WASHINGTON, DC (06.08.23) – SEMA’s joint lawsuit with EcoLogic Partners—a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association, and American Motorcyclist Association District 37—challenges the California Coastal Commission’s plans to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA). The coalition’s lawsuit is scheduled for a June 15, 2023, hearing in the California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County.

SEMA and EcoLogic Partners seek recognition from the court that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to terminate off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and beach camping at the state-authorized and legislatively sanctioned Oceano Dunes SVRA. The lawsuit is combined with a suit filed by Friends of Oceano Dunes making similar allegations.

SEMA, ORBA, ASA, and AMA are leading advocates for motorized recreational activities, and the upcoming hearing marks a crucial moment in the ongoing battle to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is a premier destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists alike as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding all types of motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, on the California beach, which is now threatened by the Commission’s March 2021 amendments to Coastal Development Permit 4-82-300 that demanded the California Department of Parks and Recreation phase out off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024.

“SEMA advocates for land-use policies that provide motorized recreational access to publicly owned lands while providing reasonable safeguards needed to protect natural resources,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “The Coastal Commission’s efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes are unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. Oceano Dunes is enjoyed by over two million enthusiasts and tourists each year. SEMA is committed to their rights to responsibly recreate on California’s Coast and public lands throughout the country.”

The Honorable Tana Coates is the presiding judge for the June 15 hearing. The judge is expected to issue a final decision in July or August. Any additional appeals following this ruling could extend the outcome of this litigation for an additional 10-13 months.

The trial court’s decision is critically important to SEMA and EcoLogic Partners’ efforts to protect motorized recreational access at Oceano Dunes.

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.07.23) – SEMA members are invited to a live webinar on Wednesday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. PDT to connect with the SEMA Market Research team and discuss the “2023 SEMA Market Report.” The latest annual study, available for download Thursday, June 15, will give members an in-depth look at market changes from the past year and help them identify the greatest business opportunities in various aftermarket segments.

During the webinar, attendees will be able to ask questions as they learn about the report’s critical findings, like how much consumers spent on parts in 2022, how they used the vehicles they modified, how economic and industry factors are affecting the market, new data on market sizing, changes in the vehicle population and relevant trends.

Register for the webinar here and download the report when it becomes available Thursday, June 15, at sema.org/research.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.06.23) – Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, can expect an expanded SEMA Education program as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

The SEMA Show Education program will feature thought-provoking sessions, allowing attendees to tailor their program with a customizable learning journey of skill development and competency-based industry education.

“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. “You’ll see that reflected in the comprehensive programming delivered at the Show as well as the virtual education that we’re incorporating into SEMA member-based events throughout the year across the country.”

The SEMA Education team is “focused on creating immersive learning experiences where engagement is high and attendees can see immediate knowledge and skills benefits. We’re dedicated to bringing innovation and fresh perspectives to the aftermarket business community,” Brown-Matthis said.

Keep an eye out for additional details on the 2023 SEMA Show Education program, which will feature the introduction of Monday afternoon seminars.

One vital program change for 2023 is the introduction of Monday afternoon seminars on October 30, prior to the Show’s official opening Tuesday morning. The idea is to provide wider access to education on what is usually considered an exhibitor “setup day.”

In keeping with this goal, planners have reorganized the Show’s many seminars into 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.

Stay tuned for more on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of the keynote speaker, partner education tracks and more details.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.