SEMA Concludes Online Search for Top Young Builders
Three aspiring young builders have been awarded Golden Tickets in the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns virtual regional qualifier events. With former Battle of the Builders competitors Eddie Pettus, Muzzy Yousefi, Randy Borcherding, Jeremiah Profitt and Kyle Kuhnhausen serving as judges for the virtual corrals, competitors represented a diverse group of applicants
SEMA Seeking Seasoned and Self-Driven Chief Marketing Officer
As SEMA continues to grow and increase its member benefits offerings and advocacy efforts, the association is seeking a dynamic visionary to serve in the newly created position of chief marketing officer (CMO). The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the organization in developing comprehensive outreach, public engagement, thought leadership, industry awareness and content
AAPEX and SEMA Announce Health & Safety Measures
AAPEX and the SEMA Show, the two events that make up the automotive aftermarket industry’s premier trade gathering during the first week in November, have released information regarding health and safety measures for their respective events in Las Vegas, Nevada. AAPEX (November 2-4, Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum): The co-owners of AAPEX – the Auto
SEMA Awards Nearly $300,000 of Scholarships to 119 Students and Recent Graduates
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued a total of $296,000 in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards to help 119 individuals who currently work or are planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 97 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 22 employees of SEMA-member companies who received
SEMA Opens Detroit Operation
SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as the new SEMA Garage Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members
SEMA Intensifies Advocacy Efforts in DC
SEMA representatives escalated their advocacy efforts by taking part in nearly 100 meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Capitol Hill during June and July. As part of the virtual 2021 SEMA Washington Rally, more than 60 SEMA member companies joined SEMA staff in a record-high number of meetings with officials from the U.S. House
SEMA 2021 Board Election Results
Kyle Fickler of Driven Racing Oil has been elected chairman-elect and will help the SEMA Board of Directors lead the association over the next several years. Fickler fills the position held for the past two years by James Lawrence (Power Automedia), who will begin his term as chairman in July when Tim Martin (Aftermarket Advisors)
SEMA’s 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Four dedicated individuals who contributed to and have had an impactful influence on the automotive specialty equipment industry are being honored as new SEMA Hall of Fame members. They will join an elite group of icons who comprise the SEMA Hall of Fame, as they are officially inducted at the SEMA Installation & Gala on
SEMA, OHV Groups File Lawsuit to Protect Off-Roading at Ocean Dunes
SEMA and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners, Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand
SEMA Celebration Set for Las Vegas in July
SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons will gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala on Friday, July 30. The SEMA Installation & Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Gala has served as a formal
2021 SEMA Board of Directors Candidates Announced
The following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors: Chairman-elect (one open seat)• Kyle Fickler – Director, Driven Racing Oil• Les Rudd – President, Bob Cook Sales Distributors/Retailers (two open seats):• Larry Montante – Vice President, Keystone Automotive Operations• Brian Rowland – Director, Walmart• Steve Whipple – Director, Jegs High
SEMA Show Announces Plans for New West Hall
SEMA is on track to deliver an exciting in-person SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) November 2-5, 2021. With exhibits included in the LVCC’s newly constructed West Hall, the entire SEMA Show floor plan will be optimized and offers room for new features and enhancements for an improved overall attendee experience. This
PRI’s Dr. Jamie Meyer to Host SEMA YEN Facebook Live
The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) will host Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President Dr. Jamie Meyer during the network’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat on January 13, 2021, at noon PST. Meyer has earned a Ph.D. in anatomy and cell biology while studying to become a medical doctor before changing careers into the racing industry. In
SEMA Accepting Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Applications
SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at www.sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is available to employees of SEMA-member companies. “It’s no secret that this past year has had its
Experience SEMA360 in Photos
With SEMA360 wrapping up last week, enthusiasts and attendees are invited to visit the event’s photo site to see hundreds of vehicles and parts that appeared in Manufacturer Showcases throughout the week. There are currently four categories on the photo site: 2020 SEMA360 New Products, 2020 SEMA360 Feature Vehicles, 2020 SEMA360 Builder Vehicles, and 2020 SEMA360 General Photos. The photos of new products are available by category. The photos
Brady Ranweiler Wins 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders
The SEMA Battle of the Builders concluded Friday, Nov. 6, during SEMA360, where Brady Ranweiler was named the winner of the annual competition. As per competition rules, the Top-12 finalists performed the judging duties and rated their peers on the quality of their builds. The Top-4 finalists for 2020 were narrowed down just prior to the
SEMA Announces Industry Awards
SEMA, the trade association representing the $46.2 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, presented its top honors during a special SEMA Awards Celebration held Thursday night, 11/5, during the week of SEMA360. Winners of the prestigious awards are: SEMA Person of the Year: Myles Kovacs, DUB Publishing Inc. SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Brendan McGrath, Dyme
Papadakis Formula D GR Supra Debuts on SEMA360
Toyota debuted four vehicles Monday on SEMA360, and will follow with more during the coming weeks. While the Papadakis Racing Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota GR Supra that competes in the 2020 Formula DRIFT Pro class with champion driver Fredric Aasbo cannot be on the SEMA Show floor this year, it is primed and ready for racing
SEMA360 Has Kicked Off
According to SEMA officials, thousands of industry professionals logged onto www.sema360.com on Nov. 2 to take part in the first day of SEMA360, a five-day online trade-only event where attendees from throughout the world can interact with automotive parts manufacturers, see new trends and products, network, and hear from leaders and experts in the specialty equipment aftermarket industry.
Mike Rowe, Tanner Foust to Keynote SEMA360
Mike Rowe, best known as creator and host of the hit TV series “Dirty Jobs,” will participate in a live keynote Q&A with industry icon Tanner Foust at SEMA360, powered by OPTIMA Batteries, Monday, November 2, at 8:00 am (PST). Available only on SEMA360, Rowe and Foust will engage in a casual, insightful and candid conversation about