2025 SEMA HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
-- The program honors individuals who have significantly enhanced the automotive aftermarket industry --
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2025) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the Association's highest honor, at www.sema.org/hof. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding persons in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or Association’s growth.
“SEMA’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to the leaders and changemakers who have propelled the industry forward in extraordinary ways,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “Each year, we seek to identify new individuals whose vision and accomplishments disrupted the status quo, set new benchmarks for excellence, and left an undeniable mark on the industry’s success.”
Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the Association’s longest-standing programs. To date, 180 individuals have been inducted, each exemplifying innovation, leadership, and positive change within the industry. These trailblazers have played a pivotal role in advancing the aftermarket industry through their dedication and passion.
Nominee qualifications include:
- The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reached throughout the national and/or international level.
- The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
- The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry.
- The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry.
- The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the Association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements, or relationships.
The 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.
Nominations are due by Friday, March 14, at www.sema.org/hof. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org. To view a list of SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, visit this link.
About SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
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Graphic: Hall of Fame