SEMA to Recognize Content Creators with Influencer Award

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has created a new program that will recognize content creators and social media influencers who have significantly impacted the automotive industry and car culture, the organization announced.

The new SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be presented at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and uses his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages, the organization said.

Finalists for the award will be selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and will be recognized at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

“So many automotive influencers have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape, and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a unique and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognized them for their contributions.”

Five finalists for the Automotive Influencer of the Year award will be announced in September and then honored on-stage at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in November.

“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”

Finalists and the winner will be based on their original, entertaining and informative automotive media content, SEMA officials said. Qualifications also include a loyal and substantial following of passionate and engaged automotive enthusiasts and having used a social media platform to promote positive automotive content that has benefited the automotive aftermarket and culture.

Click here for more information on the award or to submit a recommendation.

By A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.