SEMA Product-Pitching Competition Premieres on Nationwide Television

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DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 12, 2023) – SEMA Launch Pad, the automotive industry’s ultimate product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013, will be featured on a nationwide television special premiering on April 15 on the History Channel.

Viewers will watch the final five finalists make their way to Las Vegas, where they pitch their products and ideas in front of a live crowd and a panel of industry judges at the world renown SEMA Show. The panel of judges features industry experts and icons Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (DUB), and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). With a grand prize valued at $92,000 including $75,000 in cash, the competitors give it their all and hold nothing back.

“2022 was the first year the SEMA Launch Pad was introduced to a nationwide television audience, and the response was fantastic,” said RJ de Vera, VP of Marketing at SEMA. “We are excited to once again have the potential life-changing competition showcased on the History Channel. Viewers will be amazed and inspired with each contestants’ innovation and perseverance. It’s the American dream unfolding right in front of your eyes.”

Over the last 10 years, hundreds of entrepreneurs have pitched their products, services, and business ideas to industry professionals live on stage and been offered tips for success. The TV special airs on the History Channel on April 15, 2023, 6:00 am PDT/9:00 am EDT.

To learn more about the SEMA Launch Pad, visit http://www.sema.org/launchpad.

IASCA Worldwide announces date and location for the IASCA World Finals

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East Wenatchee, WA, April 12th, 2023 – IASCA Worldwide has set the date and location for the 2023 IASCA World Finals for both SPL and Sound Quality. The event will take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center in Birmingham, Alabama, from October 13th to the 15th, 2023.

Sound Quality competition will take place in the East Hall along with EMMA and MASQ and SPL competition will take place with ISPLL in the North Hall. Set up October 13th with competition taking place on the 14th and 15th .

“After several months of research and discussions with multiple venues, we’ve decided on a venue that is more than just a venue.”  said IASCA President Travis Chin. “In the recent past, we were focusing on just the facility, where competitors came for only the event and nothing else. Now we have a venue where you can find a restaurant or a park across the street, all within walking distance.”

The venue features two hotels connected to the Convention Center in a newly developed area, with a recently added City Walk. All is directly across the street from the Uptown Entertainment District of Birmingham. The Uptown District features seven great restaurants, a family owned coffee shop and a traditional English Pub. The restaurants include Mexican food, a Brazilian Steakhouse, a Pizza House and two Grill and Bar restaurants.

Other amenities in the area include Top Golf only 2 blocks away and a short distance to downtown Birmingham. There are also several hotels just a few blocks away.

“We’re very excited to host our Finals event with EMMA, MASQ and ISPLL at this venue.” Chin continued to say “Now there’s more than just the event to take in.”

Pre-registration for Finals, hotel info and more will be posted in the coming weeks.

For more information on IASCA Worldwide and the 2023 IASCA World Finals, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com . Information on the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center can be found at https://www.bjcc.org/ .

What You Need to Know About SEMA Fest

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At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.

2023 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center

During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.

Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Fest, Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, Las Vegas Festival Grounds

SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4.

The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.

To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.

JL Audio Appoints Heritage Marketing Solutions as New Representative for Illinois-Wisconsin 12-Volt Markets

Posted on by in Industry, Industry News and tagged .

MIRAMAR, Flor., – April 11, 2023 – JL Audio, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio solutions for the mobile, marine and powersports markets, announced the appointment of Heritage Marketing Solutions to its network of sales representatives. Heritage Marketing Solutions will be responsible for promoting and selling JL Audio’s extensive lineup of premium mobile, marine and powersports audio solutions to 12-Volt retailers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin from their base in Itasca, Illinois.

Heritage Marketing Solutions principals Steve Block and Samuel Yoo have extensive experience in 12-Volt sales and marketing, having worked with top-tier audio companies throughout their careers.

“We are pleased to welcome Heritage Marketing Solutions to the JL Audio team,” said J. Todd Wilson Area Sales Director for JL Audio. “Their extensive industry experience and commitment to customer service and satisfaction align perfectly with our values and mission. We are confident that they will help us grow our business in the Illinois-Wisconsin markets, while providing exceptional service and support to our customers.”

Steve Block

“We are thrilled to partner with JL Audio,” said Steve Block, Principal of Heritage Marketing Solutions. “Their commitment to quality and innovation is very well established, and we are excited to help them support their retailer base and grow JL Audio’s business in the Illinois-Wisconsin markets. We look forward to working with our customers to provide them with the best audio solutions available on the market.”

Samuel Yoo

About JL Audio:

Guided by a philosophy that great audio has real value, JL Audio develops innovative products that improve the audio experience on the go, in the home and in the studio. Committed to unique engineering and quality manufacturing, JL Audio operates three U.S. engineering facilities, and builds many of its home, car and marine loudspeaker products at the company’s Miramar, Florida, USA factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network. For more information about JL Audio, please visit www.jlaudio.com

2023 dB Drag Racing World Finals -September 30, 2023-October 1, 2023

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The 26th Annual dB Drag Racing World Finals will occur from September 30, 2023 – October 1, 2023. Qualified contestants can compete at one of four venues: Owensboro, KY; Antioch, CA; Spruce Grove, AB; and Slovenia (pending). Participants at each venue will compete for Regional Championship honors and a shot at the World Championship title.

dBDRA World Finals competition formats:

            •           dB Drag Racing

            •           Bass Race

            •           Psychlone

            •           Top Dog

            •           Freestyle

Each location will complete a full competition. The winners at each venue will receive Regional Championship awards (trophies). To determine the “World Champion” for each class (and the Ring recipient), we will do the following…

  • dB Drag Racing – The two LOUDEST competitors in each class (overall) will go head-to-head to determine the World Champion. For example, if the loudest car in Street Stock 1K is in Slovenia and the second in California, those two competitors would go against one another to determine the World Champion. Or, if the 1st place winner is in Slovenia and the 2nd place winner is in Slovenia, then those two competitors will compete, and so on.
  • Bass Race – The WINNER of each class at EACH location will compete in a NEW contest. There will be four competitors in each class. For example, in the 129.9 class, the winner in California, the winner in Kentucky, the winner in Canada, and the winner in Slovenia will all compete for the ring and World Champion title.
  • Top Dog – The WINNER at EACH location will compete in a NEW contest. There will be a total of four competitors for the World Champion title.
  • Psychlone – All of the scores will be combined, and the highest-scoring competitor in each class will be the winner for that class. We will NOT conduct additional Psychlone runs. The scores from the regular competition will determine the World Champion.
  • Freestyle – All of the scores will be combined, and the highest-scoring competitor in each class will be the winner for that class. We will NOT conduct additional Freestyle runs. The scores from the regular competition will determine the World Champion.

Each World Champion will receive a ring.

This information is preliminary and subject to change. Additional information related to the Finals will be announced shortly, including the points requirements and cutoff dates.

The World Finals is an invitational event. The dBDRA invites contestants who acquire the requisite points and minimum competitor ranking based on score.

Please get in touch with the dBDRA for sponsorship opportunities.

dB Drag Racing

Tel: 512-377-1055

Email: marketing@termpro.com

Celsus welcomes Matthew Clarkson to UK sales team

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Celsus UK, Poole based distributor for high quality audio, electronics and noise & heat control
solutions, is thrilled to welcome Matthew Clarkson to their UK sales team in the role of National
Accounts Executive.
Matthew will report to Pete Gilmore, Celsus Head of Sales, and be responsible for growing sales for
the company’s portfolio of market leading brands. Matthew joins Celsus with a proven track record in
high ticket sales, a passion for the motor industry and experience with car audio. Matthew will
strengthen the company’s position as a service driven, value-add distributor who seek to deliver
enjoyment to their customer base and supply chain.
Commenting on the appointment Paul Baker, Celsus Managing Director said
“We are delighted to bring Matthew on board, his enthusiasm for our industry and professional sales
approach makes him a fantastic addition to the Celsus team. His experience with car audio will make
him an asset to both our company and our amazing customers”.

Matthew Clarkson added
“I am incredibly pleased to start a new chapter in my career with Celsus and to develop my skills and
knowledge in an industry I truly love. I look forward to working with Pete, the Celsus team and also
the range of customers in the coming months along.”

After a period of training Matt will be arranging visits to understand customer needs and how he can
help moving forward.
Contact: matthew.clarkson@celsusgroup.net / +44 (0) 7548 759 433 / http://www.celsusice.co.uk

Mark Lieber Leads Maxxsonics for the Ukrainian Cause

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.07.23) – On April 7th Mark is heading to Záhony, Hungary, to help his friend Slaven and his group take care of refugees. He needs your help to raise additional money to buy supplies here in the USA and in Hungary. If you can find it in your heart to donate to his cause, the Ukrainian cause, he will be purchasing items and supplies in the coming couple of weeks and even more once he arrives in Hungary.

On the Ukrainian cause, Mark Lieber, Project and Quality Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “As a human being I am deeply concerned with what is going on in Ukraine, the horrors that are being dealt to the people are beyond belief and imaginable. Though I am not able to stop Putin from committing these atrocities, I can do something to aid and provide comfort to the Ukrainian people inside Ukraine and fleeing.”

Below are some of the items your donations will be used to purchase:

  • Medical supplies including bandages, gloves, antibiotic ointments, trauma wound dressings, burn gel, emergency blankets, and children’s Tylenol
  • Hygiene supplies including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and towels
  • Gasoline for transport vehicles
  • Toys for children and pets

Any excess items and cash that are donated will be released to hospitals, families in need, and to other charitable organizations for distributions.

Any amount will help. Follow the link below to join the fight and learn complete Mark Lieber GoFundMe details on how YOU can make an impact in supporting Ukraine.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/pfwz4p-help-for-ukrainian-refugees

JL Audio Introduces Compact and Versatile XDM Amplifiers for Land or Sea

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MIRAMAR, FL (04.07.23) – JL Audio has unveiled its new XDM series of compact amplifiers for the automotive and marine
markets. Thanks to marine-grade materials, XDM amplifiers are suitable for installation in boats, cars, trucks, and SUV’s and all models are available immediately at JL Audio authorized dealers.

“Our XD line of car amplifiers and M-series marine amplifiers have been the industry benchmarks for compact amplifiers,” said Brian Power Vice President of U.S. Retail Sales at JL Audio. “The XDM series of amplifiers is a welcome evolution to these product lines, simplifying inventory for our retail partners by working equally well in both car and marine applications.”

XDM series amplifiers are available in a wide range of configurations and power levels, offering incredible versatility for simple and complex system designs. The new XDM amplifiers feature a rugged black powder coated chassis and gasketed control cover, with JL Audio Blue accents.

Quality Sound from Start to Finish

Starting at the source, XDM series amplifiers are equipped with Differential-Balanced Inputs that combat induced cable noise and allow for the use of conventional RCA cables, while delivering many of the benefits of a true balanced connection. XDM amplifiers also feature an exclusive, selectable mode input filter for noise-free performance in boats or cars.

XDM amplifiers feature JL Audio’s high-performance NexD™ switching technology, allowing these compact amplifiers to deliver powerful, audiophile-grade sound quality with very high efficiency and reduced demands from the vehicle or vessel’s charging system and batteries.

XDM amplifiers feature a variety of studio-grade filter options. Each subwoofer amplifier/sub channel features a low-pass filter with a filter range of 50Hz to 500Hz and 12 or 24 dB/octave filter slope options. Full-range amplifiers/channels feature a high-pass filter with a 50Hz to 5KHz filter range, and some also add a bandpass filter option. Both high-pass and bandpass filters offer a 12 dB/octave filter slope. To further dial in the listening experience, XDM amps feature a remote level control port, and can be paired with optional JL Audio HD-RLC and MHD-RLC amplifier remote level controls.

Keeps The Music Playing When Things Get Hot

For those days where tunes need to be cranked at full blast, XDM amplifiers are designed to prevent annoying shut down events. With JL Audio’s exclusive Advanced Rollback Protection technology, should XDM amplifiers approach an unsafe operating temperature, a special circuit lowers peak power output, without changing gain, until the amplifier cools down. Once the amplifier cools down, the circuit restores full peak power output.

To find your nearest JL Audio authorized dealer, click here.

SoCal Students Connect with Local Businesses at ETTN, SAE Event

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More than 200 top university students met and connected with industry professionals at the recent SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair, held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

The students, who are members of formula and Baja SAE competition teams, are among top prospects who have been challenged to design, fabricate and compete with Formula-style race cars. They had an opportunity to network, get a close-up look at resources available through the SEMA Garage and meet with established companies to discuss potential career opportunities. Students also gained feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations in advance of the forthcoming SAE competitions.

SEMA-member companies in attendance included Acceler8, Antigravity Batteries, Automotive Testing and Development Services, Battle Motors, California Air Resources Board, Closed Loop Engineering, Denso, Hellwig Products, High Expectations, Moog Aircraft, Motivo, Performance Machine, Rail Propulsion Systems, Redline Detection, Scorpion EV, Steamericas, Toyota and 4 Wheel Parts.

Participating schools included Cal Baptist, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State University Northridge, Long Beach State, USC, University of San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Chico State, Loyola Marymount University, Caltech and five high schools.

ETTN and SAE will host a second event on April 29 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. SEMA-member manufacturers in the area are invited to sign up their companies to participate in the career fair, where they will help students explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Click here to sign up your company.