By SEMA News Editors

Jumpstart your 2024 SEMA Week at the Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, an exclusive celebration of car culture, community and collaboration featuring tire-smoking drift demos from OPTIMA and live performances of chart-topping music from The Goo Goo Dolls, as well as O.A.R. and Reignwolf.

Tickets are still available—starting at just $39—but prices will increase on Sunday, October 6, so don't wait to get your tickets!

Scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (PST), 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls will provide Showgoers with yet another opportunity to come together, celebrate the aftermarket and forge relationships that will drive the industry forward, all following a successful first day of the 2024 SEMA Show.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers and located on the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) campus, Industry Night @ SEMA will bring the aftermarket's many communities together in one place as the association sets the stage for the biggest week of the year, adding to the SEMA Show's already unparalleled slate of opportunities to connect with fellow industry members.

General admission tickets for the event start at $39 (plus taxes and fees), while VIP tickets start at $89 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets are available on SEMAShow.com. Don't wait to secure your tickets--prices will increase as the Show approaches. Note: Industry Night @ SEMA tickets do not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show exhibit halls.

Click HERE to purchase general admission tickets.

Click HERE to purchase VIP tickets.

For more information on Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, visit SEMAShow.com.

You can keep the celebrations going following the conclusion of the SEMA Show on Friday, November 8, as SEMA Fest returns to the same stage at the LVCC to bookend your SEMA Week experience. Open to the public, SEMA Fest features live music--highlighted by performances from Cage The Elephant, Sublime, Fitz And The Tantrums and Petey--and heart-pounding OPTIMA motorsports activations, wrapping up the 2024 SEMA Show in style.

Tickets for SEMA Fest are already on sale. Visit SEMAFest.com for more information or to buy your tickets today.

Follow SEMA social media channels to stay up-to-date on 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA and SEMA Fest announcements.

By SEMA News Editors 

The SEMA Show--this year November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center--is the largest automotive specialty-equipment trade event in the world, providing a secure environment for businesses to debut new products. SEMA Show organizers work diligently year-round to ensure that intellectual property (IP) rights are respected and protected, giving companies the confidence to showcase their latest innovations to a global marketplace. At the same time, exhibitors are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their IP before, during and after the event by following simple steps to ensure products are safeguarded. If any issues happen to arise, the SEMA Show team has a strict IP process in place along with resources to support exhibitors. 

"SEMA takes the intellectual property rights of our exhibitors very seriously, and that's why we have a process in place to help prevent missteps before they happen," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "What we don't want is for our exhibitors to take things into their own hands. We have a strict system of steps, valuable resources and access to top attorneys who can help our exhibitors confidently unveil and introduce new products and innovations safely into the market." 

The following is an overview of SEMA's IP rights process, but note if you have any questions, please reach out to your SEMA Show sales representative or call the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289. During the event, you may call the on-site office at 702-943-3505 or visit the Show Office in C102 in Central Hall. 

SEMA's Intellectual Property Rights Process Helps Protect Companies

Before the SEMA Show, companies need to have their IP registered and well-documented, including securing patents, trademarks or copyrights through the appropriate federal agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the U.S. Copyright Office. SEMA encourages all exhibitors to file the necessary paperwork ahead of time, as this can provide critical legal protection. After filing, affirm your rights by properly marking products with appropriate notices like trademark symbols, copyright symbols and--where practicable--patent numbers. 

Exhibitors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence by monitoring their IP rights and potential misuse by third parties to identify possible IP issues before the event. If you suspect that another company may plan to display a product infringing on your IP, notify SEMA as soon as possible for the next steps. 

Leading up to the SEMA Show, exhibitors should maintain relevant records, including: 

1. Relevant application and registration documentation 
2. Documents related to the adoption, first use and ownership or licensing of IP, including assignment and license agreements 
3. If applicable, any cease-and-desist- or demand-letters to those suspected of infringing the exhibitor's IP rights 

During the SEMA Show, a dedicated IP attorney is on-site and ready to provide legal support and assist exhibitors with any concerns. Suppose an exhibitor has reason to believe another company is infringing on its IP rights. In that case, the exhibitor must file an IP Complaint at the Show Management Office (Room C102 in Central Hall, 702-943-3505). Be sure to have documentation explaining ownership of the applicable rights ready to share in a PDF file along with the completed IP Complaint Form. Exhibitors should avoid direct action themselves, such as loitering and confronting the offending company, to ensure a smooth resolution and avoid legal complications. Note that a SEMA-provided attorney will be on hand for consultation, and any legal counsel an exhibitor may want to bring on-site must be registered under their company's name. 

After the SEMA Show, exhibitors should continue to monitor the market for any signs that their products are being misrepresented or infringed upon, plus keep IP rights up to date to protect their business in the long term. Suppose an exhibitor believes that their IP rights have been violated by another SEMA exhibitor after the event. In that case, they should contact SEMA management at 909-396-0289 and pursue legal action through the court system. This process can involve filing an injunction or sending cease-and-desist letters to the infringing party.  

By taking a three-pronged approach--before, during, and after the SEMA Show--exhibitors can protect their products and IP effectively. The SEMA Show continues to be a safe and supportive environment to foster innovation, and with resources and on-site legal assistance, exhibitors have the tools needed to navigate IP concerns confidently, allowing them to focus on maximizing business opportunities. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA News Editors 

The SEMA Show--this year November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center--is the largest automotive specialty-equipment trade event in the world, providing a secure environment for businesses to debut new products. SEMA Show organizers work diligently year-round to ensure that intellectual property (IP) rights are respected and protected, giving companies the confidence to showcase their latest innovations to a global marketplace. At the same time, exhibitors are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their IP before, during and after the event by following simple steps to ensure products are safeguarded. If any issues happen to arise, the SEMA Show team has a strict IP process in place along with resources to support exhibitors. 

"SEMA takes the intellectual property rights of our exhibitors very seriously, and that's why we have a process in place to help prevent missteps before they happen," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "What we don't want is for our exhibitors to take things into their own hands. We have a strict system of steps, valuable resources and access to top attorneys who can help our exhibitors confidently unveil and introduce new products and innovations safely into the market." 

The following is an overview of SEMA's IP rights process, but note if you have any questions, please reach out to your SEMA Show sales representative or call the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289. During the event, you may call the on-site office at 702-943-3505 or visit the Show Office in C102 in Central Hall. 

SEMA's Intellectual Property Rights Process Helps Protect Companies

Before the SEMA Show, companies need to have their IP registered and well-documented, including securing patents, trademarks or copyrights through the appropriate federal agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the U.S. Copyright Office. SEMA encourages all exhibitors to file the necessary paperwork ahead of time, as this can provide critical legal protection. After filing, affirm your rights by properly marking products with appropriate notices like trademark symbols, copyright symbols and--where practicable--patent numbers. 

Exhibitors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence by monitoring their IP rights and potential misuse by third parties to identify possible IP issues before the event. If you suspect that another company may plan to display a product infringing on your IP, notify SEMA as soon as possible for the next steps. 

Leading up to the SEMA Show, exhibitors should maintain relevant records, including: 

1. Relevant application and registration documentation 
2. Documents related to the adoption, first use and ownership or licensing of IP, including assignment and license agreements 
3. If applicable, any cease-and-desist- or demand-letters to those suspected of infringing the exhibitor's IP rights 

During the SEMA Show, a dedicated IP attorney is on-site and ready to provide legal support and assist exhibitors with any concerns. Suppose an exhibitor has reason to believe another company is infringing on its IP rights. In that case, the exhibitor must file an IP Complaint at the Show Management Office (Room C102 in Central Hall, 702-943-3505). Be sure to have documentation explaining ownership of the applicable rights ready to share in a PDF file along with the completed IP Complaint Form. Exhibitors should avoid direct action themselves, such as loitering and confronting the offending company, to ensure a smooth resolution and avoid legal complications. Note that a SEMA-provided attorney will be on hand for consultation, and any legal counsel an exhibitor may want to bring on-site must be registered under their company's name. 

After the SEMA Show, exhibitors should continue to monitor the market for any signs that their products are being misrepresented or infringed upon, plus keep IP rights up to date to protect their business in the long term. Suppose an exhibitor believes that their IP rights have been violated by another SEMA exhibitor after the event. In that case, they should contact SEMA management at 909-396-0289 and pursue legal action through the court system. This process can involve filing an injunction or sending cease-and-desist letters to the infringing party.  

By taking a three-pronged approach--before, during, and after the SEMA Show--exhibitors can protect their products and IP effectively. The SEMA Show continues to be a safe and supportive environment to foster innovation, and with resources and on-site legal assistance, exhibitors have the tools needed to navigate IP concerns confidently, allowing them to focus on maximizing business opportunities. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289.

By SEMA News Editors

AAM Group, Lippert's 'Keys to Ride' 2024 Winner to be Announced at SEMA Show

The AAM Group and Lippert invite SEMA Show attendees to join them for the exciting finale of the 2024 Keys to Ride sweepstakes, which will see one of six lucky jobbers win a custom '23 Chevy Colorado Z71 fully decked out with products from the Lippert family of brands. The finalists and their associated AAM Group warehouse distributors are listed below. 

2024 'Keys to Ride' Finalists 

• Topper World Gulfport in Gulfport, MS 
• Kirk's Auto Ltd in Gonzales, LA 
• Pickup Palace in Saint Joseph, MO
• Discount Hitch & Truck Accessories in Rosenburg, TX
• Cornelius Custom Services in Graham, TX
• Southern Tire Mart in Hattiesburg, Mississippi 

The joint presentation will be held at the SEMA Show in the Lippert Booth #55103 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Tuesday, November 5, at 1 p.m. PT. Then, the finalists take place in a live event to win the truck. Each finalist will also receive a $1,000 gift card and two nights of hotel accommodation for the final drawing. 

To qualify for the event, jobbers earned entries by making qualifying purchases of select Lippert brands from their Total Truck Centers or Performance Corner warehouse distributor from January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024. After the qualifying sweepstakes period concluded, the six finalists were randomly drawn from among all eligible entrants. For complete sweepstakes details, please visit KeysToRide.com. 

QA1 Hires Ryan Gebhardt as Director of Marketing

QA1, the Lakeville, Minnesota-based suspension component manufacturer, has hired Ryan Gebhardt as its new director of marketing.

Gebhardt will oversee all marketing efforts and brand strategy for QA1 and Speedtech Performance. He brings 28 years of marketing, purchasing and sales experience in the performance and automotive aftermarket to his new role, including time as the vice president of purchasing and marketing at JEGS High Performance as well as director of purchasing and marketing at Nickels Performance.

"We are so pleased to have Ryan on our team to help drive our brands forward. We have a long history of working together and when the opportunity came for him to join the team, it was an easy decision," says Melissa Scoles, QA1 CEO. "I am excited and humbled to work with the amazing teams at QA1 and Speedtech Performance, as both companies are committed to engineering innovative and full chassis solutions for the high-performance customer."

For more information, visit qa1.net.

By SEMA News Editors

The highly anticipated SEMA Overland Experience is set to return to the Diamond Lot, adjacent to West Hall, during the SEMA Show taking place November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year's Overland Experience will showcase the latest trends in the world of overlanding--a lifestyle that merges off-road adventure with camping and self-sufficiency. Attendees will see cutting-edge innovations in custom-built vehicles designed to conquer rugged terrain and groundbreaking gear that supports off-grid living, offering a glimpse into the future of adventure travel.

"The SEMA Show is committed to educating attendees on the latest aftermarket products and trends, and since its debut in 2019, the Overland Experience has become an attendee favorite," said Andy Tompkins, Trade Show Director, SEMA. "By transforming the Diamond Lot to showcase elements of overlanding, we highlight custom vehicles and introduce exciting new features that demonstrate what is coming next in the category."

New for 2024: onX Offroad Build Challenge

Debuting this year, the 2024 onX Offroad Build Challenge will reach its thrilling finale at the SEMA Show, where the top builds will be on full display. The onX Offroad Build Challenge shines a spotlight on cutting-edge off-road innovation and showcases the creativity of prominent YouTube channels in the off-roading community. The competition boasts an impressive lineup of participants, including Bleeping Jeep, Rudy's Adventure and Design, Fab Rats, Mischief Maker JKU, Colt Builds It, Trail Mater, Dirtlifestyle, and Robby Layton Nation. Each channel brings its own unique style and expertise, transforming stock vehicles into off-road powerhouses.
 

"The SEMA Show, known for celebrating automotive innovation, is the perfect venue for the culmination of the Build Challenge," said Ian Johnson of the onX Offroad Build Challenge. "Attendees will get an up-close look at these one-of-a-kind off-road vehicles fresh off a week of tackling some of the most amazing trails in the Southwest and have a chance to meet the creators behind the builds."

OVR Magazine Joins as Media Partner

OVR Magazine, a leading publication in the outdoor vehicle recreation space, will serve as the official media partner for the Overland Experience. Known for showcasing unique builds from across the country, OVR Magazine celebrates responsible exploration and adventure. 

"We're excited to support the SEMA Overland Experience and provide coverage for SEMA exhibitors showcasing their vehicles in the area," said Mark Han, co-founder and Managing Partner of OVR: Outdoor Vehicle Recreation. "We look forward to seeing all the unique builds and demonstrating that overlanding is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level."

Highlights of the SEMA Overland Experience:

• Custom Overlanding Builds: See state-of-the-art vehicles customized for off-road and overland adventures. From trucks and SUVs to 4x4s, attendees will see firsthand how innovative modifications can turn vehicles into mobile homes ready for any terrain. Each build showcases the latest in suspension, lighting, storage solutions, and more.
• Innovative Outdoor Gear: Discover the latest overlanding gear, from rooftop tents and solar-powered systems to high-tech kitchen setups and water filtration units. The Overland Experience will display the newest must-have products to ensure overlanders are well-equipped for any adventure, no matter how remote.
• Interactive Exhibits: Engage with industry-leading brands and manufacturers showcasing the latest overlanding products and technologies. Explore interactive exhibits where attendees can test out new gear, see vehicle builds up close, and speak directly with experts to gain a deeper understanding of overlanding trends and innovations.
• Live Demonstrations: Expert-led demonstrations will cover a wide range of topics, including off-road navigation, vehicle recovery and wilderness survival. These sessions provide valuable insights for both beginner and seasoned overlanders.
• Truck and Off-Road Builders' Panel, Powered by TORA (SEMA's Truck and Off-Road Alliance): Connect with shop owners and managers as they discuss current and future trends in the truck and off-road industry during a panel discussion moderated by OVR Magazine's Sean Holman. (Tuesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PST, West Hall #W316.)

The SEMA Overland Experience offers the opportunity to connect with the overlanding community, discover the latest trends, and explore groundbreaking products that elevate the adventure travel experience.

To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show or to register, visit semashow.com. Note: SEMA Show management is aware of a CompuSystems issue preventing SEMA Show/AAPEX registration at the moment. For more information and to be notified when it reopens, visit here.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, from Maine to Texas, are shut down indefinitely due to a longshoremen strike.

SEMA and our coalition partners are urging President Biden to intervene prior to the strike--read our letter that asks the president to bring both parties back to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.

It's time for the president to end the strike, which threatens our nation's economy, hurts consumers and damages the livelihoods of thousands of small businesses that weren't party to the negotiations. Send your own letter letter to President Biden telling him how the strike will impact your business. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, from Maine to Texas, are shut down indefinitely due to a longshoremen strike.

SEMA and our coalition partners are urging President Biden to intervene prior to the strike--read our letter that asks the president to bring both parties back to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.

It's time for the president to end the strike, which threatens our nation's economy, hurts consumers and damages the livelihoods of thousands of small businesses that weren't party to the negotiations. Send your own letter letter to President Biden telling him how the strike will impact your business. 

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, with the best value rates now available through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. Booking through the SEMA block guarantees Showgoers the lowest rates in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show. 

And, onPeak also offers reduced resort fees at more than 40 properties, detailed below. Take advantage of these rates and book your rooms today!

Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open online here for qualified attendees. SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all, so registration fees are only $40 through Friday, June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Russell Cameron and Cavan Cameron pictured with SEMA and PRI Staff and their '73 Pontiac Firebird, Hammerhead.

Earlier this month, SEMA and PRI PAC headed to Holley LS Fest East, a dynamic annual event that brings together automotive enthusiasts, industry leaders and cutting-edge vehicle builds at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

As one of the motorsports community's premier gatherings, LS Fest East provided the perfect backdrop for the PAC to connect with supporters, showcase industry innovation and strengthen advocacy efforts for the automotive aftermarket. 

A key highlight of the weekend was the PAC’s hospitality tent, which offered SEMA and PRI members a private space to relax and network while enjoying catered lunch and cold refreshments. The tent also served as a valuable opportunity for members to engage with the SEMA and PRI Government Affairs team to learn more about the critical work being done in Washington, D.C., to protect the industry’s interests. 

However, the real showstopper of the weekend was the Hammerhead, a '73 Pontiac Firebird that is as much a piece of automotive art as it is an engineering marvel. Built by father-son duo Russell Cameron and Cavan Cameron, owners of Horizon Motorsports, this Firebird is a unique blend of classic muscle car styling and advanced Indy car technology. Beneath its sleek body lies an array of high-performance components, making Hammerhead not only street-legal but track-ready. Both fans and industry insiders alike were able to have a close-up look at the build inside the PAC tent, which underscored the importance of preserving the ability to innovate and modify vehicles--a key issue the PAC continues to fight for in the legislative arena. 

Visit semapac.com to learn more about supporting the SEMA and PRI PAC or to get involved. Every contribution helps ensure that the motorsports industry remains vibrant and that enthusiasts and businesses alike continue to have the freedom to create, modify and innovate. 

Headed to the SEMA Show this year and want to upgrade your experience with PAC membership? Contact Alicia Steger at semapac@sema.org.

Annual PAC Membership Levels 

Winner’s Circle ($1,500 per year): Access to show VIP areas for two individuals and two additional receptions throughout the year. 

President’s Club ($2,500 annually): Access to show VIP areas for two and all receptions throughout the year. 

Redline Club ($5,000 annually): Access to show VIP areas for three and all receptions throughout the year. 

Redline Keyholder Club ($5,000 annually for three consecutive years): Access to show VIP areas for four to all receptions throughout the year. 

View a list of our current members here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Russell Cameron and Cavan Cameron pictured with SEMA and PRI Staff and their '73 Pontiac Firebird, Hammerhead.

Earlier this month, SEMA and PRI PAC headed to Holley LS Fest East, a dynamic annual event that brings together automotive enthusiasts, industry leaders and cutting-edge vehicle builds at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

As one of the motorsports community's premier gatherings, LS Fest East provided the perfect backdrop for the PAC to connect with supporters, showcase industry innovation and strengthen advocacy efforts for the automotive aftermarket. 

A key highlight of the weekend was the PAC’s hospitality tent, which offered SEMA and PRI members a private space to relax and network while enjoying catered lunch and cold refreshments. The tent also served as a valuable opportunity for members to engage with the SEMA and PRI Government Affairs team to learn more about the critical work being done in Washington, D.C., to protect the industry’s interests. 

However, the real showstopper of the weekend was the Hammerhead, a '73 Pontiac Firebird that is as much a piece of automotive art as it is an engineering marvel. Built by father-son duo Russell Cameron and Cavan Cameron, owners of Horizon Motorsports, this Firebird is a unique blend of classic muscle car styling and advanced Indy car technology. Beneath its sleek body lies an array of high-performance components, making Hammerhead not only street-legal but track-ready. Both fans and industry insiders alike were able to have a close-up look at the build inside the PAC tent, which underscored the importance of preserving the ability to innovate and modify vehicles--a key issue the PAC continues to fight for in the legislative arena. 

Visit semapac.com to learn more about supporting the SEMA and PRI PAC or to get involved. Every contribution helps ensure that the motorsports industry remains vibrant and that enthusiasts and businesses alike continue to have the freedom to create, modify and innovate. 

Headed to the SEMA Show this year and want to upgrade your experience with PAC membership? Contact Alicia Steger at semapac@sema.org.

Annual PAC Membership Levels 

Winner’s Circle ($1,500 per year): Access to show VIP areas for two individuals and two additional receptions throughout the year. 

President’s Club ($2,500 annually): Access to show VIP areas for two and all receptions throughout the year. 

Redline Club ($5,000 annually): Access to show VIP areas for three and all receptions throughout the year. 

Redline Keyholder Club ($5,000 annually for three consecutive years): Access to show VIP areas for four to all receptions throughout the year. 

View a list of our current members here.