Submit Your Entry Now for 2025 SEMA Industry Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 SEMA Industry Awards, giving professionals and companies in the automotive specialty equipment industry a chance to be recognized for their recent achievements. This annual program spotlights individuals and organizations that have pushed the industry forward over the past year.

The awards include six unique categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, and the Visionary 8.

According to SEMA’s Manager of Recognition Programs, Jose Escobar, nominees in these categories should show a record of outstanding service, professionalism, and leadership that inspires other members of the industry. The Channel Partner of the Year award goes to a sales channel partner or distributor with excellent inventory management and strong communication with suppliers.

The Content Creator of the Year recognition is for those making a significant positive impact in automotive culture with creative work that resonates with enthusiasts everywhere.

Young entrepreneurs under 40 can be nominated for Gen-III Innovator of the Year if they have delivered important breakthroughs in technology, business practices, or industry trends, as highlighted by resources like the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Manufacturer of the Year is awarded to a company that demonstrates remarkable innovation and contributes to the industry’s growth and reputation. There is also the Person of the Year award for an individual whose efforts have benefited SEMA and the broader automotive aftermarket.

The Visionary 8 honor introduces eight up-and-coming leaders making waves in the field.

The official awards ceremony takes place during the SEMA Show, which begins Tuesday, November 4, in Las Vegas. That morning, the Kickoff Breakfast celebrates the introduction of 15 New Product Awards.

Top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year are also announced at this time. On Thursday, November 6, the Visionary 8 recipients are revealed live at SEMA Central, along with the winner of SEMA’s Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year.

Later that evening, the Fontainebleau hosts the redesigned SEMA Industry Honors event, bringing together top industry leaders to celebrate standout achievements, including the Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and Person of the Year.

Entries for the Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award open in August. This category recognizes vehicle builds that set high standards in engineering and creativity on the show floor, as discussed in SAE International’s technical resources.

All six core categories are designed to give the hard-working professionals and innovators of the automotive aftermarket their chance in the spotlight.

SEMA’s industry awards are a highlight of the annual SEMA Show, which draws global attention and gathers automotive icons and next-generation leaders together.

By nominating deserving colleagues, companies, and creators, industry members can help celebrate the efforts that drive progress and passion in the automotive aftermarket. This tradition mirrors the importance of recognizing achievement, similar to the landmark award history celebrated in other automotive sectors.

As the event draws closer, anticipation builds within the automotive community. In addition to awards, the SEMA Show features new product launches, announcements from major racing teams and product manufacturers, and appearances by well-known drivers and builders. For more insights into automotive innovation, visit the National Automobile Dealers Association.

With the nomination window open now, the industry is taking time to recognize excellence, innovation, and the people who are shaping the future of automotive specialty equipment.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.