2026 SEMA SHOW KICKOFF BREAKFAST TO FEATURE JAY LENO, HARLEY-DAVIDSON CEO ARTIE STARRS AND TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS
-- Annual pre-show gathering delivers executive perspective, product discovery, and company achievements ahead of Show floor opening. --
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct 8, 2026) – The 2026 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast will launch the industry’s premier trade event on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino ballrooms. Highlighting the program is an exclusive fireside chat featuring Jay Leno and Harley-Davidson President and CEO Artie Starrs, setting the tone before Show doors officially open.
This year, Harley-Davidson joins the Show’s expanding Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section in West Hall, a strategic expansion that underscores the growing intersection between the automotive and powersports communities.
“The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast gives attendees an early start on the industry’s most critical week of business,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “It’s a dedicated moment to celebrate the people, products, and achievements driving our industry forward, while strengthening the connections that define the SEMA community.”
A central highlight of the Kickoff Breakfast is the presentation of the 2026 SEMA Best New Product Awards, honoring exceptional innovation across 15 categories. Drawn from the New Products Showcase, these awards provide attendees with an advance look at breakthrough technologies shaping today’s automotive aftermarket.
The program will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and 2026 SEMA Channel Partner of the Year awards, honoring two exceptional organizations for outstanding leadership and contributions over the past year.
“The Kickoff Breakfast is designed to energize attendees for a productive week,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We look forward to uniting the global industry around product discovery, emerging trends, and business growth.”
Exhibitor demand for the 2026 SEMA Show has surpassed 1 million net square feet of indoor exhibit space, with more than 2,000 brands preparing to connect with a global audience Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. The event remains one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the country, reflecting continued investment and growth across the automotive aftermarket.
Attendees can also experience signature features such as the New Products Showcase, Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers, and FutureTech Studio, offering a closer look at the trends and technologies influencing the next generation of automotive tools and shop environments.
The 2026 SEMA Show is part of the broader “SEMA Week” experience, which includes Friday public access and the high-energy SEMA Fest.
To learn more or register, visit www.semashow.com.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks, side-by-sides, and two-wheel vehicles. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.
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