Whether you’re a shop owner, manager, auto technician, or just a car enthusiast, there’s no other place you should be on November 3–6 than the SEMA Show. This is the ultimate auto show, where you see thousands of product innovations, meet new and iconic exhibitors, and experience the latest vehicle trends. You also get free, skill-building education sessions and can network with industry experts, all under one roof.
Here’s the breakdown so you can make the most of these 4 days. This guide covers registration, education sessions, networking tips, highlights from last year, and plenty of reasons to visit the AutoLeap booth. AutoLeap is a shop management software that helps auto repair shops handle scheduling, estimates, inspections, invoicing, and payments in one place. Let’s get into it.
Let’s get into it.
What is SEMA?
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is the event to attend for anyone interested in what’s happening in the auto industry. This annual show brings together manufacturers and buyers in the automotive specialty equipment industry. It’s an immersive way to learn about auto trends, tech, innovations, and everything in between. Attendees see products that enhance vehicles, whether that’s styling, functionality, comfort, convenience, or safety.
The show represents manufacturers, service providers, and innovators who want to connect, show their latest products, and shape the future of the industry. It takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is a trade-only event, except on Friday, November 6, when it opens to the public.
Why attend SEMA?
If you’re passionate about the auto industry, you need to stay current on trends and technology. For shop owners, this is the place to learn new and improved repair techniques and business strategies that help your shop grow. You don’t just learn from exhibitors, but also from industry experts, fellow shop owners, and others in the trade.
What to expect on the show floor
SEMA is where the aftermarket shows what’s next. Expect new diagnostic and ADAS calibration tools, shop equipment and lifts, EV and alternative-fuel technology, and live product launches that could change how you work on vehicles in your shop. The New Product Showcase and the FutureTech Studio are the places to see the newest ideas up close, and the International Pavilion brings in parts, accessories, and tools not yet launched in the U.S.
Networking opportunities
SEMA isn’t just about products. It’s also the perfect chance to meet industry leaders, CEOs, engineers, and other influential people. People are at the heart of the event, which makes it a great place for you and your service advisors to build relationships.
Educational seminars and workshops
You can learn new skills at 90+ education sessions led by top industry professionals. Topics include new repair techniques, ways to grow your business, operational efficiency, and preparing for the future of the industry. Tracks cover aftermarket updates and future trends, leadership, sales and marketing, small business technology, talent management, and more.
How big is the SEMA Show in Las Vegas?
Hall information
SEMA fills the Las Vegas Convention Center across 5 halls: West, North, Central, South Upper, and South Lower. Each is dedicated to a particular theme.
| Hall | Dedicated to |
|---|---|
| West Hall | Restyling & car care accessories; trucks, SUVs & off-road |
| North Hall | First-time & featured exhibitors; business services; mobile electronics & technology |
| Central Hall | Racing & performance; powersports & utility vehicles; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace |
| South Hall Upper | Collision repair & refinish; tools & equipment |
| South Hall Lower | Global Tire Expo, powered by TIA; wheels & accessories |
This layout makes it easy to head straight to the sections that interest you. Since it’s a lot of ground to cover, plan your days around the halls you care about most. You’ll find AutoLeap in the North Hall.
Types of exhibitors
Exhibitors range from tires, wheels, tools, and equipment to auto repair software, dealers, and parts and accessories suppliers. Combine that with the scale of the halls, the education sessions, and the networking, and it’s a one-of-a-kind event for anyone in the auto industry.
How to register for SEMA 2026
You can register online on the SEMA Show website. Here’s how 2026 badge pricing works for qualified attendees:
- $50 if you register between April 28 and June 26
- $75 between June 27 and September 25
- $100 from September 26 until registration closes
Non-exhibiting companies (NEC) pay $399. Tickets for SEMA Show Friday, open to the public on November 6, are sold separately at semafest.com.
Registration process
To register, you’ll fill in your basic information: name, email, phone number, company name, title, and company website. You’ll then be asked about:
- Your principal business
- Main work area
- Employee level
- Primary reason for attending
- Products you’re interested in
You can also pick the education sessions you want to attend during registration, or add them later in the Registration Resource Center.
Because SEMA is a business-to-business trade event, you’ll need to verify that you work in the industry. First-time attendees provide proof of employment, such as a recent pay stub or company-issued badge, plus proof the business is active, such as a business license or permit, or a tax or business registration certificate.
How auto repair professionals can plan their visit
SEMA is big, and without a plan it’s easy to get overwhelmed once you arrive. Build your schedule at registration, or afterward, so you know how you’re spending your time.
You can’t attend all 90+ sessions, so pick your agenda before you go. On the website, you can filter sessions by date, track, speaker, and cost type.
Leave time for live demos of products, equipment, and software, such as shop management systems that help you run a more efficient shop.
Networking tips for SEMA
SEMA is a great chance to meet industry leaders, CEOs, engineers, other shop owners, experts, and partners. A few tips to get more out of it:
- Research before you go. Look up people you want to meet, connect on LinkedIn, and ask to meet up during the show.
- Prepare a few icebreakers. Ask where they’re from, what company they’re with, or what they’ve liked so far. Keep it professional and friendly.
- Have a short pitch ready. Don’t make it salesy; just be ready to share what your shop or company does.
To meet specific exhibitors or suppliers, find them on the website or event app, schedule a meeting, or stop by their booth.
How to plan your trip
Booking flights
Book early; last-minute fares climb fast. SEMA has partnered with several airlines to offer attendee discounts, so check the SEMA Show website for current codes.
Hotels
Stay near the Las Vegas Convention Center or on the Monorail line to cut travel time. SEMA’s official housing partner, onPeak, runs the official hotel block at semashow.com/hotel. Rooms booked there are eligible for hotel loyalty programs, and SEMA will price-match if you find a lower rate.
Transport
Hotel shuttles and the Las Vegas Monorail run to and from the show. Check the SEMA website for shuttle hotels, pickup times, and drop-off locations.
Checklist
Before heading to SEMA:
- Finish registration
- Book your hotel and flights
- Pack comfortable shoes
- Bring business cards, portable chargers, and chargers for your laptop and tablet
These are 4 long, busy days, so plan.
Highlights from SEMA 2025
Last year, the AutoLeap booth was one of the busiest spots on the floor. Shop owners and techs lined up all week for the F1 Simulator Challenge, trading the lead on the leaderboard. Dean Heldt took the top spot with a 1:32.381 lap and walked away with $1,000.
Our Tire Change Competition put $5,000 on the line for the fastest tech, and visitors who tagged @autoleapofficial on Instagram got a shot at an extra $100.
Between races, attendees got hands-on with AutoLeap AIR, our AI receptionist, and took a first look at the AutoLeap mobile app: ditch the desk, go mobile.
This year, we’re bringing even more.
Visit AutoLeap at Booth #11839, North Hall
While you’re at SEMA, stop by AutoLeap Booth #11839 in the North Hall to see how the #1 shop management software helps shops run more efficiently. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Games and competitions: Think you’ve got what it takes? We’ve got a few challenges lined up with serious cash prizes for the fastest and the best.
- Live demos: See what’s new at AutoLeap and how it can help your shop run smarter. We’re keeping the details under wraps until the show.
- Swag, prizes, and more: Walk away with exclusive AutoLeap goodies and a few surprises we’ve got up our sleeve.
Trust us, you’ll want to see this one in person.
Wrapping up
Going to SEMA is a great investment for anyone in the auto industry. It opens doors to the latest innovations, ideas, and people. Shop owners come home with ideas to improve their shop’s performance, and technicians learn which skills and technology will be in demand.
The show is just weeks away, so if you haven’t registered yet, this is your sign. See you at Booth #11839!
FAQs
When is SEMA 2026?
Is SEMA the biggest car show in the world?
What is the purpose of SEMA?
Are there concept cars at SEMA?
Yes. Automakers and builders bring concept and custom vehicles to the show every year
Is SEMA open to the public?
SEMA is trade-only, except for SEMA Show Friday on November 6, when it opens to the public. Public tickets are sold at semafest.com.
What is the difference between SEMA and AAPEX?
SEMA focuses on specialty equipment and performance products, while AAPEX covers the broader automotive aftermarket, including replacement parts and services. One badge gets you into both shows.
