SEMA Industry Awards Open Nominations

The Specialty Equipment Market Association has opened nominations for its SEMA Industry Awards, as shared in a recent press release.

The SEMA Industry Awards recognize individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership in the automotive aftermarket over a year-long period. Nominations this year are due Aug. 17.

The program recognizes honorees in five different categories:

• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding industry contributions and innovations.
• Person of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to SEMA and the broader automotive specialty-equipment market.
• Visionary 8: Honors eight emerging leaders aged 35 and under who are on track to drive innovation and positive change in the automotive aftermarket. This award showcases up-and-coming talent, honors their accomplishments, and introduces them to their community.

Winners will be recognized at the 2026 SEMA Show, held Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. The Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year will receive top honors on Nov. 3 as part of the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards.

On Nov. 5, the Visionary 8 and SEMA’s Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. Later, Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year will be recognized at the SEMA Industry Honors, a red-carpet-style gathering at the Fontainebleau.

“The SEMA Industry Awards recognize the people and companies that have not only fueled the aftermarket’s growth but also strengthened it through their passion, ingenuity, and service,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “By spotlighting those who have left a lasting mark, we aim to inspire others to raise the bar.”