SEMA Show

Top Networking Events at the SEMA Show

By Becca Butler

 breakfast
The winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time during a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers.
  
With 140,000+ industry professionals attending the 2015 SEMA Show, the annual event is the ideal place to connect and get face-to-face time with colleagues.

“Today’s technology makes it easy for people to do business with email and the cloud,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “But connecting on a personal level is important to building a strong and successful business relationship. There are so many networking opportunities at the SEMA Show that businesses can get more than a year’s worth of networking from just one single trip to the SEMA Show.”

While the best events for Showgoers will depend on their market segment and business goals, following are the best SEMA Show networking events for all Showgoers:

SEMA New Products Breakfast: Enjoy a sit-down breakfast with nearly 1,000 other Showgoers as the winners of the best new products and the industry’s hottest vehicles are announced for the first time. Not only will you be treated to a free breakfast and mingle with other industry professionals, but you will also leave knowing what hot products you need to see while walking the Show floor. The event is free, but because seating is limited, tickets are required. Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 a.m.; Paradise Event Center South, located in the Westgate Hotel.

Cars and Coffee, SEMA Edition: Held each morning of the SEMA Show, this event is a great way to jumpstart your day. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, see some cool cars and talk with other colleagues before the Show doors open. Best of all, arriving well before the SEMA Show floor opens ensures that you’re ready to hit the floor immediately. Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6, 8:00 a.m.; South Patio at the Westgate Hotel.

New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour: If you’re finding that there’s not enough time to visit the New Products Showcase during Show hours, then the New Products Showcase Buyer Happy Hour is the solution. Not only will buyers be able to see thousands of products in a single location, but they will also use the scanning devices to create a personal list of products they are interested in while unwinding with a drink. This event is open to buyers and media only; no tickets required. Tuesday–Thursday, November 3–5, 4:30 p.m.; New Products Showcase, on the bridge between the Central and South Halls.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet: With nearly 3,000 industry leaders attending the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the event is a rare opportunity for Showgoers to meet and connect with influencers, such as SEMA Board members, SEMA Hall of Famers and award-winning volunteers. Exhibitors receive free tickets based on the size of their booth, and all Showgoers are able to purchase tickets. Thursday, November 5, 6:00 p.m.; Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center at the Westgate Hotel.

SEMA Ignited: This Friday-night celebration is a chance for Showgoers to relax after a week of meetings and business. The event includes music, food, entertainment and consumers. Dubbed as the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited is free to all credentialed Showgoers, and takes place just steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Friday, November 6, 3:00 p.m.; Gold Lot, directly across the street from the LVCC.

For more information on these events, to secure tickets or view a complete list of networking events at the SEMA Show, visit the SEMA Show website. The 2015 SEMA Show is taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Register to attend.