Make New Connections in the New Year

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SEMA Member News—January/February 2014

Make New Connections in the New Year

One of the greatest benefits of belonging to a trade association is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same interests and challenges every day. SEMA recognizes how important it is for members to know that they are not alone. Even beyond that, the association hopes to provide outlets for those of differing backgrounds to create partnerships. There are many chances throughout the year for members to make the most of the benefit of networking.

Town Hall Meetings
 

SEMA’s town hall meetings give members the chance to discuss industry issues and meet with the association’s leadership.
SEMA’s town hall meetings give members the chance to discuss industry issues and meet with the association’s leadership.

  
Association staff and key leaders from member companies work hand in hand each year to bring a series of relevant and engaging town hall meetings to locations convenient for members. These events are informal meetings with local member and non-member companies. Each meeting’s agenda includes time to discuss the state of the industry, hear feedback and enjoy networking with SEMA leadership over a bite to eat and a drink.

The first stop of SEMA’s 2014 Town Hall Tour will take place in Sacramento, California, at B&M Racing and Performance Products on Wednesday, January 29, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Members who are interested in attending can learn more here or by contacting AJ Carney at 909-978-6697. Those who have never been to one of SEMA’s town hall meetings will want to bring a few business cards. It will be a business-casual event—no suits or ties at this one! Dates and locations for the other 2014 town hall meetings will be announced soon.

SEMA Membership Directory

The SEMA Membership Directory is where leading companies go to identify and establish partnerships with others in the industry. Updated annually, the directory includes detailed information that is helpful for all types of industry professionals. Easy-to-use listings make it simple to identify members in particular categories, council affiliations or reps serving certain locations. The electronic (PDF) version of the directory is immediately available for download by adding the item to SEMA’s online shopping cart—and the best part is that it is free for members.

New companies are also listed throughout the year in each edition of SEMA Member News so that members never miss a potential partnership.

Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser

One of the summer’s most exciting evenings for SEMA, the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser provides attendees with the opportunity to welcome the newest members of the SEMA Board of Directors and pay tribute to the board volunteers who have served their terms. In addition, the evening honors the year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees. The annual celebration is a great time to connect face to face with SEMA leadership and to meet other members.

Councils and Networks

SEMA council and network groups offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segments. Networking is one of the benefits that is most highly valued by group members, and there is something for everyone. Council membership is company-based, and annual dues depend on the council and the company’s membership category, while networks are free for employees of SEMA-member companies.

Members of the groups have the chance to increase the size of their contact lists through general membership meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers. They may also volunteer with one of the groups to gain leadership experience and make a difference. In today’s marketplace, where business opportunities are so closely tied to who you know, there is no better way to plug in.

SEMA Show

Encompassing well over a million square feet of product innovations, aftermarket trends and unmatched business opportunities, the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is a buyers’ paradise. Make sure you have a game plan for getting the most of it. Not to be forgotten, the annual SEMA Show in November allows members unparalleled opportunities to meet and do business, both during Show hours and at the numerous after-hours networking events. The 2014 Show will be held November 4–7.

Industry Classifieds

Whether members need to find an intern, find a job or list items for sale or wanted, a central location is provided here. Useful for students and well-established businesses alike, the classifieds make it easy to create an advertisement using the online form, and submissions go live within 48 hours. Categories available include Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. It’s an additional resource to leverage and help members make connections throughout the industry.

Social Networking

Social networking has changed the way many companies approach marketing, and it also makes it easier than ever for SEMA members to interact with one another—no matter where on the globe they are located. Join the conversation online and on LinkedIn by searching for the “SEMA Members” group.