Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN HOPES TO FINISH THE JOB IN LAS VEGAS: Antron Brown was so dominant in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship he clinched the Top Fuel world championship at the penultimate event of the year in Las Vegas. Now the two-time world champion is trying to top himself with another incredible playoff run in 2016. Brown has three wins in the first four playoff events in his 10,000-hp Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster, and again has his sights set on clinching at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. He holds a 150-point lead over Doug Kalitta and another strong showing in Vegas would mean a third career world title for the 61-time event winner.

“The thing about it, our heads are really focused on the end, and the end is not until they say this is the 2016 world championship winner,” Brown said. “We’re in a great situation right now, but we don’t feel comfortable yet, and our work is not done yet. We’re not going in defensive mode and we’re just going to try to keep doing the same things we’ve done to get to this point.”

JOHNSON, MARATHON PETROLEUM ANNOUNCE EXTENDED SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT: NHRA Pro Stock racer Allen Johnson and Marathon Petroleum Corp. have announced an extended sponsorship agreement to continue their partnership into the 2017 season.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Marathon Petroleum, both on and off the track,” said Johnson, racer and CEO of Johnson & Johnson Racing. “We learned much in 2016 as we improved our performance and adjusted to a new electronic fuel-injection system. We’re excited to hit the track again in 2017, determined to bring home another championship.”

SIX ROOKIE CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR 2016 AUTOMOBILE CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six rookie drivers representing the four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, were announced by officials from NHRA and Automobile Club of Southern California as the eligible candidates for the 2016 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony, Monday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, California. The nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

He Said, She Said

“I've been around it since I was 9 or 10 years old. I think it’s really cool to be able to do what they’ve done. We’ll see if we can win some championships one day. I’m pretty excited. I’ve known about it for a while, and I’ve gotten to test, so I’ve kinda calmed down a little bit, but I’m pretty excited for it. I think I would’ve been lost if it wasn’t for Dave [Connolly] letting me drive his bracket car, just getting used to the speed and how the car reacts. But driving his Cobalt helped a lot more and sped up the progression.”

—Tanner Gray, son of Pro Stock racer Shane Gray on taking over the driving duties from his father in the Gray Motorsports Valvoline/Nova Services Chevy in 2017. Tanner has raced in Jr. Dragsters as well as Mini Sprints, Outlaw Kart racing and 360 Sprint Cars.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines has in his career. He is the defending race champion and has won the race the past two seasons. Last year at the event he used his fourth win of the season to propel him to his fifth world championship. Hines is currently second in points and trails his teammate Eddie Kraweic by 17. Krawiec, who is a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion, has two wins at the track.

Did You Know

MEET STARS TO PARTICIPATE IN LAS VEGAS FANFEST: Fans of the NHRA are going to want to be on Fremont Street Thursday night. That’s where 30 of the NHRA’s top stars will attend the NHRA Fanfest on Thursday to sign autographs and promote the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals, which runs Thursday through Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. World champions John Force, Antron Brown, Erica Enders and Del Worsham will be part of the festivities, which run from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (PDT) at the 3rd Street Stage. Fans can enjoy live music, games and giveaways from 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., followed by an hour-long autograph session where they can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers, and an NHRA Light Show caps the special night at 6:30 p.m. Drivers expected to attend are: Greg Anderson, John Bojec, Antron Brown, Bo Butner, Jeg Coughlin, Troy Coughlin, T.J. Coughlin, Alexis DeJoria, Erica Enders, Brittany Force, John Force, Joey Gladstone, Robert Hight, Andrew Hines, Allen Johnson, Doug Kalitta, Eddie Krawiec, Shawn Langdon, Paul Lee, Jason Line, Scotty Pollacheck, Leah Pritchett, Cory Reed, Ashley Sanford, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Melissa Surber, J.R. Todd, Tim Wilkerson and Del Worsham.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN HOPES TO FINISH THE JOB IN LAS VEGAS: Antron Brown was so dominant in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship he clinched the Top Fuel world championship at the penultimate event of the year in Las Vegas. Now the two-time world champion is trying to top himself with another incredible playoff run in 2016. Brown has three wins in the first four playoff events in his 10,000-hp Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster, and again has his sights set on clinching at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. He holds a 150-point lead over Doug Kalitta and another strong showing in Vegas would mean a third career world title for the 61-time event winner.

“The thing about it, our heads are really focused on the end, and the end is not until they say this is the 2016 world championship winner,” Brown said. “We’re in a great situation right now, but we don’t feel comfortable yet, and our work is not done yet. We’re not going in defensive mode and we’re just going to try to keep doing the same things we’ve done to get to this point.”

JOHNSON, MARATHON PETROLEUM ANNOUNCE EXTENDED SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT: NHRA Pro Stock racer Allen Johnson and Marathon Petroleum Corp. have announced an extended sponsorship agreement to continue their partnership into the 2017 season.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Marathon Petroleum, both on and off the track,” said Johnson, racer and CEO of Johnson & Johnson Racing. “We learned much in 2016 as we improved our performance and adjusted to a new electronic fuel-injection system. We’re excited to hit the track again in 2017, determined to bring home another championship.”

SIX ROOKIE CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR 2016 AUTOMOBILE CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six rookie drivers representing the four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, were announced by officials from NHRA and Automobile Club of Southern California as the eligible candidates for the 2016 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony, Monday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, California. The nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

He Said, She Said

“I've been around it since I was 9 or 10 years old. I think it’s really cool to be able to do what they’ve done. We’ll see if we can win some championships one day. I’m pretty excited. I’ve known about it for a while, and I’ve gotten to test, so I’ve kinda calmed down a little bit, but I’m pretty excited for it. I think I would’ve been lost if it wasn’t for Dave [Connolly] letting me drive his bracket car, just getting used to the speed and how the car reacts. But driving his Cobalt helped a lot more and sped up the progression.”

—Tanner Gray, son of Pro Stock racer Shane Gray on taking over the driving duties from his father in the Gray Motorsports Valvoline/Nova Services Chevy in 2017. Tanner has raced in Jr. Dragsters as well as Mini Sprints, Outlaw Kart racing and 360 Sprint Cars.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines has in his career. He is the defending race champion and has won the race the past two seasons. Last year at the event he used his fourth win of the season to propel him to his fifth world championship. Hines is currently second in points and trails his teammate Eddie Kraweic by 17. Krawiec, who is a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion, has two wins at the track.

Did You Know

MEET STARS TO PARTICIPATE IN LAS VEGAS FANFEST: Fans of the NHRA are going to want to be on Fremont Street Thursday night. That’s where 30 of the NHRA’s top stars will attend the NHRA Fanfest on Thursday to sign autographs and promote the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals, which runs Thursday through Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. World champions John Force, Antron Brown, Erica Enders and Del Worsham will be part of the festivities, which run from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (PDT) at the 3rd Street Stage. Fans can enjoy live music, games and giveaways from 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., followed by an hour-long autograph session where they can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers, and an NHRA Light Show caps the special night at 6:30 p.m. Drivers expected to attend are: Greg Anderson, John Bojec, Antron Brown, Bo Butner, Jeg Coughlin, Troy Coughlin, T.J. Coughlin, Alexis DeJoria, Erica Enders, Brittany Force, John Force, Joey Gladstone, Robert Hight, Andrew Hines, Allen Johnson, Doug Kalitta, Eddie Krawiec, Shawn Langdon, Paul Lee, Jason Line, Scotty Pollacheck, Leah Pritchett, Cory Reed, Ashley Sanford, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Melissa Surber, J.R. Todd, Tim Wilkerson and Del Worsham.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

NHRA News

BROWN HOPES TO FINISH THE JOB IN LAS VEGAS: Antron Brown was so dominant in the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship he clinched the Top Fuel world championship at the penultimate event of the year in Las Vegas. Now the two-time world champion is trying to top himself with another incredible playoff run in 2016. Brown has three wins in the first four playoff events in his 10,000-hp Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster, and again has his sights set on clinching at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. He holds a 150-point lead over Doug Kalitta and another strong showing in Vegas would mean a third career world title for the 61-time event winner.

“The thing about it, our heads are really focused on the end, and the end is not until they say this is the 2016 world championship winner,” Brown said. “We’re in a great situation right now, but we don’t feel comfortable yet, and our work is not done yet. We’re not going in defensive mode and we’re just going to try to keep doing the same things we’ve done to get to this point.”

JOHNSON, MARATHON PETROLEUM ANNOUNCE EXTENDED SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT: NHRA Pro Stock racer Allen Johnson and Marathon Petroleum Corp. have announced an extended sponsorship agreement to continue their partnership into the 2017 season.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Marathon Petroleum, both on and off the track,” said Johnson, racer and CEO of Johnson & Johnson Racing. “We learned much in 2016 as we improved our performance and adjusted to a new electronic fuel-injection system. We’re excited to hit the track again in 2017, determined to bring home another championship.”

SIX ROOKIE CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR 2016 AUTOMOBILE CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six rookie drivers representing the four NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, were announced by officials from NHRA and Automobile Club of Southern California as the eligible candidates for the 2016 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony, Monday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, California. The nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

He Said, She Said

“I've been around it since I was 9 or 10 years old. I think it’s really cool to be able to do what they’ve done. We’ll see if we can win some championships one day. I’m pretty excited. I’ve known about it for a while, and I’ve gotten to test, so I’ve kinda calmed down a little bit, but I’m pretty excited for it. I think I would’ve been lost if it wasn’t for Dave [Connolly] letting me drive his bracket car, just getting used to the speed and how the car reacts. But driving his Cobalt helped a lot more and sped up the progression.”

—Tanner Gray, son of Pro Stock racer Shane Gray on taking over the driving duties from his father in the Gray Motorsports Valvoline/Nova Services Chevy in 2017. Tanner has raced in Jr. Dragsters as well as Mini Sprints, Outlaw Kart racing and 360 Sprint Cars.

Inside the Numbers

5: Number of wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Andrew Hines has in his career. He is the defending race champion and has won the race the past two seasons. Last year at the event he used his fourth win of the season to propel him to his fifth world championship. Hines is currently second in points and trails his teammate Eddie Kraweic by 17. Krawiec, who is a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion, has two wins at the track.

Did You Know

MEET STARS TO PARTICIPATE IN LAS VEGAS FANFEST: Fans of the NHRA are going to want to be on Fremont Street Thursday night. That’s where 30 of the NHRA’s top stars will attend the NHRA Fanfest on Thursday to sign autographs and promote the 16th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals, which runs Thursday through Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. World champions John Force, Antron Brown, Erica Enders and Del Worsham will be part of the festivities, which run from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (PDT) at the 3rd Street Stage. Fans can enjoy live music, games and giveaways from 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., followed by an hour-long autograph session where they can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers, and an NHRA Light Show caps the special night at 6:30 p.m. Drivers expected to attend are: Greg Anderson, John Bojec, Antron Brown, Bo Butner, Jeg Coughlin, Troy Coughlin, T.J. Coughlin, Alexis DeJoria, Erica Enders, Brittany Force, John Force, Joey Gladstone, Robert Hight, Andrew Hines, Allen Johnson, Doug Kalitta, Eddie Krawiec, Shawn Langdon, Paul Lee, Jason Line, Scotty Pollacheck, Leah Pritchett, Cory Reed, Ashley Sanford, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Melissa Surber, J.R. Todd, Tim Wilkerson and Del Worsham.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Chad Simon

With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2016 SEMA Show will showcase cutting-edge new products, the coolest custom rides, the latest industry trends, endless networking opportunities and informative seminars all in one place. With just five days left until the start of the Show, now’s the time for buyers and other attendees to finalize their plans if they haven’t already done so, in which case the following three steps should be taken immediately:

• Register For The Show—SEMA Show online registration is $40. The badge is your all-access pass to the Show and many of its attractions and special events, including entrance to the New Products Showcase one hour before the Show opens each day, and free entrance to the SEMA Ignited after-party.

• Review The Show’s Floorplan—With more than 2,400 exhibitors, the Show is segmented into 12 sections spread throughout the halls and grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To navigate the Show and achieve your goals, you need a plan. Find the location of exhibitors you want to see by using the 2016 SEMA Show floorplan.

After registering for the Show and booking hotel rooms, it is recommended that attendees utilize the following resources, which are designed to help maximize their SEMA Show efforts:

The New Products Showcase is the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination.

• New Products Showcase—Visit the SEMA Show’s No. 1 destination. The 2016 New Products Showcase will once again be located on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls, opening Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. Free scanners are available, which will allow users to get instant product information, including the exhibitor’s booth location.

• Friday Is Still Better—All exhibitors are ready to do business on Friday, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The New Products Showcase, Ford Out Front, GM Proving Ground, SEMA Central, West Coast Customs Experience, Baja 1000 Score Exhibit, Optima Alley, Hot Rod Alley, Continental Tire Extreme Experience and Arctic Cat are also in operation on Friday. With the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition, SEMA Cruise and the official industry after-party—SEMA Ignited—Friday will once again be the best day of the Show.

• SEMA Show Mobile App—The official SEMA Show App is available for download from each mobile device’s native app store. The mobile app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. Featuring a 50th anniversary theme, the 2016 app is a great way to maximize your time at the Show. The mobile app, which essentially puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, can also be downloaded.

More than 500 new exhibitors will join this year’s Show from every market.

First-Time Exhibitors

There’s always something new to see and new connections to make at the SEMA Show. Each year, hundreds of companies attend the Show for the first time, providing buyers with access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers. The Show’s 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and more than 2,400 exhibiting companies will be in attendance, including more than 500 new exhibitors who are joining this year’s Show from every market. Located in the Westgate and Performance Pavilion, the First Time & Featured Exhibitors sections were created for first-time exhibitors and exhibitors displaying products typically found in other sections of the Show. These areas showcase companies that are new to the SEMA Show and are one-stop shops to all new and innovative brands.

The following is a sample of some of this year’s first-time exhibitors:

• Lasernut
• The FJ Company
• CloverTurbo
• MAHA USA
• Astech Electronics
• U-POL

To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, view the SEMA Show floorplan.

Ground Transportation

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

• Complimentary shuttle service to the AAPEX Show at the Sands Expo Center will run every 5–10 minutes, Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service). Pick up/drop off locations will be at the east end of the Performance Pavilion and North Hall Door 10.

SEMA Show Loop

• The SEMA Show Loop is available to transport Showgoers from one side of the LVCC to the other. Available Tuesday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., shuttles will run every 15 minutes and stop at the Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10, east end of the South Hall and east end of the Performance Pavilion. These will be 25-passenger mini buses marked “SEMA Show Loop.”

Airport Shuttle

• Shuttle service to McCarran International Airport will run every 30 minutes on Thursday, November 3, from 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 4, from 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The airport shuttles will pick up at North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. The one-way trip cost is $10 per person, cash only. Pay at the bus.

Monorail - Discounted Tickets Available

• The LV Monorail has extended its hours for the SEMA Show. Board the Monorail as early as 6:00 a.m. Tuesday–Friday. Service continues until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday–Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. on Friday. With a station location right in front of the LVCC, the monorail is a fast and easy way to travel from the Strip to the SEMA Show. Purchase your discounted tickets in advance at tickets.lvmonorail.com/sema2016 or visit a Monorail station.

Taxis & Limousines

• There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas during the SEMA Show. These transportation hubs are located on the east side of the Performance Pavilion and in the Blue Lot on the east end of the Grand Lobby, adjacent to the Central Hall.

Uber and Lyft

• Designated drop-off/pick-up locations will be available for Showgoers using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the LVCC.

Seventy-two percent of last year’s education session attendees said the SEMA Show conference tracks were the best way to keep up with the latest industry trends.

SEMA Show Education Days

The vast diversity and innovation-driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas that will challenge and equip both individuals and businesses to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices, such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media. View the SEMA Show Education Days schedule.

Celebrity Appearances

Many SEMA Show exhibitors will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booths. View the complete schedule of celebrity appearances at the 2016 SEMA Show.

The 2016 SEMA Show art and graphics have received a makeover, courtesy of the pencil stylings of famed automotive artist Ed Tillrock.

SEMA Show Art Walk

Located in the Central Hall pre-function area, the SEMA Show Art Walk is “the place where we encountered the artwork of Ed Tillrock, this year’s Show artist, and Max Grundy, who preceded him in designing our Show art,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Show director. Art Walk visitors will be able to meet and network with exhibiting artists, see their latest creations and even take home artistic souvenirs for the office or home.

We’re here to help. 

We want your SEMA Show experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible so that you can concentrate on the important things, such as seeing new products, getting new ideas, discovering new trends, meeting new exhibitors and checking in with your favorite exhibitors. The SEMA Show Strategy Guide is filled with recommendations and suggestions for booking your travel to Las Vegas, ground transportation options, places to eat well but inexpensively, free entertainment hot spots, suggested tipping amounts and more.

Not registered for the Show? Don’t miss out on the best business opportunity of the year. Register now.

For more information about the 2016 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

This is a first look at the ’18 Ford Mustang GT. The 5.0L exhaust note was undeniable on this beast.

The Mustang will get some minor changes for 2018 to keep it fresh after its comprehensive redo in 2015. The styling should be tweaked with new special editions and trim packages offered, such as the Mach 1.

More significant changes are expected under the skin, with a new 10-speed automatic finding its way into the Mustang, along with likely changes to improve power and economy. It's unclear if the naturally aspirated V6 will continue.

Expect to see the ’18 Mustang early next year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde