The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced that political analyst and CNN contributor Margaret Hoover will moderate a discussion titled “The Future of Automotive Fuel Technology” on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. in room N258 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the SEMA Show.

Attendees can engage with a panel of global industry leaders, subject-matter experts and thought leaders as they discuss the application, benefits, integration, and practical and scalable solutions that can accelerate decarbonization through alternative fuel technologies.

The panel will cover multiple aspects of alternative fuels, including the definition of alternative fuels and manufacturing processes; the application of alternative fuels in the automotive industry; emerging technologies and decarbonization targets; and the infrastructure and policies needed for mass adaptation.

“SEMA’s approach to future propulsion is technology neutral,” said Luis Morales, director of vehicle technology for SEMA. “We have members that are at the forefront of advanced technology systems, including hydrogen, biofuels, synthetics and EV. This panel will help attendees understand what’s happening in the industry and how the industry is already pushing the creative envelope in alternative fuel technology.”

To help drive this innovative spirit, this year’s SEMA Show will include an immersive and interactive exhibit, the FutureTech Studio, featuring parts and equipment that cater to new technology, including EVs, as well as vehicles that will showcase how these are employed.

Hoover is also host of the PBS program “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover”, a public affairs, multi-platform program that engages in long-form interviews and a rigorous exchange of ideas with the guiding principle that civil discourse is a civic responsibility.

“Alternative fuels is one of the most important topics in our industry and will play a significant role in the future of mobility around the globe,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, director of education for SEMA. “We’re pleased to have a journalist of Margaret Hoover’s stature and expertise to guide a thought-provoking discussion with many of the leaders in the field.”

Panelists for this discussion include:

• Michael Boe, vice president and general manager, Global Aftermarket, BorgWarner Emission, Thermal and Turbo Systems. Boe is part of BorgWarner’s Sustainability Committee, which shapes BorgWarner’s ongoing focus for carbon neutrality. 
• Elaina Farnsworth, co-founder and CEO, SkillFusion. Farnsworth is focused on growing a certified talent pool to operate and maintain EV chargers and facilitate the growth of the charging network across the country.
• Tuomo Isokivijärvi, chief executive officer, StepOne Tech Ltd. Isokivijärvi is an impact enthusiast who believes in solving climate change through technology, and co-founder at eFlexFuel — a technology that can upgrade more than a billion vehicles globally from using fossil fuels to biofuels.
• Indresh Mathur, Ph.D., director, Innovations and Customer Solutions, Monument Renewables & Fuels. Mathur has been a researcher in the specialty chemicals and fuels space for 48 years and was recently appointed director of the newly formed Monument Renewables & Fuels business.
• Zachary Santner, manager, Product Engineering – Performance Products, Sunoco LP. In his role, Santner provides high-octane specialty fuels to the largest racing series as well the enthusiast market. A chemical engineer, Santner aspires to educate others about properly deploying performance fuels to solve complex fuel challenges. 
• James Williamson, executive regional business manager, Emissions Systems, AVL. Williamson has over 20 years of experience in product development, execution and business development for exhaust emission measurement systems.

The 2023 SEMA Show is receiving tremendous support from the automotive aftermarket and is forecasted to return to historic levels as one of the most highly anticipated trade shows in the country.

“SEMA Show Education Programs provide best-in-class professional development and engage attendees with industry-relevant topics,” said Andy Tompkins, trade show director for SEMA. “Sessions like the Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel and many others keep our members on the cutting edge of industry trends and give them a competitive edge in a very dynamic marketplace.”

The Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel is free for all 2023 SEMA Show attendees. To learn more and register to attend, visit semashow.com.