From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The staff of State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, who represents California's 56th Assembly District, which includes SEMA's headquarters in Diamond Bar, recently visited the SEMA Garage to better understand the garage's critical role in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The SEMA Garage's Emissions Compliance Center, recognized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a Certification-Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory, provides essential services for manufacturers developing emissions-compliant aftermarket parts.

SEMA's impact on Assemblymember Calderon's district is significant. There are 46 SEMA member companies in the 56th Assembly District, contributing $784.48 million in total economic output, supporting 2,730 jobs and generating $240.43 million in wages and benefits. As the representative of this vital economic hub, Calderon's engagement with SEMA helps ensure that lawmakers understand the importance of a streamlined emissions compliance process to support industry innovation and growth.

"We are grateful to Assemblymember Calderon's team for taking the time to visit the SEMA Garage and learn more about our work to support the aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Their engagement is key to ensuring that the laws and regulations affecting our industry promote innovation, protect small businesses, and support the local economy."

SEMA, through its garage, works closely with CARB to issue Executive Orders (EOs), which certify that aftermarket parts meet California's strict emissions regulations, allowing their legal sale and use across all 50 states. Over the last seven years, SEMA has facilitated 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, completing over 700 applications for member companies. The SEMA Garage plays a vital role in this process, offering affordable emissions testing and compliance assistance.

For more information, or to host your own lawmakers on a visit to your facility, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The staff of State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, who represents California's 56th Assembly District, which includes SEMA's headquarters in Diamond Bar, recently visited the SEMA Garage to better understand the garage's critical role in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The SEMA Garage's Emissions Compliance Center, recognized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a Certification-Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory, provides essential services for manufacturers developing emissions-compliant aftermarket parts.

SEMA's impact on Assemblymember Calderon's district is significant. There are 46 SEMA member companies in the 56th Assembly District, contributing $784.48 million in total economic output, supporting 2,730 jobs and generating $240.43 million in wages and benefits. As the representative of this vital economic hub, Calderon's engagement with SEMA helps ensure that lawmakers understand the importance of a streamlined emissions compliance process to support industry innovation and growth.

"We are grateful to Assemblymember Calderon's team for taking the time to visit the SEMA Garage and learn more about our work to support the aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Their engagement is key to ensuring that the laws and regulations affecting our industry promote innovation, protect small businesses, and support the local economy."

SEMA, through its garage, works closely with CARB to issue Executive Orders (EOs), which certify that aftermarket parts meet California's strict emissions regulations, allowing their legal sale and use across all 50 states. Over the last seven years, SEMA has facilitated 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, completing over 700 applications for member companies. The SEMA Garage plays a vital role in this process, offering affordable emissions testing and compliance assistance.

For more information, or to host your own lawmakers on a visit to your facility, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has launched Drive The Vote, a campaign to mobilize voters among its 7,000 member companies and the millions of American automotive enthusiasts, with resources to enable their participation in the 2024 general election. 

SEMA is providing vetted links to important voter information, questions to ask candidates during campaign events and social-media assets and sample messages to encourage their employees, customers and community members to register to vote. Industry members planning to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, which begins on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, are encouraged to vote early using the resources provided through Drive The Vote.

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers at the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources, so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has launched Drive The Vote, a campaign to mobilize voters among its 7,000 member companies and the millions of American automotive enthusiasts, with resources to enable their participation in the 2024 general election. 

SEMA is providing vetted links to important voter information, questions to ask candidates during campaign events and social-media assets and sample messages to encourage their employees, customers and community members to register to vote. Industry members planning to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, which begins on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, are encouraged to vote early using the resources provided through Drive The Vote.

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers at the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources, so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By Ashley Reyes   

As part of the 2024 SEMA Show's initiative to provide attendees with a diverse learning program, the trade show will offer numerous panels and lectures that will benefit automotive professionals across various market segments. 

Powered by SEMA's councils and networks--SEMA's specialized communities that support specific segments of the automotive aftermarket--these seminars will highlight the latest industry trends and best practices that Showgoers can use to reach new levels of business and career success.  

Education sessions powered by SEMA's councils and networks are listed below. (All times PST). To view the full 2024 SEMA Show Education Program, which includes 80 seminars across seven learning tracks, as well as education sessions led by I-CAR, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Tire Industry Association (TIA), visit www.semashow.com/education.   

• Empower Yourself: Harnessing the Potential of AI for Women in the Automotive Specialty-Equipment Market, Powered by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W309  
  • Tailored for beginners, this course aims to provide a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) (and its different forms), its capabilities and how it can be leveraged to increase your team's output. This course focuses on using real-world case studies in an interactive session to provide the tools needed to apply AI technologies to each participant's company.  

• Truck and Off-Road Builders Panel, Powered by Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W316   
  • Truck and off-road accessories are one of the most lucrative and influential segments as the popularity of modifying and accessorizing vehicles continues to rise. Connect with shop owners and managers as they discuss current and future trends in the truck and off-road industry.  

• Hot-Rod Builders' Panel, Powered by Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., Location: W309  
  • Join top-tier builders for an informative and lively discussion on the current state of the hot-rod segment. Engage with panelists in a casual setting as they share insights into the latest trends, look at the future of the industry and offer strategies to help current and prospective shop owners navigate the business of building hot rods. 

• Education of Restoration, Powered by Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Location: W316  
  • Explore how Gen X and Millennials are impacting the restoration market. Learn how to expand your business to engage this new generation of enthusiasts restoring the vehicles of their youth. 

• Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in the Automotive Industry, Powered by Future Leaders Network (FLN)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W316  
  • FLN recognizes what young recruits can bring to the table for any growing business. This timely panel discussion will address ways to attract new young talent and, more importantly, how to retain young employees as valuable assets to your organization.

• The SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Connecting Women, Empowering Futures, Powered by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Location: W326 (Fee-based/registration required)  
  • This five-hour event includes skill-building workshops, fireside chats, the Circle of Women networking luncheon and a C-suite-level insights panel offering firsthand knowledge on leadership development for women in leading roles. This includes the first-ever "Shining the Spotlight on Women" program honoring women who strive and succeed at the cutting edge of the automotive industry's many disciplines, such as engineering, design, leadership and innovation.  

• Wheels Up at 10: Vehicle Applications, Powered by Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC)  
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Location: S226  
  • Learn how to find tire load at a given air pressure and calculate tire-rim widths, lower your vehicle, perform an alignment, use camber plates if needed based on the amount lowered, and execute brake upgrades and their overall effect on performance.  

• ETTN Lunch and Learn: Practical Use of Alternative, Synthetic and Hydrogen Fuels  
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Location: N239  
  • Join a panel of industry experts as they share their expertise on topics related to the use of alternative fuels in internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Topics include: using hydrogen for ICE conversions, alternative-fuel storage and distribution and meeting emissions standards with alternative fuels. A Q&A session will follow the presentations on each topic.  

• Five Successful Strategies Restylers Use to Grow Business, Powered by Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m., Location: W316
  • The top five tips for running successful operations in the restyling industry will be discussed with insights into effective processes and procedures.

Still need a 2024 SEMA Show badge? Attendee, buyer, and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27.  

By Ashley Reyes   

As part of the 2024 SEMA Show's initiative to provide attendees with a diverse learning program, the trade show will offer numerous panels and lectures that will benefit automotive professionals across various market segments. 

Powered by SEMA's councils and networks--SEMA's specialized communities that support specific segments of the automotive aftermarket--these seminars will highlight the latest industry trends and best practices that Showgoers can use to reach new levels of business and career success.  

Education sessions powered by SEMA's councils and networks are listed below. (All times PST). To view the full 2024 SEMA Show Education Program, which includes 80 seminars across seven learning tracks, as well as education sessions led by I-CAR, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Tire Industry Association (TIA), visit www.semashow.com/education.   

• Empower Yourself: Harnessing the Potential of AI for Women in the Automotive Specialty-Equipment Market, Powered by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W309  
  • Tailored for beginners, this course aims to provide a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) (and its different forms), its capabilities and how it can be leveraged to increase your team's output. This course focuses on using real-world case studies in an interactive session to provide the tools needed to apply AI technologies to each participant's company.  

• Truck and Off-Road Builders Panel, Powered by Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W316   
  • Truck and off-road accessories are one of the most lucrative and influential segments as the popularity of modifying and accessorizing vehicles continues to rise. Connect with shop owners and managers as they discuss current and future trends in the truck and off-road industry.  

• Hot-Rod Builders' Panel, Powered by Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., Location: W309  
  • Join top-tier builders for an informative and lively discussion on the current state of the hot-rod segment. Engage with panelists in a casual setting as they share insights into the latest trends, look at the future of the industry and offer strategies to help current and prospective shop owners navigate the business of building hot rods. 

• Education of Restoration, Powered by Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Location: W316  
  • Explore how Gen X and Millennials are impacting the restoration market. Learn how to expand your business to engage this new generation of enthusiasts restoring the vehicles of their youth. 

• Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in the Automotive Industry, Powered by Future Leaders Network (FLN)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Location: W316  
  • FLN recognizes what young recruits can bring to the table for any growing business. This timely panel discussion will address ways to attract new young talent and, more importantly, how to retain young employees as valuable assets to your organization.

• The SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Connecting Women, Empowering Futures, Powered by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)  
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Location: W326 (Fee-based/registration required)  
  • This five-hour event includes skill-building workshops, fireside chats, the Circle of Women networking luncheon and a C-suite-level insights panel offering firsthand knowledge on leadership development for women in leading roles. This includes the first-ever "Shining the Spotlight on Women" program honoring women who strive and succeed at the cutting edge of the automotive industry's many disciplines, such as engineering, design, leadership and innovation.  

• Wheels Up at 10: Vehicle Applications, Powered by Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC)  
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., Location: S226  
  • Learn how to find tire load at a given air pressure and calculate tire-rim widths, lower your vehicle, perform an alignment, use camber plates if needed based on the amount lowered, and execute brake upgrades and their overall effect on performance.  

• ETTN Lunch and Learn: Practical Use of Alternative, Synthetic and Hydrogen Fuels  
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Location: N239  
  • Join a panel of industry experts as they share their expertise on topics related to the use of alternative fuels in internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Topics include: using hydrogen for ICE conversions, alternative-fuel storage and distribution and meeting emissions standards with alternative fuels. A Q&A session will follow the presentations on each topic.  

• Five Successful Strategies Restylers Use to Grow Business, Powered by Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m., Location: W316
  • The top five tips for running successful operations in the restyling industry will be discussed with insights into effective processes and procedures.

Still need a 2024 SEMA Show badge? Attendee, buyer, and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27.  

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA's market research team this week released a report highlighting national trends in vehicle lifecycle and the implications for the automotive aftermarket. Among the key trends discussed in the report is that Americans are keeping their motor vehicles longer, partly because of increased dependability, but also because of the prohibitive cost of buying replacements. The average U.S. vehicle age is now at 12.6 years, its highest number in more than a decade.

The research also reveals trends across four categories of vehicles (Classic, Aged, Core and Modern), highlighting age, popularity, usage and consumer spending habits. For accessorizing, pickups and muscle cars are the top choices for enthusiasts. Meanwhile, vehicles in the Aged category are driving spending for performance products, as a way to refresh their older vehicle. Aftermarket product spending for Modern and Core vehicles was primarily--59% and 54%--on accessory and appearance products, while 63% of spending on Classic vehicles was for performance and handling products.

SEMA business members can download the new "SEMA Vehicle Lifecycles Report" for free at www.sema.org/research. To learn more about SEMA membership, visit www.sema.org/membership. 

For more information, contact Gavin Knapp, director of SEMA market research, at gavink@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting a General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on September 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to SEMA member businesses that serve the motorsports market, the meeting will provide updates on MPMC's member benefits, followed by a panel discussion on how to prepare for and benefit from the 2025 Media Trade Conference.

Taking place January 21–23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, the Media Trade Conference will establish valuable connections between motorsports parts manufacturers and media through three days of one-on-one, 30-minute meetings. During the panel discussion, the MPMC select committee will share how manufacturers and media can plan for effective meetings, how to make the most of networking on-site and best practices for event preparation. 

Whether you are a manufacturer that is already registered for the Media Trade Conference or a media member thinking of registering, this meeting will cover everything you need to know about the event and how to establish valuable relationships that have mutually beneficial results. Don't miss out!

Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Samantha Richardson, automotive service manager at Al's Tire Mart, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Richardson 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?  

Samantha Richardson: I have been with Al's for almost seven years. The company I work for is very family-valued. Locally owned and operated, it's like a big family and we always take care of one another. 

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

SR: Being a female in a male-dominated industry. A lot of times they ask for the man in charge, to which I reply, "I am the man in charge. What can I do for you?" 

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

SR: Almost seven years. I started with the company selling cell phones. We have an automotive shop attached to the building I was working in. My love for horsepower and anything automotive kept me wandering over to the shop. I knew I belonged there. 

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

SR: I'm hardworking. I have no issue going in the shop and rolling tires alongside the boys. I enjoy my hands-on days in the shop and getting dirty doesn't faze me. Sense of humor. I love to laugh and make people laugh. I can make light of any situation. Being able to enjoy your workday and have fun. That's my favorite. Last but not least, I am stubborn. Once my mind gets focused on something I am going to make it happen one way or another. Maybe determined is a better word? Most would agree stubborn. 

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

SR: Not being taken seriously. A lot of times I will be helping a customer with something and they will look at my male co-workers for approval or a head nod. One thing that happens often is a customer will come to the shop looking for "Sam," so I say, "I am Sam" to which they say "No, the man Sam?" "Yes that's me." I love the look on their face every time. 

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

SR: Julia Landauer. I have been following her career for a long time. Seeing her at SEMA this year was absolutely incredible. Once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her passion for the industry and "girl-power" mind set. She is outstanding. 

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

SR: "No one will ever want your dreams as much as you do. Go for it, kid." Sometimes I get ahead of myself and think I can't possible do all this then I remember an old boss of mine telling me that and the passion is back. 

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

SR: I never planned to be in the automotive industry. Business was my main focus of study. I love assisting a customer with a purchase and seeing that vehicle go down the road. Helping people achieve what they want and knowing they are safe on the pavement. 

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

SR: My mom Stacy. She has always supported my crazy ideas, dreams and goals. She may shake her head and laugh, but she never tells me it's too much or out of reach. She says, "You've got this, Sam." 

My boss Joe has played a huge part in my career, giving me the opportunity to always grow and supporting me in every aspect. Taking the time to mentor me and being a friend. I most certainly would not have the opportunities or mindset I would without his support. I will always be grateful for giving me the benefit of the doubt and going above and beyond as an employer. He's also pretty funny. 

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

The road to the SEMA Show is clear ahead, and registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is available at semashow.com/register. Set for November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 SEMA Show will (once again) reveal the future of the aftermarket as attendees connect with thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing the latest products, trends and technology in the industry.

For attendees that have already registered, your badge is in the mail. Reminder: International attendees' badge mailing deadline is this Friday, September 13. United States- and Canada-based attendees' mailing deadline is Friday, September 27. Attendees may check their approval status and see if their badge has been mailed by logging on to their attendee dashboard at semashow.com/register, and on-site badge pick-up and on-site attendee registration will be available at the SEMA Show for those who miss the deadlines.

Note: International exhibitors, media members, and non-exhibiting companies' badges must be printed on-site at the SEMA Show upon presenting an official, government-issued photo ID (such as a valid passport or driver's license).

Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members. The following are seven ways to prepare attendees for this year's SEMA Show:

1. Register online before the price increase: Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. As mentioned above, international attendees should register by Friday, September 13, and domestic attendees should register by Friday, September 27, to receive their Show badge in the mail. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 
2. Book your hotel rooms in the official SEMA Show block: Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's 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.
3. Book your flight using exclusive SEMA discounts: With deals straight from SEMA Show partners Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, attendees can save up to 10% on airline costs for this year's event. More details and discount codes can be found here.
4. Browse the SEMA Show floorplan: Automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
5. Plan Your SEMA Show: Visit semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with crucial details on Show features, like the New Product Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, a lineup of world-class education programs and seminars, feature vehicle displays, SEMA FutureTech Studio, Overland Experience plus the SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development area and much more.
6. Relive the most recent SEMA Show: Can't wait for Vegas? Browse dozens of innovative automotive products featured in the 2023 SEMA New Product Showcase here.
7. Secure your SEMA Fest event tickets for after the SEMA Show: You don't want to miss the second annual SEMA Fest, the best event to wrap up your visit to SEMA on Friday, November 8, featuring Cage The Elephant, Sublime, Fitz And The Tantrums and Petey. Learn more and grab your tickets at semafest.com.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.