Sema Show 2026 Highlights: Complete Guide

The 2026 SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas as a major business-to-business event for the automotive aftermarket. The show runs November 3–6, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with exhibits, custom vehicles, product launches, professional education, demonstrations, and industry networking. Most days require industry credentials, but the public can buy access for Friday, November 6.

What to Expect at the 2026 SEMA Show

The SEMA Show brings manufacturers, distributors, retailers, installers, builders, shop owners, media, and other automotive aftermarket professionals together in one place. The official 2026 attendee information lists more than 2,300 exhibiting companies and promotes access to thousands of performance, restyling, repair, wheel, tire, truck, off-road, mobile-electronics, and business-service products.

The show is not limited to static displays. Attendees can watch demonstrations, compare products, meet technical representatives, attend education sessions, examine feature vehicles, and connect with potential suppliers or customers. The official show features include the New Products Showcase, SEMA FutureTech Studio, Battle of the Builders, feature-vehicle displays, a collision-repair stage, and SEMA Central.

The strongest reason to attend is not simply to see custom cars. It is to compare products, learn from specialists, and build business relationships across the automotive aftermarket.

2026 SEMA Show Dates, Hours, and Location

The official 2026 SEMA Show page confirms the event for November 3–6, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109.

• Tuesday, November 3: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 4: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 6: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Professional education runs Tuesday through Thursday. Friday includes the final show-floor hours, public access for eligible ticket holders, concluding vehicle activities, and SEMA Fest later in the day.

Who Can Attend the 2026 SEMA Show?

The SEMA Show is primarily a business-to-business event. Qualified attendees must work in the automotive aftermarket or fit another approved registration category. The official attendee-qualification page explains the documents needed to verify employment or business ownership.

Employees generally submit one document that connects them to the business and another that shows the company is active in the automotive aftermarket. Business owners submit accepted proof showing their name as the owner. Documents must remain valid through November 6, 2026.

Students may qualify through the official Student Program. Students ages 16–20 must be enrolled in an accredited school or be a 2026 graduate, have an interest in automotive aftermarket careers, and attend with a school official. Older students must also meet the program’s current requirements.

Public Access on Friday, November 6

For 2026, the official Friday public-access option gives non-industry visitors a way to enter the show. People who do not qualify for an industry badge can purchase a “SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public” ticket through the official SEMA Fest website.

• Public show-floor access is limited to Friday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Show-floor ticket holders must be at least 16 years old.
• Each person must pick up their own ticket and present a matching government-issued photo ID.
• Public tickets must be purchased in advance; the official ticket information says no day-of purchases are permitted.
• A concert-only SEMA Fest ticket does not include access to the convention-center exhibit halls.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend SEMA?

The official attendee fee schedule lists the following 2026 prices for most qualified attendees and spouses:

• May 4–June 26: $50 per person
• June 27–September 25: $75 per person
• September 26–November 6: $100 per person

Certain registration categories—including some non-exhibiting companies, financial investment services, manufacturer/supplier/buyer registrations, and vehicle manufacturers or OEMs—are listed at $399 per person. Registration fees are nonrefundable, and lost-badge replacement fees may apply.

Public-Friday and SEMA Fest ticket prices are separate from the trade-registration schedule and should be checked on the official ticket page before purchase. Travel, hotel, food, local transportation, and any fee-based training also need to be included in your budget.

New Products Showcase and Major Show Features

The New Products Showcase is one of the most useful stops for buyers, media, installers, and product researchers. Current 2026 attendee information places it in the Lower South Hall and says it will feature more than 2,000 new and best-selling products.

Use the SEMA Show app’s Product Scanner to save product information, photos, exhibitor details, and booth directions. This is faster than taking unorganized photos and trying to identify products after the show.

Other confirmed features include:

• SEMA FutureTech Studio: EVs, future propulsion, automation, smart manufacturing, next-generation materials, and short education sessions.
• Battle of the Builders: A judged competition that highlights influential builders, techniques, and vehicle trends.
• Feature Vehicle Displays: Custom vehicles located throughout indoor and outdoor areas, with product and builder information available through the show app.
• Collision Repair Stage: Free hands-on welding and virtual-reality demonstrations, plus presentations from I-CAR, SCRS, OEMs, and repair specialists.
• SEMA Central: Interviews, industry content, vehicle builds, and central show programming.

Education Sessions for Automotive Professionals

The official 2026 program promotes 90+ free education sessions, not 99. Education dates are November 3–5. Many sessions are included with show registration, while fee-based partner programs are identified in the session listings.

The SEMA Show Education program covers tracks such as:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Inside the shop
• Legislative and regulatory issues
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy and technology
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology

Partner programs include I-CAR Collision Repair Training, SCRS Repairer Driven Education, and Tire Industry Association programming. Review each listing before adding it to your schedule because times, room locations, prerequisites, and fees can differ.

The speaker-proposal deadline for the 2026 education program was February 13, 2026, and submissions are now closed. That date is useful to prospective speakers but is not an attendee-registration deadline.

Custom Vehicle and Technology Trends to Watch

The show is a useful place to observe how aftermarket companies respond to changes in vehicle design, repair, performance, and consumer demand. However, product trends should not be treated as confirmed until exhibitors publish their releases or the products appear in the official showcase.

Based on the official 2026 show sections and features, useful areas to watch include:

• Electrification and future propulsion: EV-related builds, charging or power-management products, alternative propulsion, and high-voltage service tools.
• Automation and smart manufacturing: Digital design, production, measurement, scanning, and shop-efficiency systems.
• Connected-vehicle technology: Cameras, security, mobile applications, audio, navigation, remote-start systems, and other electronics.
• Collision and calibration: Repair equipment, refinishing systems, software, virtual-reality training, and technology needed for newer vehicle platforms.
• Truck, SUV, and off-road upgrades: Suspension, towing, lighting, cargo, recovery, and overland products.
• Performance and restoration: Racing components, engine-building equipment, hot-rod products, and parts for classic vehicles.
• Wheels, tires, restyling, and car care: Appearance products, protection, personalization, maintenance, and fitment technology.

Use the show to compare the engineering, installation needs, warranty terms, compliance information, and real-world use cases behind a product—not just its display appearance.

Networking Opportunities at the SEMA Show

SEMA can be valuable for supplier research, sales meetings, hiring, media relationships, technical questions, and partnership development. Productive networking is easier when you arrive with a clear goal.

1. Book important meetings before the show. Popular exhibitors and executives may have limited open time.
2. Prepare a short introduction. State who you are, what your company does, and why the connection matters.
3. Use education sessions strategically. Sessions place you near professionals who share the same business or technical interests.
4. Attend relevant council, network, and reception events. Choose events tied to your market segment rather than trying to attend everything.
5. Record useful context. Note the product, discussion, and next action instead of collecting business cards with no follow-up plan.
6. Follow up promptly. Send a specific message after the show while the conversation is still fresh.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Attendees

These are the main 2026 dates to place on your calendar:

• May 4: Attendee registration opened.
• June 27: Standard qualified-attendee pricing increased from $50 to $75.
• September 10: International attendee mail deadline for badges, according to the attendee FAQ.
• September 25: Domestic attendee mail deadline and final day of the $75 standard attendee tier.
• September 26: Standard qualified-attendee pricing increases to $100.
• November 3–5: Professional education dates.
• November 3–6: SEMA Show exhibit dates.
• November 6: Friday public access and SEMA Fest.

How to Qualify for Media Credentials at SEMA

Media credentials are reserved for working print, broadcast, radio, and online media that cover the automotive industry, small business, or another relevant topic. Previous approval does not guarantee approval for 2026.

The official media page says applicants may need updated qualifying work from the previous 12 months, such as published editorial with a byline or a published photo with a photo credit. Apply early because approvals can slow as the show approaches.

Public-relations, marketing, and advertising personnel representing manufacturers do not qualify for media credentials. Video production companies representing exhibitors—or charging companies to receive coverage—also do not qualify as media.

For credential questions, contact pr@sema.org or call the number listed on the official media page. The incomplete address “regmgr@se” should not be used.

How Much Does a SEMA Exhibitor Booth Cost?

The original idea that a booth simply “starts around $3,000” is too vague. The official 2026 exhibitor rates are based on net square footage:

• SEMA or TIA member: $24.95 per net square foot
• Nonmember: $39.95 per net square foot
• Minimum booth: 100 net square feet, or 10 by 10 feet
• Island-booth surcharge: $4,500
• Peninsula-booth surcharge: $1,500

That makes the base space charge for a minimum 10-by-10 booth $2,495 for a member or $3,995 for a nonmember before surcharges and operating costs. Exhibitors should also budget for booth design, flooring, signs, electrical service, internet, material handling, freight, labor, furniture, travel, lodging, insurance, and promotional materials.

Travel, Hotels, and Transportation

Book lodging through the official hotel channel linked from the SEMA Show website. SEMA identifies onPeak as its official housing provider and warns attendees about third-party companies that may claim an unauthorized connection to the show.

The Las Vegas Convention Center is large, and daily walking distances can be substantial. Review the floorplan before choosing meetings, allow travel time between halls, and wear supportive shoes that still fit the business or business-casual environment.

Useful transportation options include the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare and taxi drop-off areas, hotel shuttles when offered, and the Vegas Loop for movement between convention-center stations. SEMA Fest advises guests not to rely on event parking and recommends public transportation or rideshare.

Tips for Making the Most of Your SEMA Experience

1. Choose three main goals. Examples include finding suppliers, researching a product category, attending technical education, or meeting customers.
2. Build each day by hall. Group nearby booths and sessions to avoid repeated trips across the convention center.
3. Reserve fixed-time events first. Add education sessions, meetings, and demonstrations before filling open time with exhibit browsing.
4. Use the first hour well. Popular booths and the New Products Showcase are often easier to review before traffic builds.
5. Leave open time. Unplanned conversations and live demonstrations can be some of the most useful parts of the show.
6. Carry power and water. A charged phone is important for the app, maps, tickets, product scanning, and follow-up notes.
7. Ask detailed product questions. Confirm fitment, installation, training, warranties, lead times, compliance, and support.
8. Review your notes each evening. Turn scans and conversations into a short next-day list and a post-show follow-up plan.

Register for the 2026 SEMA ShowView the Official Floorplan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a regular person attend the 2026 SEMA Show?

Yes, but public access is limited to Friday, November 6, 2026. A public show-floor ticket must be purchased through the official SEMA Fest ticket channel, and show-floor guests must be at least 16. Standard all-show access remains available to qualified industry registrants.

How much does it cost to attend the 2026 SEMA Show?

Most qualified attendee and spouse badges cost $50 through June 26, $75 from June 27 through September 25, and $100 from September 26 through November 6. Certain registration categories cost $399. Public-Friday and SEMA Fest tickets use a separate price schedule.

How much is a 10-by-10 booth at SEMA?

The 2026 base space charge is $2,495 for a SEMA or TIA member and $3,995 for a nonmember. Those figures cover 100 net square feet and do not include booth construction, utilities, freight, labor, travel, lodging, or applicable configuration surcharges.

Is there a dress code for the SEMA Show?

SEMA describes the event as a business-to-business trade show and suggests business or business-casual clothing. Apparel must be appropriate, and logos or sayings must be in good taste. Comfortable, supportive footwear is practical because the show requires extensive walking.

Does a SEMA Show badge include SEMA Fest?

No. A standard SEMA Show badge does not include the SEMA Fest concert. Concert-only tickets also do not include the convention-center exhibit halls. Purchase a package that clearly includes both when you need both types of access.

Can students attend the SEMA Show?

Eligible students can attend through the SEMA Student Program. Students ages 16–20 must be enrolled in an accredited school or be a 2026 graduate, be interested in an automotive aftermarket career, and attend with a school official. Review the current student requirements before registering a group.

Sources

1. Official SEMA Show 2026 home page — event dates, location, trade-show status, and Friday public access
2. SEMA Show attendee FAQ — registration fees, badge deadlines, eligibility, and student information
3. SEMA Show professional education — education dates, tracks, free sessions, and partner programs
4. SEMA Show exhibitor information — booth rates, minimum size, surcharges, and included benefits
5. SEMA Show media information — credential rules, qualifying materials, photography, video, and drone policies
6. Official SEMA Fest website — Friday public-access rules, concert access, ticket pickup, age requirements, and transportation guidance

Conclusion

The 2026 SEMA Show offers far more than a walk through custom-vehicle displays. Qualified industry professionals can use four show days to compare products, attend education, meet suppliers, study new technology, and strengthen business relationships. Public visitors also have a Friday-only path into the show for 2026. Register under the correct category, confirm which tickets include the experiences you want, build a hall-by-hall plan, and recheck the official schedule before traveling.