The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry's brightest minds and hottest products together at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries in the automotive, truck, SUV, marine, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2005 drew more than 50,000 domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 11 sections across two million square feet of exhibits including a new products Showcase featuring more than 1,400 new parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities, and much more.
The premier automotive specialty performance products event features performance, accessories, restoration, and motorsports products in 11 categories including business services; car care and accessories; hot rod alley; mobile electronics and technology; performance tires and wheels; racing and performance, restoration marketplace; restyling and accessories; tools and equipment; trucks, suvs and off-road vehicles; and original equipment manufacturers.
Unlike our other auto show coverage, the only way to experience the one million square feet of exhibits found in the Las Vegas Convention Center is to be an industry insider, as the SEMA show is not open to the general public. Like ants to a picnic, the SEMA Show attracts industry leaders, automotive insiders, factory reps, aftermarket deities, wholesale buyers, and auto scribes, all searching for new ways to feed their hunger for all things automotive. The 2006 show is open to automotive insiders from October 31 through November 3, 2006. All others can only drive by and drool.
Each year, Motor Trend narrows its focus to official automaker project vehicles and endorsed aftermarket build-ups; they are examples of what each manufacturer considers within their realm of possibilities. Sometimes these modifications are purely fanciful vehicle buildups, and sometimes they become dealer-supported performance packages that can be optioned in at the time of purchase and included in both financing and warranty from drive-off.
Our editors have returned from Vegas and are still processing images and information for captions. Check back frequently for posts throughout the end of the week, and video segments soon after.
We've got SO MUCH information, we can't fit it all into one story, so if you can't find what you're looking for here, be sure to check out PART TWO