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Exhibitors: Maximize Your Marketing ROI at the 2026 SEMA Show

By SEMA News Editors

Big crowds at an unveiling at the SEMA Show.

 

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show is about more than building a great booth. The most successful exhibitors know how to make sure buyers, media members, customers and attendees know where to find you before the doors even open, November 3-6 in Las Vegas. (Still need a booth? Start here.

 

Fortunately, there is a wide range of marketing resources available for exhibitors to help amplify product launches and vehicle reveals, increase booth traffic and generate real business opportunities before, during and after the Show.

 

These opportunities are outlined in the Exhibitor Service Manual found at semashow.com/esm, and also detailed below.

 

Generate Buzz: SEMA Show Public Relations Opportunities

 

Thousands of journalists, media members, content creators and industry influencers attend the SEMA Show each year looking for the latest products, technologies and trends.

 

Found in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual, brands can take advantage of several free resources to help connect with the media, including:

 

  • Press Conferences: Companies unveiling significant news are encouraged to apply for the official SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule, available at no cost. Restrictions and rules apply. Fill out the form at semashow.com/mediaconference.
  • Press Releases: Exhibitors can also upload press releases at no cost, making company news easily accessible to credentialed media before and throughout Show week.
  • New-for-2026 New Vehicle Build Unveiling: Launching a new vehicle build? Companies planning a vehicle reveal can submit their exhibitor name, booth number, reveal time and date, and a one-sentence teaser to pr@sema.org by October 1 for inclusion on a media list distributed to attending journalists.

 

Increase Visibility: SEMA Show Sponsorship Opportunities

 

The SEMA Show offers sponsorship opportunities that place your brand in front of attendees throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Available options are seemingly endless, including (but not limited to) hanging banners, rig and display space, aisle signs, billboards, digital displays, directional signage, floor graphics, advertising in SEMA publications and numerous additional branding opportunities.

 

Whether your goal is increasing booth traffic, reinforcing brand awareness or promoting a product launch, sponsorships allow exhibitors to reach attendees before they ever step onto the show floor. Complete sponsorship options are available in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

 

The New Products Showcase, Free Entry for SEMA Show Exhibitors

 

For companies introducing new products, no marketing opportunity delivers greater exposure than the New Products Showcase.

 

Recognized as a top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase puts exhibitors' latest innovations in front of thousands of decision-makers and media members searching for what's new and trending.

 

The first product submission is always free for exhibitors, making participation an easy decision. Additional entries are $95 each through October 2, after which the price increases to $175.

 

New for 2026, exhibitors can also enter products into the new Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle category, expanding opportunities for companies serving those growing markets.

 

Get all the details and sign up in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

 

Socialize Your SEMA Show: Exhibitor Digital Toolkit

 

Small business owners have more important things to worry about than social media. That's why the free 2026 Exhibitor & Attendee Digital Toolkit includes professionally designed graphics, copy templates, official logos and press release resources that are ready to download and share across websites, email campaigns and social-media channels.

 

Exhibitors can download complete asset packages or browse individual graphics sized specifically for today's most popular social platforms. Simply customize the messaging, announce your booth number and invite customers to visit during the Show.

 

When posting, remember to use #SEMA2026 and #SEMAShow2026, and also tag the official SEMA Show social accounts for additional opportunities to be shared with the industry's online community. 

 

Find the assets at semashow.com/digital-tools

 

Don't Forget SEMA Education to Maximize Your Team's ROI

 

Marketing ROI isn't limited to attracting more visitors to your booth. Investing in your team can deliver returns long after the Show ends.

 

SEMA Education returns to the 2026 SEMA Show with dozens of expert-led sessions covering sales and marketing, small-business strategy, executive leadership, vehicle technology, legislative updates, talent management and more. Most sessions are included with SEMA Show registration.

 

Exhibitors are encouraged to review the education schedule before arriving in Las Vegas and reserve seats early by adding sessions during registration or through the Exhibitor Portal. Some partner programs require separate registration or fees, which are noted in the schedule.

 

Get the details and browse the official schedule at semashow.com/education-schedule.

 

Missed the first part of our SEMA Show exhibitor tips? View it below:

 


 

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.