SEMA 2010 Industry Parties, Networking and Inspiration

Often the great part about trade shows like SEMA is the fact that there are other things going on, plenty of other cool things to see at the show, and after hours fun as well. Attending the show for your business is just a fraction of the value you can get from attending trade events. Sometimes the camaraderie and networking after hours, as well as the interesting, somewhat unrelated to car audio things you find, are extras that add to the fun and excitement of attending these shows. It’s certainly been the case with this year’s SEMA show!

Kicker Big Air Bash 9

For the past eight years Kicker has graciously put on the marquee event for SEMA Show attendees who have a passion for all things 12-volt. They bring in the rock stars of extreme motorsports jumping and give attendees an up-close look at incredible freestyle motocross professionals flying off jumps and doing tricks two stories in the air.

Sadly, Kicker announced that this year’s ninth Big Air Bash would be the last one in this format. Although Kicker is reserving the option to resurrect the event in another format, possibly at another location and time of year, it looks like the epic tradition of Big Air Bash parties at SEMA in Las Vegas have (for the time being) come to an end.

Thanks so much to Kicker for all these great years of putting on the coolest outdoor party at a trade show and for so generously including everyone who attended.

Pawn Stars from the History Channel

Pawn Stars Storefront in Vegas Yes, we did it. When in Rome, as they say. Anyone who has watched The History Channel’s show called Pawn Stars knows it’s a Las Vegas-based pawn shop called Gold and Silver Pawn where three generations of men from the Harrison family — grandfather, father and son — amusingly clash while running the family owned pawn shop together.

The shop is located right in the middle of the Vegas strip on the old town side just a short drive from the Convention Center. A few of us 12-volt guys, including former Mobile Electronics Retailer of the Year, Kent Izuka of Security and Sound Systems in Hawaii, got into town early on Monday and decided to take a trip down there to see the random treasures we’ve all seen Rick Harrison and his crew collect from visitors to the store.

It’s an eclectic mix of art, jewelry, motorcycles, vintage Coke machines and random items you’d never think to even ask about. None of the cast members were there since we went by after hours, but we did get to see some of Rick’s personal collection of items that are not for sale, such as Superbowl rings and vintage weapons. After years of only seeing the inside of the convention center, restaurants and hotels, this was a nice diversion for us!

Peppermill

Las Vegas locals frequent this iconic lounge for after hours food and drinks. Several of the 12-volt guys including Canadian Shaughnessy Murley, Installer of the Year Jon Kowanetz, and InstallerNet’s Kris Bulla were spotted there enjoying the drinks and casual ambience on the couches amidst the signature pink and blue lighting of the Fireside Lounge inside Peppermill. It’s the perfect stop for great after hours conversation with drinks and food at very reasonable prices with the ambience and history that many associate with a true Las Vegas experience.

PowerBass Hospitality Suite

PowerBass graciously opened up the doors of their 24th floor hospitality suite to all the 12-volt folks who wanted to come and have a casual drink and some shop talk. After the MECP Masters dinner on Tuesday evening, a bunch of them hit the PowerBass suite for a visit and some cold beverages.

Other retailers, such as Mark Miller of Westminster Speed & Sound and Chuck Wallace of Ultimate Electronics, were already there enjoying the fun when the rest of the gang arrived. Host Robin McNeal, Vinnie DeStefano and Jason Hannon were all too happy to welcome colleagues for some after hours fun.

RK Concepts Motorcycle Art

While at the SEMA Show we came across what I can only describe as motorcycle art from RK Concepts of Austin, Texas. Designer Rafik Kaissi had four of his creations on display just outside the north hall and these are literally rolling sculptures of innovative industrial design.

From the “Chain Bike” with a frame and swing arm made of huge, industrial-size chain to the mechanical mastery of the “Fighter Bike,” these RK Concepts creations inspire us to rethink our approach to the same old things in our own installations. If even one or two ideas from these bikes inspire a theme in a car audio installation then we’re certain it’ll be pushing the envelope. To check out their awesome motorcycle art visit www.rkconcepts.com.