The 2023 SEMA Show was deemed a success by various industry professionals. The Las Vegas-based trade show, hosted from October 31 to November 3, attracted over 150,000 participants from the automotive aftermarket industry. The four-day event showcased a unique blend of relationship-building, networking, sales, and marketing opportunities aimed at translating business success and dreams into reality.

The Las Vegas Convention Center was filled with 2,200 exhibitors who presented their newest products, automotive builds, and education seminars. Throughout the vast exhibit halls, attendees, which included industry professionals and enthusiasts, fostered connections through dedicated product communities, outdoor activations, educational sessions, award programs, groundbreaking product reveals, distinctive experiences, and lively celebrations.

Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of Events, emphasized the transformative power of the show.

“The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the country, but it’s actually comprised of several smaller, distinct communities,” Gattuso said. “The networking that takes place within those groups is where you see the transformative power the Show has to positively impact participants and chart the course of the aftermarket industry.”

The event proved particularly influential for first-time exhibitors, with over 20 percent of exhibitors falling into this category. One such newcomer was Caross USA, a San Mateo, CA-based manufacturer of portable jump starters and air compressors. Despite their products having been on the market for just three months, their SEMA debut proved fruitful. 

“You don’t see a lot of ‘tire kickers’ at SEMA; the buyers are much more serious,” said Global Sales Director Steve Stambaugh. “I can’t say enough about SEMA. Being at this show has done more for our company in two days than other industries have done in 10 years.”

Networking efforts paid off, as they established connections with potential partners from Canada to Australia. Their presence caught the attention of the popular television show “Two Guys Garage,” leading to an exciting opportunity for an on-air appearance in February. Additionally, Caross USA received two prestigious Global Media Awards (GMA), recognizing their innovation and product quality.

For returning exhibitors, the SEMA Show provided a platform to build upon their previous successes. CIC Powerbox, a manufacturer of AC-powered truck boxes based in Pittsburg, Kansas, first participated in the show in 2018. Their continued involvement resulted in numerous partnerships across various industries. 

CEO Mike Windsor credited the SEMA Show for the growth of their business.

“Every time we come to SEMA, we come away with new business,” Windsor said. “We’ve had exponential growth year over year, and if all goes well, this year we’ll go international thanks to the relationships we’ve made at SEMA.”

Leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) also recognized the value of SEMA as a venue to connect with the aftermarket industry. 

Toyota, for instance, utilized the show to showcase its creative potential in 2023.  

“Toyota has always seen SEMA as a place to let our imagination run wild,” Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing, said. “This past show was no exception, as we tapped into thrills on the track...and the trail. The amount of interest in the all-new 2024 Tacoma and Land Cruiser didn’t disappoint, and builds like our X-Runner Concept and FJ Bruiser were true stars of the show.”

Ford Performance Parts & Accessories acknowledged the show’s significance in establishing relationships with attendees and showcasing their innovative products.  

“The SEMA Show gives us the opportunity to showcase the knowledge of our representatives, talk engineering, and support our product with assurances that all accessories are fully reviewed for safety, ergonomics, and longevity,” Natalie Simon, Marketing & Events Manager of Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, explained.

Beyond networking and business opportunities, the SEMA Show also provided a platform for aspiring professionals within the automotive industry. Masen Schneider, a freshman studying mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota, received a SEMA Scholarship, recognizing his dedication to pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket.  

“It means a lot to receive a scholarship from an organization like SEMA because as big and impactful as they are, they see your story and experience and want to help propel you towards your dream,” Schneider, who aspires to become an automotive parts designer, said.

Finally, the show continued to showcase innovation and craftsmanship through the Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish competition. Marking its 10th anniversary, the competition stood as the ultimate showcase for builders within the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Andy Leach, the victorious builder of the 1960 Buick Invicta Custom, expressed his elation after nine years of dedicated work, commenting, “It’s a dream come true... I’ve been chasing this award for nearly a decade. The Buick was a labor of love.”

The SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas Nov. 5-8, 2024.