SEMA News—October 2014
EVENTS
Must-See Features of the 2014 SEMA Show
More Than a Trade Show, It’s an Automotive Paradise
Compiled by Steve Campbell
The SEMA Show is a business event, as everyone in the industry knows. It’s the venue where buyers and sellers come together to provide products to installers and stock the shelves of retail outlets throughout the nation and the world. But it’s also so much more than that. It’s one of the world’s greatest custom car shows. It’s a four-day university of automotive knowledge. It’s a carnival, complete with wild rides and sideshows. There’s more going on at the SEMA Show than at many of the planet’s amusement parks, and there’s only so much time in each day. Attendees have to plan ahead if they want to catch every nuance available. Here’s a brief look at some of the major points of interest.
The online 2014 SEMA Show floorplan at www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan includes the ability to search the full list of exhibitors by product category, company name or booth number. And this year, a brand-new mobile app has been developed that has search capabilities for those same items on smartphones. The mobile app also features a locator that allows attendees to map routes from one place on the Show floor to another, and there’s a complete listing of all the new products registered for the New Products Showcase. The online floorplan and the mobile app now make it easier than ever to plan and schedule booth visits. Search SEMA 2014 in your phone’s app store for the mobile app.
Exhibitor Services Manual
For exhibitors, there’s no better source for information about the SEMA Show than the Exhibitor Services Manual, available online at www.SEMAShow.com/esm. This digital treasure trove answers virtually any question an exhibitor might have about deadlines, marketing opportunities and budgets, but it also includes a contact list of SEMA staff who can help with any Show-related question. In addition, it allows exhibitors to order booth services or equipment from any of the Show’s authorized vendors from one place and at one time.
Registration
Eliminate wait times and ensure that your credentials are in hand before you even leave home. Online SEMA Show registration is the easiest and most cost-effective way for buyers to obtain credentials, and a badge permits the bearer to enter both the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo and the SEMA Show. Online buyer registrants receive their badges in the mail, while on-site registration can be found at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH) adjacent to the first-time and featured exhibitor area. Shuttle busses will drop off there, and cabs will drop off at the front of the Westgate Resort.
Nitto Tires Media Center
For editors, broadcasters and reporters, the SEMA Show Nitto Tires Media Center is a combination remote office and respite from the word wars. Located in room N110 of the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the Nitto Tires Media Center is available to accredited journalists throughout the duration of the Show. In addition to dozens of computers, the center includes work stations, a lounge area and copy machines to make it easy and convenient for journalists to file stories. Exhibitors may also connect with reporters by placing Show-related press kits and releases in designated areas within the center.
Manufacturers’ Rep Roundtable
The Manufacturers’ Representative Network will once again host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts. These intimate roundtable discussions provide attendees with the opportunity to talk about challenges and receive practical solutions to real-world issues. The roundtable will be held this year in Ballrooms D–E of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) from 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
The New Products Breakfast will be the venue for the announcement of the SEMA Award. The SEMA Award is bestowed on vehicle models in four categories: Hottest Car, Hottest Sport Compact Car, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4x4-SUV.
The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, sponsored by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is open to all SEMA members and is the fastest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates. | |||
The SEMA Show offers more than 50 free and several “pay-to-attend” educational events from Monday through Thursday, November 3–6. Held in the meeting rooms of the LVCC’s North Hall, these seminars cover everything from online marketing to customer service and from management to industry trends and more. The courses are designed to provide practical tools and are presented by top industry experts. They are open only to registered 2014 SEMA Show attendees, exhibitors and media. For a complete list of the 2014 curricula, visit
www.SEMAShow.com/education.
SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) Education Day
Beginners and experts alike will benefit from the SDC’s education track on Monday of Show week. Sessions include basic and advanced ACES and PIES training plus a lively panel of business leaders moderated by Bob Moore discussing their experiences with the SDC. All sessions will be held in room N261 of LVCC. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/education for more information and times.
Healthcare Reform Law: What You Need to Know!
How will the Affordable Care Act affect you and your employees? What do you need to know now to prepare? What changes will be coming over the next few years? Gene Marks can help answer these questions. Attendees of this seminar will leave knowing how they will be affected, what questions to ask and what steps to take in the next few months to ensure that they can navigate their way through this very complex legislation. The seminar will take place on Monday, November 3, from 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. in room N256 of the LVCC.
TORA Media Preview
At the SEMA Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) Media Preview, credentialed journalists can avoid the rush of 60,000 buyers to get a sneak peek at some of the newest parts and accessories for the largest vehicle segment in the automotive aftermarket, including those for the newly redesigned ’15 Ford F-150 pickup and the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon SUVs.
A limited number of TORA manufacturers will have their new products on display and representatives available for interviews from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, in the Media Center. Media may register online by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/media.
SBN Gear-Up Girl
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) will again host the Gear-Up Girl Networking event on Monday, November 3, from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. in room N263C at LVCC. The program supports SBN’s mission of “enhancing careers and positively impacting the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket” by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring young women to interact with, learn from and network with influential women in the industry who have set a path through innovation, integrity and hard work. This year’s event will feature round-robin networking tables led by industry-leading female professionals. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/
education to sign up.
Exhibitor Appreciation Party
Exhibitors should be sure to attend the Exhibitor Appreciation Party on Monday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. at the South Hall front entrance of the LVCC. It is SEMA’s chance to say thanks to exhibitors and kick off what will be another amazing SEMA Show. The party will be “out front,” right in the heart of the coolest car displays at the Show. This event is open to all exhibitors and will include refreshments, entertainment and great networking—compliments of SEMA.
SCORE Baja 1000 Experience
The SCORE Baja 1000 Experience at the 2014 SEMA Show will feature an immersive off-road racing exhibit outside the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall. | |
Enhanced Transportation Hubs
The 2014 SEMA Show will feature two new transportation hubs that will help attendees easily and efficiently navigate the event. All shuttle and taxi pickups and drop-offs will occur at the new transportation hubs, designed so that shuttle buses and taxis flow in and out of the areas quickly and easily. The transportation hubs will be positioned at the new Gold Pavilion, located just across Paradise Road from the North Hall; and Silver 4, located in the parking lot to the east of the Renaissance Hotel parking structure near South Hall. Free shuttle bus service will be provided on Show days between the LVCC and most hotels offered through the official SEMA Show housing provider. For details about transportation or hotel options or general information about the 2014 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Gold Pavilion
The Gold Pavilion mentioned above is the newest exhibitor location and will be introduced at the 2014 SEMA Show. The pavilion will be filled with exhibits as well as a special SEMA Show feature in order to use every area adjacent to the LVCC to fully represent the industry and ensure that visitors to the Show will be able to see and do more than they ever have.
Cars & Coffee, SEMA Edition
For the second year, attendees the SEMA Show car start their day with Cars & Coffee, SEMA Edition. Each morning of the Show, Cars & Coffee gives attendees a great place to grab a cup of java, check out some cool vehicles, mingle with colleagues and get a rolling start to their Show day. This year, Cars & Coffee will take place Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the outdoor patio of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) opposite the LVCC.
Optima Street Car Alley
Extending the action in the space between North Hall of LVCC and the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the Optima Street Car Alley will feature more than 70 of Optima Batteries’ Ultimate Street Car Invitational competitors. Spectator tickets to the Ultimate Street Car Invitational will be available at the display, and Optima Ultimate Street Car entrants will kick off the SEMA Cruise on Friday at 4:00 p.m and lead the way to the new SEMA Ignited event.
Art Walk
Some of the world’s leading automotive artists will feature their works in the new Art Walk on the Skybridge between the South and Central halls of the LVCC. Visitors to the Art Walk will be able to meet the artists, see their latest creations and even take home a souvenir for the office or home.
Keynote & Coffee
Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday through Thursday, 2014 SEMA Show attendees may begin their mornings with a cup of hot coffee and a thought-provoking discussion on the industry’s most relevant topics. Session subjects include growing a business, the future of transportation and mobility, insights from the new world of work and digital technology in the car. Each session will be held in LVCC rooms N258–N260. All are free, but pre-registration is required. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/events for a complete listing of sessions.
Vehicle Technology Stage
Join a leading advanced vehicle technology expert each hour of the SEMA Show on the Vehicle Technology Stage in the Grand Lobby of the LVCC for a quick overview of SEMA’s vehicle technology programs, partners, solutions and benefits. Learn through an informative interview in just a few minutes what participating members are doing to gain competitive advantages, reduce product development costs, leverage new technologies for growth and ensure compliance of aftermarket-modified vehicles for vehicle emissions and dynamics.
The SEMA Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminar (TBS) program is designed to connect members to the benefits of vehicle technology and performance product-development solutions, resources and partnerships. |
SEMA Vehicle Technology Forum Sessions
The SEMA Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminar (TBS) program is designed to connect members to the benefits of vehicle technology and performance product-development solutions, resources and partnerships. From racing and performance to branding and driving green, connected, safe and cool, cutting-edge technologies will be the focus of discussions by industry leaders and innovators who will openly explain the systems and applications that will either move your business forward or leave you behind. Visit www.sema.org/vehicle-technology or www.SEMAShow.com/education for a complete schedule of the briefing sessions, which will be held at varying times in room N258 of the North Hall from Monday through Thursday, November 3–6.
First-Time and Featured Exhibit Areas
The 2014 SEMA Show will set new records for the number of exhibiting companies and could well exceed all previous total attendance figures. The Gold Pavilion across Paradise Boulevard from the LVCC North Hall will debut as the newest area for first-time and featured exhibits. Exhibit space was added last year in the upper South Hall adjacent to the New Products Showcase as well as in the Skybridge between Central and South Halls. There will also once again be exhibits at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH). Find out which companies are exhibiting in each area by visiting the online floorplan at www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
New Products
New products are the most significant draw for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, which is why the New Products Showcase is the number-one SEMA Show buyer and media destination. Again this year, the New Products Showcase will be housed in the east end of the upper level of the LVCC’s South Hall. More than 2,000 new or popular products will be on display in the New Product Showcase. Be sure to see what might shake up your segment.
New Products Breakfast
SEMA’s annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at the SEMA Show. Products are judged in 16 award categories, and each category will have one winner and two runners-up. The awards breakfast will be held Tuesday, November 4, 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m. in Ballrooms A–G of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH). Exhibitors wishing to enter products in the New Products Showcase and possibly earn an award should visit www.SEMAShow.com/new-products.
SEMA Award Presentation
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SDC Stage
Join a different SEMA manufacturer each hour of the SEMA Show at the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) stage in the New Product Showcase area for a quick overview of SDC services and benefits. Learn through an informative interview in just a few minutes what SDC members are featuring at this year’s Show and get a firsthand rundown on their new products for 2015.
SEMA Data Co-op Booth
Get a free personal consultation and tour through the SEMA Data Co-op system by scheduling a meeting with SDC staff at booth #20579. Industry data experts, SDC executives and technical support staff will be on hand to make your visit as productive and educational as possible. Suppliers will learn how to manage product data at the lowest possible cost while maintaining complete control and ownership, and receivers will learn how the SDC’s customized data exports and free unlimited deliveries will help build their sales. Meetings can be scheduled online now at www.sema.org/coop-signup.
One-on-One Attorney Meetings
SEMA’s government affairs office is arranging for free one-on-one meetings with attorneys who specialize in intellectual property, antitrust law and minimum-advertise-price (MAP) programs for SEMA members. Ask questions about patents, trademarks, counterfeit enforcement, MAP programs and more. These unique, private meetings are available in 20-minute segments. Please specify your area of interest when you schedule your appointment so that you can be paired with an appropriate attorney specializing in that discipline. To schedule an appointment, e-mail Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org or phone 202-783-6007 x30.
NHRA Breakfast
The annual NHRA Breakfast is always a standing-room-only event. The breakfast will be held this year on Wednesday, November 5, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballrooms A–B of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH). The dais will again include compelling personalities from the world of drag racing. Don’t miss this popular event. Continental breakfast will be served.
The annual NHRA Breakfast is always a standing-room-only event. The breakfast will be held this year on Wednesday, November 5, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. in Ballrooms A–B of the Westgate Las Vegas Casino & Hotel (formerly LVH). |
SEMA Cares Jeep Build
The SEMA Cares Jeep Build concept was originally developed by Al Azadi, president and CEO of Omix-ADA, as a means of generating awareness, appreciation and revenue for SEMA Cares Charities. A standard JK Jeep Sport will be procured and built in advance of the 2014 SEMA Show as a unique 4WD vehicle, modified with high-quality aftermarket parts. It will then be used in press releases, advertisements and editorial pieces to make people aware of the Jeep’s role in benefitting SEMA Cares Charities and will be transported to the 2014 SEMA Show to be displayed in Omix-ADA’S Off-Road Success Center (ORSC). The vehicle will be sold in 2015 at a notable automotive auction, and the proceeds generated from the auction will be donated to SEMA Cares Charities. Be sure to visit the Omix-ADA ORSC to see the SEMA Cares Jeep Build and other quality displays.
Toyo Tires Treadpass
The Toyo Tires Treadpass will again feature an ultra-modern passage connecting the Central and South Halls of the LVCC and will feature an array of customized cars, trucks and big rigs. It will serve as a convenient lounge between the halls where attendees can also take advantage of charging stations for their electronics. Tire displays will provide a closer look at the technology, features and benefits of Toyo Tires.
Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SBN
The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, sponsored by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is open to all SEMA members and is the fastest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects and vendor associates. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers in short, three-minute intervals—but hurry: The breakfast will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballrooms A–B of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH), and it has sold out every year. Attendance is limited to just 150 people, so visit
www.SEMAShow.com/special-events to reserve a ticket.
Ford’s performance story will be amplified at the Ford Out Front track, with exhibitions by professional drivers such as Ken Block, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Jack Roush Jr. and Justin Pawlak, and SEMA attendees can ride in ’15 Mustangs, Ford Raptors and Superformance Cobras piloted by Ford Racing High Performance Driving School instructors or other notable professionals.
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Ford is hosting a legendary celebration that will showcase the iconic and all-new Mustang and F-150. Celebrate 50 years of the Mustang with vehicles from all generations as well as a dozen ’15 Mustangs modified by SEMA-member companies. In addition, the all-new ’15 F-150 will be featured with another dozen vehicles modified by SEMA members. Additional vehicles representing Ford’s legendary past as well as future legends will be displayed, with an emphasis on EcoBoost-driven performance and power. Ford’s performance story will be further amplified at the Ford Out Front track, with exhibitions by professional drivers such as Ken Block, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Jack Roush Jr. and Justin Pawlak, and SEMA attendees can ride in ’15 Mustangs, Ford Raptors and Superformance Cobras piloted by Ford Racing High Performance Driving School instructors or other notable professionals. The SEMA Show will also feature the first opportunities in the United States for people to see the new Focus ST, revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
OEMs
The 2014 SEMA Show will include the greatest participation ever by the world’s automakers. With BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan joining the ranks, there will now be a total of 13 original-equipment manufacturers in attendance. Check out the online floorplan (www.SEMAShow.com/floorplan) for their exact booth locations. They will undoubtedly feature some of
the finest creations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Velocity Live”
“Velocity Live” is the exclusive fan experience from Velocity. This live event and fan Q&A session featuring: Chip Foose and Chris Jacobs from “Overhaulin’,” Wayne Carini from “Chasing Classic Cars,” Ray Evernham plus a special guest from “Americarna,” Mike Brewer and Edd China from “Wheeler Dealers,” Dave Kindig from “Bitchin’ Rides” and much more. “Velocity Live” kicks off Thursday, November 6 at 12:00 p.m. in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Also, join Velocity for a special, exclusive screening of a milestone
“Overhaulin’” episode in the Westgate on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Five 2014 Launch Pad contestants will compete for a significant package of awards in a final evaluation by industry professionals at a live event during the SEMA Show. | |
On Wednesday, November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., the finals of the elite YEN Launch Pad business competition will take place in room N258 of the LVCC. The final five innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 will showcase their businesses to five industry leaders. The judges will select the winning entrepreneur, who will receive a prize package to help take his or her company to the next level. Walk away with a better understanding of how to pitch your product or service and what it takes to launch your own business.
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization that hosts “Engine Challenges” across the country in which high-school teams compete against each other in timed engine rebuilds. In 2014, 10 events across the country featured 110 teams—including three all-female teams—made up of 770 students. In an inaugural dual-championship format, the final qualifying teams will face off at one of the two top industry trade shows, SEMA or PRI. The top two teams from SEMA will then take on the top two teams from PRI in the finale to capture the crown as 2014 Engine Challenge Champion. Team Proform (East Ridge High School), Team Moroso (Thomas County Central High School), Team Autometer (Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center) and Team Royal Purple (Thomas County Central High School)—one of the three all-female teams—will compete at the SEMA Show.
Car Crazy Studio
With host Barry Megiuar at the microphone, Car Crazy Studio has become a staple at the SEMA Show. The interview format, broadcast on screens throughout the LVCC, has featured automotive celebrities from the racing, custom-car and aftermarket innovation realms on an elevated stage at the outside plaza in front of the convention center. Keep your eyes on the screens or catch the action in person.
SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet
Highlighted by top-flight entertainment, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and provides the stage for the presentation of industry awards that include the SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year. In addition, the 2014 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Nile Cornelison, Jim Cozzie, John Menzler and Fred C. Offenhauser—will be honored for their contributions to the industry. This year’s featured entertainment is actor and comedian, Sinbad, ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time. The banquet will take place in the Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH), on Thursday, November 6, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
The SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and provides the stage for the presentation of industry awards that include the SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year. This year’s featured entertainment is actor and comedian, Sinbad, ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time. The banquet will take place in the Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center of the Westgate Las Vegas Casino & Hotel (formerly LVH), on Thursday, November 6, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. |
SEMA After Party
Immediately following the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, join industry leaders in capping a wonderful evening with a musical set featuring Grammy-award-winning artist Gary Clark Jr. A guitarist and actor, Clark has been tabbed “the future of Texas blues” and will bring a unique blend of blues, soul and rock to the stage. Don’t miss this very special performance from 10:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. in the Paradise Event Center of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) on Thursday, November 6.
SBN Café SEMA: In the Know With a Cup of Joe!
Start the final day of the SEMA Show with a cup of coffee and some expert advice. SBN Café SEMA is a one-hour conversation between business pros who know how to help an organization take the next step. Topics for this year’s Café SEMA will include effective female leadership in a male-dominated environment, social media, websites and product development. It’s a great opportunity to get a lot of information in a very short time. It will take place in LVCC room N243 from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7.
SEMA Cruise at Show Close
Show vehicles depart the LVCC as the booths are dismantled and the products are packaged for shipment home, and this parade of rolling art has become one of the most anticipated aspects of the annual gathering by the local populace. The cruise begins at the Silver Lot of the LVCC when the Show ends at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Selected vehicles will continue on to the SEMA Ignited event, open to the public until 10:00 p.m. The festivities include awards, giveaways, entertainment and seating for the crowd. The parade culminates in SEMA’s newest gala, SEMA Ignited at the LINQ. It’s a great way to celebrate a fantastic week of innovation and invention.
Show vehicles depart the LVCC as the booths are dismantled and the products are packaged for shipment home, and this parade of rolling art has become one of the most anticipated aspects of the annual gathering by the local populace. The cruise begins at the Silver Lot of the LVCC when the Show ends at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. Selected vehicles will continue on to the SEMA Ignited event, open to the public until 10:00 p.m. |
SEMA Ignited
The world’s most celebrated customized vehicles from the 2014 SEMA Show will gather and be accessible to the public on Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. as the SEMA Cruise finds its way to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip at the LINQ. SEMA Ignited will give consumers a rare opportunity to collect and share images of hundreds of customized vehicles featuring the newest and most innovative products from the 2014 SEMA Show. The Friday-night event will also serve as the backdrop for nationwide media coverage that will include on-site taping for a nationally televised broadcast special, best-of-show awards, food trucks, music, entertainment, automotive celebrities, builders and more.
