By Ashley Reyes

What is a social-media calendar and how can aftermarket brands use it to create and maintain a strong social-media presence?

Dan Kahn, founder of Kahn Media, and Barry Alt, founder of Motorhead Digital, recently shared tips for using social media in the aftermarket space. Watch highlights from their webinar "Introduction to the Three Cs of Social Media: Content, Calendar and Channels, presented by ARMO," below. 

Watch the full webinar here. [Note: logging into your SEMA.org account is required.]

You'll learn best practices for planning out your social-media content, where to find ideas when you get stuck and how aftermarket brands can create content that builds engagement rather than just pushes out information.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting a networking Happy Hour during Minnesota Steet Rod Association's Back to the '50s Weekend on Thursday, June 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.

All HRIA members are invited to O'Gara's Restaurant at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where they can network with industry friends, meet other hot-rod businesses and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Attendees will learn about HRIA's latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are also invited to attend, as it will be a great event to learn about the HRIA member benefits available to hot-rod businesses.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop as this week's member spotlight company. Get to know the company in SEMA News' interview with business manager, Shelby Robison, below. 

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

Shelby Robison: Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop is a nonprofit program that teaches valuable skills to students out of high school to rebuild a classic vehicle from start to finish. Our five-month workshop gives students hands-on training, which includes disassembly, basic suspension work, color sanding, rust repair, basic engine rebuilding, assembly, metal work, basic welding, electrical wiring, body work, basic fabrication and painting. Through training and mentorship, this workshop aims to inspire the next generation to acquire the knowledge and skills in the automotive restoration and preservation industry by creating a hands-on experience. For more information, you can visit our webpage at kustombuiltcars.org or email us at info@kustombuiltcars.org. We are also on social media, so follow us for some awesome builds!

SN: What are some of the program's advantages for students?

SR: Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop teaches all the basic skills of restoration and gets students into the workplace after five months. The students then get help with job placement after finishing the program in the automotive industry. So far, 100% of our students are now in the automotive industry after completing our workshop! The student's build is then showcased at the SEMA Show, accompanied by all the student builders. Kustom Built Cars also has a booth at Barrett Jackson where the project build is displayed, and the students get to talk about their experience building it. The project build is then auctioned off, and the proceeds come back into the program for the new build and scholarships. We have given $164,100 in scholarships for students to learn classic car restoration. Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop takes pride in small class sizes, hands-on training and building awesome projects.

SN: Is there a specific project we should know about?

SR: Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop students will be building/customizing a '54 Chevy 3100 from start to finish. We hope to showcase it at the SEMA Show in October. 

SN: Tell us some other builds you are also proud of.

SR: Each build is special to us, as we have new students and builds every year. So far, we have built a '53 Chevy 3100 and a '51 Ford F1; both were amazing builds.

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

SR: There is so much to learn in the automotive industry and you never stop learning. Taking workshops or classes helps you find what you are interested in so you can further your education and whatever path you choose to take. Always be the best at what you do so you stand out among others.
 

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

Building a diverse network is important for discovering new ideas and perspectives that can help you grow your professional career and business.

To help wheel and tire professionals in the automotive aftermarket establish new business connections, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its next Coffee and Conversation networking event, June 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT.

The free online event will bring wheel and tire professionals together from different occupations and include an informative discussion on challenges and opportunities facing the wheel and tire industry. It's the ideal event to connect with others with varying perspectives on the industry, create new business connections, and gain insight into problems and solutions in the wheel and tire market.

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales about the first WTC Coffee and Conversations event. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry. I look forward to the next session!"

Register for the event here. 

By Ashley Reyes

Battery management systems (BMS) are key to safe electric vehicle (EV) operation and affect vehicle performance and battery life. Knowing why they exist, what they do and how to use them is critical to prevent battery damage and maintain battery life when modifying an EV for increased performance.  

During the webinar "Battery Management Systems: Functions and Calibration" on Wednesday, June 7, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT), automotive aftermarket engineers and product developers will learn how to utilize and control the battery pack in EVs--including how to control the temperature of the BMS, track the battery's state of charge and balance performance during operation. Attendees will hear from Eddy Borysewicz, CEO and founder of Revolt Systems and an expert in EV conversions, and walk away with a deeper understanding of BMS systems and the importance of proper battery care. 

Borysewicz led his team to power the fastest EV on the planet in 2021, shattering world records at Bonneville for a top speed of 359 mph. Register for the webinar to tap into his expertise. 

By SEMA Editors

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is now open at SEMAShow.com/register.

This year's installment will offer an attendee and buyer experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. The SEMA Show is the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and tailor a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs led by subject-matter experts, thought leaders and industry leaders.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State's handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (CDT).

Two separate measuring sessions will break ground at the SEMA Garage Detroit facility this June.

The Chevrolet and GMC Measuring Session, June 13-15, will host a combination of '23/'24 Chevrolet and GMC midsize, light-duty and heavy-duty trucks.

The Ford event, June 27-29, will host the all-new '23 Ford Super Duty.

These highly anticipated events will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and get hands-on experience with the vehicles. In addition, the measuring sessions are an excellent opportunity to accelerate your product-development process.

Please stay tuned for an official invite with final vehicle specs and RSVP details!

For measurement session participants, tours of the new SEMA Garage Detroit will be provided upon request.

SEMA Garage Detroit 

14655 Jib St. 

Plymouth, MI 48170

In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage.com/techtransfer.

For additional information, contact measuringsessions@sema.org.

Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated Friday, July 14, 2023. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this holiday has been marked each year--since 2010--by a U.S. Congressional Resolution recognizing that the "collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States."

States, local governments and Canadian provinces have adopted similar commemorative declarations, making it an international recognition of the collector-car culture and the millions of individuals who support it.

As CCAD celebrates its 14th anniversary this year, a wide range of automotive festivities--both in-person and web-based--will honor the classics of the past and the future. Whether public or private, organizers can plan and submit their automotive-inspired July event at no cost. Enthusiasts can locate an official listing near them, plus see photos, assets, testimonials and more--like Courtney Hansen's video public service announcement (PSA) above. Navigate to semasan.com/CCAD for more information. 

Those planning live gatherings and virtual celebrations (online event, live stream, digital gallery, etc.) during July are invited to provide details for inclusion on the SAN website. As always, the SAN welcomes any level of participation throughout the month of July and encourages everyone to spread the word about commemorating the occasion.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY YOUR WAY! 

• ATTEND an official vehicle-inspired event or web-based celebration. 
• HOST your own safety-minded gathering, club meeting or online gallery. 
• Promote a HOLIDAY SALE at your business in-store or online. 
• INVITE partnerships with nearby enthusiast-related groups if possible. 
• DRIVE your special ride—new or old—whatever the destination. 

Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at their registered event. Download the official logo and flyer from the homepage and help promote this special day. Post on social media using the hashtag #CCAD and tag the celebration's Facebook fan page (@CollectorCarAppreciationDayCCAD).

By SEMA Editors

SEMA has announced the 2023 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment trade show worked to ensure manufacturers could showcase thousands of new innovations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, October 31-November 3.

Now that the floorplan is live, buyers and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

Exhibitors can also prepare for a successful SEMA Show exhibit with the following:

• Exhibitor Services Manual: Everything exhibitors need to plan for a successful Show experience.
• New Products Showcase: Take advantage of the No. 1 destination for buyers; the first product entry is free for all exhibitors.
• Feature Vehicle Display: Highlight a vehicle and direct traffic to your booth.
• Affordable and effective sponsorship opportunities.

And, exhibitors should plan to attend the 2023 SEMA Exhibitor Summit, the two-day event (Tuesday, July 25-Wednesday, July 26) that covers everything needed to exhibit like a professional. SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company for this unique program, which teaches exhibitors how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI
• Learn to properly plan and budget to leverage your Show experience
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods
• Maximize your SEMA Show exhibit experience

Register for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at semashow@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact to learn more.

There's still time to secure participation in the 2023 SEMA Show. Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. Attendee registration for the Show is available at SEMAShow.com/register.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced Mike Mohacsi as its new vice president of product development and OEM relations. In his new role, Mohacsi will oversee the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and Detroit, Michigan.

Mohacsi brings 30 years of experience in the automotive/powersports industry, including product development, testing, manufacturing, operations, project management and quality assurance.

Most recently, Mohacsi worked for Power House Brands (Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension and Burly), which primarily offers aftermarket products for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including braking systems, wheels, suspension and accessories. While there, he provided direction and leadership for all engineering and operations activities for two manufacturing facilities in Cerritos, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

Prior to Power House Brands, Mohacsi worked at HORIBA Instruments in the automotive segment as the director of West Coast area support, where he was responsible for new test equipment (dynamometers, emission, battery and software) installation projects as well as service for all customers (CARB, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, and VW) located on the West of North America (including Mexico). 

Mohacsi also managed engine testing operations at Toyota Racing Development in Costa Mesa for five years. While there, he managed five engine testing cells and two valvetrain testing cells. He also led the specification, procurement, installation and commissioning of two new state-of-the-art engine test cells used for NASCAR Cup Series racing from the ground up, including the building and related equipment.

Mohacsi has also worked for many other well-known companies such as Renthal Ltd., Yamaha Motor Corporation, Honeywell Turbocharging Systems, FMF Racing, Answer Products and the Toyota Technical Center.

For more information, visit semagarage.com.