Editor's Note: This story was originally published on May 15, 2025. For the latest SEMA Show information, visit semashow.com. To register for the 2025 SEMA Show, visit here.
SEMA has announced that the 2025 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment industry event spent weeks plotting booths to ensure brands could showcase their new innovations at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.
Now that the floorplan is live, automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.
But planning out your Show is only one part of preparing for a successful SEMA Show. The road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show begins with:
Registration: Secure your badge to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills with education sessions. Register today atsemashow.com/register.
Booking Your Hotel:Hotel reservations are openonline here. SEMA Show and partner onPeak offer Showgoers the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
Securing Discounted Airline Tickets: Show organizers have secured special airline fares and discounts for trips with Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.
Planning Your SEMA Show:Visit the SEMA Show attendee website at semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Product Showcase, the SEMABattle of the Builders, SEMA Fest, and much more.
Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.
Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show. For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.
Tim Germinario (left) and Tom Sylvester of The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road.
Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvestereat, sleep and breathe all things off-road. The pair are owners of Dirt Nerd Motors, an off-road shop in Sterling, Virginia, helping others pursue their passion for the great outdoors. In their spare time, they host the "Dirt Drive Podcast," educating and informing listeners on issues facing the off-road community. Now, Germinario and Sylvester are aiming to use their platform--and proximity to Washington, D.C.--to be a voice for that community and help preserve public lands and improve outdoor access.
Get to know the "Dirt Drive Podcast"hosts in their interview with SEMA News below:
Tim Germinario: I've been a lifelong auto enthusiast, starting with my first car. It was a '84 Jeep CJ-7 that my dad passed down to me when I started driving. We would wrench on it just to keep it alive and trying to restore it. We'd cruise around the woods, and everyone in high school drooled over that Jeep. I have had a few Jeep projects over the years and continue to wrench on things. My current projects are my '98 Jeep XJ and '71 Camaro LS-Swap.
Tom Sylvester: I grew up watching the classic car TV shows like "Monster Garage" and "Overhaulin'". I knew immediately that I wanted to work with custom cars in some way. I fell in love with Jeeps and off-roading early and that eventually led to the opening of our off-road shop, Dirt Nerds Motors. I attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology for Automotive Restoration and Automotive Management and have been in the industry my entire adult life.
What's been your biggest motivator?
The podcast grew from us all being close friends and going on four-wheeling trips together. We'd sit around the fire pit and tell stories or answer questions for folks we met on the trail. We had multiple strangers tell us we'd be a great podcast. Fast forward a few years and we have more than 150 episodes recorded and released weekly. We've been able to meet some incredible people in the industry and we can't wait to see what the next 150 episodes bring. We'll continue to try and educate and involve as many people as we can. We love keeping our followers informed as best as we can and helping advocate for our sport and hobby.
What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community?
The people are what make the automotive community amazing. We focus on 4x4s and off-roading and that specific community highlights what it means to be an enthusiast. We've never been on the trail and needed help and not had strangers stop and make sure we're ok. The friends that we've gained from this become family quickly. The long cross-country trips and overcoming the challenges of off-roading build incredible relationships. I know the rest of the niches in the car culture can all relate to that. Whether it's wrenching parties, borrowing or trading parts and tools, or just waiting for the tow truck with them is what makes this community the best.
As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?
The off-road community faces a ton of challenges, ranging from land-use rights, cost of ownership issues and land stewardship. Our goal is to educate our audience on everything we can. We aren't necessarily to all-knowing experts but we try and bring those experts in to help. It's fun for us because we get to learn with our audience while getting those messages out and setting an example of being good stewards of the land. There is also massive growth in off-road racing and motorsports. As fans of the sport, we like to raise awareness and bring coverage to our audience. We want our sport and hobby to continue to grow in a safe and sustainable manner. We plan to continue to reach people in a fun but meaningful way.
Why is advocacy important to you?
Being close to Washington, D.C., we can be a voice for our community. The off-road space is extremely diverse and, in my opinion, misunderstood by the non-automotive folks. We are viewed as wanting to take our big trucks out in the woods and knock down our forests or wreck the beautiful streams, but, we are the exact opposite of that. We enjoy all the beautiful, undisturbed sights nature has to offer. Being able to get out and drive to new trailheads for hiking, finding incredible campsites or an amazing view is why we do this. Being able to contribute our voices and represent our community is an honor and we hope to get more involved in preserving our public lands and our ability to access them.
What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?
It's hard to pick out one specific moment. We've met so many great people and even met some role models and industry icons that have influenced us over the years. I'd have to loop the whole of 2024 into the biggest moment. We had a great year getting involved in many events and attending the PRI Show. The PRI Show was the first event we attended as true credentialed media, and it sparked incredible opportunities for us.
What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?
The year is off to a hot start for us with events we're hosting and planned trips. We've got the first week of November highlighted for the 2025 SEMA Show. We've got some cool ideas for content and are hoping to be able to execute all of them. I hope everyone follows along for our goofy yet educational shenanigans.
What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?
There isn't much we're hoping for other than more growth in both the industry side and hobbyist side. Off-roading and overlanding have so much to offer, from amazing travel experiences to learning new skills. We love seeing new people come into the community and dive headfirst into the lifestyle.
Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.
Tim Germinario (left) and Tom Sylvester of The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road.
Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvestereat, sleep and breathe all things off-road. The pair are owners of Dirt Nerd Motors, an off-road shop in Sterling, Virginia, helping others pursue their passion for the great outdoors. In their spare time, they host the "Dirt Drive Podcast," educating and informing listeners on issues facing the off-road community. Now, Germinario and Sylvester are aiming to use their platform--and proximity to Washington, D.C.--to be a voice for that community and help preserve public lands and improve outdoor access.
Get to know the "Dirt Drive Podcast"hosts in their interview with SEMA News below:
Tim Germinario: I've been a lifelong auto enthusiast, starting with my first car. It was a '84 Jeep CJ-7 that my dad passed down to me when I started driving. We would wrench on it just to keep it alive and trying to restore it. We'd cruise around the woods, and everyone in high school drooled over that Jeep. I have had a few Jeep projects over the years and continue to wrench on things. My current projects are my '98 Jeep XJ and '71 Camaro LS-Swap.
Tom Sylvester: I grew up watching the classic car TV shows like "Monster Garage" and "Overhaulin'". I knew immediately that I wanted to work with custom cars in some way. I fell in love with Jeeps and off-roading early and that eventually led to the opening of our off-road shop, Dirt Nerds Motors. I attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology for Automotive Restoration and Automotive Management and have been in the industry my entire adult life.
What's been your biggest motivator?
The podcast grew from us all being close friends and going on four-wheeling trips together. We'd sit around the fire pit and tell stories or answer questions for folks we met on the trail. We had multiple strangers tell us we'd be a great podcast. Fast forward a few years and we have more than 150 episodes recorded and released weekly. We've been able to meet some incredible people in the industry and we can't wait to see what the next 150 episodes bring. We'll continue to try and educate and involve as many people as we can. We love keeping our followers informed as best as we can and helping advocate for our sport and hobby.
What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community?
The people are what make the automotive community amazing. We focus on 4x4s and off-roading and that specific community highlights what it means to be an enthusiast. We've never been on the trail and needed help and not had strangers stop and make sure we're ok. The friends that we've gained from this become family quickly. The long cross-country trips and overcoming the challenges of off-roading build incredible relationships. I know the rest of the niches in the car culture can all relate to that. Whether it's wrenching parties, borrowing or trading parts and tools, or just waiting for the tow truck with them is what makes this community the best.
As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?
The off-road community faces a ton of challenges, ranging from land-use rights, cost of ownership issues and land stewardship. Our goal is to educate our audience on everything we can. We aren't necessarily to all-knowing experts but we try and bring those experts in to help. It's fun for us because we get to learn with our audience while getting those messages out and setting an example of being good stewards of the land. There is also massive growth in off-road racing and motorsports. As fans of the sport, we like to raise awareness and bring coverage to our audience. We want our sport and hobby to continue to grow in a safe and sustainable manner. We plan to continue to reach people in a fun but meaningful way.
Why is advocacy important to you?
Being close to Washington, D.C., we can be a voice for our community. The off-road space is extremely diverse and, in my opinion, misunderstood by the non-automotive folks. We are viewed as wanting to take our big trucks out in the woods and knock down our forests or wreck the beautiful streams, but, we are the exact opposite of that. We enjoy all the beautiful, undisturbed sights nature has to offer. Being able to get out and drive to new trailheads for hiking, finding incredible campsites or an amazing view is why we do this. Being able to contribute our voices and represent our community is an honor and we hope to get more involved in preserving our public lands and our ability to access them.
What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?
It's hard to pick out one specific moment. We've met so many great people and even met some role models and industry icons that have influenced us over the years. I'd have to loop the whole of 2024 into the biggest moment. We had a great year getting involved in many events and attending the PRI Show. The PRI Show was the first event we attended as true credentialed media, and it sparked incredible opportunities for us.
What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?
The year is off to a hot start for us with events we're hosting and planned trips. We've got the first week of November highlighted for the 2025 SEMA Show. We've got some cool ideas for content and are hoping to be able to execute all of them. I hope everyone follows along for our goofy yet educational shenanigans.
What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?
There isn't much we're hoping for other than more growth in both the industry side and hobbyist side. Off-roading and overlanding have so much to offer, from amazing travel experiences to learning new skills. We love seeing new people come into the community and dive headfirst into the lifestyle.
Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.
SEMA Show organizers have recently launched a variety of resources for 2025 SEMA Show exhibitors--available at semashow.com/exhibitor--designed to help them maximize ROI while exhibiting at the automotive aftermarket's premier event, November 4-7, Las Vegas.
Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts brands in front of thousands of qualified domestic and international buyers and the most influential members of the media from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. (Still need a booth? Secure one here).
To maximize ROI, exhibitors can utilize the Exhibitor Service Manual on semashow.com/exhibitor. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department.
Below is a preview of the valuable resources to get exhibitors on the road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show.
1. Feature Vehicles
Found under "Vehicle/Car Display Opportunities," exhibitors can learn more about the rules, regulations and requirements for displaying a vehicle on the SEMA Show floor outside of a booth. New-for-2025: The deadline to submit Feature Vehicle applications is Friday, July 25, 2025. An additional labor fee will be charged to vehicles unable to operate/require a vehicle tow. Click here to read up on the Feature Vehicle guidelines or submit an application.
2. New Products Showcase
Found under "Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships," exhibitors can submit products to the New Products Showcase--the top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show--to build brand awareness and generate leads. The first product entry is always free for exhibitors, so it's a no-brainer to enter. Find more information on submitting a product, packaging or merchandising display here and complete an application for a new or featured product here.
3. Budget Checklist
Found under "About the Show," the SEMA Show budget checklist is an essential tool for all participating exhibitors, but especially first-timers. Calculate all confirmed and projected fees for everything from booth space; exhibit design and building; electrical; freight and material handling and related services; plus marketing and staff expenses.
4. Deadlines List
Found under "About the Show," the SEMA Show deadline checklist provides key dates for exhibitors, including deadlines and rate increases.
5. Contact Information
Contact Information gives exhibitors a chance to contact Show organizers to help them succeed with categories like booth vehicles, feature vehicles, banquet tickets, the New Product Showcase, meeting rooms and more.
6. Parking at the SEMA Show
SEMA Show parking information is beneficial for exhibitors with trailers and those looking to discover where they can park leading up to and during the event.
7. LVCC Booth Services - Freeman
This section addresses Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) booth needs, including power, carpet, fixtures, freight, A/V and computer rentals, cleaning, signs and graphics and more. Note that exhibitors placed in Westgate Las Vegas should utilize the "Westgate Hotel - Booth Services" section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
8. LVCC Booth Services - Other Approved Vendors
Access the approved vendors for lead retrieval, catering, insurance, vehicle detailing, tent and canopy rental, internet and telephone, photography, and more. Note that exhibitors placed in the Westgate Las Vegas should utilize the "Westgate Hotel - Booth Services" section.
Among the several exhibitor resources is the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a free program on June 25-27 in Vegas and the best way to get the most ROI. Exhibitors new and returning, can take advantage of SEMA value-added programs; use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth; save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses; work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI; learn to properly plan and budget expenses and explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods. Hotel rooms will be provided for up to two guests in this valuable program; you can't afford to miss it!
175cc Small Block Mopar Cylinder Heads for LA Engines
Air Flow Research (AFR) has introduced new cylinder heads for 175cc small-block Mopar LA engines. Engineered for '64-'92 318, 340 and 360 LA engines, these cylinder heads feature precision-designed intake and exhaust runners with an as-cast finish, and redesigned water jackets to provide improved cooling in high-stress areas, according to the manufacturer.
Cosmo Tires has announced that its new tire model, the Kurrent Premium Touring tire, is now available. This electric-vehicle-ready tire features a designed sidewall aesthetic, as well as a patented treadwear indicator on the center rib. According to the manufacturer, geometric isolation offers a smoother, quieter ride, while the proprietary directed super silica compound aims to deliver a longer life and enhanced traction.
ICON Vehicle Dynamics is now offering new CDXS Compression Damping Dual Speed shocks and coilovers, and associated complete suspension systems for '24 Toyota Tacoma applications. The new systems offer independent compression damping adjustability for both high-speed and low-speed shock velocity, as well as height-adjustable coilovers, remote reservoirs and more.
'25 Toyota 4Runner Skid Plates
The manufacturer also recently introduced new front and transmission skid plates to protect critical drivetrain components on the '25 Toyota 4Runner. The front skid plate integrates closely with the stock front bumper, providing protection rearward to the differential crossmembers, ICON Vehicle Dynamics says. The transmission skid plate continues the protection to the transmission crossmember. Both plates are CNC laser-cut and precision-brake formed from 5052 aluminum alloy plate.
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Truck'n Americaas the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Truck'n America's marketing director Kelly Morrison below.
SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.
Kelly Morrison: In 1975, Truck'n America was founded in Maryland by a father and son team--Chuck Morrison Jr., a veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and his son Chuck Morrison III, a laid-off construction worker. They were inspired by the truck cap and had an idea that they could make some money selling them in the area.
True to our roots, we are a family-owned and -operated business to this day. Brothers Chuck Morrison IV and Dan Morrison are the administrators and operators of the modern-day Truck'n America and carry on their grandfather and father's legacy of excellent customer service and product knowledge.
SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.
KM: The father and son team first set a goal of selling just one truck cap a day to simply "get by." They found that through a combination of demand and excellent customer service, they were soon smashing that goal and selling two a day, then three, then four and beyond. By 1983, they had expanded to four locations in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas, which quickly became 13 locations all the way up and down the East Coast.
Today, Truck'n America operates five locations in Maryland and Virginia. Our team and employee retention are the key to our success. Our newest manager has been with us for 15 years and our most senior manager has been with us for 32 years. Combined, our team has more than 150 years of truck-cap/truck-accessory industry experience.
Our breakthrough moment, along with being one of the first to sell truck caps in our geographical area, was recognizing that at the end of the day, integrity and customer service is and always will be of utmost importance. We pride ourselves on the thousands of happy customers that have come through our doors and driven away with a product they need from people that they can rely on. This is what keeps them coming back and has kept us in business for half of a century.
SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.
KM: 2025 is our 50th year in business. We are still selling truck caps, but our selection of products has expanded to include all kinds of pickup truck, SUV, Jeep and auto accessories, trailers and towing accessories, tonneau covers, work truck and work van accessories, UTVs and more.
We are currently working on bringing our business into the modern day, putting efforts into digital, social media and video marketing, strengthening our image and brand voice, and keeping up with industry trends. We are also focusing on training the next generation of product experts, our sales team, installers and management to carry on our legacy of unparalleled customer service and industry expertise.
SN:What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KM: Our advice for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket is to place your focus on delivering outstanding service. Competition is inevitable, but at the end of the day, customers will always stay loyal to the business that treated them right, went above and beyond, and made them confident about their choice to do business with you.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
The 2025 SEMA Show is now accepting submissions to participate in the 2025 SEMA Show Bin Program, which offers automotive publications a simple way to gain mass exposure for their magazine.
Showcase your magazine where it matters--the aftermarket's premier event--and make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show’s 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors.
In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, participants will get to display and distribute their publication at the 2025 SEMA Show.
Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers--act now and submit your details here.
Editor's Note: This story was originally published on May 15, 2025. Submissions for the Bin Program at the 2025 SEMA Show are now closed. Questions? Contact Lynne Johnson, SEMA Marketing Director, Agency and Creative Services, at lynnej@sema.org.
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kasey Saltness, event and engagement specialist at QA1, the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Saltness was nominated for a spotlight feature by her peer, Erica Sietsma. Get to know Saltness through Sietsma’s interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How has Kasey contributed to QA1?
Erica Sietsma: QA1 is a leader in putting together brand partnerships with both established and up-and-coming content creators. Kasey has led this effort with a thoughtful approach to how the company identifies potential partners, but more importantly, how they build and manage those partnerships.
SN: How has Kasey shown leadership in the industry or business?
ES: Kasey is not only passionate about our industry and QA1, she's also compassionate, which is an often overlooked but crucial component for true leaders. I've had many of QA1's sponsored creators tell me, "Of all the brands we work with, Kasey is the best. She is so thoughtful and communicative, and she'll reach out just to check on me and that means a lot."
SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Kasey.
ES: Kasey has built out such a great sponsor program at QA1 that I've had multiple other brands say to me, "We want to be a popular brand like QA1. All the creators want to work with them, and they work with all the great creators!" That's all Kasey. And from our reporting, we can see the value those partnerships are bringing to QA1.
SN: How many years has Kasey been in the industry?
ES: Five to 10 years.
SN: What quality do you admire most about Kasey and why?
ES: Kasey is authentic. She genuinely cares about her work, her creators and the industry overall, and you can just tell. She's not putting on an act--she genuinely cares and lets that shine through.
SN: Why do you think Kasey is a role model in the industry?
ES: Kasey is someone who was given an opportunity to build something new out at QA1 and she ran with it. She took an idea and turned it into a successful marketing strategy, and did it through trial and error and caring. There is no "playbook" on how to build successful content creator partnerships but just like anything in business, if you've got the drive to solve problems and the care to continually improve, you'll go far.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, in Las Vegas--just opened online this week, but it's never too early to start planning your Show.
From cutting-edge vehicle builds to the latest innovations in the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is where the world gathers every year to experience the energy, passion and innovations that define the specialty-equipment aftermarket. (Learn more about why attend at semashow.com/attendee).
Organizers recommend interested attendees and buyers register now to start planning the best SEMA Show experience for their careers and businesses. Mapping out the event in advance gives attendees the best opportunity to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show week, allowing the benefits of the event to reverberate long after the Show floor closes.
How to Apply for Registration
Approved attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for only $50 onsemashow.com/attendee now through Friday, June 27. After the deadline, the registration price will increase to $75.
How to Save on Your 2025 SEMA Show Hotel
SEMA Showgoers are strongly encouraged to secure their housing online here through onPeak, SEMA's only official hotel provider. Booking a 2025 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rates possible for the event without needing to browse the web for hours.
How to Save on Airfare for the SEMA Show
SEMA Showgoers can claim exclusive airline discounts for their trip to the 2025 SEMA Show. With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event.
Alaska Airlines:
Discount: 7% off published fares.
Valid Travel Dates: Friday, October 31--Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMO139.
Phone Reservations: Contact the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. Note that a $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.
Phone Reservations: Contact the Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting CodeNY3RX. (No service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the listed phone number).
United Airlines:
Discount: Up to 2% to 10% based on origin location.
Valid Travel Dates: Thursday, October 30--Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Online Reservations: Visit the special link here, or use discount code ZPKE658685.
Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide the representative with the following information:
Z Code: ZQT8.
Agreement Code: 615759.
SEMA Show International Attendees Seeking a Travel Visa
For those traveling from outside of the United States, SEMA can offer a letter of invitation for approved attendees. The online registration form must be completed before a visa letter can be issued. The letter will only be prepared using the individual's name and company name as listed in their registration record.
For more information, visit the Registration FAQs section of SEMAShow.com/attendee and scroll down to "I need a visa to enter the United States. How can I get a letter of invitation?"
Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.
For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.
The United States and China announced an agreement on May 12 to significantly reduce tariffs imposed earlier this year for a period of 90 days, clearing the way for further discussions between the two countries regarding their trade relationship.
Under the agreement, both the United States and China will reduce tariffs imposed in 2025 by 115%. Chinese imports to the United States will be subject to a 30% tariff, which includes the standard 10% country-by-country tariff along with a 20% tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to address the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Meanwhile, American exports to China will be subject to a 10% tariff. Products imported from China are still subject to Section 232 tariffs of 25% that were first imposed in 2018.
The agreement is a significant step forward in preventing a trade war between the United States and China, helping small businesses that import components and products from China.
SEMA's recent letter to President Trump outlined the impact of recently imposed tariffs on the specialty automotive aftermarket and highlighted the need for an orderly transition that provides United States businesses time to re-shore their manufacturing along with economic relief to assist in that transition rather than sharp increases in tariffs. The United States-China agreement is a major step in this direction with both countries significantly reducing tariffs that would have brought trade between the two nations to a standstill.
The United States and China announcement was the product of a successful negotiation between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and He Lifeng, China's vice premier of the state council, in Geneva, Switzerland, which sets a path for future discussions to open market access for American exports. Both countries affirmed the importance of the critical bilateral economic and trade relationship and agreed to establish continuing discussions about trade and economics.
For additional information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.
