By SEMA News Editors
The SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, is where the global automotive industry gathers across four days in the Las Vegas Convention Center. And for attendees, that means an opportunity to connect with the people, companies and products shaping the industry.
With thousands of exhibitors across the Show floor, planning before arriving can help attendees make the most of their time and spend more of it having meaningful business conversations with exhibitors.
Below is a brief overview of the ways to connect with exhibitors at this year's SEMA Show. Check out semashow.com/plan for even more resources, tools and tips to get the most out of SEMA.
Still need to register? Submit your credentials by Friday, September 25, to save on registration. Attendee and buyer registration is open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.
Check Out the Floorplan, Build an Exhibitor List
With thousands of booths across the SEMA Show floor, planning ahead can help attendees make every minute count. The SEMA Show floorplan helps attendees get familiar with the layout, locate exhibitors and identify the halls and areas most relevant to their businesses. Attendees can build an exhibitor list as they explore the floorplan, then add exhibitors to their Show plan to keep track of the companies they want to connect with in Las Vegas.
Read more about the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.
Add Favorite Exhibitors and Create a Plan
Once attendees identify the exhibitors and destinations they want to visit, the SEMA Show planner can help create a personalized Show itinerary. Favoriting exhibitors and other destinations makes it easier to keep track of must-see stops and organize plans for each day.
Building a plan ahead of time can help attendees make room for priority meetings while still leaving time to explore the Show floor and discover something unexpected.
Explore the SEMA Show Planner
The SEMA Show planner makes it easier to find exhibitors and other Show destinations based on individual interests and business needs. Attendees can search by exhibitor name, state, province or country, product category, Show section or hall to discover companies they want to connect with.
The tools also feature Spotlight Exhibitors, giving attendees another way to find companies they may not have encountered before and expand their list of potential connections.
Read more about the SEMA Show planner platform.
Stay Connected Before the Show: Products for Builders and Press Releases
Attendees should frequently check these resources leading up to the Show for new opportunities, company updates and information that can help maximize their time and SEMA Show ROI:
- Builders: The Products for Project Vehicle Builders listing provides a way for builders to connect with exhibitors and identify products and companies relevant to their projects. Builders seeking products should contact exhibitors directly using the contact information provided. Learn more about the listing and rules.
- Attendees and media: The SEMA Show exhibitor press release portal is another resource to check regularly for relevant news, updates, product releases and other exhibitor information that can help maximize SEMA Show ROI.
Plan to Discover New Products and Services in One Dedicated Area
The SEMA Show New Products Showcase gives attendees another way to discover products and companies before and during the Show. Exploring the Showcase, located in the first floor of the Lower South Hall, can help attendees identify new products to look for on the Show floor and companies to add to their must-see list. Can't wait for the 2026 products? View last year's New Products Showcase product listings.
Make the Right Connections at SEMA, Keep the Conversations Going
The SEMA Show is about more than seeing what's new. It's an opportunity to meet the people behind the products and connect with potential business partners, vendors and mentors.
"The SEMA Show is a great place for future leaders to start building early connections in the industry. There are many events during and after the show where people are able to connect with possible business partners, vendors, or even mentors. The more you can connect, the opportunity for personal growth expands! There are also education seminars during the show week that you can attend where you can pick up some extra skills," said Dan LaRou of Chrome Enhancements and the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) chair.
LaRou added, "I am really looking forward to walking the show this year and building connections with possible new vendors to add to our catalog of products!"
Connections made at the SEMA Show can continue after the event closes. Attendees can exchange contact information with exhibitors and make notes about products, services or opportunities they want to explore after the Show.
If available, attendees should also have exhibitors scan their badges to make it easier for exhibitors to follow up after the Show.
With some preparation before arriving in Las Vegas, attendees can spend less time figuring out where to go and more time doing what the SEMA Show is all about––connecting with the automotive industry.
Check out semashow.com/plan for even more resources, tools and tips to get the most out of SEMA.
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, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.
Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.
