I’ve known about SEMA since I first started working in the automotive aftermarket in 2018, but knew it pretty much as solely the biggest, coolest car show in the world, held in Las Vegas, once a year.

Today, I just wrapped up day 2 of the SEMA Council Leadership Summit, as a Select Committee member of the Young Executives Network. In other words, a low-ranking member of SEMA volunteer leadership.

SEMA, to most car enthusiasts, is nothing more than I perceived it to be 3 years ago – a car show. However, the Specialty Equipment Market Association is so much more than that, and should be much more deeply embedded in the forefront of car and truck enthusiasts’ minds.

SEMA’s strategic priorities, as currently set, align very closely with the mission of Driven Performance Advisors – to create a strong future for car enthusiasts. SEMA’s mission is to create value for its member companies. Its member companies are aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors, installers, custom shops, technology services, and business advisors to the automotive aftermarket industry. We serve customers who believe that the original manufacturer of a vehicle didn’t get it “quite right” for their specific use and personal taste.

I’m very excited to share more about SEMA with my readers. The organization works very hard in Washington DC and across the country to create a strong future for car enthusiasts by influencing regulation and legislation, providing business and career resources for member companies, and creating community through the trade show and various conferences throughout the year.

When I first learned about SEMA’s greater initiatives, I was enthralled. Here was an organization that shared the same mission as my company that I had just created. I joined, and immediately sought out volunteering opportunities. After one year, I find myself among big names and leadership in the aftermarket, talking as peers about the future of our industry and what we can do to support it.

Never have I been to a conference where people are so engaged and passionate. It’s so incredible to see.

This is what the automotive community does. It brings you in, gives you joy, and creates a lifestyle that’s hard to pass up. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for SEMA.