By SEMA Editors

SEMA Businesswomen Network (SBN) members are invited to a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT, in which SBN leadership will discuss the network's five-year plan for enhancing the careers of women in the automotive aftermarket.

The meeting will take place online and provide details on networking, education and recognition opportunities available to support women in the specialty-equipment industry.

As the SBN continues to create awareness and build a community for women in automotive, the meeting will be an excellent chance for current and prospective members to provide feedback on existing initiatives, get any questions answered and learn how to get more involved in the industry.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

As the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) identifies and provides aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers with the knowledge of emerging trends and new vehicle technology, current and prospective members can benefit by increasing their involvement with the network and staying current on available resources.

The ETTN General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT will enable participants to hear from Select Committee leaders as they share the network's current priorities for members, as well as events and opportunities that members need to be aware of to help ensure their continued success.

Attendees will learn about year-round volunteer opportunities, be able to provide feedback and ask questions, as well as find out about networking events at the 2023 SEMA Show.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Clark Brumet--engineering manager, New Product Development at WARN Industries--as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Brumet in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Clark Brumet: My uncle was a journeyman welder. When I was a freshman in high school, he stayed with my family for a few months while he worked a job in the area. By this time in my life, I knew I wanted to be an engineer, but I hadn't yet solidified my path.   

My uncle constantly told me that if I wanted to be an engineer, I had to be an engineer who "knew what I was talking about." He would tell me stories about the engineers who obviously had degrees but would lack the typical common sense of somebody who was familiar with the trades. He insisted that I develop a mechanical background before becoming an engineer.   

I followed his advice and think it was a significant contributor to my success today. I worked as a bowling alley mechanic in high school, worked as a tow kit installer through college and started my career after college as a manufacturing technician assembling automation equipment. My hands-on experience and familiarity working on the floor has always been something I am proud of. I think that experience has contributed to my success as a leader as well. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

CB: I've been in the industry for 10 years. No project has ever been the same during that time. The number of problems to solve, things to learn and implement and the opportunities for improvement are numerous. It also helps that the team of people I work with makes every day an enjoyable and fun experience. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

CB: My Saturday activities are seasonal. In the winter, I usually find a project to work on in the shop. Most of the time, that is some sort of amateur woodworking project. In the spring and summer, I'm usually working in the yard or hanging out in the kiddy pool. Fall is college football and tailgating; my family takes the travel trailer to every Oregon State Football game. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

CB: For important meetings, it's always critical to prepare accordingly. That being said, I try my best not to over-prepare and burn out. Some of the best ideas and interactions are spontaneous, so I leave some gaps and opportunities for organic communication. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

CB: I would want to have lunch with Elon Musk for the simple fact that it would probably be a pretty interesting lunch. As much as I love the automotive industry, I think it's important that we keep awareness of how our industry interconnects with others. Musk has been successful bridging some of those interconnections and I would love to be able to discuss that in a bit more detail.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.

By SEMA Editors

There are seven weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed 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

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

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.

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

• September 15: Sponsorship Artwork/Materials due to Freeman.
• September 18: Lead retrieval rental (advanced rate)--CompuSystems.
• September 26: Freight-Freeman Warehouse--first day to accept advance freight.
• September 28: Freeman Discount Deadline--Various Freeman services, including audio-visual and computers; carpet and booth cleaning order; credit card authorization/method of payment; electrical; accessories (advanced rate); furnishings (advanced rate); first-time exhibitor booth package; labor for hanging signage/banner; labor for installation/dismantle; payment authorization form; rental exhibit order (advanced rate); third party payment authorization; utilities; internet/telephone.
• September 29: Exhibitor registration is due for domestic guests (to receive badges in the mail) at semashow.com/register.
• October 6: New Products Entry (advanced rate).
• October 6: Products for Product-Vehicle Builders.
• October 6: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from Risk-strategies/Buttine).
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application Form.
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Proof of Insurance Deadline.
• October 13: Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse--CARPET/PAD only. 
• October 13: After-Hours Events.
• October 13: After-Hours Event--Proof of Security (Required if having an after-hours event). 
• October 13: Meeting/Function space reservation.
• October 16: Booth Catering Order Service--CENTERPLATE.
• October 18: Tents/Canopies--Full Circle Events.
• October 18: Freight--Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty.
• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.
• October 20: Photography Order--Expo Ease
• October 20: Plant and Floral Order--Expo Ease
• October 26: Freight--1st Day Shipments accepted at LVCC (refer to Target Floor Plan)
• October 27: Vehicle Detailing (Advanced Rate)--ShowFleet

By Mike Imlay

If you're an industry buyer or media representative, there are plenty of reasons to attend the 2023 SEMA Show this October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas--over 400 new reasons, to be exact. That's the number of new exhibitors signed on to the Show so far, bringing the number of total exhibitors to more than 2,200, ensuring the introduction of several thousand new products.

But that's just part of the story. The specialty-equipment industry is undergoing possibly its greatest transformation in recent history. New ideas, emerging technologies and transportation options, fresh possibilities and novel challenges are everywhere. And the annual SEMA Show is arguably the single best place to take them in, grasp where the industry is headed, and position your business for future success.

"No two SEMA Shows are ever alike," asserts SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "Every year is a new year, filled with new opportunities, new exhibitors and new concepts. There are new products, new advancements, new launches and new brands that have never been part of the Show before. Even our returning exhibitors never sit still. Our marketplace is exciting and dynamic, and the SEMA Show embodies it all."

To assist attendees with their Show planning, SEMA News asked Tompkins for a quick tour of must-see additions and changes to the Show, starting at the Las Vegas Convention Center's (LVCC's) West Hall and ending at the South Hall. 

West Hall: The SEMA Show Main Stage Experience

The centerpiece of the SEMA Show's newly updated industry education program will figure prominently in the LVCC's West Hall. Highlighting the 2023 Main Stage Experience will be star athlete and car enthusiast Tim Tebow, who will deliver his keynote address Thursday afternoon, November 2.

"In terms of brand-new offerings, we've entirely re-envisioned our educational events and seminars," relates Tompkins. For starters, seminars will now be offered Monday, October 30, before Show opening, giving exhibitors greater access to the education tracks. Additionally, there will be more than 99 seminars offered throughout Show week—many of them new or revamped—and several high-profile keynote speakers and events on the Show floor itself.

 "A few of the more notable ones include the Women in Automotive Symposium, the Digital Marketing Boot Camp and our first-ever EV certification program in partnership with Legacy EV," Tompkins points out. "There's also variety of new diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI] programs, and we have a whole new series of thought leaders with fresh curriculums, perspectives and next-step ideas." (Consult SEMAShow.com for the full education roster and registration.)

West Hall Diamond Lot: The Overland Experience

Just three years old, the massive LVCC West Hall is relatively new in itself, but the major change here for the 2023 Show is the repositioning of the Overland Experience feature outside the hall. With roots in remote parts of the world, Overlanding continues to gain in popularity across the U.S. For 2023, the SEMA Show section will include industry experts addressing key Overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for a business. "This section begs to be outdoors, so we're excited to be relocating it to the Diamond Lot," says Tompkins. "The Overland Experience is a unique showcase centered on outdoor recreation, and this change really gives us a chance to educate attendees about pastime's vehicles, accessories and lifestyle in a setting that they're designed for."

North Hall: The New Products Showcase

This year, the New Products Showcase moves to the North Hall. It remains the first stop for attendees in search of innovations reflecting the latest automotive trends.

The addition of the West Hall has shifted the LVCC's center of gravity, so to speak. And considering how the New Products Showcase is the most popular destination for attendees and buyers, repositioning the feature in the North Hall makes visiting it more convenient than ever. "What hasn't changed is the Showcase will once again be one of the largest collections of new products in the world," Tompkins states. "We expect over 1,700 new innovations, so this section is a great chance for buyers to understand the latest trends and really see the products up close." Plus, using the SEMA Show app, attendees can scan the products that most interest them to collect data on the manufacturer and map a route to their booth.

North Hall: First-Time and Featured Exhibitors

While visiting the LVCC North Hall, buyers and attendees will also want to add the First-Time and Featured Exhibitors section to their Show itinerary. Composed mostly of exhibitors new to the Show, it represents a prime opportunity to keep pace with a changing industry. "It's really a dedicated area where you'll see a variety of innovations, meet new exhibitors and become acquainted with a host newly introduced products from the different business categories, including restyling, restoration, global tire companies and more," notes Tompkins.

North Hall: The Art Walk

Highlighting automotive art by Chip Foose, Max Grundy and many other notable creators, the popular SEMA Show Art Walk will get a more prominent and expanded location in the North Hall. "This year it will span the width of the hall, creating a unique showcase between the Business Services and Mobile Electronics sections. According to Tompkins, "The Art Walk reflects the automotive culture and lifestyle that surrounds the SEMA Show. It's a chance for showgoers who love the industry to experience an artistic point of view and purchase some unique posters, lithographs and paintings."

(Speaking of art, Chip Foose, the SEMA Show's official artist, is currently at work on new and expanded signage and visual cues to enhance the thematic feel of the Show. In addition, there will by a wide variety of new SEMA Show digital content and display packages throughout the LVCC designed to highlight the trade event's community hubs and encourage connections between exhibitors and attendees.)

Central Hall: The EV and Future Propulsion Feature

Traditionally, Central Hall is home to the Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace sections, among others. This year, the hall adds the rebranded SEMA EV and Future Propulsion area, formerly known as SEMA Electrified.

"As its new name indicates, the concept is an exploration of the future of mobility—not just battery electric vehicles, but the entire gamut of alternative fuel sources and powertrains," explains Tompkins. "It's going to be as much an educational tool as a showcase." 

Greatly expanded for 2023, the space will feature SEMA-curated exhibits and demonstrations, along with an adjacent area for brands to display products and innovations. "There will be discussions, workshops and meet and greets," Tompkins adds. "We'll also be engaging the media. You'll see a great synergy between what SEMA is showcasing and what the industry is doing in its own right."

Central Hall: SEMA Data

SEMA Data is the association's industry initiative to connect manufacturers and resellers through the sharing of quality product data. Located in the Central Hall, the SEMA Data booth is set to introduce a whole new series of programs to Show attendees. "For one, SEMA will be promoting a whole new subscription program, so visiting the booth affords both exhibitors and attendees a great opportunity to learn more about data compliance and leveraging clean data to drive business," notes Tompkins.

South Hall: The SEMA Garage, SCRS

With locations in Diamond Bar, California, and Detroit, the SEMA Garage program gives SEMA-member businesses access to special high tech-tools and equipment they need to get products off the drawing board and into their customer hands. Offering services like 3D scanning, 3D printing, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) testing, vehicle measuring sessions, fully equipped bays, emissions testing and certification, the Garages are the only known facilities of their kind in the U.S. 

This year, the SEMA Garage relocates to the west portion of the Upper South Hall with a greatly expanded exhibit focusing on ADAS and other automotive and manufacturing technologies. "It will be a highly interactive area focusing on trends in product development, emissions testing, and ADAS calibration after vehicle repair or modification, and more," relates Tompkins. 

"It's also worth mentioning that the Society of Collision Repair Specialists [SCRS] will have its Collision Repair Stage in the South Hall. It's another educational opportunity for anyone in that field to learn the latest repair and refinish techniques."

Outdoor Activations and Feature Vehicles

New outdoor activations promise plenty of tire smoke and excitement, but at their heart these Show features are designed to demonstrate products and concepts in action.

Known for the excitement outside the LVCC halls as much as inside, the 2023 will include several soon-to-be-announced outdoor activations, including fast-paced demonstrations, thrilling ride-and-drives, and inspiring feature vehicle displays. Even the annual Monday Night Reveal party before the Show's opening and the SEMA Cruise at Show's end are slated to get a few new twists, with more than 1,000 vehicles expected to participate in the latter. 

"We're always looking to change things up and push boundaries," Tompkins confides. And while he couldn't yet discuss sponsors and participants for all the activations, Tompkins did hint that the popular Optima Village is returning with some fresh excitement, along with other big industry names. "Our outdoor spaces will be phenomenal," he promises. "They'll not only present products as they're being used in the marketplace, but the thrills and enthusiasm they bring to our consumers. There's always a lot of excitement and smoke, and QR codes on the many feature vehicles lead attendees directly to the exhibitors who make the products."

The Las Vegas Festival Grounds: SEMA Fest

While not actually part of the SEMA Show, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the debut of SEMA Fest at the nearby Las Vegas Festival Grounds, November 3-4. "SEMA Fest will mark the launch of a whole new consumer-facing event dedicated to the automotive lifestyle through the celebration of car culture, music and craft food," Tompkins explains. Tickets are sold separately from the SEMA Show. 

Greater Las Vegas

Beyond the SEMA Show, there's also a lot new in Las Vegas itself—namely new hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants and infrastructure. "Vegas is definitely not resting on its laurels; it's continuing to expand. So, there will be much that's new to explore outside of Show hours," according to Tompkins. 

From a transportation point of view, that also means Show goers will want to factor the city's monorails, taxis and ride-sharing services, hotel shuttle buses, and other forms of public transit into their plans. Pertaining to the LVCC itself, the underground Tesla Loop will be in operation, with stops at the West, Central and South Halls, plus the Loops extension to Resorts World Las Vegas is expected to be open in time for the 2023 Show.

A Show for a Changing Industry

All in all, the 2023 SEMA Show will both lead and mirror a marketplace that continues to innovate and influence the future of the automobile and mobility. "The synergy that our global industry brings to this Show is unlike any other event, and when we get together, we're definitely more than the sum of our parts," says Tompkins. "Plus, if you think about the current narrative in the media and decisions being made at governmental levels, this industry is on the tip of the spear, so to speak, in terms of bringing our society to the future." 

 "And you'll see real solutions and advancements at our Show," he adds. "Having over 400 new exhibitors is proof that this market continues to push the envelope. We're really thinking about different forms of mobility, new products to improve automotive transportation and lifestyle, and sharing new insights through education and outreach. In the end, all the collective energy is what I get excited about, not to mention the spectacle that is the SEMA Show. There's really no other trade event like it." 

Register Now for the Show

If you haven't yet registered as a SEMA Show attendee, don't miss out on the experience. Registration through September 29, 2023, is just $60 and allows you to get your badge in the mail, saving time onsite at the Show. (Starting September 30, registration increases to $120. Also note that registration at the Show will move to the east side of the Lower South Hall, with some pre-registered badge pick-up services in the West Hall.) For more information and registration, go to SEMAshow.com/attendee.

Get the SEMA Show Mobile App

Like other aspects of the Show, the official 2023 SEMA Show app will also feature important new updates. The app is the perfect pre-Show planning tool, and also puts the entire Show in your pocket when you get there. It arms you with exhibitor lists, turn-by-turn directions around the LVCC, and comprehensive listings of new products from the New Products Showcase, feature vehicles, Show event and education schedules, and a host of other features. Download it today free at your mobile device's native App Store.

Good News for Exhibitors: Strong Attendee Support "Reminiscent of Highest Records" Expected for 2023

The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, is gearing up with incredible industry support from a wide range of industry segments from across the world. Exhibitor registration is on pace to exceed 2,200, with 400 first-time exhibitors already signed on. 

For exhibitors, the Show delivers enormous buying power through its attendees, plus scores of qualified trade, mainstream and new media members alongside established and emerging influencers. These unique attendees help exhibitors expand their branding and product lineups well beyond their booths, making the SEMA Show a sound investment for the year to come. 

"The SEMA Show is shaping up to be one of the best events to date. The industry support is reminiscent of our highest attendance records, and participation is trending above pre-pandemic levels," said SEMA Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From key buyers, top media members and qualified industry influencers, the professionals you need to help grow your business will be in Las Vegas for what is shaping up to be a real industry homecoming!"

There is still time to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show. Visit SEMAShow.com/exhibitor to start creating your Show plan today! 

By Kenny Wright

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary at the SEMA Show, the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders is proud to announce that Mothers Polish is returning as the competition's presenting sponsor!

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish has been the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition for 10 amazing years. Highlighting custom builders at the forefront of innovation, BOTB continues to champion the spirit of competition, the passion of the automotive aftermarket and the innovation of the builder community.

"For the last decade, SEMA's Battle of the Builders has provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, ingenuity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "SEMA Show exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. BOTB not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other's builds in the final round."

The 2023 competition is revving up to be one of the most exciting competitions to date. Featuring more innovative builders that represent the best in the industry, it's an event not to be missed.

"Battle of the Builders embraces everything that makes the automotive aftermarket great--the passion, drive, determination and creativity that defines our industry. And at Mothers, we're truly grateful to be so closely connected with this distinguished competition," said Mothers Polish CEO Dennis Holloway. 

Think you've got what it takes to compete with some of the best builders in the world? If you want to get in on the action, it's not too late! Builders can still sign up to compete until Friday, October 13. Top builders will be recognized in four categories: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns. An overall champion will be named on the final day of the SEMA Show from the four class winners.   

The competition will take place throughout the week of the Show, with the Top 40 announced on Tuesday, November 1, and the Top 12 celebrated on Wednesday, November 2. The decorated dozen will examine and critique each others' vehicles at the Show on Thursday, November 3, as they become the final judges. Four class winners will be decided on Thursday as judging concludes, and the 2023 SEMA Battle of Builders overall champion will be announced on Friday, November 4.   

Throughout the competition, camera crews will follow the action for a television special that will air on The History Network, while daily behind-the-scenes videos will be posted on SEMA Show's social profiles. For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, visit semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Sub-optimal decision-making can have a negative financial impact on wheel and tire aftermarket companies--particularly when it comes to data. Knowing what to order, how much to order, how to price items and where to store them in your network are all important for saving money and maximizing efficiency.      

SEMA members in the wheel and tire market are invited to the webinar "Data is the New Oil-How the Tire & Wheel Industry Can Benefit from Being More Data-Driven & Save Billions of Dollars" on Thursday, September 21, at 12:00 p.m. PDT.    

Attendees will hear from Mike Lusso, Sustaining Engineer Manager at Hennessey Industries, and Tim Eisenmann, Chief Analytics Officer and CEO of Torqata, and learn: 

• The true cost of having data inefficiencies in your company. 
• Solutions and approaches for data collection, cleansing and insights generation. 
• Real-world case studies on how empirical decision-making with more data has made a difference for retailers, distributors and manufacturers. 
• Starting points to discuss which key decisions could and should be supported by more data and how to acquire it. 

This webinar will include a Q&A and cover how employing data-based decision-making can help companies gain a significant competitive advantage as the specialty-equipment market becomes more complex (i.e., SKU proliferation) and external influences create more volatility (i.e., Ukraine war, inflation, Covid). Register now.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 14, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting is the ideal time to learn about FLN's current priorities for members, as well as upcoming events and member programs. Attendees will connect with the Select Committee, learn about volunteer opportunities and hear what the network has planned for the 2023 SEMA and PRI Shows.

All current and prospective FLN members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to stay updated on the many benefits available to help enhance one's career and business.

Register here.

By SEMA Editors

The first two sessions of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Male-Ally Webinar series provided members with examples and knowledge of a male ally in the automotive aftermarket.  

A panel of aftermarket leaders will now share actionable ideas for applying a male-ally program into an organization during the webinar series' final session, "Looking to the Future," on Tuesday, September 19, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/ 3:00 p.m. EDT.   

Featuring Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting as moderator and speakers Seth Metzger of Dana Incorporated, Matt Reasoner of Truck Hero and Dana Wilke of the Jessi Combs Foundation, the session will leave viewers inspired and equipped to start a male-ally program that empowers and supports women in their aftermarket roles.   

Attendees will learn:    

• Tips for starting a male-ally program in their workplace.   
• How to get upper management to see the value of a male-ally program.   
• Ways to measure success of these efforts within an organization.   
• How employees can facilitate being a male ally to women.   
• How can females support a male-ally program.   
• How to ensure male-ally efforts are sustained in the company culture.   

This session will give participants the tools to bridge the "why" of male allies' importance with the "how" of making them part of any work culture. Register today!  

By SEMA Editors

The '24 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is gearing up for release in the second half of 2024, about a year after the launch of the facelifted small EV.

The most powerful ID.3 currently has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 150kw/310Nm, getting it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

To make a significant leap over the existing ID.3, the GTX will likely need to pick up an extra motor and become AWD, according to SEMA News sources. 

Other things to expect include a tauter chassis, bigger alloy wheels with wider tires, pumped exterior styling and adaptive dampers.