SEMA Member News—November/December 2012
Hot Rodder’s Guide to the SEMA Show
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One of the SEMA Show’s premier sections, Hot Rod Alley spotlights the craftsmanship and creations of a market that many consider the cornerstone of the specialty-equipment industry. Located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Hot Rod Alley showcases some of the industry’s brightest manufacturers displaying their latest innovations and products alongside top-notch show vehicles. Attendees will also find great examples throughout Hot Rod Alley that showcase the history of hot rodding.
HRIA Booth Vehicles in Hot Rod Alley
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth #23395 is located in Hot Rod Alley. HRIA shares the space with the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMA), another SEMA council, and it features six great vehicles representing the best of both organizations. The cars include hot rods, custom vehicles and full restorations. Stop by the HRIA booth for information about council events as well as to pick up tickets for the annual HRIA Awards Banquet and Reception.
“Futures in Hot Rodding” Panel Discussion
- October 29, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC Room N242
The HRIA’s Futures in Hot Rodding program focuses attention on opportunities in the hot-rod industry for high-school and college-age students. This program provides information and resources to help young auto enthusiasts discover exciting jobs and companies within the industry. HRIA will be kicking off this program during the SEMA Show with a panel discussion on career paths available in the hot rodding and specialty-equipment industry. The discussion is open to all students attending the SEMA Student Welcome Luncheon.
HRIA Awards Banquet and Reception
- October 31, 5:15p.m.–8:30 p.m., Las Vegas Hotel Ballrooms A&B
The annual HRIA Awards Banquet is the second-largest reception during SEMA Show week. Industry icons, personalities and celebrities attend the event to spend time with old friends and make new acquaintances in the industry. HRIA members and interested SEMA Show attendees may pick up tickets to the banquet at the HRIA booth #23395 in Hot Rod Alley.
HRIA will induct new members into its Hall of Fame during the reception. Along with HRIA’s own annual awards, the reception is home to three other prestigious industry honors: the Goodguys Trendsetter Award, the NSRA Achievement Award and the Championship Auto Shows Legends of Hot Rodding Award. The reception hall will also showcase six hot-rod vehicles that will be making their debuts at the SEMA Show. These vehicles have been handpicked by HRIA to represent the best of the industry.
The HRIA Reception is a great opportunity for the legends of the industry to mingle with the next generation of hot rodders.
Pinewood Builders Challenge
- October 30–November 1, HRIA Booth and Auction on eBay
Each year, some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders compete in the HRIA Pinewood Challenge. Builders are given a block of wood and very few rules, and they then create their own one-of-a-kind pinewood race cars. These miniature hot rods are first raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races in California (the car built by Derek White of Street Vizions won that race this year); however, the true value of these cars is the creativity and craftsmanship that has gone into their design
and build.
Each of the cars will be on display in the HRIA booth #23395 during the SEMA Show as well as during the HRIA Reception. Throughout the SEMA Show, the cars will also be available for bidding on eBay, with all purchases benefiting two children’s charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. To see the online auctions, simply visit ebay.com and search “HRIA Pinewood Car.”
HRIA Education Sessions
- October 31, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC Room N253—“Latest Tools, Tips and Tricks to Counter Counterfeits & Knock Offs”
- November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC Room N258—“How to Get the Most Bang for Your Marketing Buck”
HRIA is sponsoring two important education sessions. On Wednesday, October 31, representatives from law-enforcement agencies and law offices will provide insights into the world of counterfeit products and knock-offs. These experts will cover a wide range of topics, including protecting intellectual property, understanding counterfeit and knock-off products, identifying fake merchandise and how to prevent illegal imitations. On Thursday, November 1, Bob Negen from “Whiz Bang Training” will conduct a session on marketing and sales techniques for companies on a budget. Negen is a successful small-business owner and a popular speaker on the most current trends in customer service and sales.