Every year, the car industry convenes in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show to witness the next generation of the automotive aftermarket. The 2018 SEMA Show is just around the corner and we’re gearing up for another great year of awards, reveals, and interviews with special guests on both the Shell Pioneering Performance Live Stage and Craftsman Live Stage host by Alan Taylor. If you’re still not convinced SEMA is a must-see event for any car enthusiast, here are a few exciting events to get you pumped for the expansive trade show.

SEMA Awards

We have numerous annual awards to determine the best cars, trucks, and SUVs in particular categories, but who’s looking out for the tinkerer? How do we know which car is best suited to soup up with a bunch of aftermarket upgrades? Thankfully, SEMA has an award for that. Exhibitors cast their votes on a finalist list of vehicles in five categories: car, truck, 4×4/SUV, sport compact, and the newly added powersports vehicle. This year’s finalist have been announced, and can be viewed at www.sema.org/news.

Art Walk

SEMA isn’t just about hot rods, loud engines, and the smell of burning rubber. The SEMA Show Art Walk will be on display in the C2 Pre-Function Area (by the escalators near the Skybridge). Take a moment to appreciate fine oil paintings, photos, and illustrations that engage patrons in the unique and pervasive automotive culture that inhabits the show floor. Chat with artists and pick up your very own automotive art from various artists including Bob Larivee, Jim Owens, Nick Crouch, Ed Tillrock, Max Grundy and more. Discover more about the art walk in this article by Jason Catullo.

SEMA Launch Pad: The Next Great Business

Do you have a killer business idea, invention, or automotive innovation? Don’t miss the SEMA Launch Pad! Many entrepreneurs will enter, but only 10 finalists will take the stage to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the investment needed to turn dreams into reality. If you like Shark Tank, and you like cars, you’ll love this event. Get registered, and learn more about the event here.

SEMA Vehicle Technology

Let’s face it, technology a huge driving force behind the automotive industry. New technology in the racing, assisted, connected and automated driving categories will be revealed and discussed by over 30 industry experts, October 29th through November 1st. Don’t get left in the dark ages, keep current on technology. Find out more and register for the event here.

Cars, Brews, and Food

There is just something special about sipping nice cup of Joe (or a stiff IPA) while admiring beautiful cars and listening to the latest from automotive big-shots. Car fans and foodies might enjoy attending “Cars & Coffee, SEMA Edition”, “New Products Breakfast”, “Brew Talks”, “Truck Market Happy Hour, Presented by LTAA”, “NHRA Breakfast”, and more. 

Shell Pioneering Performance Live Stage

Alan has worked closely with Shell to bring the best automotive guests to the “Pioneering Performance” stage for the past few years, and this year is no exception. Visit booth #60005, just outside the main entrance to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Beautifully constructed, high performance vehicles line the walkway from the best designers including Hennessey Performance! And the kicker? You can enter for a chance to win a trip to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with a $50,000 auction credit, a trip to the Pennzoil 400, and many more prizes; just visit the Shell “Pioneering Performance” experience while at SEMA!

Craftsman Experience at SEMA

Nestled in the Central Hall, you’ll find the latest tool and storage innovations from Craftsman at booth #21535. Amid all of those glistening goodies, Alan will be interviewing your favorite stars of automotive television. We’ll be posting a guest schedule in the near future so keep your eyes peeled!

Of course, these aren’t the only reasons to visit SEMA this year, but they are some damn good ones! Hundreds of exhibitors show off their innovations, thousands of amazing cars line the walls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and countless industry experts, professionals, and celebrities mingle at SEMA. We hope to see you there! 

If you just can’t wait, here are some great shots from last year’s SEMA Show.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•