The SEMA Show is back in full force as crowds swarmed the Las Vegas Convention Center. We saw traditional placements of industry categories shift to new halls which made for an exciting adventure of discovery. As navigating the distance between halls typically requires a game plan, the efficient Tesla Loop certainly made getting around much easier.
After speaking with many exhibitors, they reported increased foot traffic this year without much time for a break in between attendee conversations. Perhaps the increased footprint of the show altogether allowed for some better spacing and maneuverability within the aisles. Exhibitors who did not attend last year were certainly curious about Friday’s enthusiast day, where non-traditional attendees were able to purchase tickets for the show and SEMA Ignited afterwards.
As the SEMA Show is busting at the seams, the 2023 announcement of its further expansion is no surprise. Coinciding with the first of three years of F1 racing in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show looks forward to becoming an “all-city” experience called SEMA Week. While the increased footprint will start in 2023, there is a five-year vision of new concepts, activities, and events that will be introduced over time.
The SEMA Show itself will remain a trade-only event during the normal weekdays with the exception of Friday being open to a select number of enthusiast ticket holders. However, as the SEMA Show traditionally wrapped up its presence on Friday with SEMA Ignited, Friday will not serve as a continued event through Saturday night at the Las Vegas Festival Ground with SEMA Fest.
The introduction of a large enthusiast presence during SEMA Week is a transition to opening up the typical trade element to end users. As exhibitors usually look forward to dealer meetings, the new enhanced concept of the SEMA Show looks to further connect exhibitors with those who are passionately loyal to their brand and products.
