By SEMA News Editors
Nominations are open for the 2026 SEMA Visionary 8 program, which honors future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas.
The SEMA Visionary 8 program highlights eight rising stars age 35 and under who are poised to change and/or advance the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The award showcases emerging talent, celebrates their accomplishments and introduces them to the global aftermarket industry.
Nominees may include emerging talents at established companies, entrepreneurs building new brands or innovators developing products that benefit the industry. No matter their role, each honoree demonstrates a clear impact through fresh ideas, enthusiasm and drive to succeed.
Criteria That Define a 'SEMA Visionary 8':
- Be age 35 or under.
- Demonstrate the vision, talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership needed to become a future driver of the industry.
- Have made significant achievements in their company that drive progress for future generations.
To be considered, the nominee's contributions must fall within the date range of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Know a rising leader--or are you one? Submit a nomination by Monday, August 17, at www.sema.org/awards.
SEMA is also accepting nominations for other industry awards, including Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and Person of the Year.
2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best
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 in SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during SEMA Industry Honors at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style celebration 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 www.sema.org/awards.
