By Ashley Reyes

Business members attending the 2024 SEMA Show can enhance their experience and enjoy a range of exclusive perks by visiting the SEMA Business Member Lounge centrally located between North and Central Halls.  

The member lounge, situated in the North Hall (Room N251), is designed to provide SEMA Business Members with a go-to stop for convenience and connection during the bustling SEMA Show. 

Here's why the lounge is a must-visit for member attendees: 

1. Networking Hub: SEMA Business Members can host important meetings with industry leaders and business partners in the comfort of this exclusive lounge. It's the ideal setting for meaningful connections and discussions. 
2. Tech and Connectivity: Need to stay connected? The lounge offers internet and printer services, ensuring that you're always equipped with the tools to stay productive during the event. 
3. Charging Stations: Don't let your devices run out of juice while capturing all of the jaw-dropping automotive moments at the show. Charging stations are available to keep your gadgets powered up. 
4. Complimentary Coffee: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to recharge yourself while exploring the SEMA Show. 
5. On-Site Grab 'N' Go: Say goodbye to hunger pit-stops. The lounges offer delicious food options for purchase, allowing you to refuel before hitting the Show floor again. 

The member lounge is the perfect place to unwind, connect with industry peers and make the most of your SEMA Show experience. 

If you're interested in securing a meeting room within the lounge or want to learn more about SEMA membership benefits, contact your dedicated Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or at members@sema.org. 

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms. 

By Ashley Reyes 

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Shalee Lunsford, sales manager at Trim Illusion, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Lunsford in her interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Shalee Lunsford: Leave the past in the past. You can't change what happened. You can only look to the future. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

SL: Every day there is a new challenge. Things are never boring. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

SL: Out with my friends in the community or at my desk still working. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

SL: I ask for advice, take notes and do research on anything that I know will be relevant. 

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

SL: Mary T. Barra, CEO of General Motors. She's the first female CEO of one of the four big U.S. automakers. What was her journey like to get there? 

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 News Editors

Get ready to wrap up the SEMA Show in style on Friday, November 8, with a night of heart-pounding live music at the SEMA Fest concert featuring live performances by Cage The Elephant, Sublime, Fitz And The Tantrums and Petey! (Buy tickets at SEMAFEST.com).

Ahead of the second annual SEMA Fest, SEMA News is sharing an exclusive spotlight on multi-platinum artists Fitz And The Tantrums to share the hype as we approach this year's concert on the SEMA Show campus at the Las Vegas Convention Center parking lot adjacent to South Hall.

2024 SEMA Fest Artist Spotlight: Fitz And The Tantrums

Fitz And The Tantrums--featuring band mates Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick (vocals), Noelle Scaggs (vocals), James King (saxophone and flute), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) and Joseph Karnes (bass)--has energized popular music and culture with a series of unshakable, undeniable and ubiquitous anthems and albums. Since 2008, the Los Angeles collective has magnified the scope of pop with a dash of indie, a dose of soul and a whole lot of dancefloor-ready bounce. Their catalog spans fan-favorite records such as "Pickin' up the Pieces" (2010), "More Than Just A Dream" (2013), the gold-certified "Fitz And The Tantrums" (2016) and "All the Feels" (2019). Along the way, they've impressively tallied just shy of four billion streams (and counting) powered by enduring hits such as the four-times-platinum "HandClap," the three-times-platinum "Out of My League," platinum "The Walker," and the gold record "Moneygrabber."

Described as an inescapable presence, Fitz And The Tantrum's music has notably coursed through the mainstream conversation, soundtracking films on Netflix and campaigns for CVS Wellness, SunChips, SoFi, Xfinity, Walmart, Norwegian Cruise Line, Lay's and Wells Fargo, to name a few. Beyond standout performances everywhere, from Coachella and Bonaroo to numerous late-night television shows, Fitz and the Tantrums consistently sold out some of the most iconic venues in the world, including The Forum and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Not to mention, they've incited applause from publications such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, People and more.

Fitz And The Tantrums' most recent album, "Let Yourself Free," arrived in 2022 with bold, bright and buoyant singles "Sway" and "Moneymaker," and last year, they released the "Perfect Holiday" EP featuring original songs to ring in the holiday season.

SEMA Fest goers will be able to witness the band's undeniable energy during an epic concert on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Fest stage.

How to Attend the 2024 SEMA Fest

Tickets to the 2024 SEMA Fest, open to members of the industry and the public, start at just $59 and are available at SEMAFEST.com. 

Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not get you into the SEMA Fest concerts; a SEMA Fest concert ticket must be purchased.

Guests are encouraged to secure their hotel stay for SEMA Fest as soon as possible through OnPeak, SEMA Fest's only official housing provider. View available hotels here and select your preferred stay dates! 

Keep an eye on SEMA News for headliner spotlights and more details--including motorsports activations!--on this one-of-a-kind event. For more details and tickets, visit SEMAFEST.com!

In addition, find out about additional SEMA Week events, like Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, set for Monday, November 4, ahead of the opening of the SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 5. Same concert stage, different event!

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

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

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

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers as the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because of the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, November 5, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

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

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

"Voting is an essential activity for our nation and for ensuring the automotive aftermarket industry has a say in the business undertaken by our lawmakers as the state and federal levels," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA's Drive The Vote campaign empowers our members and those around them with the information they need to vote in their community for the candidates who best speak for their values. And, because of the 2024 SEMA Show starts on Election Day, November 5, we're encouraging those traveling to Las Vegas to review these resources so they know how to vote early."

For more information, visit sema.org/vote.

By SEMA News Editors

Attending the SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, is a no-brainer. Of course, whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, the SEMA Show does require an investment of your time and money.

To help attendees maximize ROI, SEMA offers numerous ways to save on Show-related expenses, including the guaranteed lowest room rates at hotels across Las Vegas, discounts on airfare and transportation, and reduced fees for early registration.

Learn how you can save money on the 2024 SEMA Show below:

Registration

Did you know you can save on SEMA Show registration by registering early? Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge.

For more information or to register for the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/register.

Airline Discounts

Showgoers can claim airline discounts directly from exclusive SEMA Show partners to save big on plane tickets to this year's event.

Available 2024 SEMA Show airline discounts are currently available through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Click here for more details.

Hotels

Make your hotel reservations through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak, to receive the lowest possible nightly rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas. Booking your 2024 SEMA Show hotel through the official SEMA Show block also provides flexible booking with no change fees and no full pre-payment. You can make changes or cancel reservations without penalty until October 10, 2024.

Reservations at an official hotel also count toward your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter your rewards number when securing your reservation.

Visit this link for more details.

Transportation

Las Vegas Monorail

Several of the available properties in the official SEMA Show hotel block are connected to the Las Vegas Monorail, the quick and reliable transportation alternative for travelers on the Las Vegas Strip. Directly connected to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and with trains arriving every few minutes, the Monorail is an easy, fast and convenient way to get to the SEMA Show and travel the Strip. The Monorail is offering exclusive fare discounts on 24-hour to 7-day passes for SEMA Show attendees. Purchase your discounted tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA24. Digital tickets are also available, allowing you to skip the line and scan your phone right at the gate!

Vegas Loop at Las Vegas Convention Center

Vegas Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center quickly transports passengers throughout the 200-acre LVCC campus in a quick and convenient way, free of charge. The system consists of two tunnels built to accommodate all-electric Tesla vehicles driving at speeds of up to 35 mph. Four passenger stations offer access between the new West Hall and the existing campus (North/Central/South Halls). Typical walk time between the West Hall to the existing North/Central Hall can take up to 25 minutes. The same trip on LVCC Loop takes approximately 2 minutes.

The Vegas Loop also has officially opened the Resorts World Passenger Station, providing direct access to and from the LVCC. However, a valid Vegas Loop ticket will be required for any rides arriving from or departing to any station outside of the LVCC. Visit lvloop.com/tickets to purchase a ticket.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA offers several resources to help Show exhibitors maximize ROI, including the upcoming Freeman Show Services webinar for SEMA Show exhibitors on Tuesday, September 17, at 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT. (Register via Zoom here). The virtual event will give participants an opportunity to learn more about connecting with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals.

In the virtual webinar, current SEMA exhibitors can speak directly with SEMA Show staff to discover everything needed to plan for your Show like a pro. Join Craig Gaibler, director of customer experience of SEMA official partner Freeman, as he shares how to access Freeman online and learn about its services offered, plus the shipping and material handling options available to get your products and booth items to Vegas. Of course, the webinar will also cover SEMA Show information, money-saving pointers and on-site tips, and the Q&A session following the presentation will help exhibitors find the answers to their pre-Show questions.

If you are an exhibitor of the SEMA Show and want to save time and money and maximize ROI from your experience, don't miss this information-packed presentation on Tuesday, September 17! 

Register via Zoom here.

By Cristian Gonzalez

So, you've already registered for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center, at semashow.com/register and also booked your flight and hotel room; now what? The scope of attending the SEMA Show can seem overwhelming, so SEMA News asked seasoned SEMA Show veterans to offer their best advice and developed five tips and tactics to help you leverage the Show like a pro. Here is how they recommend you tackle your SEMA Show Week.  

1. Have a Plan. The SEMA Show website is a treasure trove of information and tools to help you plan your Show Week before stepping foot in the grand lobby. Utilize the Show Planner at semashow.com/floorplan to help plan your days at each hall. Prioritize which booths and companies you want to interact with and create an itinerary to maximize your time making discoveries and networking rather than haphazardly searching for our targeted booths.
2. Realize the Show Is Big. Like Huge. The Las Vegas Convention Center, home of the SEMA Show campus, is a small city in and of itself. Trekking from one side to the other is a journey that easily could take 40 minutes without stops. Seasoned veterans know that is precious time you are stealing from yourself. If you can help it, focus on two halls a day. However, if an education course or exhibitor demonstration you're interested in is happening on the other side of the LVCC, take advantage of the Las Vegas Loop (see details at the bottom of this article). That being said, it would still be wise to invest in quality insoles. 
3. Expand Your Education. SEMA Education has created a lineup of top-tier courses and seminars that could propel you forward no matter what sector of the specialty-equipment market you represent. Go to semashow.com/education for a complete schedule and a list of courses that will bring you up to speed on the latest trends and skills that will better your business or shop. 
4. Enjoy the Thrills. All work and no play makes for a long Show day. Take some time to enjoy the more entertaining aspects of the SEMA Show: SEMA Fest, Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, Shell's Performance Unbound Experience, the Global Tire Expo, the SEMA Collision Repair Stage and countless other activations inside and outside the SEMA Show floor. It's not every day you get the chance to brush shoulders with industry leaders and network over music and car culture; take advantage of your time in Vegas!
5. Allow Time for Serendipitous Discoveries. As you walk through the Show to your next destination, give yourself the opportunity to take in everything you see. Follow what draws a crowd at the outdoor events, observe the emerging trends at the New Product Showcase, and see what captures media and influencer attention across the Show floor. You might stumble upon the next big industry movement. 

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

Attendee badge mailing began mid-August and will continue through October. International attendees' badge mailing deadline is this Friday, September 13. US- and Canada-based attendees' mailing deadline is Friday, September 27. You may check your approval status and see if your badge has been mailed by logging on to your attendee dashboard at semashow.com/register. 

Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit SEMA Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website. 

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. 

With thousands of media members in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center was designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements. 

Below are several announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

• Hamaton Return to Las Vegas for SEMA 2024
• KECO Body Repair Products Brings Latest GPR Solutions to SEMA 2024
• WildTop Truck Caps Announces It Will Be at SEMA 2024
• Grasshopper and Oiwa Garage Introduce a Fully Customizable Kei Truck Camper
• CTA Tools Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations at SEMA 2024

Press release tips: 

• Use a strong headline that catches the reader's attention.
• Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning. 
• Include a photo if possible. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information. 

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

PRW Power Adds Cary Redman as Chief Revenue Officer

PRW Power, a provider of affordable aftermarket and performance engine products, has announced the appointment of Cary Redman as its new chief revenue officer (CRO).

Redman brings more than two decades of experience in leading performance organizations, with a strong track record in established performance manufacturing companies. As CRO, he will oversee all aspects of PRW's revenue generation, including sales, customer success, revenue operations and partnerships.

"We are thrilled to welcome Cary to the team," said Steve Whipple, CEO of PRW Power. "He has a blend of automotive performance experience, passion and growth experience even in challenged organizations. Cary's deep expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale and deliver exceptional value to our customers."

Prior to joining PRW Power, Redman spent time with some of the most iconic performance brands in the aftermarket, including Holley, Edelbrock, MagnaFlow, Mr. Gasket Companies, and most recently, Race Winning Brands.

For more information, visit prw-usa.com.

Hoonigan Announces Strategic Transaction

Wheel Pros, LLC and its North American-based affiliates, including Hoonigan, have announced that it has begun an in-court financial restructuring process to position it to drive long-term growth. The company has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement ("RSA") with a majority of its debtholders through which it expects to eliminate approximately $1.2 billion of the company's debt and secure up to approximately $570 million of new capital, substantially improving the company's balance sheet and financial position, according to a release. 

"Today's announcement marks an important step forward for Hoonigan that will enable us to advance our industry-leading position in the growing automotive aftermarket sector," said Vance Johnston, CEO of Hoonigan. "With a significantly strengthened balance sheet and new capital, this transaction will position us to invest in innovation and further drive financial performance. With the strong support of our financial partners, we remain laser-focused on providing cutting-edge products and best-in-class service to our partners throughout this process."

For more information, visit the Hoonigan announcement here.

Turn 14 Distribution Launches Virtual Inventory Program

Turn 14 Distribution, the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based parts distributor, has launched a new program for dealers, the Virtual Inventory Program.

The program allows dealers to store purchased products across Turn 14 Distribution's network of distribution centers. Items in a dealer's virtual inventory are allocated and accessible to the dealer only, the company said, and can ship on demand using Turn 14 Distribution's logistics network.

According to the company, the program aims to empower dealers to make strategic investments into products most relevant to their businesses without the costs and limitations of traditional warehousing.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

Longtime AACF Trustee, Recipient Review Committee Chairman Chuck McCourt Retires

Chuck McCourt, a longtime trustee and recipient review committee chairman for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has retired after more than 50 years in the automotive aftermarket industry.

McCourt, president of McCourt Marketing Group, has contributed to the AACF through his leadership on the organization's board and executive committee.

David Young, vice president and general manager, North America DIFM of Valvoline Global Operations, will succeed McCourt as chair of the recipient review committee. Additionally, board trustee Marc Blackman, CEO of Gold Eagle Co., will be joining the executive committee.

"We are deeply grateful to Chuck for his time and support, particularly his tireless dedication to leading the Recipient Review Committee and his many years of sponsorship at our annual charity golf tournament," said Jon Owens, President of AACF. "His legacy of commitment and service will continue to inspire us all."

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

MAVTV International Motor Film Awards Announces Nominees

The MAVTV International Motor Film Awards, a showcase event for the automotive film and television industry, has announced the nominees for its 2024 awards.

Set for October 4 at Alexandra Palace in London, England, the event will celebrate and recognize the industry's biggest stunts, best car commercials, top documentaries and short films and more.

This year, Best Drama Feature category nominees include Michael Mann's Ferrari, Mad Max: Furiosa, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and The Fall Guy.

The commercial category features top commercials from Porsche, Chevrolet, Kia, Aston Martin, Acura, Rivian, Akrapovič, Hyundai, Zenvo and CFMoto, while the documentary categories offer an insider's view of racing culture worldwide. Notable documentary nominations include coverage of F1, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the GT4 Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, the Tour de France Automobile and more.

For more information, visit motorfilmawards.com.