From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA has officially relaunched its Drive the Vote campaign to mobilize the employees of SEMA's member businesses, along with the nation's 70 million automotive enthusiasts, to cast ballots in this November's midterm elections.  

Employers and voters can visit sema.org/vote to access resources for registering and voting this November, and to educate your people on the issues facing the automotive aftermarket industry. Because the 2026 SEMA Show begins on Election Day, those planning to attend should review their state's laws on casting ballots in advance of November 3. 

"Voting is a fundamentally American act, and we need everyone in the automotive aftermarket industry to get to the polls during this pivotal election and lend their voices to the political process," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "In 2024, our community showed up in a big way by delivering a clear referendum on EV mandates and reminding lawmakers that our industry is a powerful force to reckon with. This year, we have new issues and new names on the ballot, but our mission remains the same: send pro-automotive legislators to Washington, D.C., to ensure we can deliver pro-automotive legislation and policies that support our industry and the small businesses who drive our culture."

For 2026, Drive the Vote has again developed resources to ensure that every American is fully knowledgeable about where their candidates stand on automotive, racing, and off-roading issues. These resources include the development of a 2026 Voter Guide led by SEMA's Driving Force Foundation voter education initiative. The guide presents information on every single elected official in Congress and how they have voted on SEMA-backed issues. 

To learn more about Drive the Vote, visit sema.org/vote. To sign up for updates from SEMA's Washington, DC, team, visit semahq.org.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA has officially relaunched its Drive the Vote campaign to mobilize the employees of SEMA's member businesses, along with the nation's 70 million automotive enthusiasts, to cast ballots in this November's midterm elections.  

Employers and voters can visit sema.org/vote to access resources for registering and voting this November, and to educate your people on the issues facing the automotive aftermarket industry. Because the 2026 SEMA Show begins on Election Day, those planning to attend should review their state's laws on casting ballots in advance of November 3. 

"Voting is a fundamentally American act, and we need everyone in the automotive aftermarket industry to get to the polls during this pivotal election and lend their voices to the political process," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "In 2024, our community showed up in a big way by delivering a clear referendum on EV mandates and reminding lawmakers that our industry is a powerful force to reckon with. This year, we have new issues and new names on the ballot, but our mission remains the same: send pro-automotive legislators to Washington, D.C., to ensure we can deliver pro-automotive legislation and policies that support our industry and the small businesses who drive our culture."

For 2026, Drive the Vote has again developed resources to ensure that every American is fully knowledgeable about where their candidates stand on automotive, racing, and off-roading issues. These resources include the development of a 2026 Voter Guide led by SEMA's Driving Force Foundation voter education initiative. The guide presents information on every single elected official in Congress and how they have voted on SEMA-backed issues. 

To learn more about Drive the Vote, visit sema.org/vote. To sign up for updates from SEMA's Washington, DC, team, visit semahq.org.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Dane Trask of Riley's Rebuilds as its newest allyship honoree.

Learn how Trask supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. 

SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?

Dane Trask: I see the woman my daughter Riley is growing into and the women she is surrounding herself with, and I am in awe of them every day. If I am doing anything to support women's empowerment, it is by teaching my daughter the theory of business by abundance––the philosophy that opportunity expands when it is shared. Instead of guarding connections, ideas or chances for growth, leaders practicing this theory intentionally give them away.

At its core, opportunity is not finite. Generosity multiplies it––for your sponsors, for your friends, for your followers and for your self-growth. In business by abundance, success is not a single seat at a table––it’s a table you keep expanding for others.

This theory rejects scarcity thinking that there's only room for one of us. Instead, it embraces this truth: The more you share, the more you grow. The more people you help, the more people help you.

SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?  

DT: The most recent and meaningful example of abundance in action was the Road to SEMA project. When Riley first spoke with the organizers about her all-female '66 Fairlane build, she didn't just describe a car––she painted a vision. A vision of women from across North America coming together again, sharing the spotlight and taking this rebuilt '66 Fairlane on a journey from Colorado to Las Vegas and onto the SEMA Show floor.

What unfolded was more than a road trip. It was community, connection and confidence being built in real time.

Being allowed to be part of that experience was something I won't forget. I watched these women create, collaborate and grow on the road, on the side of the road, in O'Reilly's parking lots and everywhere in between. I can't definitively say what the experience meant for each of them––that's their story to tell. But from my perspective, I witnessed transformation happening in different ways for each person.

Some gained new business skills. Some discovered a deeper confidence in themselves. Some developed stronger interpersonal or leadership abilities. All of them learned that this industry truly has a place for them––a community where they belong and can contribute and lead.

For me, it reaffirmed everything I believe about abundance: when you open the door for others, you don't just create opportunities––you create moments, memories and momentum that can change lives.

SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important? 

DT: I'm a girl dad, and that shapes everything about how I show up in this world. What matters to my daughter––and to her friends and even the friends of her friends––matters to me. I don't want basic equality for them. I want them to surpass the old limits, to lead and to shape the future without barriers.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg said it best: "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made––and, in most cases, making the decisions."

Being an ally means using my voice and my actions to help create the world I want my daughter to inherit––a world where she doesn’t need permission to lead, she simply does.

SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?

DT: For me, the most valuable part of being an ally is treating my daughter––and every woman I've encountered in this industry––as true peers. I defer to their expertise, I ask for their advice, I rely on their input, I ask for their help.

When there's something I am asked to teach, I don't teach it by doing it. I offer whatever guidance they want and then get out of the way so they can do it themselves, grow their skills and lead with confidence.

What I value most is the mutual respect and the genuine back-and-forth relationships I've built with women in this industry. Being an ally isn't about speaking for women––it's about standing beside them, learning and experiencing with them.

SN: How long have you been in the industry?

DT: I have been in the SEMA industry for five years, helping my daughter and now her friends navigate the corporate world.

SN: What advice do you have for those who want to become an ally?

DT: I want to rewrite this question… It's impossible to simply "become" an ally. That's not a title you get to claim for yourself. If your heart and your head are in the right place, you might be invited into the community built and led by the incredible women in this industry. And if they choose to bring you into that space, show up with gratitude for simply being allowed in the room.

Be on time. Be informed. Pay attention. Bring ideas, not ego.

If you approach it this way, you might be invited to stay. And from that vantage point, you'll witness something remarkable: the transformation of this industry from the inside––a transformation driven by women who are not just participating, but leading.

SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?

DT: I believe you spread the ally mentality by living it every single day. Live by example. Show up in the world the way you want the world to evolve. If, at your core, you want to see women take the reins, then live in a way that supports and reflects that belief.

Mentor when you're asked. Listen more than you speak. And know when it’s time to get out of the way.

When people see you consistently respecting women as peers, championing their leadership and creating space instead of taking it––the ally mentality spreads naturally. It's not something you announce; it's something others observe, feel and then emulate. 

Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, SEMA Garage is once again partnering with AUTEL to deliver hands-on, in-depth training designed to keep repair professionals ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. These highly sought-after sessions focus on ADAS fundamentals, calibration techniques and proper reporting practices--skills that are becoming increasingly critical as more ADAS-equipped vehicles enter the market.

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, October 15, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (View on Google Maps). 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on October 14 builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the "3-Day" option when registering on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

 

How to Reserve Your Spot for the SEMA Garage AUTEL ADAS Session

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website by: 

• Visiting autel.us/autel-academy.
• Select ADAS TRAINING.
• Navigate to the "California" tab, and click REGISTER.

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration, especially for the limited-capacity Diamond Bar event.

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

 

Sponsored by Gandrud Chevrolet Performance

 

Meet The Team That So Many Builders Trust at the 2026 SEMA Show

• Engines on display. 
• GM engineers ready to answer even your most difficult questions. 
• Customer builds to showcase possibilities. 

The team at Gandrud Chevrolet Performance strives to have the best inventory around. We keep hundreds of engines and transmissions on hand ready to ship, along with the supporting components to complete the package. We offer everything from GM crate packages to aftermarket motor mounts, all with available free shipping. 

Come see Gandrud Chevrolet Performance at the 2026 SEMA Show in Central Hall Booth #21429.  

For more information on Gandrud Chevrolet Performance, visit gmperformancemotor.com.  

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The SEMA Show, this year November 3-6 in Las Vegas, serves as the stage for the newest products, technologies and trends shaping the automotive aftermarket. For exhibitors looking to maximize their impact on the SEMA Show floor, one opportunity stands above the rest: the New Products Showcase.

Recognized as the No. 1 destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase gives exhibitors a dedicated display for their latest innovations and best-selling products. For a closer look at the Showcase's reach and impact, recent FastSensor data offers some compelling numbers (more on that below).

And with the first product entry always free, it's one of the easiest ways to increase your company's visibility before and during the Show. 

Located at the east end of Lower South Hall, the Showcase serves as a primary entrance to the Show floor and attracts thousands of buyers and media members looking for what's new.

Review the qualifications and details below, and enter products today at semashow.com/new-products-showcase.

 

Make Sure Your Product Qualifies

To be eligible for the New Products Showcase and New Product Awards, a product must have been introduced to the marketplace after the 2025 SEMA Show and be available for shipment within 90 days following the close of the 2026 SEMA Show or by February 2027.

Products that don't meet these requirements can still be displayed in the Showcase as an Exhibitor Pick, but they won't be eligible for New Product Award consideration.

 

Know What It Costs

The first product entry is free.

Additional entries are $95 each through Friday, October 2. After that deadline, the cost increases to $175 per product.

 

Choose the Right Category

New for 2026, exhibitors can enter products in the new Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle category, joining the Showcase's existing lineup:

• Car Care & Protection
• Collision Repair & Refinish
• Emerging Technology
• Engineered New Product
• Exterior Accessory
• Interior Accessory
• Package Design & Display
• Performance-Racing
• Performance-Street
• Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle
• Street Rod & Custom Car
• Tire & Related
• Tools & Equipment
• Truck & Off-Road
• Wheel & Related

Have a product that fits multiple categories? You can enter the same product more than once, but you'll need to provide a separate display for each category.

 

Think Beyond the Display and Maximize Your Entry's Exposure With FastSensor

 

Recent FastSensor analysis found that the Showcase generated more than 620,000 brand impressions during the most recent SEMA Show.

Visitors spent an average of 21 minutes exploring products, while nearly 45% of qualified attendees engaged deeply with multiple categories or displays.

Even more impressive, 78% of buyers and media members reported visiting an exhibitor's booth after discovering a product in the Showcase.

For exhibitors looking to generate leads, build brand awareness and increase booth traffic, the data shows the program delivers measurable results.

Outside of the New Products Showcase, FastSensor lets exhibitors understand how attendees move, interact and engage in their trade show booth with AI-powered insights. Exhibitors can measure booth visibility, visitor engagement and opportunities for improvement through three SEMA Show reporting options:

• Impact Report: Measures brand visibility, impressions and walk-bys, time-in-view, dwell time, visitor traffic and booth activity through heatmaps. Starting at $3.75 per square foot.
• Engagement Report: Provides deeper insight into visitor movement through conversion-funnel data, area attraction and dwell times, connected journeys, heatmaps and event scores. Starting at $5 per square foot.
• Growth Report: Builds on Engagement Report metrics with insights into layout effectiveness, traffic flow, entry and exit points and bird's-eye spatial intelligence to help inform future booth strategies. Starting at $6 per square foot.

FastSensor is the official data and measurement partner of the SEMA Show and offers a variety of solutions to track engagement for exhibitors. Visit hs.fastsensor.com/sema-2026 to learn more about how to participate.

 

Opportunity to Take Home a Win With the SEMA New Product Awards

Participation doesn't end when your product is placed on display.

Eligible entries are automatically considered for the prestigious SEMA New Product Awards, with winners announced during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, November 3, and featured in special SEMA coverage.

Participating products also receive added exposure through SEMA News, SEMA magazine, the SEMA Show app, SEMAShow.com and the exclusive New Products digital catalog.

Exhibitors can further expand their reach through enhanced product listings, Buyers' Guide advertising and on-site branding opportunities. Contact newproducts@sema.org to learn more.

 

Plan Your Logistics

Products should be delivered to the New Products Showcase during designated check-in hours on Sunday, November 1, and Monday, November 2. Products checked in before 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday are eligible for New Product Award consideration.

Need to ship products ahead of time? Advance receiving at the Freeman warehouse begins in October, with shipments due by Wednesday, October 21. Even if products are shipped in advance, an exhibitor representative must still check them in during the scheduled check-in period.

If you prefer, you can display a product video on a continuously running laptop or tablet, or provide a QR code linking to an informational landing page or video. Marketing or sales copy isn't permitted in these materials.

After the Show, exhibitors are responsible for retrieving their products on Friday, November 6, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. UPS representatives will be available to assist with return shipping.

 

Ready to Enter?

Review the qualifications and details below, and enter products today at semashow.com/new-products-showcase. Still have questions? Contact the New Products Team at newproducts@sema.org, call 909-396-0289 or visit semashow.com/new-products-showcase.

Need booth space? Get started at semashow.com/buyabooth.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

There's still time for SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members to register for TORA Connect: Member Updates and SEMA Show Panel Discussion, a virtual event taking place on Tuesday, October 6, at 11:30 a.m. PDT/2:30 p.m. EDT on Zoom.

Designed to equip truck and off-road industry professionals with helpful resources to grow their businesses, the meeting will cover the latest council updates, key initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Following the membership update, attendees will hear directly from TORA volunteer leaders during a panel discussion focused on TORA's SEMA Show events.

Why attend:

• Preview TORA's events and activations planned for members at the 2026 SEMA Show.
• Learn how truck and off-road businesses can increase their SEMA Show ROI through participation in TORA events.
• Gain valuable SEMA Show insights from veteran attendees in the truck and off-road space. 

With the SEMA Show less than two months away, now is the time to secure your spot and learn how TORA can help your business succeed in Las Vegas and beyond.

Register now.

By SEMA News Editors

 

Though packed with the latest vehicle upgrades and innovations, some of the best ideas come from outside the SEMA Show floor each November in Las Vegas. The SEMA Show education program features expert-led sessions covering the trends, strategies and technologies shaping the future of the industry. Explore the SEMA-backed education sessions schedule here and discover how to start building a personalized agenda.

 

How to Start a 2026 SEMA Show Schedule

Attendees who "do the SEMA Show right" have a full week of walking the Show floor, meeting with partners and suppliers and attending events and education seminars. To help manage a busy week of business, SEMA Show organizers have collected a variety of resources in one place.

From event tickets to hotel reservations, the Registration Resource Center is where attendees can update their SEMA Show registration, including adding education sessions to their schedule for the week.

Once logged in, attendees can add events and education sessions to an existing registration, even if they didn't sign up for any seminars or sessions during their initial SEMA Show registration.

To add a session, visit the Registration Resource Center.

 

How to Plan the 2026 SEMA Show Experience

Several planning resources are also available at semashow.com/plan to help attendees maximize their time on the Show floor, build a personalized game plan, discover Show features and plan their trip to Las Vegas.

Attendees can book hotels in the official SEMA Show hotel block, with access to Show rates and hotel loyalty rewards points.

In addition, attendees can browse the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan to find exhibitors, product categories, feature vehicles, activations and must-see destinations.

Some of the most memorable SEMA Show experiences require a separate ticket. Tickets for events such as SEMA Industry Honors and SEMA Fest are available through semashow.com/plan.

For attendees looking to let their networks know they’ll be at the SEMA Show, semashow.com/plan includes free digital tools, including social media assets, to share plans, connect with the industry and build excitement before arriving in Las Vegas.

Attendees can also find badge pickup information at semashow.com/plan. SEMA Show badges can be picked up at the West Hall or South Hall East of the Las Vegas Convention Center. A government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, is required. Copies, photos or digital versions of IDs will not be accepted. The name on the ID must match the name on the badge, and attendees may only pick up their own badge.

 

SEMA Education Session Spotlights

Inside Aftermarket Compliance: Navigating EPA, CARB and the Modern Aftermarket

Track: Legislative and Regulatory
Date/time: Thursday, November 5, 3:00–4:30 p.m. PT
Location: N255
Cost: Free
Speakers: David Goch, Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, and Dean Schlingmann, SEMA
Register for this session.

Follow an aftermarket product from initial design through testing, regulatory review, distribution and in-use enforcement with experts representing every stage of the process. Panelists from across the industry, SEMA, regulatory bodies and national distribution brands will explain how companies can use SEMA Certified–Emissions, federal reasonable-basis provisions and CARB Executive Orders to bring regulated products to market. Attendees will gain practical insight into choosing the right compliance pathway, avoiding common mistakes and maintaining compliance after a product reaches customers.

 

Pathways to Professional Development, Powered by Future Leaders Network (FLN)

Track: Emerging and Executive Leadership
Date/time: Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT
Location: N257
Cost: Free
Register for this session.

This session will highlight pathways to professional development that empower employees, increase engagement and drive organizational success. Attendees will discover practical strategies for building stronger teams, elevating performance and creating a workplace culture where people––and businesses––thrive.

With a mix of education sessions, Show-floor exploration and industry events, attendees can use the SEMA Show's planning resources to build a schedule that fits their priorities. Start planning at semashow.com/plan.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

With thousands of attendees, buyers and media members from around the world looking for the latest automotive trends, technology and cutting-edge products, SEMA Show exhibitors are already sharing news and announcements ahead of the 2026 SEMA Show––November 3–6, Las Vegas.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Press Release portal is a resource for attendees and media looking to get a jump-start on the news, products, partnerships and other announcements exhibitors are making before the Show.

Read the latest from 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors at semashow.com/press.

Here are a few of the latest exhibitor announcements:

• Yar Jang Industrial to Showcase Taiwan-Manufactured Performance Brake Systems at SEMA Show 2026
• Vapor Trapper Announces Major SEMA 2026 Plans, New Products, Featured Builds & Industry Partnerships
• Clean Armor to Debut at SEMA 2026, Featuring the Sand Car "Primal Scream" by Tatted Cat
• 5-Pc. Exhaust Gas Sensor Socket Set Simplifies O2, NOx and EGT Sensor Service
• Dynamat Earns "Trusted by RFK Racing" Designation

Check back regularly for additional news and updates from 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors.

 

Exhibitors: Want to Announce Company News?

Exhibitors can connect with journalists and create brand awareness by posting news releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center. By posting news releases in the SEMA Show Online Media Center, exhibitors ensure that reporters looking for Show-related news don't miss out on their story. Posting to the Online Media Center can also generate coverage from SEMA's publications and social media outlets.

Want to announce your company news? Submit your press release at semashow.com/press-release.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Only days remain to snag a 2026 SEMA Show badge for $75! Registration prices for the 2026 SEMA Show increase September 27, when the cost of a badge will jump to $100. If Las Vegas is on your calendar for November 3–6, register now to lock in the current price, save $25 and get ready for four days of cars, products, people and everything that makes the SEMA Show a must-attend event.

Registration is currently $75, but the price will increase to $100 on September 27. Register today to secure a badge and experience the automotive aftermarket's biggest week in person.

The SEMA Show will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.

From industry-leading competitions and educational programming to art exhibits, livestream coverage and emerging vehicle technologies, the following activations are among the highlights planned for this year's SEMA Show. Register here.

The SEMA Show will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.

From industry-leading competitions and educational programming to art exhibits, livestream coverage and emerging vehicle technologies, the following activations are among the highlights planned for this year's SEMA Show. 

 

2026 SEMA Show Features and Activations

New for 2026: Powersports/Side-by-Side (SxS)/Lifestyle Section

 

The Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section will be anchored in the West Hall, with access to adjacent parking lots for dynamic outdoor activations and vehicle demonstrations.

The Show floor will undergo an evolution to group trucks, off-road and powersports together, reflecting the "total package" approach enthusiasts take toward their adventure builds. The section will highlight a diverse range of categories, including:

• Motorcycles and dirt bikes
• Side-by-sides
• Related adventure lifestyle gear and accessories

New and returning manufacturers are already showing excitement for the expanded section. "We're proud to represent KYT Helmets at SEMA 2026," said TJ Jira, CEO of KYT Americas. "We believe it's an opportunity to elevate powersports and bring more visibility to our brand in the market."

Get all the details.

 

Show-Stopping Builds

 

From the Toyo Tires Treadpass to hundreds of booth and feature vehicles across the campus, the creativity and craftsmanship set for display this year will inspire and impress any automotive aftermarket enthusiast.

 

SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care

 

Now in its 13th year, the famed SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket's premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show.

New for 2026: The SEMA Battle of the Builders will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion with the new SEMA BOTB: Bike Builder Shootout category.

For 2026, the competition will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns.

Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall BOTB champion.

Get the complete details.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA Education

 

SEMA Education offers Showgoers a dynamic experience that complements the high-energy learning environment found throughout the Show floor. Attendees can develop new skills, connect with industry leaders and gain practical business insights through sessions covering emerging trends, technical advancements, workforce development and business growth strategies.

Add Education sessions to your badge during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Collision Repair Stage

 

The SEMA Collision Repair Stage will serve as a hub for industry engagement, bringing together collision-repair professionals for education, discussion and networking throughout the SEMA Show.

Through dedicated programming from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), attendees can participate in collision-repair-focused educational sessions and special industry events designed to address the latest trends, technologies and business challenges facing the collision-repair market. The stage offers valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain practical insights and connect with peers across the collision-repair community.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA FutureTech Studio

 

The SEMA FutureTech Studio is a real-world reflection of today's advancements and opportunities available to aftermarket businesses.

Located in booth #24401, this featured exhibit brings together experts and cutting-edge technologies from across the mobility landscape, with innovations in alternative fuels, electric vehicle (EV) and powertrain development, advanced manufacturing and advanced vehicle safety systems.

View on the floorplan.

 

New Products Showcase

 

The New Products Showcase is the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and remains one of the top destinations for buyers and media at the SEMA Show.

Featuring thousands of newly introduced products from across the industry, the Showcase offers attendees a firsthand look at the innovations shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, returning to the Lower South Hall near the main registration.

View on the floorplan.

 

PRO Cup Challenge

 

Organized by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the PRO Cup Challenge celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and innovation within the restyling industry while demonstrating the value of dealer-ready accessory packages.

Finalists are challenged to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience while meeting real-world dealership requirements. Entries are evaluated on marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability, while attendees also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite build through the People's Choice Award.

Get the complete details.

View on the floorplan.

 

Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA

 

Sponsored by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Global Tire Expo serves as a comprehensive showcase for the tire industry, featuring the latest products, technologies and services from leading manufacturers and suppliers. The exhibit attracts tire dealers, retailers, distributors and automotive professionals from around the world while providing valuable opportunities for networking and business development.

 

SEMA Industry Honors

 

One night. One stage. Celebrating the people and stories driving our industry forward––only at the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors in Las Vegas.

On Thursday, November 5, the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors takes over the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, companies and innovators driving the specialty-equipment industry forward. From SEMA Content Creator of the Year to SEMA Person of the Year and other prestigious honors, this is the industry's premier night of recognition.

Get the complete details.

Purchase tickets during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast

 

A longstanding SEMA Show tradition, the Kickoff Breakfast brings together the aftermarket community before the Show officially opens. The event celebrates the innovators and entrepreneurs driving the industry forward and includes the presentation of the New Product Showcase Awards, Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year honors.

Set for Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. local time, tickets are available for purchase during the attendee registration process. Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Registration Resource Center. 

 

SEMA Live

 

The SEMA Show opens its doors to a worldwide audience, for the third year in a row, via a livestream available on YouTube and Facebook. Throughout Show week, SEMA Live is set to feature 31 hours of up-close SEMA Show coverage across four days.

Attendees can see how it all comes together in person at the SEMA Live Studio in its Central Hall location, booth #20341.

View on the floorplan.

 

SEMA Gear

 

Visit any of the SEMA Gear locations throughout the Show floor to purchase the official branded apparel and merchandise for the SEMA Show. Hurry, as these limited edition and collector items can sell out quickly. Search "SEMA Gear" at SEMAShow.com/floorplan and on the SEMA Show app to see all locations available, or click below.

View on the floorplan.

 

Featured SEMA Show Artist Larry Chen

 

Photographer Larry Chen, pictured above, has spent two decades documenting the people, vehicles and moments that define automotive culture. As the Featured SEMA Show Artist, Chen's photography will be incorporated throughout the Show's visual identity, appearing in signage, marketing materials and special installations. Chen is the first photographer selected as Featured SEMA Show Artist and the fifth creative to receive the honor since the program's inception.
 

 

Art Walk

 

Get immersed in automotive lifestyle and culture at the SEMA Show Art Walk, where some of the industry's premier artists will showcase their latest creations and celebrate the creativity that drives car culture.

Keep an eye on SEMA News for additional updates, announcements and programs set for the 2026 SEMA Show. Register here.

 

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The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.  

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.   

 

This story was published on September 24, 2026.