In the industry, we don't know what we do for awards, but being recognized is really special," said Miller. "When the awards were announced, it prompted some people to reach out and share with me how encouragement and mentorship had helped them in ways I had not imagined."
Miller said the positive results and outcomes of spending time, mentoring, and challenging people are what keeps her focused on what matters most.
Nominees must be members of the council or network for which they are being nominated. Visit sema.org/cn-awards to view the criteria for each award and to submit a nomination by the Friday, August 2 deadline.