By Ashley Reyes
Do you know a person who has made an extraordinary impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry? Great, because nominations are now open for the coveted 2026 SEMA Person of the Year Award.
Each year, SEMA selects one individual to recognize at the SEMA Show whose passion, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the automotive aftermarket and the SEMA community. The award celebrates an individual who has not only achieved professional excellence but also contributed their time and energy to advancing industry initiatives, mentored others and fostered collaboration across all levels of the aftermarket.
Award-winning qualities include:
- Serving as a catalyst for progress by shaping policy, building meaningful relationships or supporting programs that benefit the entire supply chain.
- Demonstrating influence that extends beyond their immediate role or organization, touching a wide range of partners, professionals and future leaders.
- Embodying the spirit of volunteerism, integrity, and vision that strengthens the foundation of the industry and inspires those around them to do the same.
To be considered, the nominee's contributions must fall within the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026; the candidate must also work in the automotive aftermarket and be employed by a SEMA member company. (SEMA staff or people working under contract for SEMA are not eligible for consideration.)
Know of a person who has helped shape the industry's future? Submit your nomination before the Friday, August 15 deadline at sema.org/awards.
SEMA is also accepting nominations for more industry awards, including Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year and the Visionary 8.
2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best
The SEMA Show festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.
On Thursday, November 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central.
The momentum will continue during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year.
Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year–– a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build––will open in August. Learn more at sema.org/awards.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.
