The SEMA convention, a landmark event for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has once again transformed Las Vegas into a vibrant nexus of automotive innovation and business.
Commencing on Tuesday for a span of four days, the event has attracted over 160,000 international attendees from upwards of 140 countries to the valley. Hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this trade-only gathering presents an exclusive stage for over 2,200 automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to unveil new products and foster connections with over 70,000 industry buyers. Additionally, it garners attention from around 3,000 members of the press across both trade and consumer media.
With last year’s convention injecting approximately $256 million into the local economy, expectations for this year remain high, mirroring past successes. SEMA has reported that the automotive specialty-equipment sector has seen a surge in sales, breaching the $50 billion mark. Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s Vice President of Events, offers insight into the future of automotive trends showcased at the convention, with a special focus on the advent of electrification and the introduction of alternative and synthetic fuels driving the industry forward.
Beyond the convention, SEMA is expanding its reach to the general public with the inaugural SEMA-Fest weekend celebration. This event is set to feature popular musical talents such as Imagine Dragons and Wiz Khalifa on the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on November 3 and 4, giving attendees a taste of the innovations spotlighted at the SEMA show.
