By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers have limited time left to apply to showcase a creative vehicle package in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) booth in the West Hall at the 2024 SEMA Show, as part of the council's 2024 PRO Cup Challenge.

Open exclusively to PRO member companies, the PRO Cup Challenge is a competition that invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model car or truck. Six competitors will have their build showcased in the SEMA Show PRO Booth, where it will voted on by industry judges and SEMA Show attendees for the chance to win one of two coveted awards. Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on the vehicle's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.

"The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others to customize their new-model vehicles," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It also offers a platform unlike any other for restylers to showcase their talents to dealerships, build brand awareness and solidify their expertise."  

The council is seeking applications that represent all vehicle segments. The vehicle packages must meet the following criteria:

• The package must be for a new-model vehicle.
• The package must require no more than 40 hours of labor.
• The wholesale cost to the dealer must not exceed $12,500.

In addition to showcasing their build in the PRO booth, competitors will benefit from networking opportunities at the SEMA Show, promotional support on SEMA's channels, industry recognition as a top restyler, and inclusion in SEMA Show media announcements.

Applications for the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge are due August 9, 2024. Selected applicants will be required to submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by September 6, 2024. For full build criteria and to apply, visit www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.

PRO is looking for PRO member manufacturers to donate or offer parts at a discounted price to PRO Cup Challenge competitors. This is a fantastic opportunity for companies to highlight their products in a prime SEMA Show location. If interested in donating or providing a discounted product, sign up here. Questions can be directed to PRO Council Director, Denise Waddingham, at deniselw@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Membership team is excited to announce a new partnership with NetSuite that will enable automotive specialty-equipment businesses to access discounted rates on essential business management software. This benefit, which has been carefully selected to help SEMA business members streamline their processes and save money, can be claimed now by logging into your SEMA Member Portal at www.sema.org.

SEMA News recently spoke with Patrick Steyer, account executive at NetSuite, to discuss the company's services, discounts for SEMA members and overall advantages.

SEMA News: Can you tell us about NetSuite and its mission?  

Patrick Steyer: NetSuite is a unified, cloud-based business management platform helping tens of thousands of customers automate core processes and provide real-time visibility into operational and financial performance. Our one unified business management suite encompasses ERP/financials, CRM and ecommerce for more than 38,000 customers, yet provides the hands-on guidance needed to ensure each customer's solution is performing at peak level.  

SN: What type of businesses do you serve?  

PS: Organizations of all sizes and across dozens of industries run on NetSuite and its applications for finance, supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources, professional services, ecommerce and more. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, or somewhere in between, NetSuite gives you the visibility, agility and control to make the right decisions quickly.

SN: What kind of discount is available to SEMA members?

PS: SEMA and PRI business members can save money with 40% off our Starter Edition, as well as 45% off Standard and Premium Editions of NetSuite at a three-year price cap at 5% after the initial-term SaaS licensing.

SN: What benefits do you offer?

PS: SEMA business members can benefit from our ongoing educational opportunities via joint webinars, podcasts, in-person educational sessions, and/or presentations at annual association meetings. Users can also collaborate with NetSuite's dedicated Associations and Buying Groups team to discuss best practices and industry challenges, as well as access NetSuite's expansive network to provide technology solutions for growth.  

SN: What sets NetSuite apart from other business management platforms?  

PS: In addition to offering multiple support service levels based on the companies' needs, we provide SEMA members with a central point of contact (me) for questions and escalations to help ensure success. One fun fact is that 84% of companies in the Forbes Cloud 100 list (Forbes' definitive ranking of the best, brightest, most valuable private companies in the cloud) are NetSuite customers.

To claim your NetSuite benefit and access available discounts, login to your SEMA Member Portal at www.sema.org and view "My Benefits."

For additional questions about NetSuite, contact Patrick at patrick.steyer@oracle.com. Questions about SEMA membership can be directed to the SEMA Membership Team at members@sema.org or (909) 610-2030.

By SEMA News Editors

Westin

'24 Ford F-250 and F-350 Front and Rear Products

Westin has introduced multiple new front and rear products for the '24 Ford F-250 and F-350. The new lineup includes the HDX Front and Rear Bumpers, HDX One-Piece Grille Guard, HDX Three-Piece Modular Grille Guard, HDX Winch Mount Grille Guard and HDX Winch Mount Modular Grille Guard.

westinautomotive.com.

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Luis Morales, SEMA Garage director of vehicle technology and product development, will speak at the upcoming ADAS and Autonomous Vehicle Expo in San Jose, California, August 28-29.

As one of the only facilities in the United States with ADAS research and testing facilities, the SEMA Garage recently published a white paper based on unprecedented research examining the potential impact of aftermarket products on ADAS features.  

Morales will be part of the session titled "Safety Considerations and Best Practices for Advancing ADAS and AV Technologies" and will delve into the importance of the SEMA Garage's current and ongoing research to both aftermarket companies and OEMs.  

The two-day conference brings together world-leading experts in autonomous vehicle research, artificial intelligence (AI), software, sensor fusion, AV testing, validation, development, standards and safety. More than 50 speakers from international OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, research and development centers, and innovative transportation startups will share best practices and strategies. Morales will join speakers from IBM, Volvo Cars, Torc Robotics, Tier IV, The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Argonne National Laboratory and others. 

The SEMA Garage presentation will be held on Thursday, August 29, at 11:10 a.m. PDT. SEMA members interested in attending the conference can receive a 20% delegate pass discount using the code AVTCA24SPKR20 at this link: Conference Delegate Registration Form.

By SEMA News Editors

The specialty equipment aftermarket will converge in Las Vegas for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8. As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist 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.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

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

• July 26: Feature Vehicle Display application (vehicles displayed outside of booth).
• August 14: Show Directory listing information.
• August 14: Pocket Guide company listing.
• August 16: Press/Media Conference application.
• August 16: Pocket Guide ad placement reservations.
• August 23: Pocket Guide ad materials due.
• August 23: Show Directory ad space reservations.
• August 29: Show Directory ad materials due.

Placing Freeman orders before the Tuesday, October 1 discount deadline, which offers discounted prices off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

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

Radflo

Radflo 500R SPORT 2.0 Shock Line

The 500R Sport Series shock line uses race-proven technology to reduce body roll while increasing control and comfort, according to the manufacturer. The monotube shock utilizes a high-flow main piston and internal floating piston to ensure consistent performance and is bolt-on, ride-height adjustable and re-tunable.

radflo.com

Torklift

ApexAnchors Tie Down System

Torklift has introduced its new ApexAnchors Internal Frame-Mounted Payload Anchor system and new camper turnbuckle designs. The new system is designed to mount directly to the frame, the company said, and provide a secure, reliable connection designed to support heavy-duty applications and long-term use.

torkliftcentral.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By Kenny Wright

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Of course, there are countless reasons to attend the world's premier automotive aftermarket trade show. However, for those still finalizing their plans for the year, check out this first-hand experience from SEMA team member Kenny Wright, who attended his first SEMA Show last year.

This year was my first time attending the SEMA Show since I've never considered myself a car expert. Prior to the 2023 event, I had only heard about "The Show" from friends who are auto enthusiasts or work in the industry. They shared how great it is and how "there's so much that you can't see it all." As I approached the event, I wondered if people were over-hyping the event and if it would live up to expectations. However, after spending nearly seven days in the Las Vegas Convention Center and attending as many exhibits, activations and displays as possible, I can confidently say that the SEMA Show is a massive achievement in event planning and execution and a true example of pure passion on display for the world.

If you ever get the chance, go to the SEMA Show… And if you've ever been, go again. Because no matter what you think you know about the SEMA Show, it's got surprises and something new for everyone; veterans and newcomers alike.

As a newcomer in the industry, I had the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the world of the automotive aftermarket… and I'll never be the same again. Hundreds of unique, customized vehicles teeming with specialty parts were carefully placed throughout the venue. Countless exhibitor booths filled the convention halls. This single event takes over the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, inside and out. It is one of the absolute most prominent and most occupied automotive events in the world. To see all that the Show had to offer, I walked over six miles (and would absolutely do it again!) It was pleasantly overwhelming. There is something for almost everyone at the SEMA Show.

I also had the privilege of working with the SEMA team during the months leading up to the Show. I got the opportunity to see what it takes to make such a significant event come to life. Everyone working on the Show was full of energy and focused on ensuring everything was taken care of, down to every single detail. It took months and months of planning, meetings, and conference calls, and in the end, the result was overwhelmingly successful. I was and am still impressed.

Every day at the Show, I noticed something: everyone on the Show floor was in positive spirits. Exhibitors were enthusiastic about being at the SEMA Show and having their products on display at the largest gathering for the automotive aftermarket. Attendees and buyers were grateful to be part of the action.

The energy of the automotive aftermarket crowd is remarkably positive for one of its size and scale. I was most pleasantly surprised by everyone's welcoming attitude--I felt like I belonged.

At the Show, there seemed to be two main attractions that grabbed the attention of true auto enthusiasts, car aficionados and industry pros: the Featured Vehicles and the New Products Showcase.

Many featured vehicles highlighted the purest forms of opulent style and detailed craftsmanship. Some of the most eye-catching builds were a "luxury" dune buggy complete with custom Louis Vuitton front-end grills; another was a lifted golf cart outfitted with speakers that could fill an entire convention center hall with clear audio and booming bass. Why? Well, why not, of course! These were just some of the unique--and awesome--vehicles on display at the Show.

The New Products Showcase, meanwhile, highlighted the groundbreaking and modernized products that are new to the market. Some products, like the EV Conversion kit by Scorpion EV, really caught the attention of buyers. New wheels were also a big hit. These weren't reinvented wheels, of course, but they were designed with modern style and touches of classic elegance.

Outdoor activations at the Show included the drifting experiences by Hoonigan, Optima Batteries and Shell. Skilled drivers tore up the courses, safely performing adrenaline-pumping driving stunts that would be unsafe for the average driver, leaving the area filled with tire smoke and rubber shreds. The word "cool" doesn't do this tire-slaying action enough justice, so we'll call it "hyper-cool."

At the same time, the SEMA Education sessions and learning experiences were also a huge feature of the SEMA Show, including keynote speeches from Tim Tebow, former racer and industry icon Willy T. Ribbs, the MotorTrend celebrity showcase, and many more. The education lineup was one of the aspects of the Show that appealed most to the business savvy and those who desire to grow their industry skillset.

Overall, it's clear to me now that if you qualify, you should be at the SEMA Show. The positive energy at the Show is undeniable even to newcomers like myself. Also, the business connections and networking opportunities available to you are invaluable. Moreover, it is important to note that the people make this industry and the SEMA Show as impressive as it is. I can honestly say that the SEMA Show feels like the heart of the automotive aftermarket industry.

It takes a great deal of effort from everyone involved to make the Show what it is. All of the attendees and exhibitors that make up the Show are the life that flows through the body of the automotive aftermarket. The life that gathers at the SEMA Show is the life force that powers the industry each year. After the 2023 event, I no longer consider myself a newcomer, and there's only one thing left for me to say: "I'll see you at the 2024 SEMA Show!"

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has released the second episode of its "Hammer Down" podcast featuring guest speaker Dave Kindig, owner of Kindig-It Design--the custom car restoration and auto fabrication shop behind the MotorTrend TV series, "Bitchin' Rides."

Hosted by Kevin Oeste, owner of V8 Speed and Resto Shop, alongside Tim McCarthy, HRIA chair and owner of HushMat and ZyCoat, this episode is a must-listen for gearheads, entrepreneurs and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Join Kindig as he:

• Shares the incredible journey from a "borrowed hammer" to a thriving 40-person team.
• Unveils stories from the shop's early days and the hurdles they have overcome.
• Dives deep into projects, including winning the prestigious Ridler Award.
• Offers insights into building and leading a successful team in the automotive world.

The HRIA "Hammer Down" podcast aims to deliver informative and entertaining discussions that celebrate the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the hot-rod community and how the SEMA HRIA helps hot-rod businesses succeed. Listen to the new episode now wherever you get your podcasts or at this link.

The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola:

SEMA appreciates the difficult task facing the Democratic Party as it begins its process of identifying a new nominee for president and vice president of the United States. While many issues will be weighed and considered with regard to the pool of emerging candidates, SEMA asks that the party identify and unite around nominees whose values are in line with those of SEMA's members--the 7,000 companies that create, buy, sell and use specialty-automotive parts--as well as the consumers whose support of these businesses help create jobs and fuel a nearly $337 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA seeks candidates who will: 

• Remain technology-neutral in pursuit of decarbonizing motor vehicles in their environmental policy, including consideration for the many options on the road to zero emissions. Such a candidate will understand the pivotal role of American-grown biofuels, synthetic fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture and innovations in engine systems and fuels for achieving our shared goal of reducing carbon in the atmosphere. 
• Prioritize small business in their economic policy, including support for independent businesses by enabling them to thrive by fostering their ability to reach, support and engage with their customers to the betterment of the marketplace. Such a candidate will champion consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles, as well as policies that ensure independent repair shops, aftermarket businesses and automotive enthusiasts have access to the tools and information necessary to repair and service motor vehicles. 
• Preserve America's recreational use of public lands in their conservation policy, including land-use policies that provide reasonable motorized recreational access to public lands so that off-road enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy their passion. Such a candidate will oppose usage policies that unnecessarily limit access, such as wilderness and national monument designations that are larger than needed to protect unique natural resources. 

When Americans will have their say on Election Day in November, SEMA will highlight candidates on the ballot who share the values that make our nation great: a commitment to the free market, to pragmatic, innovative solutions and to the people who deliver such solutions and bolster the world's strongest economy each and every day. 

The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola:

SEMA appreciates the difficult task facing the Democratic Party as it begins its process of identifying a new nominee for president and vice president of the United States. While many issues will be weighed and considered with regard to the pool of emerging candidates, SEMA asks that the party identify and unite around nominees whose values are in line with those of SEMA's members--the 7,000 companies that create, buy, sell and use specialty-automotive parts--as well as the consumers whose support of these businesses help create jobs and fuel a nearly $337 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA seeks candidates who will: 

• Remain technology-neutral in pursuit of decarbonizing motor vehicles in their environmental policy, including consideration for the many options on the road to zero emissions. Such a candidate will understand the pivotal role of American-grown biofuels, synthetic fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture and innovations in engine systems and fuels for achieving our shared goal of reducing carbon in the atmosphere. 
• Prioritize small business in their economic policy, including support for independent businesses by enabling them to thrive by fostering their ability to reach, support and engage with their customers to the betterment of the marketplace. Such a candidate will champion consumers' rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles, as well as policies that ensure independent repair shops, aftermarket businesses and automotive enthusiasts have access to the tools and information necessary to repair and service motor vehicles. 
• Preserve America's recreational use of public lands in their conservation policy, including land-use policies that provide reasonable motorized recreational access to public lands so that off-road enthusiasts can responsibly enjoy their passion. Such a candidate will oppose usage policies that unnecessarily limit access, such as wilderness and national monument designations that are larger than needed to protect unique natural resources. 

When Americans will have their say on Election Day in November, SEMA will highlight candidates on the ballot who share the values that make our nation great: a commitment to the free market, to pragmatic, innovative solutions and to the people who deliver such solutions and bolster the world's strongest economy each and every day.