SEMA Show

If you are a petrol head, you might have heard of it. And if you have connections, you might have even been invited to attend. This premier automotive speciality products trade show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and runs this year from Nov 1 to Nov 4.

In a nutshell, it was formed back in 1963 to propagate the automobile aftermarket and brings together aftermarket manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, media, car dealers, speciality equipment distributers, installers, retailers and restoration specialists. The most important event of SEMA now attracts more than 100.000 visitors from over 100 countries in the automotive, truck, SUV, and RV markets. There is even New Products Showcase with some 2.000 new parts, tools and components. Also, educational seminars, product demonstrations and special events are held.

A favourite show segment is the GT awards, which includes categories such as Best in Show, Best Hot Rod and Best European Imports. Winners in these categories are all cars that truly stand-out and are considered to be the very-very best. You will surely see one of the many shows on cable TV (such as SpeedTV) in the coming months.
Finally, SEMA, the association, provides services for employees of its member companies that include among others educational and professional development, industry publications, international  business development, and B2B.

Below are this years' notable attendees:

Chip Foose, celebrity automotive designer

Stacey David, TV host and producer of GearZ

DJ Copp, ESPN Nascar analyst

Micheal Essa, Drift and stunt driver

Rich Evans, painter and fabricator

David Ragan, Nascar driver

Dale Creasy Jr, IHRA, NHRA F/C driver

Von Hot Rod, master pinstriper

Dennis Anderson, Grave Digger driver

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, UFC figther

Cruz Pedregon, NHRA F/C driver

Johnny Gray, NHRA F/C driver

Joon Maen, Formula Drift driver

V. Gaines, NHRA P/S driver

Allen Johnson, NHRA P/S driver

Rod Hall, Off-road racer

Rob MacCachren, Torc Pro truck driver

GT and LE Tonglet, NHRA P/S motorcycle riders

Bobby Alloway, custom car builder

Eddie Paul, customs, and to film indus.

Ron Fellows, race car driver

The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show is not open for the public. Registration as media, manufacturer, buyer or exhibitor is required. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to attend, do so. Just follow the instructions for registering on their
website, pack your bags, invite some friends, and go and have fun. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two!

An example of the innovation found at SEMA is the introduction of the 5th Gen Camaro Drag Race Suspension Kits by Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

Source: sema.org, and wikipedia.

Pictures courtesy of Micheal de Sousa, of Micky's, Curacao.