This year's SEMA Show will have around 2,200 exhibitors, with about 400 of them being first-time exhibitors, representing thousands of brands across both the U.S. and international markets. This year, organizers expect to see an estimated 160,000 industry professionals in attendance.
During the Show, you'll have the opportunity to learn about emerging trends and technologies in the automotive industry including alternative vehicle propulsion, advancements in internal combustion design and performance, alternative fuels, and even modified vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Here’s a comprehensive overview of everything going on at this year’s show to help prepare you.
Come meet our team! Visit us at SEMA (booth #41078) and at AAPEX (booth #A3626)!
SEMA Show app
First things first, to stay on top of the show’s packed schedule and ensure you see what you want to see, download the SEMA Show app.
Key app features include:
- Interactivity: By scanning a QR code, the app allows you to access detailed information about the vehicles displayed throughout the convention center.
- Turn-by-turn directions: With access to turn-by-turn directions, you’ll never be lost as you navigate the showroom floor. Simply enter an exhibitor name or room closest to you and where you want to go, then the app will provide directions for you.
- Schedule: Create a schedule of the events you wish to attend.
- New products: Each product entered in the New Products Showcase can be accessed through the app. Complete with detailed descriptions and photos, you will be able to find the exact location where the product is displayed, and directions to the exhibitor’s booth on the show floor.
- Product scanner: Use your phone as a scanner to create a list and map of the scanned products at the New Product Showcase.
- Maps: View the floorplans of all SEMA Show halls and how/where they connect to make movement from hall to hall easier.
- Exhibitors: Look up a list of all the show exhibitors by name, showing section, or product category as well.
- Events, celebrity appearances, and speakers: View a list of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances, and speakers, including the day, time, and location.
- Social media: Keep up to date with the feeds of the official SEMA Show social media accounts.
- Ground transportation: Find the most efficient way to arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Obtain information on the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare, and hotel shuttles, including pickup locations.
Education
Throughout the show you will have the opportunity to choose from six education tracks; 52 SEMA sessions; 47 partner sessions and 99 total sessions, giving everyone the chance to engage with the topics presented and gather new and current information in the industry. Some track topics include aftermarket updates and future trends, small business strategy, sales and marketing, EVs, and more. For the full education schedule, click here.
There will be five partner tracks for the show that act as additional resources to help build skills and knowledge. Seminars include the following: Six Part-Leadership Essentials for Today, presented by Dale Carnegie, I-CAR Collision Repair Training; SCRS: Repairer Driven Education, TIA, Legacy EV, and more. For the full track listing, click here.
Additionally, there will be sessions powered by councils and networks which will cover a wide range of topics, like conflict management, the current state of the hot-rod segment, the difference between concourse and restomod, and much more. For the full session list, click here.
Show events
SEMA Awards Presentation
Where: Silver Drive, outside Central Hall entrance
When: Oct. 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The SEMA Awards are given to innovative automakers for the SEMA Car of the Year, Full Size Truck of the Year, Mid-size Truck of the Year, 4x4 SUV of the Year, Sport Compact of the Year, and Electric Vehicle of the Year.
SEMA Monday Reveal
Where: Central Hall, Booth No. 24401
When: Oct. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
SEMA Week kicks off by celebrating and showcasing some of the show's most high-profile vehicles created by builders and celebrities from all over the world. The event offers media personnel and attendees a look into the aftermarket's future and what might be next in the most advanced builds and designs.
SEMA Show Kick-off Breakfast
Where: Westgate Paradise Event Center
When: Oct. 31 at 7:30 a.m.
Start your SEMA experience on the right track and experience the latest innovations from new product award winners, as well as the presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year awards. Before the show officially opens, attendees will have a full breakfast and network with a global community. Tickets are required for this event, click here for more information.
Main Stage Experience
When: Nov. 1 at 11:00 a.m. (Julia Landauer) and 11:45 a.m. (Carolyn Jackson), and Nov. 2 at 11:00 a.m. (Willy T. Ribbs), 1:00 p.m. (Tim Tebow), and 3:00 p.m. (Margaret Hoover)
Location: North Hall (N528) and West Hall (W322-327) for Tim Tebow.
The Main Stage Experience features popular personalities in the automotive industry from car enthusiasts, thought leaders, innovators, entertainers, and world-renowned leaders all bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to strengthen business strategy.
SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
Where: Westgate Paradise Event Center
When: Nov. 2, reception at 6:00 p.m. and banquet at 7:00 p.m.
The awards banquet celebrates the specialty equipment industry and offers an opportunity for attendees to network with one another. Tickets are required for this event, for more information click here.
SEMA Cruise: Presented by CTEK
Where: Silver Drive, outside of Central Hall
When: Nov. 3 at 4:00 p.m.
As the show wraps up, vehicles from the show floor begin parading out of the convention center as thousands of attendees look on from the grandstands along the route. Attendance for this event is open to all.
SEMA Fest
Where: Las Vegas Festival Grounds
When: Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, gates open at 12:00 p.m.
New to this year’s show, SEMA Fest will take place at the end of the week and aims to celebrate car culture, lifestyle, and music. The event will include a car show, musical entertainment, drifting, freestyle motorcycling, and other activities. Tickets for this event are sold separately.
Musical guests include Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk the Moon, Ludacris, The Struts, and more.
Networking
The SEMA Show presents an opportunity to connect with industry professionals from across the world. More than 140 countries will be represented at this year’s show. You'll be able to talk face-to-face with representatives and senior management from different brands, sharing business practices and tips with one another.
Additionally, SEMA organizers have set up receptions, happy hours, and meetings, all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network.
We hope you enjoy the show!
You can stop by our booth (South Hall Lower, No. 41078) at SEMA to meet our team and pick up a copy of our latest issue. We hope to see you there!
