SEMA 2023 Coverage - CarShowNationals.com

The SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsion section that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent SEMA Shows.

NEW SEMA SHOW EXHIBIT TO HIGHLIGHT FUTURE VEHICLE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY
-- The SEMA FutureTech Studio, located in the new EV & Future Propulsion section, will give SEMA Show attendees an in-depth look into emerging technologies --
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2023) – The SEMA FutureTech Studio, a new exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, will give attendees at the world’s leading automotive trade show an opportunity to learn about what the future of vehicle propulsion may look like. Located in Central Hall, the SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsion section that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent SEMA Shows.
“The automotive aftermarket has always been at the forefront of vehicle innovation and technology, and this new section will help showcase how our industry is leading the way in the creation of new engine and fuel options,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The FutureTech Studio is a visionary space designed to inspire and support innovation across all segments and vehicles.”
Through various spotlights and showcases, the new immersive Show environment will feature parts and equipment that cater to the new technology, as well as vehicles that will highlight how these are employed. The exhibit will also include a SEMA Education stage, named FutureTech LIVE, where industry leaders will discuss different propulsion technology, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other advancements in technology.
Additionally, the new EV & Future Propulsion area will include more than 15 exhibitor booths showcasing parts and tools that cater to this emerging technology, and over 75 vehicles will help highlight the future of automotive innovation.
“The FutureTech Studio will help attendees understand what’s happening in the industry and how the industry is already pushing the creative envelope with new innovations, parts, and services,” said Luis Morales, SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology. “The EV & Future Propulsion section embodies our commitment to featuring the latest and future trends at the SEMA Show, and it is a testament to SEMA’s dedication to helping the community remain at the forefront of technological advancements.”
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the multi-billion specialty-automotive industry and is the place to discover the latest products and trends, connect with industry leaders, and network with fellow aftermarket professionals. To learn more and register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.sema.org , www.semashow.com , 909/396-0289.

The new SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering.

SEMA LAUNCHES NEW INDUSTRY AWARD FOR BEST ENGINEERED VEHICLE OF THE YEAR

-- The award will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2023) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes the intricate engineering that transforms a vehicle into a masterpiece of design and functionality,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “It also sheds light on the technical brilliance behind the build and provides a platform for engineers to showcase their transformative innovations.”

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video, description of the engineering content included in the build, and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until October 25 at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the 2023 SEMA Show.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.sema.org , www.semashow.com , 909/396-0289.

Iola Car Show Issues Volunteer Organization Checks

The Iola Car Show presents a check to the local Iola-Scandinavia School District totaling $30,497.43. Volunteers donated to 17 different school organizations.
Iola, WI
September 7th, 2023

The Iola Car Show office announced this week that it received approval from its Board of Directors to proceed with payments to the Ancillary and Member Organizations who supported this year’s event.

“We’re very excited to share that the board approved significant increases in the payments made to both our member and ancillary volunteer groups,” said Executive Director Joe Opperman. “Those increases mean we’re issuing $70,000.00 more than we would have been able to just two years ago for the same amount of work. We’ve been blessed by three consecutive shows of wonderful weather following the 2020 cancellation, and we’re thrilled that the business is able to support this level of community giving. This year’s volunteer organization payments represent the highest amount we’ve been able to issue in decades.”

According to Opperman, the organization expects to issue more than $275,000.00 to 122 volunteer organizations following the 2023 event. That brings the running total to more than $9.2 Million since it’s 501(c)(3) incorporation in the mid ‘80s.

When asked to comment on the extraordinary results, Opperman states, “The car show event is truly a national treasure. It’s a testament to the hard work, resilience and forward-thinking of a great number of people working together as a team. We have a tremendous board of directors who recognize the importance of this operation, a staff that is incredibly passionate about what they do, and a volunteer force with a mid-western work ethic and attitude that is second to none. The local community, business partners and extended “car show community” all contribute to making this a premiere event people want to be a part of, and the fruits of all those combined efforts equate to a tremendous outpouring of economic support that helps to sustain and improve our communities. It is impossible to put into words just how special this all is. What we do here is magic, and we do it together. Everyone involved should be so proud of the impact we have on others.”

Iola Car Show

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders is now open at www.semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship to a worldwide audience.

SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PROVIDING BUILDERS A GLOBAL PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS

-- SEMA Show builders can register now for the industry's leading vehicle competition --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 20, 2023) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at www.semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.

“The SEMA Show is synonymous with the most unique vehicles in the world, and for 10 years the Battle of the Builders program has given the builders of these vehicles an opportunity to showcase their imagination, creativity, and craftsmanship at an international level,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "This year’s program will feature the top builders and brands exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show as we crown our 10th Battle of the Builders Champion.”

Since 2014, Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA’s communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories -- Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns -- before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.

The Young Guns category, open to builders 29 years and younger, is part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. All Young Guns entries submitted before August 15 have the opportunity to compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show.

"The SEMA Young Guns competition was the single-most powerful tool for me to turn my passion for building cars into a full-time career,” said Kyle Kuhnhausen, winner of the 2018 Young Guns title and current Battle of the Builders judge. “The media coverage that followed after winning the category took me from a relatively unknown young builder to self-employment building hot rods full time just months later. I'm still building hot rods, and the phone is still ringing as I continue feeling the benefits of the competition and now get to judge that category."

The 2023 SEMA Show (www.semashow.com), taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. Participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, and provides the greatest return on investment.

“SEMA remains committed to showcasing the hard work and stories behind the amazing builds that are displayed every year at the SEMA Show,” added de Vera. “From established builders to the next generation of modifiers, the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will reflect the broad range of vehicles and talent in the industry.”

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at ,For more information, visit www.sema.org , www.semashow.com , or www.performanceracing.com . 909/396-0289.

Tickets for the inaugural SEMA Fest, held November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, are on sale now at www.semafest.com. The two-day festival celebrating motorsports, music and car culture is open to the public.

Tickets on Sale Now for Inaugural SEMA Fest

The two-day festival celebrating motorsports, music and car culture is open to the public and will be held November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 14, 2023) – Tickets for the inaugural SEMA Fest, a two-day full-throttle festival that fuses car culture and music, are on sale now at www.semafest.com. Held November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada, SEMA Fest is a must-attend event open to the public and featuring world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk The Moon and more.

“We are excited to open the gates for the inaugural SEMA Fest and welcome car and music lovers alike to enjoy this one-of-a-kind festival,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Automotive enthusiasts the world over have been asking for years how they can be part of the SEMA Show experience, and we are delighted to include them in this brand-new extension of our popular trade show. This new event will be separate from the trade show, open to everyone and promises to be like nothing they’ve seen before.”

SEMA Fest brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. It will also feature a full slate of immersive automotive lifestyle events, a consumer marketplace, world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross and more. Whether you are a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss. More details will be announced soon, including a full concert lineup of more than 20 bands.

SEMA Fest is hosted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the SEMA Show, a massive trade-only event held annually in Las Vegas. The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information about SEMA Fest and to purchase tickets, visit www.semafest.com .

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About SEMA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $51.8 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit For more information, visit www.sema.org , www.semashow.com , or www.performanceracing.com .

The popular Overland Experience is moving to the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall, during the 2023 SEMA Show to give attendees a more immersive introduction into the world of overlanding.

SEMA SHOW OVERLAND EXPERIENCE EXPANDS TO NEW, MORE IMMERSIVE LOCATION

-- The specialized showcase will provide attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show with a customized environment to learn about the popular market segment --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2023) – The SEMA Show Overland Experience, a popular specialized showcase at the leading automotive trade show in the world, is moving to a new location in 2023 to give attendees a more immersive introduction into the world of overlanding. The dedicated display will be prominently featured in the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall, providing a customized environment to highlight the growing overlanding market.

“Moving the Overland Experience to the Diamond Lot will enable attendees and media to easily access the latest products and innovations in the growing market segment, in an outside setting they were designed for,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The exhibit will be conveniently accessible to all Show attendees via the LVCC Loop West Hall Station and the West Hall, which will feature the latest in trucks, SUVs, off-roading, powersports, and utility vehicles.”

The SEMA Overland Experience will include dozens of customized vehicles—from pop-top-equipped trucks to sprinter vans to specialty trailers—featuring recreational and utility gear such as refrigerators, storage racks and units, makeshift kitchens, and solar chargers, everything to make off-the-grid travel fun and convenient.

The exhibit will also feature industry experts discussing key overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for aftermarket companies who are looking to diversify and grow their offerings.

"The Overland Experience is a great opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the lifestyle and gear associated with this adventure-driven niche,” added SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “With exhibits like the Overland Experience displayed throughout the SEMA Show, we will showcase what's trending in the marketplace and what many consumers and enthusiasts are gravitating towards.”

Attendees will be able to engage with several leading brands, including current Overland Experience sponsors American Expedition Vehicles, KW Automotive, LinksWell Automotive, LiquidSpring, Mackin Industries, ORACLE Lighting, Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Scosche Industries, and first-time exhibitor Winnebago.

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

About SEMA

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. For more information, visit www.sema.org , www.semashow.com 909/396-0289.

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders is now open at www.semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship to a worldwide audience.

SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PROVIDING BUILDERS A GLOBAL PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS

-- SEMA Show builders can register now for the industry's leading vehicle competition --

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

Tickets for the inaugural SEMA Fest, held November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, are on sale now at www.semafest.com. The two-day festival celebrating motorsports, music and car culture is open to the public.

Tickets on Sale Now for Inaugural SEMA Fest

The two-day festival celebrating motorsports, music and car culture is open to the public and will be held November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds

For more information about SEMA Fest and to purchase tickets, visit www.semafest.com .

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About SEMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 06, 2023

Tickets for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, to honor this year’s Hall of Fame members and fellow industry leaders, are now available at www.sema.org/gala.

INDUSTRY LEADERS AND LEGENDS TO BE HONORED AT PRESTIGIOUS CELEBRATION

-- Hall of Fame members Steve Ames, John Iannotte, and Mitch Williams are among the industry icons who will be recognized at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 6, 2023) – Tickets for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, to honor this year’s Hall of Fame members and fellow industry leaders, are now available at www.sema.org/gala. The prestigious annual celebration is open to the industry and will be held Friday, July 21, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif.

"The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is among our association's most iconic events,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “As the event's name implies, the Gala honors excellence and achievement, especially as embodied in our SEMA Hall of Fame inductees."

Formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala will honor incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, industry leaders and volunteers, and 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Steve Ames, John Iannotte, and Mitch Williams.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering industry participants opportunities to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp, and Victory Junction.

“It’s a great opportunity to come together mid-year and recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry,” said Spagnola. “I’m looking forward to celebrating with friends and colleagues.”

For more information and to secure a seat or table at the exclusive event, visit www.sema.org/gala . For more information about SEMA Cares or to sponsor a SEMA Pinewood Drags race car, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares

About SEMA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $51.8 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit www.semashow.com  or www.sema.org , or www.performanceracing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 05, 2023

World-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tim Tebow will be a keynote speaker at the 2023 SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, as part of this year's comprehensive education program.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, STAR ATHLETE TIM TEBOW HIGHLIGHTS

SEMA SHOW MAIN STAGE EXPERIENCE

-- Tebow’s keynote is part of a robust education program that is available to all SEMA Show attendees --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 5, 2023) -- World-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tim Tebow will share his mission-possible life message with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience. Taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show will highlight Tebow as a keynote speaker on the SEMA Show Main Stage, a new program that will feature iconic personalities in the automotive industry, thought leaders, and entertainers sharing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and strategies.

“I’m looking forward to helping SEMA Show attendees find their mission and create a life that counts,” said Tebow. “I hope my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned first-hand will inspire them to live a purposeful life that helps them succeed personally and professionally.”

Tebow’s keynote address will take place at 1 p.m. on November 2 in the West Hall. His speech is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on leadership and year-round skill development.

“We’re really excited about bringing Tim Tebow to our Main Stage Experience as a subject-matter expert who has the knowledge and ability to inspire change,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Director of Education. “His ideas will elevate and strengthen an attendee’s business strategy because he’s a very strong entrepreneur himself. His multigenerational message is going to resonate with all attendees.”

In addition to globally recognized speakers and industry leaders on the Main Stage, the 2023 SEMA Show Education Program will include 99 learning sessions that begin the Monday before the official start of the Show, six highly focused SEMA Education tracks, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a Women in Automotive Symposium, and an on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification program. Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration.

“The SEMA Show is the only place where aftermarket professionals can discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, and take their careers and businesses from good to great in one location,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We are committed to ensuring that participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, and provides the greatest return on investment.”

To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that attendees will be able to use to jump-start and create a comprehensive professional development experience throughout the year.

2023 SEMA SHOW TO FEATURE EXPANDED
EDUCATION PROGRAM

-- The new SEMA Show Education program is fully customizable and can be used to create a best-in-class professional development experience throughout the year --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (June 14, 2023) – As part of SEMA’s initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that focuses on leadership and skill development, networking, exploration of emerging trends, and industry best practices. Attendees will be able to use this year’s program to jump-start and create a comprehensive year-long educational program.

"We want to support our attendees by offering a customizable learning journey for skill development and competency-based education inclusive of the Show and throughout the rest of the year," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Director of Education. "Our goal is to engage showgoers by creating high-energy learning situations throughout the Show environment and creating educational opportunities that are delivered in various formats, whether they be ‘fireside chats,’ workshops, Main Stage Experiences, or celebrity showcases.”

This year’s program will feature globally recognized speakers and industry leaders sharing their expertise with attendees. Also new for this year is an EV certification program from Legacy EV that offers hands-on training to automotive techs who want an up-skill understanding of EV anatomy, powertrains, and electrical theory. Attendees who complete the program will receive an EV101 certificate from Legacy EV.

“We have been very intentional about selecting our sessions and speakers this year,” explained Brown-Matthis. “All of our speakers are subject-matter experts and industry leaders who have the knowledge and ability to inspire change, and our sessions offer content that is relevant, meaningful and valuable for all our Show participants.”

Other SEMA Show Education Program highlights:

99 sessions by subject matter experts, beginning Monday afternoon (October 30) to provide wider access to education
Six highly focused SEMA Education tracks: Inside the Shop; Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends; Small-Business Strategy; Sales and Marketing; Vehicle Technology and Electric Vehicles; and Legal and Regulatory
Women in Automotive Symposium, including a Micro Learning Lab Experience consisting of four professional-development workshops, keynotes, power networking luncheon and a C-Suite Insights panel
Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a six-part series by executive coaches from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Program that are designed to enhance leadership skills
Education sessions from partners Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
Access to most education programs are included as a benefit to registration. For more information about the SEMA Show, this year’s Education Program, or to register, visit www.sema.org