By SEMA News Editors
The 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.
From industry-leading competitions and educational programming to art exhibits, livestream coverage and emerging vehicle technologies, the following activations are among the highlights planned for this year's SEMA Show.
Don't wait––register today to secure your badge for the SEMA Show and experience the automotive aftermarket's biggest week in person.
2026 SEMA Show Features and Activations
Show-Stopping Builds
From the Toyo Tires Treadpass to hundreds of booth and feature vehicles across the campus, the creativity and craftsmanship set for display this year will inspire and impress any automotive aftermarket enthusiast.
SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish
Now in its 13th year, the famed SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket's premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show.
New for 2026: The SEMA Battle of the Builders will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion with the new SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout category.
For 2026, the competition will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns.
Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.
SEMA Education
SEMA Education offers Showgoers a dynamic experience that complements the high-energy learning environment found throughout the Show floor. Attendees can develop new skills, connect with industry leaders and gain practical business insights through sessions covering emerging trends, technical advancements, workforce development and business growth strategies.
Attendees can reserve a spot in one of dozens of educational sessions through the Registration Resource Center after registering.
Add Education sessions to your badge during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center.
SEMA Collision Repair Stage
The SEMA Collision Repair Stage will serve as a hub for industry engagement, bringing together collision-repair professionals for education, discussion and networking throughout the SEMA Show.
Through dedicated programming from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), attendees can participate in collision-repair-focused educational sessions and special industry events designed to address the latest trends, technologies and business challenges facing the collision-repair market. The stage offers valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain practical insights and connect with peers across the collision-repair community.
SEMA FutureTech Studio
The SEMA FutureTech Studio is a real-world reflection of today's advancements and opportunities available to aftermarket businesses.
Located in booth #24401, this featured exhibit brings together experts and cutting-edge technologies from across the mobility landscape, with innovations in alternative fuels, electric vehicle (EV) and powertrain development, advanced manufacturing and advanced vehicle safety systems.
New Products Showcase
The New Products Showcase is the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and remains one of the top destinations for buyers and media at the SEMA Show.
Featuring thousands of newly introduced products from across the industry, the Showcase offers attendees a firsthand look at the innovations shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, returning to the Lower South Hall near the main registration.
PRO Cup Challenge
Organized by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the PRO Cup Challenge celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and innovation within the restyling industry while demonstrating the value of dealer-ready accessory packages.
Finalists are challenged to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience while meeting real-world dealership requirements. Entries are evaluated on marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability, while attendees also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite build through the People's Choice Award.
Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA
Sponsored by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Global Tire Expo serves as a comprehensive showcase for the tire industry, featuring the latest products, technologies and services from leading manufacturers and suppliers. The exhibit attracts tire dealers, retailers, distributors and automotive professionals from around the world while providing valuable opportunities for networking and business development.
SEMA Industry Honors
One night. One stage. Celebrating the people and stories driving our industry forward––only at the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors in Las Vegas.
On Thursday, November 5, the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors takes over the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, companies and innovators driving the specialty-equipment industry forward. From SEMA Content Creator of the Year to SEMA Person of the Year and other prestigious honors, this is the industry's premier night of recognition.
Purchase tickets during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center.
SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast
A longstanding SEMA Show tradition, the Kickoff Breakfast brings together the aftermarket community before the Show officially opens. The event celebrates the innovators and entrepreneurs driving the industry forward and includes the presentation of the New Product Showcase Awards, Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year honors.
Set for Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. local time, tickets are available for purchase during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center.
SEMA Live
The SEMA Show opens its doors to a worldwide audience, for the third year in a row, via a livestream available on YouTube and Facebook. Throughout Show week, SEMA Live is set to feature 31 hours of up-close SEMA Show coverage across four days.
Attendees can see how it all comes together in person at the SEMA Live Studio in its Central Hall location, Booth #20341.
SEMA Gear
Visit any of the SEMA Gear locations throughout the Show floor to purchase the official branded apparel and merchandise for the SEMA Show. Hurry, as these limited edition and collector items can sell out quickly. Search "SEMA Gear" at SEMAShow.com/floorplan and on the SEMA Show app to see all locations available, or click below.
Featured SEMA Show Artist Larry Chen
Photographer Larry Chen, pictured above, has spent two decades documenting the people, vehicles and moments that define automotive culture. As the Featured SEMA Show Artist, Chen's photography will be incorporated throughout the Show's visual identity, appearing in signage, marketing materials and special installations. Chen is the first photographer selected as Featured SEMA Show Artist and the fifth creative to receive the honor since the program's inception.
Art Walk
Get immersed in automotive lifestyle and culture at the SEMA Show Art Walk, where some of the industry's premier artists will showcase their latest creations and celebrate the creativity that drives car culture.
Keep an eye on SEMA News for additional updates, announcements and programs set for the 2026 SEMA Show.
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, 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.
