SEMA Member News—October 2021
By Ellen McKoy
PRO Pathways to Opportunity
Changes are afoot at the SEMA Show. Notably, a new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) will house the now co-located Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) in booth #50185 and the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) in booth #56155. Aligning the Restyling & Car Care and Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road sections under one roof strengthens synergies, said Josh Poulson, PRO chair.
“There’s been a push within the restyling and truck-accessory councils to position these sections side by side,” he noted. “Having restyling next to trucks is a natural fit. We’re very excited and invite everyone to take advantage of what PRO has planned for the Show.”
Restyler-Centric Competition
Looking for new profit opportunities? The second annual PRO Cup Challenge, featuring six to eight vehicles in the council’s booth (#51085) in the LVCC, will showcase profitable and easy-to-replicate styling packages, said PRO Cup Challenge Subcommittee Chair Eric Holmes.
“PRO always tries to bring value to members and the restyling community,” he said. “Seeing the creativity in the different packages opens restylers’ eyes to ideas they can sell in their markets. It encourages them to think about restyling a vehicle with packages they can replicate over and over and that make more money for dealers and create business for restylers.”
Restyling Revelry
Start SEMA Show week at the PRO Awards Reception, to be held Tuesday, November 2, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., on the third floor deck of the West Hall. The outdoor venue sets the stage for guests to mingle with industry leaders and friends while enjoying hot hors d’oeuvres and liquid libations. The awards ceremony honors industry achievers in four categories.
“It’s a great opportunity to network with members and to celebrate our industry’s successes,” Poulson said.
Career-Advancing Education
Hot topics are on tap during PRO-powered seminars, including sustaining growth in an evolving digital market and the future of modifying electric vehicles. An industry panel will discuss “How the Pandemic Moved Buyers From Your Showroom to Online” on Wednesday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., in LVCC room W235. “EV and the Accessorization Game” is slated for Thursday, November 4, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., in room N254.
PRO Hospitality
Enjoy a beverage and conversation at the PRO Happy Hour, to be held Wednesday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., in PRO booth #51085. Be on hand as council leadership presents the PRO Cup Challenge trophy and announces the fan favorite winner.
Join the PRO select committee on Thursday, November 4, for the first-ever Lunch With the Pros. The luncheon meeting, open to council members, runs from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in West Hall room W219.
“This is where you can find out what PRO has been working on, meet the select committee and like-minded members, and where you can have a voice and get involved,” Poulson said.
