Every year since 1977, collector-car enthusiasts and auto restoration suppliers have flocked in droves to the annual classic- and collector-car swap meet, car corral and auction known as Spring Carlisle. Held on the massive fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Spring Carlisle last year featured 3,000 vendors and drew more than 100,000 gearheads intent on celebrating all things automotive.

As conducting business in the automotive specialty-equipment market becomes increasingly complex and competitive, business owners from all walks of the industry are looking for an edge that will help their businesses thrive and grow. As a result, companies need an increasing amount of information to make sound decisions for both the short- and long-term future.

Activating the next-generation talent pool is a hot topic. To help inspire future influencers and innovators, SEMA offers resources designed to engage students and provide a pathway to careers in the automotive aftermarket.

For up-and-coming, under-40 industry professionals, SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) has long provided resources to help its members cultivate connections, sharpen skills and advance their careers through networking and education.

Scholarships have a long history in our country. In fact, the very first scholarship dates to colonial times before our country became the United States of America. In 1643—long before the United States declared its independence—Lady Anne Radcliffe created a scholarship at Harvard with an endowment of 100 British pounds to honor her late husband, Thomas Mowlson, who had been Lord Mayor of London.

For industry professionals 39 years of age or younger, the 2019 SEMA Show offered unique opportunities to cultivate and recognize young talent. Ranging from the Launch Pad hosted by the Young Executives Network (YEN) to the network’s awards reception, members of YEN were able to take advantage of networking and professional-development opportunities during the Show.

Providing opportunities for professional women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry is a top priority for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). The SEMA Show affords SBN members multiple ways to hone leadership skills, encourage the advancement and growth of women in the industry, and inspire entry into the industry through education and mentoring.

As the group within SEMA charged with identifying and sharing information and knowledge about the latest developments in automotive technology, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) made education the centerpiece of its weeklong activities at the SEMA Show.

Twenty-one years ago, a collection of SEMA-member companies representing various facets of the custom wheel industry banded together to form the Wheel Industry Council (WIC). At the time, WIC was described as a forum in which wheel and tire professionals could network, identify and work on resolving areas of mutual concern, and form mutually beneficial alliances.

From the moment the doors to the SEMA Show swing wide, the buzz throughout the exhibit halls is always one of excitement and anticipation. For truck-accessory and off-road aficionados, there was more reason than ever to rejoice, as it marked the first time that the two allied market segments were joined together at the Show as the Truck Accessory and Off-Road Alliance (TORA).