SEMA Member News—October 2021
By Ellen McKoy
ARMO Shines at the SEMA Show
The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is committed to preserving and promoting the restoration industry, and that objective infuses every aspect of ARMO’s presence at the SEMA Show.
Restoration on Parade
The Restoration Marketplace section of the SEMA Show sits prominently within Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, close to Hot Rod Alley and the adjacent space known as Central Park (booth #23295), shared with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance.
Each year, each council selects vehicles to display in those spaces for their distinctive style and representation of their respective market niche. To honor its heritage and evolution, at least one of this year’s vehicles will represent a non-domestic brand, and one of the vehicles will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 2.
Central Park is also an oasis. Comfy seating provides a place for members to kick back, talk shop and connect with ARMO select committee members.
Salute to the Industry
Rejuvenate relationships with comrades and colleagues at the ARMO Awards Reception to be held Tuesday, November 2, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Westgate Resort & Casino, Ballroom B. The annual event pulls together members from all walks of the restoration market in celebration of the industry’s longevity, innovation and progress and also benefits the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund through the sale of sponsored tables.
As guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, emcee Tim Strange will kick off the awards ceremony. Awards will honor the Person of the Year, the Business of the Year and the student recipient of the Jeff Moses Scholarship. Winners of the 2021 ARMO Hot Products Showcase, held during Spring Carlisle, will also be recognized.
“Come see old friends, meet new friends,” said ARMO Chair Ben Tucker.
It’s a great networking event. I’m super pumped up, and we encourage our members to join us in celebration.”
Star-Studded Builder Panel
The always-popular Builders Panel—Powered by ARMO affords attendees a chance to engage with and learn from the industry’s foremost builders. This year’s program, titled “Restorations to Restomods Builder Panel,” is the culmination of a months-long series of video and live interviews with prominent builders.
The session is slated for Wednesday, November 3, 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in room N255. The conversation will center on how the restoration segment has evolved and where it’s headed.
Participants include Steve Cook, Steve Cook Creations; Dan Short of Fantom Works; Bob Smith, Bob Smith’s Coachworks; Sabra Johnson, chair of ARMO’s Builders Panel Task Force, will serve as moderator.
“These guys are living legends,” Johnson said. “It’s not just about sharing information to help people build better cars. It’s also about sharing information to help people build more profitable businesses.
