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Top 10 Reasons Friday Is the Best Day to Attend the SEMA Show

By Becca Butler

 Friday Nights
SEMA Ignited—the official industry after-party—is a great reason to stick around on Friday.
  

Over the past few years, the number of buyers attending the SEMA Show on Friday has continually increased. These buyers are finding that extending their stay throughout the week is an effective way to get more return on their investment, as it provides them with many valuable benefits.

Here are 10 reasons for buyers to attend the 2015 SEMA Show on Friday:

  • Seven hours. The SEMA Show is open Friday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. That gives buyers seven hours to meet with exhibitors and discover new products. With 2,400 exhibiting companies at the SEMA Show, the additional seven hours will be valuable in helping buyers meet with more exhibitors!
  • See 25% more of the Show. Those who attend the Show on Friday have the chance to see 25% more of the SEMA Show than those who left earlier in the week. Covering 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and another 1 million sq. ft. in attractions outside of the LVCC, you’ll definitely need a full four days to see all of the SEMA Show.
  • See Show attractions. Having more time provides an opportunity to catch up on the attractions that you didn’t have time to visit during the week. Many key SEMA Show attractions are open throughout the day on Friday, including the New Products Showcase, the West Coast Customs Experience and SEMA Central.
    SEMA Cruise
     
      
  • Watch the SEMA Cruise. The annual SEMA Cruise, which takes place immediately after the Show closes, gives buyers the opportunity to watch as nearly 1,500 vehicles parade out of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Providing an up-close view of the customized rides that were on display at the Show, the SEMA Cruise is a great photo opportunity as the vehicles roll past the crowd.
  • Attend SEMA Ignited. Buyers can celebrate the close of the SEMA Show at SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party, taking place from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The second-annual event will be filled with food, entertainment, SEMA Show vehicles and more. Admission is free with your Show credentials.
  • Discover the top builds. The second annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will take place during the week and culminate Friday, November 6, when the winner will be announced. Buyers can take part in watching as the finalists cast their votes to select the winner, all while being filmed for a nationwide television special.  
  • Meet industry celebrities. A number of industry celebrities will make appearances in exhibitor’s booths throughout the day. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet with some of the industry’s brightest minds and favorite celebrities. Check out the list of celebrity appearances.
  • Education. While more than 50 free education sessions are offered throughout the week, there are a number of “pay-to-attend” sessions available on Friday. Presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), these sessions are specifically geared toward collision-repair industry professionals. View the list of all the education sessions offered throughout the week.
  • Avoid traffic. Literally. Airports and highways are flooded as thousands of people head out of the city after a long week of doing business. Don’t get caught in the crowds—extend your stay through Friday night. You’ll be able to unwind and enjoy activities, such as the SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited.
  • Why not? Your badge gives you access to all four days of the SEMA Show, so why not take advantage of every opportunity it offers? Whether that means attending more education sessions earlier in the week for more time on the Show Floor on Friday or joining in the fun at SEMA Ignited, here’s a list of everything your $25 badge gets you.

The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6, in Las Vegas. Register to attend and make your accommodations to stay through Friday night. Visit the Travel & Lodging page today to book your stay.