Miami International Autodrome Unveils New Layouts for Year-Round Racing
South Florida Motorsports, organizer of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, has added four new configurations to the Miami International Autodrome--in addition to the current Grand Prix layout—to enable the circuit to be operational throughout the year.
The four new "inner loop" layouts are constructed exclusively on private property and do not cross public roads. In addition to attracting new competitive events, the changes allow the facility to host a variety of corporate functions and other private track activities throughout the year, according to track officials.
The new section of track was built after Turn 10, heading back towards the straight that runs parallel to Snake Creek. Two additional hairpins, just before Turn 17 and after Turn 3, offer two additional layouts for permanent use. The track will commence operations for corporate and private events in October 2024.
NASCAR has named Ticketmaster as its official ticketing partner.
The move complements Ticketmaster's partnership with Speedway Motorsports and further unifies ticketing for fans, according to NASCAR.
The partnership will allow fans to discover upcoming races and events on Ticketmaster social-media platforms. The NASCAR Tracks app will fully integrate with Ticketmaster Ignite, meaning fans will have a single source for ticket and event-related information when attending NASCAR races.
SEMA Show organizers remind this year's exhibitors that the deadline for Freeman early order discounts is approaching on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Order early and save up to 40% on rental exhibit orders, signs and graphics, utilities and related services.
In addition, exhibitors who did not attend the recent Freeman webinar on the 2024 SEMA Show--but would like to plan for the Show like a pro--can watch it on-demand on YouTube and below, and read a recap below:
The above webinar covers a variety of helpful tools and resources available to exhibitors 24/7, including:
How to access exhibitor online resources, including the Exhibitor Services Manual, the one-stop-shop for everything needed to plan a SEMA Show booth and experience.
SEMA Show services overview.
SEMA Show information and on-site tips.
In addition, several helpful questions came up during the Q&A session, including the following:
Q: Where can I go for all the information I need to know to plan my exhibit? A: Visit the Exhibitor Service Manual on SEMAShow.com.
Q: What is included with my booth? A: Visit the SEMA Show "Included With A Booth" webpage.
Q: Is there a list of all exhibitor deadlines for 2024? A: Visit the SEMA Show Deadlines Checklist.
Q: When are the target move-in times for freight?
A: Navigate to the "Target Times - When Your Freight Must Be at Your Booth" module of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
Q: How do I get my booth materials to the SEMA Show? Can I hand-carry it? A: Visit the Freight Service webpage.
Q: Where can I learn more about the hanging signs? A: There is still time to arrange a hanging sign above your booth (Note: linear booths are not permitted to hang signs above their exhibits).Visit the Hanging Sign Design notification on SEMAShow.com to learn more.
Q: How can I display a vehicle/build in my SEMA Show booth? When can I move it in?
A: Visit the Booth Vehicle Display information webpage on SEMAShow.com.
Q: How can I arrange for detailing of my booth vehicle or SEMA Show featured vehicle?
A: SEMA partners with top industry service providers. Visit the SEMA Show Vehicle Detailing webpage for information on and to book detailing for booth vehicles and featured vehicles.
Q: How can I enter a product into the New Product Showcase? Is the first entry really free? A: The New Product Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, media members and content creators looking for all the innovations from the Show floor in one dedicated display. Rules, regulations and submission information can be found on the SEMA Show New Products webpage.
Yes, the first New Products Showcase entry IS ALWAYS FREE; each additional product entry is $95 through Sunday, October 6, and just $175 after that date. Enter here.
Q: How can I access the Freeman dashboard and place orders? A: To access the Freeman dashboard and place your Freeman orders, visit the Freeman Online SEMA Show Exhibit Solutions webpage. Remember, early order discounts and advanced rates end on Thursday, October 3.
Q: How can I contact Freeman with questions?
A: Freeman offices are available to contact at SEMA@Freeman.com or 1-888-508-5054 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST on Monday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT on Friday.
Q: How can I contact SEMA with my exhibitor questions? A: SEMA Show exhibitors with questions may contact Show Director of Operations Lorri Monty at lorrim@sema.org, who will be happy to assist during regular PDT business hours, Monday through Friday.
As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals at the 2024 SEMA Show, it's important to stay up-to-date on upcoming deadlines. Click here for a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget. In addition, exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees.
Ever wonder why your organization should become a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member?
In the latest episode of "Hammer Down," the Official SEMA HRIA Podcast, hosts Kevin Oeste, owner of V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and Tim McCarthy, HRIA chair and owner of Hushmat and ZyCoat, sit down with SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board Chairman Kyle Fickler of Procharger and SEMA Board Member Norris Marshall of BluePrint Engines as they share insights on the benefits of joining SEMA and HRIA, answering the key question, "What's in it for me?"
Tune in to hear:
Answers to what SEMA and the HRIA are all about.
Insights on what SEMA and the HRIA do to help and protect automotive-aftermarket businesses.
Ways that specialty-equipment manufacturers, hot-rod builders, event organizers and other businesses can get involved to help the industry be successful.
Spagnola, Fickler and Marshall are not only SEMA leaders, but have extensive business experience in the specialty-equipment industry and racing and are avid enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional hot-rod journey, "Hammer Down" delivers informative and entertaining discussions that celebrate the passion, ingenuity and enduring legacy of the hot-rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help hot-rod businesses succeed. Listen to all episodes wherever you get your podcasts or follow the podcast using this link.
Join the Small Business Legislative Council on October 10 for a webinar to hear attorneys from Barnes & Thornburg discuss reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires companies to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial owners before January 1, 2025.
Click here to register for the webinar, which takes place on October 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. This webinar is a free member benefit for SEMA members.
Importantly, this webinar will thoroughly explain the reporting requirements under the CTA along with the three primary exceptions to the statute that small businesses can use to exempt themselves from FinCEN's burdensome reporting:
Employ more than 20 employees.
Operate at a physical office in the United States.
Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales.
The CTA, enacted in 2021, was passed to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. The CTA took effect on January 1, 2024 and imposed reporting obligations on all business entities within the scope of the "reporting company" definition under the statute. Entities that do not fall within one of the CTA's categories of exemptions will be required to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Networkby December 31, 2024.
The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:
Serves as a senior officer.
Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors.
Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions.
Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner:
Name
Date of birth
Address
The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government, or Indian tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted.
Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants").
Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi.
Webinar Details: "Small Business and the Corporate Transparency Act"
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT
Register: All SEMA member companies can listen to the webinar for free and should register by using this link.
Go Deeper: Barnes & Thornburg attorneys previously published an alert on the CTA reporting requirements that can be found at this link.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
Join the Small Business Legislative Council on October 10 for a webinar to hear attorneys from Barnes & Thornburg discuss reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires companies to file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on their beneficial owners before January 1, 2025.
Click here to register for the webinar, which takes place on October 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. This webinar is a free member benefit for SEMA members.
Importantly, this webinar will thoroughly explain the reporting requirements under the CTA along with the three primary exceptions to the statute that small businesses can use to exempt themselves from FinCEN's burdensome reporting:
Employ more than 20 employees.
Operate at a physical office in the United States.
Filed federal tax returns demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales.
The CTA, enacted in 2021, was passed to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and other illicit activities. The CTA took effect on January 1, 2024 and imposed reporting obligations on all business entities within the scope of the "reporting company" definition under the statute. Entities that do not fall within one of the CTA's categories of exemptions will be required to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Networkby December 31, 2024.
The CTA defines a "beneficial owner" as an individual who, directly or indirectly, exercises substantial control over the reporting company or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the reporting company. An individual exercises "substantial control" over an entity if the individual:
Serves as a senior officer.
Has authority over the appointment or removal of a senior officer or a majority of the board of directors.
Directs, determines or has substantial influence over important business decisions.
Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information. Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner:
Name
Date of birth
Address
The identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver's license, a non-expired U.S. passport or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government, or Indian tribe. If none of those documents exist, a non-expired foreign passport can be used. An image of the document must also be submitted.
Companies must also submit certain information about themselves, such as their name(s) and address. In addition, reporting companies created on or after January 1, 2024, must submit information about the individuals who formed the company ("company applicants").
Filers can also view informational videos and webinars, find answers to frequently asked questions, connect to the contact center and learn more about how to report at www.fincen.gov/boi.
Webinar Details: "Small Business and the Corporate Transparency Act"
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT
Register: All SEMA member companies can listen to the webinar for free and should register by using this link.
Go Deeper: Barnes & Thornburg attorneys previously published an alert on the CTA reporting requirements that can be found at this link.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)has named Kirstin Backes, sales and marketing director, trucks at COBB Tuning, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Backes in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?
Kirstin Backes: Modifying cars and trucks has occupied my every waking thought since I was 19. I won't tell you how many years that's been, but I will tell you that attempts to build a career in anything less passion-driven were very short-lived. This is the only industry for me. I get to talk about cars and trucks with other people who love cars and trucks, for work. It's the best.
SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
KB: I love the projects they're doing to work on the issues that face restylers, and restyler-focused manufacturers. I think there's a ton to learn from both groups, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the people who work in a dealership-focused headspace every day.
SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KB: Go for it. Know that you'll sometimes be paid in passion bucks, but that's okay--it's well worth it to do something you love every day. Even more than that, volunteer with a council or network, especially if you're new to the industry. Volunteering pays exclusively in passion bucks, but the people you meet and the relationships you'll forge are invaluable.
SN: What is your dream vehicle?
KB: For years, I would've told you a Toyota Tundra. I achieved that dream over a year ago, and use it for camping and wheeling far away from people as often as possible. That said, you'll find me with it at the Home Depot parking lot on a lot of weekends, too.
Looks like it's time for a new dream!
SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?
KB: At my first SEMA Show, John Menzler encouraged me to volunteer with FLN [Future Leaders Network] back in 2010 (of course, back then it was YEN [Young Executives Network]). He changed the course of my life and the course of my career. I had no idea I was talking to a legend in the business. Sadly, he passed before I could say thank you. Here's to you, Menzler!
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
KB: I tried leaving; made more money, had a great boss and worked for a stable company. Where's the excitement in that? I was bored to tears. Never again.
SN:Where can you be found on a Saturday?
KB: Working on a gut renovation at my house, taking on the trails and camping or working at an event for COBB.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
SEMA Show management is aware of a CompuSystems issue preventing SEMA Show/AAPEX registration. SEMA is working with the vendor to resolve the situation as soon as possible and will extend the price deadline to accommodate those who did not register before the previously announced badge price increase deadline.
The domestic badge mailing process will not be affected by this outage. More details will be announced as soon as they are available. Those with questions or who would like to be notified when the SEMA Show registration portal is re-opened, contact RegMgr@sema.org.
"We appreciate your patience as we resolve this matter and will provide updates as they become available," SEMA Show management.
There is about one month to the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by the extended deadline (to be announced). After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prototypes, mock-ups and vehicles are NOT allowed in the New Products Showcase.
Exhibitors must supply one product display for each New Product category entered.
Each entered product must also be displayed in the exhibitor's booth.
Product(s) must be removed from all packaging (Except when the product is entered into the Packaging Design category.)
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.)
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.
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.
