Trade Shows

SEMA goals achieved !

I had several things that I wanted to accomplish at this phenomenal event. I have to say that SEMA this year far exceeded my expectations and I feel that I have a new appreciation for all of the businesses and individuals who make up the collective products, exhibitor brands and booths. My goals included meeting Jay Leno (of course…) checking in as media/press with Juan Torres – who actually remembered me and gave me a hug! I wanted to tour all of the convention center buildings via THE LOOP underground Tesla track and to get a load of all of the cars, trucks, new products and outdoor crazy races (what the heck…so much pink/blue smoke and fiery, scary, monster trucks…) I was honored to check out the Fifth Third Bank booth and attend their VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION (https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en.html – shameless plug for my bankers.) Another incredible thrill was to meet BEAR GRYLLS, the survival expert. What a hunk ! My son Reed said that in one of his TV episodes he made a wetsuit out of a dead seal (yikes.) https://www.beargrylls.com Check out my photo with him.

I met another set of YOUTUBE stars, Zach Jobe and Jeremiah Burton of BIGTIME https://www.youtube.com/@bigtimebigtimebigtime/featured I cut in line to get their photo and a free t-shirt. Nice guys ! See photo below.

On another note staying at the Westgate is always a thrill. I actually ran into BARRY MANILOW walking past me after his concert. Check out my Barry Manilow memories when my daughter Caroline played baby Avery on MURPHY BROWN (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOwD1Yg3FRg&t=17s)

Can’t wait for next year!

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Trade Shows

My SEMA Adventure continues…

I have attended the “Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in the past, but this year’s convention has exceeded my expectations. First of all, being designated as “media press” is an honor and I have to thank my pal Juan Torres, head of PR, for keeping me posted each year on the very cool happenings at the show. Of course I get to come to Las Vegas and see my friends (including Mikey and Ray at the Edge Steakhouse) and pretend that I know a lot about CARS AND TRUCKS ! My grandsons would love every single one of these hot race cars and monster trucks! This year I got to meet my favorite comedian JAY LENO – he is a huge car fan. I have to give a big shout out to FIFTH THIRD BANK (5/3) because my husband and sister both work for the Cincinnati, Ohio based bank, and they have an Automotive Aftermarket & Motorsports Commercial Banking booth (phew!). Jeff Korzenik, Chief Economist for 5/3, gave a great talk that I attended. Here are some of my favorite pics so far…

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Trade Shows

SEMA update

Here is the latest from PR Manager Juan Torres:

SEMA ANNOUNCES BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS TOP 40

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 6, 2024) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the Top 40 builders in the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition. Battle of the Builders is the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, and the program is celebrating 11 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience. 

The 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish Top 40 are (by category):

HOT ROD/HOT ROD TRUCK

Noah Alexander — 1968 Dodger Charger
Chris Clark — 1932 Ford Roadster
Tony Arme — 1959 Chrysler 300E
Bobby Schumacher — 1934 Ford Custom Pickup
Paul VanNus — 1987 Buick Grand National
Tyler Nelson — 1951 Henry J Sedan
Alan Johnson — 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Safari Wagon
Bobby Schumacher — 1971 Chevy Camaro
Clifford Mattis — 1957 Chevy Bel Air
Kevin Zwygart — 1967 Chevy Nova


SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE

Bruce Yarnell — 1965 Aston Martin DB5
Brian C Dilley — 1973 Ferrari Dino
Kenny Pfitzer — 1956 Porsche Speedster
David Price — 2005 McLaren SLR HDK
John Sarkisyan — 1963 Mercedes Benz Pagoda
Hoover Chan — 1972 Nissan 240Z
Shawn Bassett — 1976 Toyota Celica
John Sarkisyan — 2006 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren
Hikaru Tagushi — 1995 BMW E36 M3
Rey Rivera — 1991 BMW 8 Series

OFF-ROAD

Rob Lindsay — 1949 Willys Pickup
Jacob Moore — 1962 Dodge Power Wagon
Chris Stafford — 1957 Chevy 3100
Cody Dabney — 1979 International Scout II
Ross Logsdon — 1971 Chevy K5 Blazer
Vini Madrigal — 1969 Ford Bronco
Todd Adams — 1962 GMC Carryall
Jason Reeves — 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser
Thomas Kincer — 1977 Ford Bronco
Stewart Gibbs — 2016 Toyota Tacoma


YOUNG GUNS

Dominic Olson — 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
Tyler Adams — 1967 Chevy C10
Bryce Adams — 1960 GMC Carryall
Austin Phipps — 1964 GMC C25
Steven Shepard — 1968 Plymouth Valiant
Danny Derasmo — 1970 Ford F100
Connor McElvain — 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster
Antonio Gallegos Jr. — 1964 Chevy C10
Zach Eason — 1978 Datsun B210
Denim Cox — 1979 Porsche 911 Safari

The 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish Top 12 will be announced in the Battle of the Builders Stage, in the Silver Lot, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:00 p.m.

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.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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