By SEMA News Editors
The 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, is where the automotive specialty-equipment industry comes together to discover new products, build relationships and find opportunities for growth. It's also one of the best places to sharpen business skills, explore emerging trends and learn from experts who understand the challenges facing the industry. (Still need to register for the 2026 SEMA Show? Get started here).
With more than three dozen free SEMA Education sessions included with Show registration, plus specialized training and professional development from industry partners, attendees have plenty of opportunities to bring home more than new products and contacts. From improving shop profitability and strengthening marketing strategies to understanding regulatory changes and emerging vehicle technologies, the right session could spark an idea that makes a difference long after the Show ends.
The education schedule kicks off Tuesday, November 3, the first day of the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Attendees can choose from sessions covering business strategy, sales and marketing, leadership, vehicle technology, industry trends and more.
Tuesday's 2026 SEMA Education Schedule
All SEMA Education sessions listed below are free with SEMA Show registration. Sessions are first-come, first-served, so arrive on time to secure a seat.
Tuesday, November 3 (all times PST)
- 11:00 a.m. | Legislative and Regulatory | N253 | Legislative and Regulatory Update for 2026 will cover the latest tax, legislative and regulatory changes affecting businesses and individual owners. Register here.
- 11:00 a.m. | Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends | N255 | Driving Smarter Decisions: Insights Into Today's Vehicle and Consumer Trends will explore the latest data on vehicle populations, ownership patterns and consumer behavior. Register here.
- 11:00 a.m. | Inside the Shop | N257 | The Business Behind the Builds: Best Practices in the Truck and Off-Road Industry, Powered by TORA brings TORA Council members together to discuss business strategies and build practices for today's truck and off-road market. Register here.
- 11:00 a.m. | Small-Business Strategy | N259 | Full-Throttle Profits: How to Earn More Without Working More will show detailers, installers and aftermarket professionals how to improve pricing, sales, cash flow and repeat business. Register here.
- 1:00 p.m. | Sales and Marketing | N253 | Measuring What You Can't Click--Analytics for AI-Driven Discovery will examine how marketers can measure brand visibility and influence when customers encounter information through AI-generated search results instead of traditional website clicks. Register here.
- 1:00 p.m. | Talent Management | N255 | Talent Is the Constraint: How Aftermarket Companies Must Rethink Leadership, Engineering and Frontline Skills to Compete will explore strategies for developing talent and building teams capable of supporting modern vehicles and technologies. Register here.
- 1:00 p.m. | Small-Business Strategy | N259 | Five Ways to Make Your Small Business More Successful will offer practical strategies for improving visibility, strengthening teams, managing time and getting more value from customers. Register here.
- 3:00 p.m. | Sales and Marketing | N253 | The Art of Leveraging AI as a Competitive Advantage will explore practical applications for AI and small language models, including workflow integration, security and domain-specific uses. Register here.
- 3:00 p.m. | Legislative and Regulatory | N255 | Inside the Rulebook: EPA and CARB Compliance for the Modern Aftermarket will provide an update on emissions regulations, enforcement trends and compliance strategies. Register here.
- 3:00 p.m. | Emerging and Executive Leadership | N257 | SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Own the Room will provide practical tools for executive presence, leadership transitions and strategic influence. Register here.
- 3:00 p.m. | Inside the Shop | N259 | Hot-Rod Builders' Panel, Powered by HRIA will give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from leading hot-rod builders and shop owners. Register here.
SEMA ADAS Showcase: Hands-On Education With Vehicle Engineers
The expanded SEMA ADAS Showcase, developed with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and its ADAS Council, will give attendees a hands-on look at how vehicle changes, repairs and calibration requirements affect advanced driver assistance systems. Running November 3-6 in Upper South Hall, booth #31200, the Showcase will feature vehicle engineers from Ford, General Motors and Rivian, along with collision-repair and calibration specialists demonstrating real-world scenarios using late-model vehicles and calibration equipment. Attendees can explore topics such as sensor alignment, calibration troubleshooting, vehicle geometry and repair requirements, with opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with participating experts. The Showcase is open to all registered SEMA Show buyers and exhibitors. Explore the ADAS Showcase schedule.
More Education Opportunities From Industry Partners
SEMA Education is only part of the learning opportunities available during Show Week. Industry partners SCRS, I-CAR and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) are also bringing specialized programming to Las Vegas, covering collision-repair business operations, technical training, tire service, vehicle safety systems and more. Some partner sessions require separate registration or fees.
SCRS: Business and Technical Education for Collision Repairers
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) returns with its Repairer Driven Education (RDE) classroom program Tuesday, November 3, and Wednesday, November 4. The sessions address the business, technical and operational challenges facing modern collision-repair facilities, with topics including digital marketing, repair planning, training effectiveness, mechanical labor, estimator capacity, financial management, leadership and communication.
Attendees can also explore related topics in greater depth through sessions addressing mechanical repair opportunities and the business considerations involved in bringing additional repair capabilities in-house. The RDE Full Series Pass provides access to RDE classroom education, the IDEAS Collide Showcase, the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit sessions and the Thursday night SCRS Sky Villa After-party.
Registration: Add SCRS education during SEMA Show registration or visit the Registration Resource Center and select "Add/View Education and Events."
I-CAR: Training for Today's Increasingly Complex Vehicles
I-CAR returns with technical education designed to help collision-repair professionals meet the demands of modern vehicles. Its 2026 lineup includes training in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration and diagnostics, GMA/MIG welding, blueprinting and glue pull repair.
New courses include Introductions to Diagnostics and Scan Tools, Understanding the Blueprinting Process and Glue Pull Repair (GPR). Returning options include Requirements and Considerations for ADAS Calibration, GMA/MIG Welding Basics and GMA/MIG Welding Advanced Features. Specially priced course bundles are also available, with attendees who complete both sessions in a bundle and pass the post-test eligible to receive two I-CAR course credits toward annual training.
Registration: Explore I-CAR education sessions and register through SEMA Show registration or the Registration Resource Center.
TIA: Tire Service, TPMS and ADAS
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will present six educational sessions during the Show, covering tire service, tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), commercial tire service, safety, government affairs and business management.
Tuesday's programming includes Truck Tires TPMS at 10: TPMS in Commercial Truck Tires, Tires at 10: Passenger and Light-Truck Tire Conditions Analysis and Tires at 2: ADAS and the Future of Custom Tire and Wheel Fitments. All six TIA sessions are free, giving tire and service professionals opportunities to learn from industry experts about issues affecting their businesses.
Registration and details: Visit TIA's Global Tire Expo 2026 page.
Plan to Attend Education Sessions and Start the Show Strong
The SEMA Show moves quickly, and a little planning can help attendees get more out of every day. Before heading to the Show floor, review the education schedule and identify sessions that align with current business priorities, whether that's increasing profitability, reaching new customers, building a stronger team or preparing for changes in vehicle technology and regulation.
Explore the complete 2026 SEMA Education schedule and create a plan during SEMA Show registration or through the Registration Resource Center after registering. Partner programs may have separate registration requirements and fees, as detailed on the full schedule.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Attendee and buyer registration is 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.
