This year marks the 55th SEMA Show, a trade event that promises to reflect the tremendous evolutions taking place in the specialty-equipment industry. Last year, the Show made its much-heralded return after COVID-19 forced its hiatus in 2020. That 2021 Show proved incredibly successful, and ranked among the top U.S. trade shows held last year. With expectations again running high, we'll build on that momentum this November 1–4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

Our industry has entered an exciting and challenging time of innovation and transformation. You'll see this immediately in our Show's growing vehicle electrification features. But even as interest in electrification builds, our industry continues to bring significant developments to the internal-combustion engine (ICE) to refine and improve its performance. It goes without saying that the excitement around current, mainstream platforms and products also remains a key focus.

Plus, we're showcasing other alternative-energy solutions coming onto the scene. For example, hydrogen platforms will be represented as well. You'll also see new or expanded Show features focusing on growing and emerging markets, such as overlanding, advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), and other technologies and innovations.

At the same time, we recognize that there has been a huge shift in our marketplace's work paradigm. Many buyers attending our 2022 Show will be in new or expanded roles within their organizations. Our expert speakers, expanded educational events and topics, and the business, networking and awards opportunities that we've planned will no doubt be highly beneficial for both your business and your career development.

You'll also experience many live-activation features demonstrating the power and the excitement of the aftermarket. And, of course, you'll see the thousands of new products that the Show is famous for—the life's blood of this ever-changing industry. We're presenting all these trends so that Show participants can start to think about the new solutions that these advances can evoke.

This underscores the benefit of live trade events. From a business standpoint alone, there's an instantaneous return on investment in terms of the conversations, networking and camaraderie that take place. As our industry gets back to full capacity, we know there's a higher-than-ever need to meet in person to make your upcoming year truly productive and profitable.

In the end, the SEMA Show isn't simply about seeing new products and trends—it's also about forming relationships. We're connecting the dots between the brands, buyers, media and the innovations that are reshaping our industry.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.

Tom Gattuso

SEMA Vice President of Events