By SEMA News Editors
As automotive aftermarket professionals prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists in mind.
To help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, SEMA has compiled exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.
SEMA Show Deadlines List for Exhibitors
This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below.
View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.
Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines for the 2026 SEMA Show
Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates, including the upcoming July 31 deadline for Feature Vehicle Display applications. The Feature Vehicle Display program allows exhibitors to expand their Show presence beyond their booth space and is open to vehicles of all categories and applications of the aftermarket.
- July 31: Feature Vehicle Display application (vehicles displayed outside of booth). Details may be found in the "Vehicle/Car Display Opportunities" section of semashow.com/esm.
- Approved applicants who submit applications by July 31 will receive an approval and confirmation email on August 28. Applications submitted after the July deadline are subject to approval at the end of September, or as space allows.
- August 14: Press/Media Conference Application & SEMA Show Directory listing information due.
- August 21: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations due (materials due August 27).
- August 28: Celebrity Appearance Notification due (to be included in printed materials).
SEMA Show Budget Checklist
This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs––like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.
View the SEMA Show budget checklist.
One of the best ways to save is to place orders with the Freeman event agency before the "advance rate" deadline on October 1.
Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.
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.
