Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors.

The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. On May 8, election materials were mailed to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies.

The voting process is entirely electronic this year and will be ongoing from May 14, until voting closes on June 12. Election results will be published in an upcoming issue of SEMA News.

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.

As a kid, John Waraniak, SEMA’s vice president of vehicle technology, never gave much thought to a college education. He did, however, enjoy building fast toys—plundering the neighbors’ throwaways on garbage day and reconfiguring found treasures such as washing-machine pulleys, lawn-mower engines, old wagons and bikes into saleable contraptions. That was the sort of vision and imagination that led him to two master’s degrees as well as engineering soapbox racers, B-2 stealth bombers and Chevrolet motorsports programs.

Adding a little more power, even just a horse or two, changes the relationship between a car and its driver. Suddenly, drivers become enthusiasts and their cars become “projects.” The 2011 SEMA Show featured 485 exhibitors in the Racing & Performance section, entering more than 650 new products in the Show’s Ideas Alive: New Products Showcase. In an effort to satisfy those passionate consumers, more than 16,000 buyers registered for the Show, specifically to identify the newest trends and hottest products dedicated to engine performance.

Wheel manufacturers continue to innovate with attention-grabbing designs, vibrant colors and exotic finishes. In fact, for the 2011 SEMA Show more than 19,000 buyers noted a specific interest in wheels, hubcaps and related accessories on their registration questionnaire. Striking a delicate balance between style, fitment and overall performance—more than 140 exhibitors unveiled their latest creations at this year’s Show. The following pages spotlight innovations from Wheels & Accessories section exhibitors, as seen in the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

In every measurable way, the 2011 SEMA Show reached new heights. Industry professionals gathered by the tens of thousands November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, eager to do business in a specialty-equipment market that is clearly looking up after several years of downbeat economic news. From the Show’s educational conferences to its special events and the activity on the Show floor itself, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable and inescapable.

As a trade association, SEMA is governed by an elected Board of Directors—individuals who volunteer their time, talent and industry insight to guide and lead the organization. All members serve two years, with the chairman-elect automatically assuming the role of Board chairman after completing his or her two-year term. For the 2011–2012 term, Paul “Scooter” Brothers of COMP Performance Group becomes SEMA Chairman of the Board, with Nate Shelton of B&M Automotive Group serving as Chairman-Elect. The current SEMA Board of Directors totals 27 members.

For the first time in its history, the SEMA Show Directory has been combined with the Show issue of SEMA News magazine. The combination provides the benefit of having both publications reach more readers earlier. SEMA News readers now have the opportunity to preview the 2011 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 2,200 exhibitors.

Five Promotional Strategies For Event Marketing

For nearly two decades, WTW founder and owner Diko Sulahian has wowed attendees at the annual SEMA Show, making his booth a must-see destination in the hugely popular Wheels & Accessories section. “To me, the keys to business success are relationships, respect that you’ve earned and name recognition,” he said. “That’s kind of the trick to the SEMA Show. The big thing about being there is consistency. It’s not about ‘when things are good, I go to the Show, and when things are bad, I back off for a year.’”

They arrived at the Cocoa Beach Cruise Night in their gleaming ’66 Chevelle Malibu. Bill and Katie Posey were excited to help kick-off the first leg of the Hot Rod Power Tour with a barbecue before the next day’s drive to Valdosta, Georgia. They were with friends and fellow enthusiasts, and it was the perfect occasion to announce Posey’s new leadership position in Washington.

Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) has always been a strong advocate on behalf of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. In his free time outside of Washington, Rep. Posey can be found turning the wrenches on his cars in his Florida home district. When in Washington, Posey affirms his love for motorsports with photos of his cars and his racing days in his office on Capitol Hill. Being named co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus is a natural fit for him.