Show report
Driving engagement into the fast lane
Stephanie Selesnick reports on the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas
and highlights a consumer angle some organisers may wish to emulate Steph with Tom Gattuso, VP Events SEMA he SEMA Show, one of the
T world’ s largest auto shows, took place in November at the Las Vegas Convention Center( LVCC). More accurately, it took over the entirety of the LVCC, including the parking lots for activations. 153,000 + people attending from 140 countries and regions.
The event is the premier automotive aftermarket industry trade show, showcasing new products and vehicle customisation trends. It’ s a car lover’ s dream come to life. There were 2,400 exhibiting companies / brands( 500 new) and 2,300 vehicles. Over 2,500 global media, including yours truly were in attendance.
Super fans( aka enthusiasts) For the last couple of years, SEMA has sold tickets to consumers($ 140) to enter the show the fourth and last day, which traditionally had the lightest traffic. This year, both outside areas and aisles were full, with many exhibitors engaged.
Being close to their community, the association understood that during the Covid pandemic, consumers of aftermarket parts and equipment became even more passionate and knowledgeable, with the free time they had to work on and soup up their vehicles. Hence the introduction of allowing enthusiasts into the show.
44 Issue 6 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk