By Ashley Reyes

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 come together to share actionable ideas for applying a male ally program into an organization during the webinar series' final session, "Looking to the Future," on 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 the success of these efforts within an organization. 
• How employees can facilitate being a male ally to women. 
• How females can 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 why male allies are essential with the "how" of how to make it a part of any work culture. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members who would like to stay informed on emerging engine technology can watch three new videos by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) that will delve into electric vehicle (EV) technology, alternative fuels and the changing landscape of the automotive aftermarket.  

The first video, set to be released on August 30, features a conversation on "Electric Vehicles and The Changing Landscape of the Automotive Aftermarket" by Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. The discussion will help industry members understand how OEMs are moving forward with electrification via hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and how this has sparked an entirely new industry of electric aftermarket vehicles and products.   

Viewers will gain insight into current and anticipated legislation adoption that will develop over the next 10 years, as well as the pros and cons of EVs and aftermarket opportunities.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposing new federal emissions standards intended to dramatically increase sales of EVs, ETTN's video "How Companies Are Navigating Regulation and Pivoting to Hybrid and EV" on September 13 will effectively dive into the various fuel innovation technologies that are often ignored on the road to zero emissions. Viewers will gain a better understanding of BEVs, biofuels and hydrogen technologies and the regulations, opportunities and challenges that come with each. This insightful video is led by Rob Simons of Automotive Consulting Services, and Tobi Tubiak of Ricardo.

During "Biofuels - Continuing the Conversation" on September 27, viewers will learn how biofuels have progressed since ETTN's first live chat on the topic published in 2021. (Watch the first installment here).

As the industry continues to look for fuel alternatives, biofuels may become the in-between that automobile manufacturers can use for performance ICE vehicles alongside their EV fleet. Tune in to hear from Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane, and Bjorn Noack, director at Bosch, as they explore where the aftermarket and internal combustion engines (ICE) will be in the next 15 years. Other topics addressed are legislation that supports and hinders biofuel development, companies that are currently investing in this technology and whether or not the average enthusiast has access to biofuels.

Each video will go live on the ETTN Facebook page at 12:00 p.m. PDT on the day of its release. Industry members are invited to tune in at that time and join the conversation with one another in the comments.  

By SEMA Editors

Sources have captured images of the '24 Ford F-150 Heritage, which features a revised front end with new headlights, grille and front fascia.

The rear of the vehicle features a revised tailgate (with optional multi-use features expected to come), bumper and taillights. Inside, experts are also expecting updates to the gauge cluster and center stack.

An official debut is slated for Wednesday, September 13.

By SEMA Editors

(Left image, from left to right) PRI Marketing Manager Lee Ann Davis, PRI Trade Show Director Karin Davidson and PRI Housing & Trade Show Specialist Michelle Gallegos. (Right image) Representatives from top events in Indianapolis. 

PRI recently participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 800-room hotel, part of a larger Pan Am Plaza redevelopment project that includes an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), which houses the PRI Trade Show every December.

The ceremony, which celebrates ICC's sixth expansion, was joined by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, City-Council President Vop Osili, Visit Indy and the Capital Improvement Board. The 404-foot-tall Signia by Hilton hotel will be located near Pan Am Tower at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street downtown.

The project was first introduced in 2018. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

Renderings from an Indiana Convention Center viewpoint. The expansion includes a 50,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, 143,500-sq.ft. of flexible space and a new 800-room Signia by Hilton hotel.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has issued a total of $245,000 in scholarship and loan forgiveness awards through its SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund to help 104 individuals pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 87 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and 17 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.

"SEMA receives a large number of scholarship applications each year, and the quality of this year's applicants was truly inspiring and impressive," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "Their passion and innovative mindset were evident in their applications, and it gives us great hope that they will continue to advance the aftermarket industry and make a lasting impact."

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1984 to help support the future of the automotive aftermarket industry. Since its inception, more than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students. One of the primary criteria for scholarship recipients is that the winner must have clearly demonstrated a passion for the automotive industry.

The online application for next year's program will open in January 2024 at sema.org/scholarships.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners 

Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

*in alphabetical order of first name

• Aaron Bastian (Thomas Nelson Community College, Automotive Technology)  
• Aaron Bodenham (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Adam Phillips (Ozarks Technical Community College, Machine Tool Technician)  
• Aidan Carton (SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician)  
• Alexander Riddle (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)  
• Alois McKarns (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Business)  
• Alyssa Hagan (Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Amy Kurr (University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Energy Science and Engineering)  
• Andrew Kemp (McPherson College, Automotive Restoration Technology)  
• Andrew Riley (McPherson College, Automotive)  
• Caleb Vessey (California State University-San Marcos, Electrical Engineering)  
• Cameron Cocalis (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Business)  
• Carter Goode (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)  
• Cedric McKinney (California State University-Chico, Mechatronics)  
• Christopher Wesley (Navajo Technical University, Electrical Engineering)  
• Christopher White (Erie Community College, Automotive Technician) 
• Clark Howe (WyoTech, Autobody Collision)  
• Cloey Waterbury (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Coen Fricke (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Colby Price (University of Northwestern Ohio, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician)  
• Connor Thompson (Elizabethtown Community & Technical College, Diesel Mechanic)  
• Cooper O'Hair (College for Creative Studies, Transportation Design)  
• Dalton Weiser (California State University-Chico, Mechanical Engineering) 
• Daniel Clawson (Missouri University of Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering)  
• David Ramos (Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Edwin Buiter (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)  
• Emma Ricketts (Career Center of Southern Illinois, Automotive Engineering & Technology)  
• Gabe Janitch (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)  
• Gage Allen (University of Tulsa, Electrical Engineering)  
• Grace-Anne Stine (Missouri University of Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Guillermo Garcia (School of Automotive Machinists & Technology, Automotive)  
• Hailey Petsch (Arizona State University at Tempe, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Hunter Bailey (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology/High Performance Motorsports)  
• Ian Stravers (Iowa State University, Agricultural Systems Technology-Industrial Technology)  
• Ihfaz Islam (Wayne State University, Electrical Engineering)  
• Jack Doyle (California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jack Lorenz (University of Northwestern Ohio, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician)  
• Jacob Matties (California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jaden Helfman (Roger Williams University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jaedyn Imhoff (California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jalen Guerrero (Farmingdale State College, Automotive Technology)  
• Jon Crenshaw (WyoTech, Diesel Mechanic)  
• Jonah Williamson (West Virginia University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jonathon Damzyn (Michigan State University, Electrical Engineering)  
• Joshua Maymon (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Josiah Romero (Texas A&M University-College Station, Aerospace Aeronautical)  
• Kade Kohl (Parkland College, Diesel Mechanic)  
• Kaitlyn Zubia (University of Texas at El Paso, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Keeley Whitmer (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive)  
• Kenton Kyger (Kettering University, Engineering: Mobility Systems)  
• Kolby Tran (University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Electrical Engineering)  
• Kyle Janssen (University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marketing)  
• Lantz Riggio (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)  
• Lawson Cheek (University of Mississippi, Business)  
• Liam Richardson (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology) 
• Logan Jorgensen (Ferris State University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)  
• Madyan Khidir (M State-Moorhead Campus, Automotive Engineering & Technology)  
• Marco Ramirez (Brigham Young University-Idaho, Automotive Engineering & Technology)  
• Masen Schneider (University of North Dakota, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Mason Durham (University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Electrical Engineering)  
• Mason Surgener (Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Matthew Traum (Missouri University of Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Max Lovell (Miami University-Oxford, Computer & Information Sciences)   
• Maximilian Redfearn (University of St. Thomas, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Megan Layton (Weber State University, Automotive Technology)  
• Micah Duke (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering) 
• Miles Mack (Temple University, Business)  
• Owen Kreutzfeldt (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Payton Lee (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Rachel Garrett (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Technology)  
• Riley Schlick-Trask (Connecticut College, Engineering Mechanics)  
• Robert Schonberner (McPherson College, Automotive)  
• Robert Wareham (Lewis-Clark State College, Autobody Collision)  
• Ryder Lestrud (North Iowa Area Community College, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician)  
• Rylee Disterheft (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Motorsports)  
• Sabra Laschanzky (Ozarks Technical Community College, Automation Technology) 
• Sasha Luich (University of Texas at Dallas, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Savannah Sprague (Northwood University, Automotive)  
• Spencer Moody (University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Steven Scott (Earlham College, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Stran Denton (WyoTech, Automotive Technology)  
• Taylor Hoover (Texas Tech University, Business, Management)  
• Valerie Best (Cuesta College, Automotive Technology)  
• Whitney Elliot Lundy (Ozarks Technical Community College, Autobody Collision)  
• William Chambers (North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Mechanical Engineering)  
• William Surratt (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)  
• Zachary Dosey (Wayne State University, Electrical Engineering Technician)  

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners  

Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

*in alphabetical order of first name

• Anh Le (Original Parts Group, Inc., University of California Irvine, Computer Science)  
• Autumn Schwalbe (Ford Motor Company, Northwood University, Automotive Aftermarket)  
• Baily Soto (Legacy EV, Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix, Education)  
• Bruce Xiong (Truck Accessories Group, LLC, California State University-Sacramento, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Chris Apkarian (AMS Osram, University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Mechanical Engineering Technology)  
• Clayton Brown (Race Winning Brands, University of Akron Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering Technology)  
• Derrick Steffen (Transfer Flow, California State University-Chico, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jeremy Kingkade (Dee Zee, Inc., Iowa State University, Industrial Engineering & Design)  
• John Hyden (Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Marian University, Business)  
• Keith Farris (I-CAR, University of Phoenix, IT Business Manager)  
• Mara Henderson (The University of Northwestern Ohio, Southern New Hampshire University, Business Administration/General Office Worker)  
• Mark Mollica (Thyssenkrupp Bilstein, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Melanie Henry (Martin and Company Advertising, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, Communications)  
• Shawn Foster (Diode Dynamics, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Taylor Straley (DECKED, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Business)  
• Teresa Lang (Stellantis/FCA US LLC, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Engineering)  
• William Krueger (Bob Drake Reproductions, Inc., Oregon Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering) 

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

D&C Designs Expands Into a Larger Facility

D&C Designs--the Ogden, Utah-based manufacturer of solutions-oriented automotive lighting for Jeeps and light trucks--has announced an expansion into a new larger facility. 

The new 10,000-sq.-ft. facility is located at 766 Depot Drive in Ogden and will be co-shared with Grit Cutting Solutions, a company that is also owned by D&C Designs owners Chris and Danny Wehunt. In addition to providing expanded space for D&C Designs' administration offices, product assembly, warehouse storage and shipping, the new facility can also expand space for Grit Cutting Solutions' equipment, including the addition of a new cutting machine and press brake.

"We are excited to have a facility that gives us ample room to handle new business and quickly service both our D&C Designs and Grit Cutting Solutions clients," said D&C Designs co-owner Danny Wehunt.

EGR USA Announces Director of Marketing and Senior Product Development Engineer

EGR USA--the Ontario, California-based manufacturer of precision-engineered truck accessories--has announced the promotion of Kevin McDougall to senior product development engineer and announces the addition of Justin MacLauchlan as director of marketing.

McDougall, a highly adaptive engineer and fabricator with 15-plus years of engineering experience in the automotive and aerospace industries, was hired in June 2022 as an engineer before assuming EGR USA's lead product development role this month.

MacLauchlan has 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Before joining EGR USA, MacLauchlan was the marketing manager for RalliTEK/PRE Racing, where he managed all marketing and advertising activities.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Hot-Rod Chavik as this week's member spotlight company. Get to know their business in the SEMA News interview with company owner Daisy Chavik below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?  

Daisy Chavik: Hot-Rod Chavik USA is a family-owned business that was established in Czechia, Europe, in 2003 and expanded to the USA in 2017 with a focus on time-period-correct restoration and fabrication, creating vehicles from scratch, including engineering, design, custom fabrication, old-school coachbuilding, race cars recreation, parts recreation and fabrication. We provide our clients with full professional assistance during the whole process of fabrication and restoration to make their journey smooth. Our motto is "Keeping Hot-Rod Culture and Tradition Alive." Our company has been awarded multiple times, and our products are guaranteed of quality. 

SN: What makes your business stand out? 

DC: Our whole approach to custom and restoration work and the quality of work.  

SN: Tell us about your business in 2023 and what you're focused on.  

DC: Hot-Rod Chavik USA is coming out with new patents on suspension parts, as well as coach-built projects such as a concept car, a '49 Buick Roadster and full custom '32 Ford roadster. We're also focused on a full custom fabrication and restoration project--a '63 Toyota FJ 43 that should leave the Hot-Rod Chavik shop this year.

Our '62 Corvette project for the Automotive Petersen Museum was challenging. The Corvette was delivered in unfinished work quality with upgrade ideas. Lots of custom fabrication was involved, and the project was finished as a race car. 

SN: Tell us about a project you are proud of. 

DC: Hot-Rod Chavik USA is proud of a time-period correct full recreation of a '33 Buick IndyCar that was awarded many times in car shows and concourses. The Buick IndyCar was also nominated in England for an Octane Award-Bespoken Car of the Year. Multiple articles were published in magazines such as Hagerty, Octane, Hot Rod, Linkage and so on. 

Another successful project is a '32 Ford roadster for our clients Lyle and Lauralee Sharpen. Their fully custom-restored burgundy Roadster by Chavik earned more than 55 awards and was featured in magazines. The Ford roadster was also used as an advertising graphic template for different car shows and T-shirts, and we are proud and happy for our satisfied clients. Small projects are also amazing. Helping car guys move forward with their project builds is great. 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

DC: There are no limits. By falling down, you are becoming stronger. Never give up and stand up again over and over; success is not free! Believe in God and be honest if you want to set up your business on a strong base. Follow your dreams!

Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA's social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2023 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

Now in its fourth year, the challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having six automotive restylers feature an accessory package for a new-model vehicle in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. Restylers benefit from gaining exposure for their company and skills by developing a build that is profitable and easy to replicate. The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others--including consumers, dealers and restylers--to customize their vehicles.

"The PRO Cup Challenge is the ultimate competition where restylers get to showcase the art of what they do every day and have it displayed in a high-profile location at the industry's premier aftermarket trade show," said SEMA Council Director and PRO Liaison Denise Waddingham. "Competing is a great way for restylers to get their name and business out there and share their unique take on how a new-model vehicle can be transformed."   

Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.

Applications are due Friday, August 11. To view the build criteria and submit your application, visit the PRO Cup Challenge website.

By SEMA Editors

There are 12 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 tens of thousands of dedicated 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

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

• August 18: Show Directory Listing Information due.
• August 18: Pocket Guide Company Listing due.
• August 25: Show Directory Advertising Space Reservations due.
• August 31: Show Directory Ad Materials due.
• September 1: Permit Application to Clark County: Hot Works.
• September 1: Permit Application to Clark County: Spraying & Dipping.
• September 1: Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 1: Hanging Sign Design Notification Form for Show Management.
• September 8: Celebrity Appearances Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 8: Booth Vehicle Display Application due (for vehicles displayed in the booth).
• 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.

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.

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.