It all began in 1963 when a group of small manufacturers, suppliers of performance equipment for early-days hot rods, organized their fledgling industry and called it SEMA The mission was practical and straightforward: develop uniform standards for certain products used in motorsports competition; promote the industry as a supplier to consumers involved in constructive activities of recreational and hobbyist value; develop programs to encourage improved business practices among member companies; and hold regular meetings to achieve unity as a business organization. In those days, all of the members were founders of companies producing speed equipment exclusively, hence the organization title.