By SEMA News Editors

A new MotorTrendTV series, "Build for Off Road" will premiere on the network on August 24 featuring a SEMA-Show-bound off-road truck.

Hosted by off-road expert Ian Johnson and joined by the Factory Five Racing build team, the show's first episode will follow the group as they assemble their new XTF Extreme Truck kit. The finished vehicle will then be handed off to NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano in episode two, who plans to give away the truck to support the Joey Logano Foundation.

The first two episodes of "Build for Off Road" will give viewers an up-close look at the kit as the Factory Five Racing build team, led by the company’s Director of Operations Nate Johnson, joins Ian Johnson in his shop to create the ultimate Ford off-road truck, with additional aftermarket components from PowerStop Brakes and Crown Performance.

"'Build for Off Road' focuses on real-world, off-road vehicles that are not made for 'show' but made to perform off-road," said host Ian Johnson, an established TV host and digital content creator. "The Factory Five XTF is the perfect example of this type of vehicle. With a true off-road suspension and custom tube chassis, the XTF is built for off-road." 

For more information, visit buildforoffroad.com.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Listen in on a recent conversation between SEMA's Karen Bailey-Chapman and SEMA member Tom Zielinski, owner of Z Performance, Detroit4Fest and co-founder of the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest. They talk about how state and local governments can partner with the motorsports industry and how the industry can position itself as a contributor to tourism and economic development for state and local economies. 

Zielinski and his team met with West Virginia Tourism officials and lawmakers at the most recent SEMA Show. It was there that the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest, a time-trial, hill-climb race, was born. Bailey-Chapman, who is SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs, also talks about her experience at the race as a first-time racer. Bailey-Chapman is better known for her Jeeps and spending her time in off-road adventures, but for West Virginia Hill Fest, she takes to the pavement and joins the event as a novice racer. Watch below to learn more about the race, the partnerships and the success of this first-time event in the Mountain State:

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Listen in on a recent conversation between SEMA's Karen Bailey-Chapman and SEMA member Tom Zielinski, owner of Z Performance, Detroit4Fest and co-founder of the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest. They talk about how state and local governments can partner with the motorsports industry and how the industry can position itself as a contributor to tourism and economic development for state and local economies. 

Zielinski and his team met with West Virginia Tourism officials and lawmakers at the most recent SEMA Show. It was there that the inaugural West Virginia Hill Fest, a time-trial, hill-climb race, was born. Bailey-Chapman, who is SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs, also talks about her experience at the race as a first-time racer. Bailey-Chapman is better known for her Jeeps and spending her time in off-road adventures, but for West Virginia Hill Fest, she takes to the pavement and joins the event as a novice racer. Watch below to learn more about the race, the partnerships and the success of this first-time event in the Mountain State:

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is offering a new webinar to help air intake system manufacturers learn about the purpose and importance of hydrocarbon traps in emissions compliance.

Taking place on August 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. PT /4:00 p.m. ET, the webinar "Emissions Compliance: A Path Forward for Hydrocarbon Traps" will feature Peter Treydte, emissions compliance manager at SEMA; Shawn Abraham, certification engineer at SEMA; and Erik Versen, global manager and USMCA commercial manager at Ingevity as they share important information on hydrocarbon traps are, what they do, how to incorporate them into your air-intake design and how to achieve emissions compliance.

SEMA has worked on this issue for many years and has finally reached an agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on a test method, which will be shared in this session.

Register for the webinar here.

By Ashley Reyes

Exhibiting companies and industry professionals attending the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5 – November 8 in Las Vegas, are invited to connect with students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry with a table at the Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event will be held on Thursday, November 7, from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. PST in West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

The networking breakfast is a staple of the SEMA Show Student Program, connecting automotive aftermarket leaders with the industry's future workforce. By hosting a table, industry members will be able to share their company's mission and help guide and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. It also serves as a great recruitment tool and is a chance to create quality connections with students eager to jumpstart their automotive careers. 

Participation is free, and the event simply requires one-and-a-half hours from a company representative. No set-up time or marketing materials are required. Register your company here.

Questions can be directed to Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at josee@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) will host a virtual Lunch & Learn webinar on September 19 at 10:30 a.m. PDT that will offer valuable tips on how attendees and exhibitors can get the most out of the 2024 SEMA Show. The event will be led by Kathryn Reinhardt, a member of the SEMA Board of Directors and senior vice president of marketing at Hemmings. 

Slated for November 5 – 8 in Las Vegas, the 2024 SEMA Show is receiving more industry support than it has in recent years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors projected to display their latest products and services. During the webinar, participants will learn about the "why" of attending and exhibiting at the event, discover tips for increasing their ROI and gain insight into the Show features tailored for attendee success, including educational seminars, networking events and special sections highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations.

The first 20 members who register for the webinar will receive a $20 Uber Eats gift card on the day of the webinar. Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) will host a virtual Lunch & Learn webinar on September 19 at 10:30 a.m. PDT that will offer valuable tips on how attendees and exhibitors can get the most out of the 2024 SEMA Show. The event will be led by Kathryn Reinhardt, a member of the SEMA Board of Directors and senior vice president of marketing at Hemmings. 

Slated for November 5 – 8 in Las Vegas, the 2024 SEMA Show is receiving more industry support than it has in recent years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors projected to display their latest products and services. During the webinar, participants will learn about the "why" of attending and exhibiting at the event, discover tips for increasing their ROI and gain insight into the Show features tailored for attendee success, including educational seminars, networking events and special sections highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations.

The first 20 members who register for the webinar will receive a $20 Uber Eats gift card on the day of the webinar. Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

Did you know that SEMA Business Members can claim exclusive discounts on lifestyle and automotive products as part of their membership? If you are a member, simply log into your member portal at www.sema.org and click “My Benefits” to enjoy instant savings on: 

• 5.11 Tactical: 40% off MSRP at www.511tactical.com.
• Trim Illusion: 10% discount to new wholesalers on first order.
• SPEEDiagnostix: 10% discount at www.speediagnostix.com. 
• VP Racing Fuels: 15% discount at www.vpracingfuels.com.

Not a business member yet? The SEMA membership team is here to help. Explore www.sema.org/membership-business for an overview of perks, cost-saving services, and networking opportunities, or contact members@sema.org for personalized assistance.

By SEMA News Editors

The specialty-equipment market will converge in Las Vegas for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

SEMA Show Webinar for 2024 Exhibitors Set for September 17

To help exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, SEMA offers several resources, like the upcoming Freeman Show Services webinar for SEMA Show exhibitors on Tuesday, September 17, at 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT. (Register via Zoom here.)

In the virtual webinar, current SEMA exhibitors can discover everything needed to plan for your Show like a pro. Join Craig Gaibler, director of customer experience of SEMA official partner Freeman, as he shares how to access Freeman online and learn about its services offered, plus the shipping and material handling options available to get your products and booth items to Vegas. Of course, the webinar will also cover SEMA Show information, money-saving pointers and on-site tips, and the Q&A session following the presentation will help exhibitors find the answers to their pre-Show questions.

If you are an exhibitor of the SEMA Show and want to save time and money and maximize ROI from your experience, don't miss this information-packed presentation on Tuesday, September 17! Register via Zoom here.

2024 SEMA Show Resources for Exhibitors

The SEMA Show Deadlines List provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below. 

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Looking for specific SEMA Show programs for exhibitors? See below!

2024 SEMA Show exhibitor submissions, links and details:

• Show advertising opportunities.
• Celebrity appearance submissions (promote VIPs in your booth).
• New Products Showcase application.
• SEMA Show directory listings.
• Press conference application form.
• Submit a SEMA Show-related press release.
• SEMA Show public relations opportunities.
• Provide your products to SEMA Show project-vehicle builders.
• Exhibitor service manual.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• August 23: "Show Directory" listing information.
• August 23: "Show Directory" ad space reservations.
• September 6: Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 6: Celebrity Appearance Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 6: Hanging Sign Design Notification Form to Show management.
• September 6: Multi-level Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 13: Booth Vehicle Display Application (Vehicles displayed in booth).
• September 27: Exhibitor Registration Due for domestic exhibitors (to receive badges in the mail).
• October 1: Freight – Freeman Warehouse – First day to accept advance freight (best way to save money!)
• October 1: Internet/Telephone Order (advance rate) – Cox Business.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA's "Visionary 8" recognizing the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry. Nominations can be submitted until Friday, August 30, at this link.

SEMA has recognized the rising stars of the industry since 2012 through the "35 Under 35" program. "Visionary 8" will build upon that success by spotlighting eight recipients on track to become leaders in the industry. The recognition is one of the association's most coveted accolades, honoring the up-and-coming talent on track to drive innovation in the automotive aftermarket for future generations.

"'Visionary 8' will maintain the '35 Under 35' legacy while enhancing the quality of representation that is given to our industry's rising stars," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "The list is now more competitive than ever, and the selection process will be even more rigorous."

Nominees must be SEMA members, should have active industry involvement, and demonstrate the talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership that is needed to become a future driver of the industry. The age criteria remains 35 and under.

"Visionary 8" recipients will serve as subjects of in-depth feature articles in an upcoming issue of SEMA Magazine.

SEMA is currently accepting nominations for its inaugural "'Visionary 8'" honorees through August 30.

To submit a nomination or for more information, view the nomination form.