DIAMOND BAR, CA (6.11.25) – TechForce Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building the pipeline of skilled technicians, has partnered with the SEMA Show, the automotive aftermarket industry’s premier trade event, to present the 7th annual Techs Rock Awards. For the first time in the program’s history, the Awards will be presented live on stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, the Techs Rock Awards recognize standout students and working professionals in the technician field. This year marks a major milestone. Honorees/grand prize recipients will be celebrated live at the SEMA Show, the epicenter of the global automotive aftermarket. In front of thousands of manufacturers, employers, educators, and media, the nation’s top technicians will receive the recognition they have earned through their skill, dedication, and impact.

Winners will be honored on Nov. 5, 2025, during the SEMA Show. Finalists will be selected in six categories: Automotive and Motorsports, Diesel, Collision Restoration and Welding, Aviation Motorcycle and Marine, and Evolving Technologies and HVAC. This year’s judging panel will include well-known voices in the industry, including ChrisFix, YouTube’s most-followed automotive DIY creator, and Humble Mechanic, a trusted voice in technician education and culture.

Technicians are the workforce behind every vehicle on the road, every aircraft in the sky, and every delivery that reaches its destination. These careers are essential to our economy, but they are too often overlooked.

“Technicians don’t just fix things. They keep America moving,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “The SEMA Show gives us a national platform to say, ‘We see you. We value you.’ And for the students preparing to join the workforce, it shows there is a future in this field that is respected and real.”

“The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket industry’s future takes shape — through breakthrough products, new ideas, and rising talent,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “Technicians play a critical role in that future, and with the TechForce Foundation, we’re proud to spotlight and support those who will carry the torch forward.”

Nominations open June 24 and close Aug. 11. Anyone can nominate a deserving student or technician at www.techforce.org/techsrock. A panel of judges will review submissions and select the finalists. From Sept. 24 through Oct. 15, the public will vote to determine one student and one working technician as Grand Prize Winners. Both will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to be honored on stage during the SEMA Show.

Since 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 77 outstanding students and technicians. The program highlights the value of technical careers and helps lift up role models who are shaping the future of the skilled trades.

Visit www.semashow.com and www.techforce.org for more.

IN NEW ENGLAND (06.10.26) – Art Reckless and his firm A.I. R & Associates is a rep firm that’s on the road connecting with dealers and showing brands on his line card. A swing last week with John Velez showcased the MASSIVE AUDIO brand to a number of dealers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Velez, MASSIVE AUDIO National Sales Manager travel from HQ in Southern California and they were on the road Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Art Rickless is an industry veteran that is ‘old school’ and understands the importance of personal in-store connections with dealers in the territory. Reckless also understands that you can’t feel the bass in your chest or experience the highs and mids on a smartphone or laptop…. it really takes the in-store experience.

The dealers spotlighted in this article all have very impressive showrooms that show consumers in the area they are really invested to serve their customers. The first stop on Tuesday was at City Sound in Bridgeport CT. Owner Kenny Eskandari is a strong supporter of MASSIVE AUDIO. At the stop John and Art showed Kenny models in the new lineup consisting of Pro audio speakers and subs. Kenny had a very positive reaction to the new products and mentioned the great profit margins.

The next stop was at Custom Car Sound in West Springfield, MA. Owner Glen Aloisi has been very enthused with his MASSIVE AUDIO sales and look forwards to carrying the new massive Pro audio products along with new subs.

The next stop spotlighted on the swing was at Rafa Sound in Framington MA. Owner Rafael Queiroz welcomed John and Art and was excited to see the new products that they were showcasing. Rafael mentioned that MASSIVE AUDIO products produce clean and loud Sound. Rafael was very receptive to the new products showcased his appreciation by placing a large order. 

In a phone call with the 12volt Central Studios Rafael mentioned it was terrific to see factory staff on the road with a territory rep like Art.

The last stop spotlighted was at Enzo Motoring in Worchester MA. Art and John related the time spent with owner Orlando Garrastegui was extremely positive as Orlando was impressed with all the new MASSIVE AUDIO products and looks forward to certainly driving business.

Over the three days there were several more stops along the way to let dealers in New England know about the exciting new products. In addition to new products MASSIVE AUDIO has new banners for showrooms and T-shirts that will supply plenty of POP for Massive retailers to offer their customers.
Velez stated “Spending time with Art visiting dealers was a great experience. Art is really connected with dealers in his territory and it really showed as we spent time in the dealer’s stores.”

Stay tuned as MASSIVE AUDIO will continue to be on the road across the country.

Visit massiveaudio.com for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.10.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the results of the 2025-2026 SEMA Board of Directors elections, with Norris Marshall of BluePrint Engines named Chair-Elect and Rich Butler of R&R Marketing, Brian Herron of OPUS IVS, Tim McCarthy of Hushmat & ZyCoat, and Marcus Umlauff of Toyota Motor North America elected as board members. Butler and Umlauff are current SEMA Board members who were re-elected to join the group.

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ representatives, and services.

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2025-2026 will be as follows:

Board Officers:

• Chairperson – Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
• Chair-elect – Norris Marshall, CEO, BluePrint Engines
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
• Treasurer – Chris Douglas

Board Members:

• Bill Bader, President & Owner, Summit Motorsports Park
• Rich Butler, CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
• Brian Herron, President, OPUS IVS
• Doug Lane, President & Owner, Motor State Distributing
• Tim McCarthy, Founder/CEO, Hushmat & ZyCoat
• Kelle Oeste, CEO & Owner, V8TV Speed & Resto Shop
• Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1
• Marcus Umlauff, General Manager Truck, Toyota Motor North America
• Ted Wentz, CEO, Quadratec

Outgoing Board Members:

• James Lawrence, CEO & President, POWER
• Kathryn Reinhardt, SVP of Marketing & Events, Hemmings

The entire 2025-2026 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Universal City, Calif., on July 25. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

WASHOUGAL, WA (06.09.25) – The Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising Northwest Dealer Show was Jammin’ N June 1st and 2nd. Dave Gates related. “We had a great turnout for the Sunday and Monday event. Dealers and vendors were are on site are really part of our family. An exciting feature at our show this year was a raffle program that was supported by our vendor partners on site.”

Continuing “Vendor partners who participated in the event were Wet Sounds, SiriusXM, Alpine, Memphis, Audio, Pioneer and Arc Audio, When dealers arrived, they picked up a raffle ticket. When they placed an order for a particular product, they picked up a ticket to go in to that vendor’s drawing jar. At the end of the day we had the drawings and lucky dealers had a big smile on their faces.”

Kevin Hong, Cartunz Motorsports in Lakewood WA won the Grand Prize Wet Sounds Shiver Cooler with a $1000 price tag. Fernando Herrera, Audio Pros in Richland WA, won a new Arc Audio prize. Both winners related to the 12volt Central Studios they feel they are part of the Falcon Sales and AM Merchandising families as they work together to connect with consumers and drive business in their communities.

Plans are already in process for the 2026 Falcon Sales/AM Merchandising Northwest Dealer Show.

Visit falconsalesanddistribution.com and ammerchandising.com for more.

LAS VEGAS, NV (6.9.2025) – Time is running out to take advantage of the best possible pricing for your 2025 SEMA Show badge. Right now, online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. On June 28, the rate will increase to $75 per person, before increasing again on September 27 to $100 per person, both online and on-site.

Maximize your savings. Register now!

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year’s SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo (tires) and Wheels & Wheel Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app’s “Product Scanner” feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most important week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs exploring the industry’s most significant challenges and offering immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built. Network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show’s mobile app to see lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location. In addition, this year’s program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings–all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You’ll also meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that will lead to real results and quality connections.
• Show Features: SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; and the SEMA Show Art Walk.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau and vehicle demonstrations will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional’s business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.