DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.11.22) – Technicians, installers, shop management and shop owners still have time to sign up for a one-day installer training and general membership meeting, hosted by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

Taking place at Auto Image in Plainwell, Michigan, August 18, 2022, the training is the only program of its kind where technicians and shop owners connect directly with accessory manufacturers and get educated on industry standards and installation best practices.

This year’s event will include trainings from Katzkin, Llumar, Brandmotion, Voxx and Champion Auto.

If you are a shop owner or installer, you are invited to sign up for the free event to:    

• Get facetime with accessory manufacturers in an intimate setting.
• Level up your product knowledge and invest in your team.
• Learn tricks of the trade from manufacturers to get a competitive edge.
• Network and learn in a real shop environment instead of your typical trade show.
• Explore revenue opportunities and get introduced to products you may not know.
• Meet and learn from other shop owners and sales personal throughout the area.

All attendees are also invited to attend a PRO networking event at Old Burdick’s in Kalamazoo from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. the same evening, as well as attend a Cars and Coffee at the SEMA Garage Detroit on August 19 and stay for the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 20. Auto Image is a two-hour drive from SEMA Garage Detroit and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Don’t wait. Save your seat by clicking here. 

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.09.22) – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) announces a new program that recognizes content creators and social media influencers who have significantly impacted the automotive industry and car culture. The new SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be presented at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and uses his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The award is a result of the rise and impact of content creators and social media influencers on the industry. Finalists for the award will be selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and will be recognized for the first time at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

“So many automotive influencers have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape, and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a unique and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognized them for their contributions.”

Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, hundreds of influencers head to Las Vegas each year during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings, and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see.

Five finalists for the Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be announced in September and then honored on-stage at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in November. As part of the Banquet’s celebratory recognition and in front of the industry’s most involved influential leaders, videos will play to highlight each finalists’ positive impact and pay tribute to their unwavering passion for the automotive culture before a final winner is revealed.

“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”

Finalists and the winner will be based on their creativity of original, entertaining, and informative automotive media content. Qualifications also include a loyal and substantial following of passionate and engaged automotive enthusiasts and having used a social media platform to promote positive automotive content that has benefited the automotive aftermarket and culture.

To submit a recommendation or for more information on the award, visit www.sema.org/influencer-of-the-year.