By SEMA News Editors

As specialty-equipment industry manufacturers once again prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists at the forefront.

In order to help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, here are some exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

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

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

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

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates, including the upcoming July 25 deadline for Feature Vehicle Display applications. The Feature Vehicle Display program allows exhibitors to expand their Show presence beyond their booth space and is open to vehicles of all categories and applications of the aftermarket. Click here for more information on the Feature Vehicle Display program.

• July 25: Feature Vehicle Display application (vehicles displayed outside of booth).
• August 13: SEMA Show Directory listing information.
• August 15: Press/Media Conference application.
• August 22: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations.
• August 28: SEMA Show Directory ad materials due.

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, October 2 discount deadline, which offers discounted prices off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

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

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

By SEMA News Editors

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, in Las Vegas--is open online, and it's never too early to start planning your Show.

From cutting-edge vehicle builds to the latest innovations in the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is where the world gathers every year to experience the energy, passion and innovations that define the specialty-equipment aftermarket. (Learn more about why attend at semashow.com/attendee).

Organizers recommend interested attendees and buyers register now to start planning the best SEMA Show experience for their careers and businesses. Mapping out the event in advance gives attendees the best opportunity to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show week, allowing the benefits of the event to reverberate long after the Show floor closes.  

How to Apply for Registration

Approved attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for only $75 on semashow.com/attendee now through Friday, September 26. After the deadline, the registration price will increase to $100 both online and on-site. 

How to Save on Your 2025 SEMA Show Hotel

SEMA Showgoers are strongly encouraged to secure their housing online here through onPeak, SEMA's only official hotel provider. Booking a 2025 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rates possible for the event without needing to browse the web for hours. 

How to Save on Airfare for the SEMA Show

SEMA Showgoers can claim exclusive airline discounts for their trip to the 2025 SEMA Show. With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event.

Alaska Airlines: 

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Friday, October 31--Saturday, November 8, 2025.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMO139. 
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. Note that a $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines: 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Code NY3RX. (No service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the listed phone number).

United Airlines: 

• Discount: Up to 2% to 10% based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Thursday, October 30--Sunday, November 9, 2025. 
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here, or use discount code ZPKE658685.
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide the representative with the following information:
  • Z Code: ZQT8.
  • Agreement Code: 615759.

SEMA Show International Attendees Seeking a Travel Visa

For those traveling from outside of the United States, SEMA can offer a letter of invitation for approved attendees. The online registration form must be completed before a visa letter can be issued. The letter will only be prepared using the individual's name and company name as listed in their registration record.

For more information, visit the Registration FAQs section of semashow.com/attendee and scroll down to "I need a visa to enter the United States. How can I get a letter of invitation?"

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show. 

For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By SEMA News Editors

In case you missed it, the 2025 SEMA Fest lineup was announced—and it's next-level. Rock icons Queens of the Stone Age, legendary hitmakers The Black Crowes and alt-pop favorites Neon Trees are set to headline this year's high-octane festival of music, motorsports and car culture.

It all comes to life Friday, November 7, at the SEMA Show's Bronze Lot, immediately following the close of the 2025 SEMA Show. But here's the big news: Ticket sales are officially open as of, Friday, July 18, at 8:00 a.m. PT at semafest.com!

This is your chance to lock in your spot at one of the most unforgettable nights of the year. From full-throttle drifting demos and fan-favorite activations to a powerhouse concert lineup, SEMA Fest 2025 is the soundtrack to your adrenaline addiction.

🎟️ General Admission and VIP tickets will be available, along with package options for the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" pass for your friends who aren't industry professionals. 

So, whether you're here for the riffs, the rides—or both—get ready as tickets might sell out.

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This story was originally published on Thursday, July 17.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA wants feedback from industry leaders on how tariffs are impacting your business. Please take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will significantly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf.  

We need just a few more responses to strengthen our dataset. If just four SEMA members add their information today, we'll have a more complete picture to share with lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Why do we need this data? The feedback SEMA gathers from aftermarket industry businesses is essential to lawmakers. They need to hear about how tariffs affect your ability to ship goods and products, as well as import the materials and components you need.  By providing your insights, you greatly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA wants feedback from industry leaders on how tariffs are impacting your business. Please take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will significantly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf.  

We need just a few more responses to strengthen our dataset. If just four SEMA members add their information today, we'll have a more complete picture to share with lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Why do we need this data? The feedback SEMA gathers from aftermarket industry businesses is essential to lawmakers. They need to hear about how tariffs affect your ability to ship goods and products, as well as import the materials and components you need.  By providing your insights, you greatly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, the California legislation that seeks to expand the preservation of historic vehicles, continues to truck forward. Senate Bill 712, the legislation's formal name, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee this week with bipartisan support, marking another important step toward modernizing California's outdated smog check rules for collector vehicles.

Take a minute to voice your support for "Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It seriously only takes a minute!)

The bill, strongly supported by SEMA and the enthusiast community, creates a new, optional exemption pathway for vintage vehicles. In the current, amended version, the exemption will begin in 2027 for model years '76–'81, with one additional year added annually until the exemption covers vehicles from 1986. Vehicles must also carry collector car insurance and display historical plates—measures designed to ensure the exemption is used as intended.

• The core of the bill remains intact, helping fuel the increased momentum it needs to become law. Leno's Law continues to be a fair, enforceable path for vintage vehicle owners to maintain and enjoy their cars without outdated testing burdens or impractical inspections.

"SEMA believes that this version of the bill improves on current law and ensures that future generations have access to car culture without unnecessary barriers" said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's California-based senior manager for state government affairs. "These cars are part of our history, and they deserve a path forward that reflects how they're actually used."

SEMA urges industry members to stay engaged as the bill heads to Assembly Appropriations. The finish line is in sight—and the future of California's car culture is riding on it.

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

From the Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, the California legislation that seeks to expand the preservation of historic vehicles, continues to truck forward. Senate Bill 712, the legislation's formal name, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee this week with bipartisan support, marking another important step toward modernizing California's outdated smog check rules for collector vehicles.

Take a minute to voice your support for "Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It seriously only takes a minute!)

The bill, strongly supported by SEMA and the enthusiast community, creates a new, optional exemption pathway for vintage vehicles. In the current, amended version, the exemption will begin in 2027 for model years '76–'81, with one additional year added annually until the exemption covers vehicles from 1986. Vehicles must also carry collector car insurance and display historical plates—measures designed to ensure the exemption is used as intended.

• The core of the bill remains intact, helping fuel the increased momentum it needs to become law. Leno's Law continues to be a fair, enforceable path for vintage vehicle owners to maintain and enjoy their cars without outdated testing burdens or impractical inspections.

"SEMA believes that this version of the bill improves on current law and ensures that future generations have access to car culture without unnecessary barriers" said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's California-based senior manager for state government affairs. "These cars are part of our history, and they deserve a path forward that reflects how they're actually used."

SEMA urges industry members to stay engaged as the bill heads to Assembly Appropriations. The finish line is in sight—and the future of California's car culture is riding on it.

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here. 

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections, and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here.