By SEMA Editors

There are eight weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. 

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• September 8: Celebrity Appearances Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 8: Booth Vehicle Display Application due (for vehicles displayed in the booth).
• September 15: Sponsorship Artwork/Materials due to Freeman.
• September 18: Lead retrieval rental (advanced rate)--CompuSystems.
• September 26: Freight-Freeman Warehouse--first day to accept advance freight.
• September 28: Freeman Discount Deadline--Various Freeman services, including audio-visual and computers; carpet and booth cleaning order; credit card authorization/method of payment; electrical; accessories (advanced rate); furnishings (advanced rate); first-time exhibitor booth package; labor for hanging signage/banner; labor for installation/dismantle; payment authorization form; rental exhibit order (advanced rate); third party payment authorization; utilities; internet/telephone.
• September 29: Exhibitor registration is due for domestic guests (to receive badges in the mail) at semashow.com/register.
• October 6: New Products Entry (advanced rate).
• October 6: Products for Product-Vehicle Builders.
• October 6: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from Risk-strategies/Buttine).
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application Form.
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Proof of Insurance Deadline.
• October 13: Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse--CARPET/PAD only. 
• October 13: After-Hours Events.
• October 13: After-Hours Event--Proof of Security (Required if having an after-hours event). 
• October 13: Meeting/Function space reservation.
• October 16: Booth Catering Order Service--CENTERPLATE.
• October 18: Tents/Canopies--Full Circle Events.
• October 18: Freight--Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty.
• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, SEMA Garage is excited to announce a measuring session for the newly designed '24 Ford Mustang. The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with select models of this vehicle. 

Featured vehicle models: 

• Mustang GT Coupe Premium 
• Mustang Ecoboost Convertible Premium  
• Mustang Mach-E GT AWD 

 SEMA Garage Detroit  

(View on Google Maps)

September 25-28, 2023

RSVP for SEMA Garage Detroit here.

 Contact measuringsessions@sema.org for additional information.*

*Due to high demand, all submissions will be subject to approval by Ford.

For SEMA members located closer to Southern California, there is an alternative opportunity:

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar

(View on Google Maps)

September 11-14, 2023 

RSVP for SEMA Garage Diamond Bar here.

By Juan Torres

The 2023 SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products, is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers during the October 31-November 3 trade show, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to easily discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

"The New Products Showcase is the most comprehensive collection of what is coming next in the automotive industry, providing attendees a virtual glimpse into the future of the market," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "It is where SEMA Show attendees can also envision how to utilize the latest products and services in their own businesses by learning details about the products, including the exhibitor's booth number, so they connect directly with the manufacturer on the Show floor. Exhibitors can maximize their ROI by participating in the New Products Showcase, which results in increased brand exposure and more visitors to their booths."

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost, and they can enter additional products at a cost of $95 before October 6 and $150 after. There is no limit to the number of entries a company can submit (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app and possibly winning multiple Best New Product awards, which are presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

"The New Products Showcase provides exhibitors a great opportunity to generate leads and exposure for very little cost, especially if they take advantage of early deadlines," added SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "Having access to thousands of products in one location makes trend-spotting easy for buyers and media. Plus, our mobile app allows attendees to 'favorite' products so they can maximize their time at the Show and use the app as a year-round resource. It is like putting the future in your pocket."

Register for the SEMA Show

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place where professionals come to connect with product experts from the exhibiting companies for quality one-on-one discussions, demos, and presentations.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA Editors

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, and SEMA has officially opened sponsorship opportunities for industry members to get involved and connect with consumers like never before.  

Companies can now secure their part of the exclusive SEMA Fest Marketplace--which is expected to provide access to more than 30,000 music and motorsports enthusiasts (and potential new customers)--across two days in a one-of-a-kind festival setting. Industry businesses wishing to participate in the SEMA Fest Marketplace can submit an Exhibit Space Application here.

In addition, organizers are also providing several types of sponsorship activations. But hurry, space is limited for these unique programs! If you're interested in SEMA Fest sponsorship opportunities, contact our dedicated representative at partnership@semafest.com.

How to Display Your Vehicle at SEMA Fest

Displaying your vehicle at SEMA Fest is another effective way to interact with enthusiasts of various levels and genres. Simply select "Display My Vehicle" in the ticketing options. All vehicles entered will be placed on a waitlist until the car is reviewed and approved. Vehicle displays do not require exhibitor sponsorship and include one (1) general admission ticket to the festival.

Additional key points regarding show vehicles include:  

• Approved vehicle owners will be advised by September 22 when their vehicle will need to arrive for check-in on either Wednesday, November 1, or Thursday, November 2, for placement at SEMA Fest. 
• SEMA Fest Management will provide a schedule for when vehicles may depart the Festival Grounds after the event, Saturday night or Sunday morning, November 5. 
• Vehicles that arrive late for check-in will not be placed. 
• No refunds will be issued to vehicles that arrive late or cancel 
• Vehicles displayed at SEMA Fest will not be eligible to compete in Battle of the Builders. 
• Vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show will not be able to display at SEMA Fest. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit semafest.com.   

By SEMA Editors

Temecula, California-based EngineLabs, a resource for high-performance engine technology, has announced its 2023 Engine Build Giveaway, which will include a special SEMA Show feature event leading up to the PRI Show, December 7-9, in downtown Indianapolis. 

The giveaway engine is a Whipple supercharged 426ci Gen III Hemi, slated to make 1,200 hp. The engine will be built in real-time at the PRI Show by renowned builders Late Model Engines with support from presenting sponsor Summit Racing Equipment. 

"We are extremely excited to be working with Late Model Engines and Summit Racing once again to build an engine on the PRI Show floor," said Greg Acosta, editor of EngineLabs. "While we're sticking with our friends (LME) for the build, we're shaking things up this year by building a Gen-III Hemi with a Whipple twin-screw supercharger. That's three totally different engine combinations with three totally different power adders in three years, for anyone keeping score."

Once live, entries for the giveaway will be accepted online at enginelabsgiveaway.com. In addition, each initial entry received at the trade shows will earn participants $5 Summit Bucks for use online at SummitRacing.com.

"Summit Racing Equipment is pleased to once again partner with Power Automedia in this engine giveaway. The iconic Hemi is the perfect powerplant for this big horsepower build, and we look forward to watching it all come together live at PRI," explained Al Noe, Summit Racing Equipment's chief marketing officer. "Summit Racing Equipment carries a full range of parts and accessories for the Gen 3 Hemi, which includes our Summit Racing Pro Hemi performance parts. We look forward to meeting the winner and being a trusted source for parts, installation tools and anything else needed to maintain the engine for years to come." 

The winner will be announced in April 2024. To stay up-to-date with the giveaway, follow along at EngineLabs.com and the Power + Performance YouTube channel for content on the build, dyno test and giveaway.  

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By the SEMA D.C. office

In a joint letter to the Los Angeles and Long Beach mayors, SEMA and a coalition of industry and labor organizations have strongly opposed the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) proposed Indirect Source Rule (ISR). The proposed ISR aims to impose volume caps on port activities, thereby limiting the import and export of goods from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This rule would cause substantial damage to the local and national economy by hampering the delivery of crucial goods, like auto parts.  

The ISR, if implemented, would also have significant repercussions on various fronts, including jobs, supply chains, the economy, emissions reduction efforts, and the competitiveness of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. 

Click here to read a copy of the letter from SEMA to the Los Angeles and Long Beach mayors. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director, State Government Affairs & Grassroots Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) is hosting a free online networking event on Thursday, September 7, at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT to help industry members establish valuable business connections in the wheel and tire market.

All SEMA business members are invited to attend the Coffee and Conversation, where the aftermarket's hottest topics and issues will be discussed. During the meeting, participants will meet the "who's who" of the wheel and tire market, discuss current opportunities and challenges and gain insight from experts who can benefit your business.

"I certainly learned a lot from those that contributed," said Jeff Wade of Aftermarket Sales, who attended a previous session. "It was interesting to hear the points of view from various individuals from different segments within the industry."

A discussion topic will be introduced to start the conversation; however, attendees are welcome to bring a topic that impacts their wheel and tire business personally.

Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

With advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) becoming standard on most new vehicles today, the aftermarket industry must be aware of how parts and accessories may affect the safety systems. But just how much do parts manufacturers need to know, and what are manufacturers responsible for?

SEMA members are invited to the webinar "A Modified Vehicle and the Effects on ADAS Functionality--A Case Study" on Wednesday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. PDT, to find out what parts manufacturers need to know about ADAS and the federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). During the session, presented by the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technolgy Network (ETTN) and SEMA Garage, engineers and legal experts will explain what responsibilities manufacturers have when developing products that may affect the ADAS, including:

• How to determine what aftermarket parts may impact ADAS.
• If the manufacturer is liable for a vehicle's ADAS after it has been modified.
• What the FMVSS says in relation to ADAS.
• The actions manufacturers can begin taking today to protect the company.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new video on Facebook highlighting electric vehicles (EVs) and the changing landscape of the automotive aftermarket.

Featuring Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV, the video features an insightful discussion that will help SEMA members understand how OEMs are moving forward with electrification via hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), how this has sparked an entirely new industry of electric aftermarket vehicles and products and most importantly, how you can tap into it. 

Plus, learn insight into current and anticipated legislation adoption that will develop over the next 10 years and the pros and cons of EVs and aftermarket opportunities. Don't miss out--watch the video and join the conversation in the comments here.