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Among the several distinguished honors bestowed at the annual SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet, the Person of the Year award stands as perhaps the most prestigious. More than their own personal or career achievements, individuals who have received the award were selected in recognition of their tremendous service and contributions to the industry in advancing the success of the entire marketplace. At the recent 2018 SEMA Show ceremonies held in Las Vegas on Thursday night, November 1, the association named Melanie White of Hellwig Products as its 2018 Person of the Year.
As two of the most fundamental means to enhance a vehicle’s style and performance, aftermarket wheel and tire upgrades have always been an easy sell. They’re often the very first specialty items consumers add to their new vehicles and are nearly as popular for freshening older vehicles that are beginning to look and feel, well, mundane. While the wheel and tire market noticeably slowed during the recent economic downturn, the good news for 2019 is that it’s rolling forward again.
True to form, the 2018 LA Auto Show—with media days branded “AutoMobility”—showcased the latest technological developments in the arenas of autonomy, safety, connectivity and electrification. More than a dozen OEMs held press conferences ahead of the show’s official opening to the public. Several models and concepts were noteworthy for their customization potential, promising business possibilities for manufacturers of specialty equipment.
For the past few years, the Young Executives Network (YEN) has partnered with SEMA Education to co-host Launch Pad, the premier pitch-style competition for the automotive aftermarket. The event aims to inspire young and future entrepreneurs to pursue their visions and to highlight the strong entrepreneurial spirit running through the core of the industry. As SEMA expands its focus toward younger generations and emerging technologies, the event has grown to fill the Westgate International Theater with an audience comprised of Show attendees and students participating in the SEMA Show Student Program.
The Global Tire Expo at the SEMA Show brings together every element of the tire industry to share ideas and do business. Powered by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Global Tire Expo draws attendees from around the world, providing a firsthand look at the latest in trends, technology and products.
With November’s midterm election now behind us, the American people have once again shifted the balance of power in a different direction. Although 2016 proved to be one of the most contentious U.S. elections in recent memory, the resulting legislative landscape over the past two years has generally been helpful to the automotive specialty-equipment market and the enthusiasts who support it.
The SEMA Show is an increasingly international platform for companies to display their latest products and promote their brand awareness to not only a U.S. audience but also to buyers and media from 135 countries. In recognition of that global trend, a select group of 30 leading enthusiast media from 19 countries served as Global Media Awards (GMA) judges.
Adding new wheels is still typically among the first modifications consumers make to their vehicles. Whether their vision is to improve aesthetics or performance, this segment of the automotive specialty-equipment market has the potential to make their ride stand out from the rest of the pack.
Lower South Hall at the SEMA Show is home to the Global Tire Expo, where more than 200 exhibitors feature their products. In addition to tires for cars, trucks and off-road applications, the section includes accessories and equipment related to tire-pressure monitoring systems and repairs.
Automotive professionals from all over the world attend the SEMA Show every year to see firsthand the latest technology and newest products hitting the aftermarket. With programs such as the New Products Showcase and the New Products Awards, Showgoers are able to easily identify the hottest products that will help their businesses succeed. Thankfully for those who are unable to attend the SEMA Show, publications like the ones below highlight the innovative products revealed at the exclusive trade show.
Based in Rockledge, Florida, Dare 2B Different! Enterprises is a small operation consisting of owner Stephen Saporito, his wife Zetty Gamboa-Saporito, and fulltime graphic designer Joseph Stuller. Starting his company almost as an afterthought in 2005, Saporito has since grown it into a thriving retailer and manufacturer earning seven figures a year retailing a carefully selected stock of OEM-replacement parts for a variety of applications. In addition, he produces his own Glassskinz-brand rear-window valances. It’s a testament to how far belief in an idea, long hours, perseverance and a willingness to understand underserved markets can take a business. In this interview, SEMA News asked what he does differently.
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