Professional Devleopment Program is Back. SEMA Garage Detroit May 14-15, 2026 Professional Devleopment Program is Back. SEMA Garage Detroit May 14-15, 2026

 

Professional Development Program

May 14-15 - SEMA Detroit Garage

Applications are now closed for the FLN’s Individual Communications program. Email Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org if you have any questions.

The Professional Development Program helps aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the Individual Communications training is a two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount.

The program includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for the program’s duration. Participants will need to arrange their own travel to the event.

"The Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry," said FLN Chair Matt Beenen. "Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I've been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I'm excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well."

This program is limited to 25 SEMA members. Any SEMA member aged 39 and under can apply for FLN membership.

Man reading and highlighting pamphlet
Small groups of people talking to each other
  1. Designed specifically for the automotive aftermarket.
    It's not just a generic leadership program. The FLN Professional Development Program is created for aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket. Whether you're in technology, marketing, sales, operations or a current executive, the program will help you advance you career in this specific industry. (Non-FLN members who meet qualifications of the network may attend by joining FLN at no cost.)

  2. Group image of participants
    group of participants listening to speakers
  3. Led by world renown Dale Carnegie trainers.
    For years, the most successful individuals and organizations have turned to Dale Carnegie's books and seminars to help them reach new levels of advancement. "How To Win Friends and Influence People" essentially set the standard for interpersonal effectiveness, and the book continues to be as valid today as ever. Dale Carnegie's methods and principles will help FLN members gain the confidence and tools to build relationships and drive results by gaining willing cooperation and commitment.

  4. Tailored courses to help you gain the confidence and tools to build relationships and drive results by gaining willing cooperation and commitment
    • Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations
    • Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions, and listening
    • Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios
    • Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward
    • Use emotional controls to sustain success

  5. Two days of high-collaborative industry and networking

group of people listening to presenter next to truck in SEMA Detoit Garage
group of people seated speaking to each other during a break

Hear from past attendees on their experiences and the benefits of joining this event.

2023

"The program made me have an all-new appreciation for SEMA, its mission, and the automotive industry as a whole. The attendees were all exceptional people who were highly engaged in the material. I particularly enjoyed the discussion around appropriately and effectively sharing your opinion using evidence, which I feel everyone should learn whether they are in a leadership position or not. It was also awesome to tour the SEMA Garage and understand that facility and its function for the industry."—Jake Gisseman, Battle Born Offroad

MORE TESTIMONIALS

WHO IS FLN?

The Future Leader's Network (FLN) provides industry young future leaders with an opportunity to network with other SEMA members in various market segments and influential industry leaders. It also gives you a unique chance to listen and learn, as well as provide the industry a youthful voice to be heard. FLN members are industry leaders who are 39 years of age or younger and are actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the specialty equipment market. The current membership roster represents some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry.

FLN DIRECTOR

Denise Waddingham - FLN Director

Denise Waddingham

deniselw@sema.org
909-979-4144