Your guide to SEMA 2026 

Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a returning face, here’s what you need to know about SEMA 2026.  

Key information 

SEMA 2026 runs November 3–6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). It’s a trade-only event. But it is open to the public on Friday, November 6. The show hours are from 9 am to 5 pm for the first three days and from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday. 

What is the SEMA Show? 

The Specialty Equipment Market Association holds the largest automotive trade show in the country every year. SEMA is where the industry goes to see new products and custom vehicle builds, connect with shop owners, technicians, distributors, and builders, and hear directly from industry experts. This year’s numbers are massive, with more than 160,000 attendees, 70,000+ buyers from 140+ countries, 2,000+ exhibiting brands, and 1,000+ vehicle builds. 

Why Attend SEMA 2026? 

SEMA brings the automotive industry together each November, and this year it brings a newly renovated venue and a larger show overall. A few features that make it worth being a part of SEMA 2026: 

New Products Showcase 

This is where more than 3,000 products are displayed before they hit retail stores or e-commerce sites. It’s widely considered one of the top destinations for buyers and media at the show. 

FutureTech Studio  

In Central Hall, this feature covers the latest in EV, automation, smart manufacturing, and propulsion technology, alongside short learning sessions from industry leaders. 

Mobile Electronics  

Over 100 brands, including Blaupunkt, Cobra Electronics, Stinger, Rockford Fosgate, and Kicker, will showcase advanced audio, dash cam, infotainment, and driver-assist technology. 

SEMA Battle of the Builders  

This vehicle-build competition makes a comeback, with custom car and truck builders competing on craftsmanship and innovation. What’s new this year is a Bike Builder Shootout for custom motorcycles, taking place on the opening day, November 3. 

Major Exhibitors & OEM Presence  

Major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Stellantis, will return to SEMA to showcase their custom-built concepts and performance parts catalogs.  

RAYS Wheels  

RAYS Wheels will take over Silver Lot 3 for the first time this year, featuring exclusive collector merchandise alongside its new and current wheel lineups. 

SEMA Fest 2026  

SEMA Fest brings live music and automotive culture together on Friday, November 6, with performances from Jimmy Eat World, The Offspring, 311, and The Alive. Tickets are available through the official SEMA Show website or Tixr, across five tiers including Show+Concert GA and Show+Concert VIP. 

Networking 

For most attendees, SEMA is where they source products. But it’s also where dealerships, fleets, service providers, and technology companies can find their potential partners. As vehicle ownership becomes more connected, SEMA has become a place for companies rethinking how they can serve drivers and customers across the ownership journey. 

Two events have been announced so far: an after-hours networking event on November 4 and a dining experience on November 5. 

Seminars and Workshops 

This year’s show includes eight educational tracks plus partner programs, many of which are free with your registration. This is a good opportunity to hear directly from industry experts on where the market is heading. 

How to Register 

Registration depends on how you’re attending: 

• Attendee: If you’re an attendee, you require a unique business-domain email address and proof of employment. Registering before September 25 costs $75 (covers an attendee and their spouse); after that date it’s $100. Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers have to pay $399. 

• Exhibitor: Booth space costs $24.95 per square foot for SEMA/TIA members and $39.95 per square foot for non-members. The number of free badges your company gets depends entirely on the square footage of your booth space.  

Know the Floor 

Las Vegas Convention Center is enormous, so knowing where to go saves real time: 

Hall	Focus Areas
West Hall	Powersports/SxS & lifestyle; restyling & car care accessories; trucks, SUVs, off-road
North Hall	First-time & featured exhibitors; business services; mobile electronics & technology
Central Hall	Racing & performance; hot rod alley; restoration marketplace; FutureTech Studio
South Hall Upper	Collision repair & refinish; tools & equipment
South Hall Lower	Global Tire Expo; wheels & accessories; New Products Showcase

For a detailed floor plan, you can visit: sema26.mapyourshow.com. 

Before You Go: Prep Checklist 

• Book your hotel and flights early. Las Vegas fills up fast during SEMA week, and rates tend to climb quickly. SEMA’s official housing provider, onPeak, offers discounted rates for showgoers. 

• Plan your transportation. Las Vegas Convention Center parking will be affected by construction during SEMA Show week, so SEMA recommends using the free hotel shuttles (running to and from 45+ hotels) or the Las Vegas Monorail, which offers discounted, extended-hours service for showgoers. If you’re driving or staying somewhere without shuttle access, you can check parking options near Las Vegas via Way.com ahead of time.  

• Pre-schedule meetings with the exhibitors, partners, or contacts you want to see. Walking the floor without a plan wastes time at an event this size. 

Frequently asked questions

• What does SEMA stand for?

  SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. It is the trade association behind the SEMA Show, the largest annual automotive specialty equipment and aftermarket trade event in the U.S.

• When is SEMA 2026?

  November 3–6, 2026.

• Where is SEMA 2026 held?

  The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• Is SEMA open to the public?

  It’s trade-only for most of the week. The public can only attend on Friday, November 6, for the SEMA Fest.

• How much are the SEMA tickets?

  If you’re an attendee, registration is $75 before September 25 and $100 after, while Non-Exhibiting Manufacturers have to pay $399. The exhibitor costs depend on booth size and membership status.