After a nearly two-year hiatus, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association that represents the $ 47.8 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, recently completed a successful 2021 edition of the SEMA Show, North America’s largest auto show, since the pandemic brought the world to a standstill in 2020.
The sprawling event, held in all four halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) November 2-5, drew more than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors, and the media across 4.6 million square feet and an additional 2.2 million Square feet of outdoor space on the LVCC campus.
As every year, SEMA worked again with the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), which took place November 2-4 at the Venetian Expo (formerly Sands Expo) as part of the city’s annual Automotive Aftermarket Week.
“The industry was visibly excited to be back at the SEMA Show in person, both to seize business opportunities, network and celebrate the world’s largest collection of innovations on wheels,” said Chris Kersting, President and CEO of SEMA. “Our industry was waiting to reconnect and the SEMA Show was a welcome homecoming after almost two years.”
In an energetic exhibition space, more than 51,000 buyers were eager to do business, with more than 1,300 exhibitors showcasing their latest automotive innovations and automakers launching new vehicles while celebrities unveiled high-profile redesigns to an intrigued crowd of car enthusiasts.
“We were very happy to see our old friends and colleagues again after such a long separation,” said exhibitor Kathryn Reinhardt, Director Retail Marketing at 4 Wheel Parts. “We did a lot of business at this year’s SEMA Show. It was clear that our industry was ready to meet and had two years of innovation to show for. “
One of the hottest trends at this year’s SEMA Show was electrification and electrified vehicles. From modifications for new electric vehicles (EV) to modifying a combustion engine vehicle with a new electric motor, exhibitors and manufacturers showed that the EV market is a growing segment for the automotive aftermarket industry. A new exhibition area, SEMA Electrified, included electric vehicles and products designed for converting electric vehicles or converting vehicles to electric drive.
“Our industry has embraced electrification,” said Tom Gattuso, vice president of events at SEMA. “We saw electric vehicles and electrified vehicles in every hall at SEMA. Our industry is state-of-the-art. Products you see at the SEMA Show often become standard and mainstream five to ten years later [debuting] at the show. “
Together with special show presentations and activations, including interactive driving demos and an exhibition of more than 50 off-road racing vehicles, from motorcycles to trophy trucks, automotive professionals used the skills-enhancing training and the opportunities to network and network with industry colleagues.
On the final night of the show, SEMA opened its doors to the general public with the annual SEMA Ignited Afterparty, a special event for car enthusiasts held in the West Hall parking lot of the LVCC. Auto enthusiasts had a chance to catch a glimpse of the latest vehicles, automotive products and experiences while enjoying a parade of hundreds of vehicles, drifting demonstrations, outdoor booth displays, music, live entertainment, food trucks and refreshments.
While participants had to wear face masks to take part in the SEMA show, no proof of vaccination was required at this year’s event.
Since its premiere in 1967, the SEMA Show has been the premier venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers in the specialty automotive equipment industry. The event, which has been held in Las Vegas in the first week of November since 1977, showcases products that improve the design, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks.
The SEMA Show returns from April 1st to 4th. November 2022 back to Las Vegas and is booked in the LVCC until 2028.
Don’t miss any event news: sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and get involved with us Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
