Elected by the trade association’s membership at large, the SEMA Board of Directors is composed of industry leaders representing the wide spectrum of businesses found within the specialty-equipment aftermarket.

“Board members volunteer considerable time, talent and effort to bettering the industry for all, from manufacturers to distributors, and from sales to service suppliers,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

“We appreciate the dedication and insight that our Board of Directors brings to setting priorities for SEMA and addressing issues that promote industry growth.”

SEMA Show attendees have the opportunity to preview the 2013 SEMA Show Directory, making Show planning easier and more productive.

The SEMA Show Directory is a valuable resource to help plan and navigate the features of the SEMA Show and its more than 2,000 exhibitors. In addition to the directory, take a moment to also click through other pre-show tools including a preview of the Show's feature vehicles, a celebrity appearance schedule and a SEMA Show Guide for buyers. The 2013 SEMA Show is set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Connecting Buyers, Sellers and Media at the SEMA Show

If you’re a SEMA Show exhibitor, product exposure is the name of the game. Your number-one goal is attracting buyers and media to your booth, where you can discuss and demonstrate your new and featured products in person. If, on the other hand, you’re a buyer or media attendee, your priority is saving time and legwork in discovering the latest and greatest product innovations amid more than a million square feet of booths and exhibits vying for your attention. Fortunately, there’s an efficient solution for everyone: The SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase.

Young and Rising Industry Stars

Who’s who among young industry entrepreneurs and up-and-comers? That was the question SEMA News set out to answer a full year ago with its inaugural “35 Under 35” feature article.

Looking to the future SEMA News editors asked the industry to help identify 35 people age 35 and younger who were already making an impressive mark on the specialty-equipment industry and taking it in exciting new directions. The article drew a lot of attention and praise from aftermarket newcomers and veterans alike—so much so that nominations immediately began flowing in for a second year’s class of young go-getters. In the following pages, we are pleased to present a fresh slate of 35 honorees for 2013.

George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck Enter SEMA’s Hall of Fame

Often, those who truly make a difference never really set out to do so. They’re simply pursuing a dream, a passion. And yet, through sheer perseverance, innovation, dedication and a high dose of excellence, they somehow suddenly find themselves changing everything, revolutionizing an industry and inspiring a legion of followers.

Evolving Trends and Modern Technology Keep Product Manufacturers on Their Toes

Anyone who has ever walked into a retail store knows that the number of car-care options available can be overwhelming, even to the most hardcore car guy. It’s not much easier for the product manufacturer, either. Paints are getting harder and more durable, so car-care developers have to reformulate their products to keep up with constantly evolving technology.

Car care encompasses a wide range of surfaces, from paint to wheels and tires. Each offers several material options, such as clear coat vs. matte and chrome vs. aluminum. There are literally hundreds of products specifically designed for each type

Eight candidates entered this year’s election, each vying for a position on the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors.

SEMA News: Why are you running for the chair-elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Doug Evans: I am honored to be running! I feel we are at a critical juncture with our industry, and my three decades of experience can help ensure a bright future for SEMA and future generations of enthusiasts. 

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. 

The May issue of SEMA News magazine doubles as the annual SEMA Membership Directory, and SEMA encourages you to keep this copy on your desk throughout the year to use as your reference tool in locating SEMA-member companies.

The membership directory is also available online. The online membership directory is continually updated to include new SEMA members. In addition, the online version of the membership directory lists members’ staff personnel, and you can contact them via e-mail through your MySEMA account. For those who prefer a hard copy, the membership directory can be downloaded as a PDF file.