By SEMA News Editors

There are officially 40 days to the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas. SEMA Show organizers urge those who still need to register to do so online by Friday, September 27, to save 50% on registration prices.

Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

In addition, those who register this week will receive their attendee badge in the mail, skipping the on-site registration pick-up process.

After registering online, it's vital to secure hotel reservations online here, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's ONLY official hotel provider, onPeak. SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Booking your 2024 SEMA Show hotel through the official SEMA Show block provides unparalleled benefits, such as: 

• Guaranteed Lowest Rates: Booking through the SEMA block guarantees our Showgoers the lowest rates in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show.
• Access Fully Flexible Booking: We know plans change, so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 10, 2024. There's no downside to booking today!
• Access Easy Group Bookings: Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 
• Earn Hotel Rewards Points: We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter your rewards number when securing your reservation, and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the SEMA Show block!
• Source a Sustainable Hotel Stay: onPeak is available to help you feel confident about living a sustainable lifestyle. View Las Vegas hotel's sustainability plans on the onPeak website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

In addition, exclusive airline discounts are available with deals straight from SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--allowing Showgoers to save big on plane tickets for this year's event. 

Available 2024 SEMA Show airline discounts:

Alaska Airlines

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: October 27-November 8, 2024.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMK491 
• Phone Reservations: Contact Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. A $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations. 

Delta Air Lines 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the Delta Air Lines special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3PY. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the 800 number.

United Airlines 

• Discount: 2% to 10% off based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: November 2-11, 2024. 
• Online Reservations: Click on discount code ZPKE658685 or visit the special link here. 
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide them with the following information: 
  • Z Code: ZPKE.
  • Agreement Code: 658685. 

After securing a badge, hotel room and travel arrangements, attendees can begin to plan their SEMA Show with resources like My Show Planner and the SEMA Show floorplan. In addition, semashow.com has several dedicated tools and resources, like the "Transportation" tab on semashow.com/attendee, which showcases different ways to get around Las Vegas: shuttle bus, monorail, ride-sharing, taxis and limousines, the Vegas Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Strip and Downtown Express and SEMA Show parking.

Questions? Contact the SEMA Show office at semashow@sema.org or (909) 396-0289.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is urging members who do business out of ports on the East and Gulf Coasts to immediately collect their items in shipping containers that might otherwise be impacted by a looming longshoreman strike. Industry officials believe a standstill in negotiations means a strike of approximately 45,000 dockworkers at every major port on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts is inevitable.

The threatened strike is expected to commence on Tuesday, October 1. To avoid issues, SEMA recommends collecting items waiting in containers before Monday, September 30, and paying attention to each port's specific instructions on collecting items. Some ports/terminals are offering extended gates to help cargo owners retrieve their goods.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have been at a standstill since June; according to reports, there's still a significant gap in negotiations between the two sides. The union is advocating for an almost 80% raise over six years, highlighting workers' claim to a portion of the profits gained by foreign-owned container carriers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the USMX companies are hesitant to establish this precedent; their financial reserves would enable them to potentially prolong the negotiations.

If a strike does proceed, the flow of consumer goods, components for factories, and certain motor vehicles will seize up, disrupting auto supply chains and other manufacturing networks.

A September 17 letter to the Biden administration, spearheaded by the National Retail Federation and signed by SEMA and more than 177 other trade associations, is urging the Biden-Harris White House to intervene and help both parties return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.

"With two weeks left until the ILA-USMX contract expires and the ongoing threat of a coastwide strike beginning on October 1, it is imperative that the administration engage with the parties to quickly negotiate a new deal or agree to continue negotiations while keeping the ports open and cargo flowing," the organizations write. "A strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend."

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti, SEMA's manager for federal government affairs, at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is urging members who do business out of ports on the East and Gulf Coasts to immediately collect their items in shipping containers that might otherwise be impacted by a looming longshoreman strike. Industry officials believe a standstill in negotiations means a strike of approximately 45,000 dockworkers at every major port on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts is inevitable.

The threatened strike is expected to commence on Tuesday, October 1. To avoid issues, SEMA recommends collecting items waiting in containers before Monday, September 30, and paying attention to each port's specific instructions on collecting items. Some ports/terminals are offering extended gates to help cargo owners retrieve their goods.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have been at a standstill since June; according to reports, there's still a significant gap in negotiations between the two sides. The union is advocating for an almost 80% raise over six years, highlighting workers' claim to a portion of the profits gained by foreign-owned container carriers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the USMX companies are hesitant to establish this precedent; their financial reserves would enable them to potentially prolong the negotiations.

If a strike does proceed, the flow of consumer goods, components for factories, and certain motor vehicles will seize up, disrupting auto supply chains and other manufacturing networks.

A September 17 letter to the Biden administration, spearheaded by the National Retail Federation and signed by SEMA and more than 177 other trade associations, is urging the Biden-Harris White House to intervene and help both parties return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.

"With two weeks left until the ILA-USMX contract expires and the ongoing threat of a coastwide strike beginning on October 1, it is imperative that the administration engage with the parties to quickly negotiate a new deal or agree to continue negotiations while keeping the ports open and cargo flowing," the organizations write. "A strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend."

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti, SEMA's manager for federal government affairs, at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show. Exhibitors can showcase their new products, company information, and booth location to thousands of professionals who command billions in buying power. The first product entry is always free, and additional product entries cost $95 through Friday, October 4. After the deadline, the first product remains free, and additional product entries are $175.

Enter your company's product(s) at SEMAshow.com/newproducts and browse the rules and regulations online here.

PRODUCT ENTRY GUIDELINES

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A NEW PRODUCT?

A New Product is considered a product manufactured or exclusively distributed by a company exhibiting at this year's SEMA Show. The product entry may also be introduced to the marketplace after last year's SEMA Show and/or is available for shipment within 90 days after the close of this year's SEMA Show.

Products not meeting the above criteria will be displayed as a "Featured Product" and are not eligible for a New Products Award.

1. Prototypes, mock-ups and vehicles are NOT allowed in the New Products Showcase.
2. Exhibitors must supply one product display for each New Product category entered.
3. Each entered product must also be displayed in the exhibitor's booth.
4. Product(s) must be removed from all packaging (Except when the product is entered into the Packaging Design category.)
5. Product(s) may not be mounted onto another part to show how it works (Tires entered in the Tire & Related category may be mounted on an unbranded wheel.)
6. Product(s) with movement are permitted if the movement pertains to the usage of product(s) and does not create a safety hazard. In this case, a rendering and dimensions of the product/display must be e-mailed to newproducts@sema.org prior to the Show for approval.
7. Firearms, weapons, fireworks and explosives of all kinds, including replicas, are prohibited from the premises of the SEMA Show. This prohibition to all displays whether the weapons/firearms are permanently or temporarily affixed. Any exceptions to this policy must be granted in writing by Show Management.

Questions on the New Products Showcase? Contact the SEMA Show office at (909) 396-0289 or newproducts@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Lifted Audi Q6 E-tron Sportback 4x4 Breaks Cover

Audi is preparing to launch a rugged electric off-road version of it Q6 E-tron Sportback according to new images from SEMA News sources.

Spotted in Germany, the prototype is noticeably taller and wider than the standard version of the SUV and is equipped with beefy Toyo Open Country M/T tires. Although it is camouflaged, the vehicle sports a custom body kit, including wide fender flares, new front and rear bumpers, unique LED lighting and a roof rack.

First Fully Electric Range Rover Caught in New Images

SEMA News sources recently snapped new images of an all-electric Range Rover testing in Germany.

Although it looks nearly identical to its gas-powered sibling, the prototype has a yellow "battery electric vehicle" sticker and is rumored to be powered by multiple electric motors with performance on par with the V8 engine in the current Range Rover.

Details are sparse, but sources said that the Range Rover EV is expected to maintain the brand's hallmark comfort combined with off-road capability.

Audi RS5 Sedan Spotted in Spain

The Audi RS5 sedan was recently spotted by SEMA News sources during hot-weather testing in Spain.

The prototype features a wider body than the standard A5 and an aggressive front design, according to the images, along with larger wheels, air vents and oval exhaust tips.

Unlike the current RS models, the RS5 has a second "fuel filler" cap on the left rear fender, suggesting that the next-gen version will be a plug-in hybrid. Set to debut in 2025, this would be Audi's first hybrid RS model.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members in need of meeting space at the 2024 SEMA Show (November 5–8 in Las Vegas) can reserve a meeting room at the SEMA Members Lounge at this link.

Located in between North and Central Halls, the SEMA Members Lounge and meeting rooms are available to SEMA members during the Show at no cost. The meeting rooms can accommodate small groups (10 or fewer) and offer a convenient atmosphere for members to have productive and focused conversations. Limited meeting rooms and times are available, so those interested in booking a room are encouraged to submit their reservation as soon as possible.   

In addition to meeting space, the SEMA Members Lounge offers a convenient hub for members to connect, refuel, and recharge while at the SEMA Show, providing exclusive access to internet and printer services, charging stations, and complimentary coffee. "Grab 'N Go" meals are available for purchase at the lounge any time during Show hours. 

To reserve a meeting room, click here.

For questions about membership, contact the SEMA Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or at members@sema.org.     

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Michelle Wilbur of VMP Performance as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Wilbur in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?  

MW: I've been with VMP Performance for four and a half years now, and what I enjoy most about working here is the abundance of knowledge and resources that I have available to me. Every day is a learning curve.  

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

MW: One of the most challenging parts of my job is not being able to make every person happy. As an empath, I want the best for everyone and realistically, that is not possible. Of course, I still try my best every day to make it more of a reality.  

Another challenging part of my job is adapting to the rapidly changing industry. They say that if you're not working in the industry every day, it's really easy to fall behind--this has proven to be true.  

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

MW: I came to VMP with absolutely no knowledge or experience in the industry. My role in the sales and support department four years ago was my first dive into the aftermarket performance industry.  

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

MW:  

The three qualities that have gotten me into the position that I am in today are: 

• My attention to detail and love of learning. 
• My interest in how things operate mechanically.
• My willingness and want to help everyone and everything.

About six months into my sales and support role, I had expressed an interest in the ECU calibrations side of things, which requires someone who is very thorough and careful, and someone who can adapt and learn as things change (which is every day in our industry). 

My want to learn and understand and my attention to detail made me a great candidate for a calibrations role and my genuine interest in helping others sealed the deal and got me the position. 

The industry needs people who are not only willing to learn and adapt but it also needs people who genuinely care about the end result that will make the experience a great one. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

MW:  Some of the most challenging things that I face is speaking with confidence and proving my knowledge when speaking to someone who is already expecting me to be unknowledgeable. As a woman in the industry, you really have to prove that you're capable because it's often assumed otherwise. 

As someone who enjoys interacting with people, I am one of the associates who are sent to work shows as vendors, typically along with a male colleague. At just about every show, there is always a visitor at our booth who would ask my male colleague the same question they had already asked me and gotten the answer. I've also had some visitors refuse to speak with me altogether. 

A small accomplishment is when the male colleague actually has to refer the visitor to speak with me for the answer.  

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?    

MW: Joe Goodnough, the VMP lead calibrator, has been my shining light in the industry. 

He has spent a lot of time teaching me what it takes to be a calibrator and to be a better person overall. 

When I am feeling overwhelmed with the many challenges we face in our industry, he is quick to reassure me that I am capable of handling any situation and helping me in any way that he can. 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

MW: SPEAK. WITH. CONFIDENCE. 

As a young woman, with a soft, quiet voice, it's easy to feel like you're struggling to get your point across. My role models here at VMP have taught me that I am armed with the knowledge to be able to help anyone; I just need to speak confidently to prove my knowledge. 

I've learned simple techniques such as "take more pauses between sentences," and use fewer filler words such as "um" when speaking. These simple practices have made such a difference in the way I present myself--not only in professional settings but in personal settings as well.  

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?  

MW: I had actually never considered working in the automotive industry. I've always enjoyed the idea of race cars, and I actually began modifying my Focus ST when I was offered the job at VMP. That is where my journey began. Since then, I've developed a love for the science, passion and hard work that plays a role in the success of our industry. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals?  

MW: My mentors here at VMP have been the most influential people on my career. Joe Goodnough, our lead calibrator has a passion for learning, similar to mine, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge with me. He's influenced me to be open-minded and continue to learn every day. Upon my yearly reviews, my goals are always to be "more like Joe."

Rebecca Starkey, the owner of VMP, has also been a huge influence on my professional and personal goals. As another person who has a love for education, she has fully supported my educational goals of going to school for biology; she herself recently graduated with her BS in Microbiology and PHD in Midwifery. More gearhead-related, she is also the dedicated racer of the VMP Team, going as fast as 7.99 in the quarter-mile in her '11 Mustang GT. 

Along with my other colleagues, these people have proven to be influential to me and are absolutely the people that I look up to the most in our industry. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.   

By SEMA News Editors

Systematic Holdings, XS Power Batteries' Parent Company, Acquires Lithium Pros, Ampere Audio

Systematic Holdings, the Knoxville, Tennessee-based parent company of XS Power Batteries, has added Lithium Pros and Ampere Audio to its family of brands.

With the acquisitions, Ampere and Lithium Pros become sister companies of Sundown Audio, XS Power Batteries and several other brands under the Systematic Holdings umbrella.

The acquisitions further the overall portfolio of the company, according to Scottie Johnson, owner and CEO of Systematic Holdings.

Lithium Pros offers a range of power solutions for racing, marine and other industries and brings vast application knowledge, proprietary BMS systems and state-of-the-art testing equipment to the Systematic family, according to the company. With Systematic's product development capabilities, and manufacturing and distribution capacity, the newly combined team will expand to multiple new markets.

Ampere Audio was founded by Andrew Bailey in 2011 and offers a variety of subwoofers ranging in size, as well as amplifiers and other audio equipment. The brand will be re-evaluating and expanding its line of products to include a variety of new offerings. More details on the company's direction will be released at a later date.

For more information, visit xspowerbatteries.com.

AAM Group Adds Erin Boyle to Supplier Relations Team

The AAM Group has hired Erin Boyle to join its supplier relations team in the new role of supplier relations leader. The new position is intended to achieve greater support and compliance for supplier partners among AAM's distribution membership.

Boyle will lead multiple processes that affect the entire member, supplier and AAM HQ chain, according to the company, including identifying underperforming brands and advocating for their growth, influencing members to show preference for supporting suppliers, facilitating the resolution of member service requests, supporting marketing efforts for supplier partners and more.

Prior to AAM, Boyle served as a senior sales analyst for King Engine Bearings and operates her own analytics and sales consultation business focusing on analytics, ACES/PIES linking and industry standards.

For more information, visit theaamgroup.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), the SEMA council dedicated to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry, will host a booth at the 19th annual Japanese Classic Car Show on October 12 in Long Beach, California.  

The Japanese Classic Car Show is the premier industry gathering for kyusha enthusiasts--devoted fans of classic Japanese automobiles. While ARMO primarily focuses on B2B outreach, the council's presence at the event will enable the kyusha community to connect with restoration experts, allowing both groups to engage and network over a shared passion for automotive heritage.  

ARMO's booth will be located next to SEMA member company Moss Miata and feature a restored vehicle on display. Attendees can look forward to engaging with industry professionals, discovering new restoration resources and celebrating the timeless beauty of classic cars.  

Join ARMO for this exciting partnership and experience the best of both worlds of automotive restoration and kyusha appreciation!  

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo. To learn more about JCCS, visit www.japaneseclassiccarshow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on October 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to all SEMA member businesses that serve the hot-rod market, the meeting will provide updates on HRIA's member benefits, followed by a panel discussion on traditional fabrication methods and emerging technologies. Moderated by Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs, the discussion will feature panelists Stacey David of "Stacey David's Gearz" and Rattletrap Productions, Jim Ring of Ringbrothers, Ian Roussel of Roussels Custom Fabrication and Chris Ryan of Ryan's Rod & Kustom. Together, this group of hot-rod experts will share their methods for creating the industry's best builds using both traditional methods and new technology.

Attendees will gain insight into traditional tools of the trade that are still relevant today, when to use new technology versus the "tried-and-true" methods and how to know when it is time to invest in new tech. You’ll learn the benefits of using different methods and be able to connect directly with top hot-rod legends.

Register here!