What is the SEMA Show?
The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is the largest aftermarket showcase event on the planet and it happens annually at the beginning on November at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
What’s unique about SEMA is that it’s not open to the general public. The only people allowed to attend the show are automotive industry workers. All attendees must be pre-approved with the administration after credentials have been reviewed.
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Just about every manufacturer of any kind of automotive performance or aftermarket product will be present at SEMA to show off their latest creations. From tire & wheel manufacturers to audio companies, to graphics companies to just about everything else, no corner of the industry will be unrepresented. The show is heavily geared toward retail store owners who come to see the latest products up close.
The biggest kiosks will be the major automakers themselves with GM, Ford and Honda among the largest space-takers this year. Each brand hires companies to modify and tune a number of their performance–oriented cars from their lineup in an effort to appeal to the gearhead crowd.
The sheer size of the event is daunting. The show claims there are eleven miles of isles to walk between the kiosks. And that’s only on the inside! Outside the convention centre, the area is filled with the hottest privately-owned customized vehicles from around the country but mainly from the SoCal region where there is an enormous aftermarket or ‘tuning’ scene. Still outside, but between the convention center buildings, is the proving ground where road tests and other live racing demonstrations are conducted over the course of the week.
As if one show wasn’t enough, the show is part of the broader After Market Industry Week which features both the SEMA show and also the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) Show. While still focusing on aftermarket, the AAPEX show has a bigger variety of tools, parts & equipment on display but likely not as many vehicles.
As the automotive industry descends on Las Vegas, we'll have our team combing the aisles inside and outside the convention centre to bring you the hottest rides and products unveiled this week at SEMA. You can find all of our coverage here.