The Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show held annually in Las Vegas, the largest automotive specialty parts and accessories event in the world and a major stage for custom car reveals.
The SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association Show) is an annual trade show held in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center each November. It is the largest automotive specialty products trade show in the world, drawing over 160,000 attendees and 2,400 or more exhibitors. SEMA is technically a trade-only event (not open to the general public), attended by retailers, manufacturers, media, and automotive professionals. However, the cars and products unveiled at SEMA reach enthusiasts globally through extensive media coverage.
SEMA functions as the primary reveal stage for major aftermarket brands, custom builders, and OEM performance divisions. It is where Liberty Walk reveals its widebody kits, where tuner brands unveil new products, where custom builders debut their most ambitious projects, and where automakers often show performance concepts and aftermarket accessories for new models. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, launched in 2015, awards the top custom builds across various categories with a Best in Show overall winner.
The event has been running since 1967 and has grown into a week-long event spanning multiple halls. Adjoining events include the SEMA Ignited aftermarket outdoor show (which is open to the public), and the AAPEX trade show running concurrently. SEMA heavily influences trends in the aftermarket industry; products and styles debuted at SEMA frequently set directions that filter into enthusiast garages over the following year.