SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) was founded in 1963 by a small group of manufacturers producing automotive performance parts. This association was formed to set standards, promote the industry, and develop programs to support aftermarket products. The organization has expanded to include additional interests of its members – government legislation, foreign trade, education, market research, etc. And the membership has grown to encompass all aspects of the business, including retailers, warehouse distributors, and publishing companies.

To bring the stakeholders from the performance aftermarket together, the first trade show was organized in 1967. The event was held in Los Angeles and attracted just under 100 manufacturers and approximately 3,000 attendees. In 1977, the SEMA Show moved to Las Vegas, which was better equipped to handle the growing requirements of manufacturers and attendees. Today, the show is at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the numbers are impressive.

  • over a million square feet of floor space is dedicated to the show
  • the annual event boasts over 2,400 exhibitors, including 580 first-time exhibitors
  • more than 1,400 vehicles on display
  • more than 170,000 people with ties to the automotive performance aftermarket attend and participate in the show
  • and, this is not just an event for North Americans - visitors from over 140 countries come to see the hottest automotive products and attend demonstrations, educational seminars and special events

The show also serves as an opportunity for SEMA members to meet individuals employed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, who work on initiatives that support the automotive aftermarket industry. Such as the:

  • SEMA Data Co-op – this group provides members with catalogue support
  • SEMA Garage – has special high-tech tools to get new products off the drawing boards and into production
  • SEMA Government Affairs – serves as the voice for SEMA members and their interests in Washington
  • SEMA Market Research – the association, collects data and provides reports which monitor industry trends

Activities at the SEMA Show include:

  • Over 80 seminars where participants can also network.
  • SEMA Fest: This enthusiast-focused experience connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle.
  • SEMA Cruise: more than 1,200 vehicles parade down Convention Center Drive after the show.
  • New Products Showcase: a single location for the newest and hottest automotive products
  • Battle of the Builders: the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle builder competition

While the association offers many services to its members, for many attendees, it is also about the vehicles at the show.

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