The event: SAE SoCal Meet-Up / 2019-2020 Section Year Kick-Off

The topic:     What SAE Members Should Know About SEMA
 The SEMA Engineering Story

A video of the event is posted below

The SAE SoCal Section has also put together a highlight video from the presentation.

The speakers:     Ed Iskenderian
Matt Stone
John Waraniak

The day:     Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The schedule:     5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Shop Tours & Refreshments
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Presentations

The place:     The SEMA Garage, 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr.  Diamond Bar, CA 91765

The abstract:     For over 100 years SAE has developed industry standards. For over 50 years the creative engineering of SEMA members have developed innovative solutions to market demand.  Both are key players in the industry with far more shared interests and goals than you might know.  Come and hear from an industry pioneer, and those with fingers on the pulse of future innovations.  If you haven’t seen the resources of the SEMA Garage, you will be impressed.

The agenda:     Automotive journalist Matt Stone will conduct a fireside chat with a true living legend, Ed Iskenderian following by an overview of SEMA, and how it relates to SAE, by SEMA VP John Waraniak.

The bios:     The name Ed Iskenderian is a legend among racers worldwide. Ed’s life history parallels the proverbial success story. He was born in 1921 in the grapevine country of Tulare County, California. His future as a winemaker never materialized because several heavy frosts destroyed the vineyards. These conditions forced the Iskenderian family to move to Los Angeles, a life of hot rodding, and the iconic “Isky Cams” business.  In 1963, Ed in collaboration with a few other industry pioneers, created the “Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association”, now known as the “Specialty Equipment Market Association” or “SEMA”. Ed presided as its first president in 1963 and 1964 and led the group through its first crucial years.

Matt Stone is a man of many talents.  He is an automotive freelance journalist, broadcaster, Event Emcee, and book author. He enjoys everything on wheels, demonstrating a particular passion for sports, grand touring, and sports racing cars. He’s a Chief Class Judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and officiates and emcees at other first tier shows and events, and resides in California, USA. His latest book is Isky: Ed Iskenderian and the History of Hot Rodding

John Waraniak is currently Vice President of Vehicle Technology at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) – a role he has had since May 2006. In this role, he helps leading automotive and performance aftermarket companies integrate their products with the latest advanced vehicle technologies and capitalize on new business and product development opportunities. He is an acknowledged leader and advocate for automaker-aftermarket-technology innovation and collaboration for advancing safety performance, connected, assisted and automated driving, new mobility solutions, generative design and systems engineering management.

The cost:     FREE for SAE & SEMA Members A $5.00 donation is requested from non-members and guests