SEMA Member News—September 2019
MPMC to Shine at PRI Trade Show
 Alan Reinhart (left) moderating a discussion on the future of the performance landscape. From left: Kirk Miller of AEM, Kyle Fickler of Aeromotive, Mike Spagnola of SEMA Garage, Rob Simons of Edelbrock and Shane Weckerly of Holley are speaking in the panel. |
The 32nd annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show will take over the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from December 12–14. Billed as the foremost event for the motorsports and racing industry, it stands to reason that SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) would play a visible role.
The council represents the collective interests of member companies that manufacture parts used in sanctioned racing applications. MPMC is dedicated to providing a forum to address industry-related issues, develop meaningful resources and solutions to help advance the industry, and offer new-business and networking opportunities. Within that context, MPMC is gearing up for an event-filled week in Indianapolis, complete with educational sessions and ample opportunities for networking and celebration.
Seminars to Deliver Added Value
MPMC has a track record of hosting well-received seminars at the PRI Trade Show. Over the last few years, MPMC has packed its sessions with such topics as “Preparing Sponsorship Proposals” and “Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers.” The council’s select committee is currently working closely with PRI and SEMA education staff to finalize this year’s topics, two of which are currently in the works: “Opportunities for Women in Motorsports” and “Crafting a Sponsorship Proposal.”
“With PRI Trade Show being the hallmark event for performance parts manufacturers, it is imperative that the three days in Indy be much more than just a trade show,” commented MPMC Chair Rob Fisher. “We want to create something truly special with plenty of value-added benefit for attendees and exhibitors alike. Hosting meaningful and beneficial seminars such as ‘Crafting a Sponsorship Proposal’ and ‘Women in Motorsports’ is a perfect way to accomplish that goal and help the industry grow and prosper.”
Stay tuned. A full seminar schedule will be posted on the PRI and MPMC websites as soon as it is finalized.
New Manufacturer Mixer on Tap
MPMC is breaking with tradition, foregoing its customary general membership meeting in favor of an all-new Manufacturer Mixer. The informal, casual event is scheduled from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. on PRI booth setup day, Wednesday, December 11. It will be located in the Featured Products Section on the way to Lucas Oil Stadium and is aimed at giving council members and newcomers a chance to unwind, enjoy refreshments, exchange ideas and get the inside scoop on what’s happening with MPMC.
“Over the last several years we have found that our membership base or potential members really prefer to kick back and relax after a long day of booth setup,” Fisher said. “To that end, we ditched our traditional membership open meeting in favor of a true happy hour. It’s really designed to be a networking mixer where we can have a free-form discussion on industry ideas, challenges, or just a friendly bench-racing session. It also gives our select committee a chance to have relaxed contact with those we represent, whether or not their companies are members of MPMC. And that’s the point: Everyone is invited!”
While MPMC is best known for its annual Media Trade Conference, Fisher was also quick to point out that events presented during the PRI Trade Show—and other initiatives coming down the pike—are among the many benefits of council membership.
“One final point is that for years people have thought that MPMC is only the Media Trade Conference that takes place in January in California,” Fisher said. “While it is our halo event, I want people to know that we are adding several exclusive, members-only benefits in the coming year, and we are very excited about them. Details should be available soon and give us plenty to talk about in Indy.”
An Evening of Camaraderie and Celebration
On Friday, December 14, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., hundreds of motorsports professionals will gather at the Performance Industry Reception for an evening of networking and celebration. The event is open to all manufacturers and their guests, ensuring a wonderful opportunity to close out the PRI Trade Show and hobnob with colleagues and friends while enjoying hot hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. It’s also the perfect setting to welcome and salute the newest inductees into the MPMC Hall of Fame.
The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the council and/or the motorsports industry. Last year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees were Marla Moore of Coker Group, Steve Williams of K&N Engineering and Steve Whipple of Edelbrock.
