By SEMA News Editors
Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas, is a significant investment, and the most successful exhibitors tap into available resources to help save money and maximize their return. (Still need a booth? Discover why to exhibit in 2026 here.)
By using the Exhibitor Service Manual (semashow.com/esm) to follow deadlines, use approved vendors, plan move-in and move-out, and take advantage of opportunities, companies can get more value from their SEMA Show investment.
And after reading this article, make time for these other must-read exhibitor resources. Each offers practical tips to help companies maximize their SEMA Show plan:
- Have a Plan for the 2026 SEMA Show: Essential Resources for Exhibitors.
- Generate More Leads at the 2026 SEMA Show.
- Maximize Your Marketing ROI at the 2026 SEMA Show.
Follow 2026 Deadlines and Build a Budget
Many SEMA Show services offer advance pricing, so waiting to plan can mean paying more. Use the SEMA Show budget checklist to estimate booth, services, logistics and other company expenses, then review the exhibitor deadlines checklist (semashow.com/deadlines) to identify upcoming dates and rate increases.
Both the checklist and deadline list, along with additional resources, are in the About the Show section of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (semashow.com/esm).
Plan for Breakdown Before the Show Starts
Review the move-out instructions and material-handling information in advance to understand when a booth can be dismantled, how materials should be shipped and details about services that may be helpful.
Keep in mind that move-out begins at 4:00 p.m. PST Friday, November 6. Early teardown is prohibited and may result in penalties, including loss of seniority or future eligibility.
Review the 2026 SEMA Show move-out instructions and more valuable resources in the About the Show section of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (semashow.com/esm).
Put a Feature Vehicle to Work in the Booth
A booth feature vehicle can give exhibitors an additional way to showcase products and attract attention on the busy SEMA Show floor. Exhibitors considering displaying a vehicle inside the booth should review the requirements in advance, including the rules surrounding the presence and branding of products from non-exhibiting companies. Booth vehicle guidelines also cover move-in, move-out and check-in procedures.
More information on displaying a vehicle inside an exhibitor booth and additional valuable resources may be found in the Vehicles/Car Display Opportunities section of the SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (semashow.com/esm).
Use Approved SEMA Show Vendors
The Exhibitor Service Manual (semashow.com/esm) is the place to find Freeman Booth Services and other approved vendors for services ranging from electrical, flooring, furnishings, signs and graphics to internet, insurance, catering, lead retrieval and much more.
Explore the Exhibitor Service Manual.
Take Advantage of the FREE New Products Showcase Entry
For companies introducing new products, no marketing opportunity delivers greater exposure than the New Products Showcase.
The first new 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. Exhibitors can get all the details and enter products at semashow.com/newproducts, also seen in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
Questions about exhibiting? SEMA Show management is here to help at 909-396-0289 and semashow@sema.org.
And don't forget these other must-read exhibitor resources. Each offers practical tips to help companies maximize their SEMA Show plan:
- Have a Plan for the 2026 SEMA Show: Essential Resources for Exhibitors.
- Generate More Leads at the 2026 SEMA Show.
- Maximize Your Marketing ROI at 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, visit the Registration Resource Center, or visit the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.
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.
