" It's like Disneyland for gearheads.
"
I just returned home from the annual SEMA trade show in Las Vegas, and boy are my feet tired! I know it sounds like I’m trying to twist around an old joke there, but it’s the truth. If you don’t know what the SEMA show is, I’ll explain using SEMA’s own words:
“The Specialty Equipment Market Association is an organization dedicated to vehicles. A love for cars, trucks, and SUVs is the motivating force behind the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams, and more. The companies that founded SEMA—and the entire specialty parts and accessories industry, for that matter—were started by people who loved cars and trucks and turned their hobby into a career. Most people in the industry today still feel this way. That’s one of the things that makes SEMA and its members unique.
“Today, the 46-year-old organization performs many services for its members and for the hobby as a whole. Perhaps most importantly, SEMA works hard to protect consumers’ rights to drive accessorized, customized, and vintage vehicles. SEMA keeps close tabs on legislators in Washington, D.C., and also in each state within the United States, so SEMA members and anyone who loves cars and trucks can protest pending legislation that might harm our hobby, as well as endorse legislation that’s good for car lovers. SEMA has also helped numerous consumers interact with car dealers, who sometimes try to get away with charging for repairs on a modified vehicle by claiming (wrongly) that specialty accessories have voided its warranty.
“Every year, SEMA also presents an enormous trade show in Las Vegas. This is where manufacturers unveil their latest offerings, while buyers, distributors, and members of the press walk their feet off to see it all. Visit www.semashow.com for more information.
The variety is astonishing, from restyling accessories and automotive organizers to engine parts, restoration supplies, street-rod components, and safety enhancements.”
With that said, most people who read this magazine think of the SEMA show as a place to see the latest and greatest trucks. Every aftermarket manufacturer you can think of is there, and the company’s parts are on multiple trucks. It’s like Disneyland for gearheads. We have a whole lot of pages of coverage from the SEMA show from the cameras of Joe Burnside and me. Enjoy.