ATTENDEE FAQ
ATTENDEE FAQ
The SEMA Show is an accessible event for qualified professionals. For any accessibility-related questions, please contact customer service Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, EASTERN TIME, at 508-743-8571 or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our registrants with disabilities. We will do our best to assist you and address your accessibility needs.
AAPEX and the SEMA Show are business-to-business trade events. To be approved to attend, you just need to verify that your company is active in the automotive aftermarket, and that you are a current owner / employee. Use of a business email domain (matching your company name) in the registration process is preferred and will help us verify your role in the industry.
Staff and / or Employee:
- Upload one (1) document from Group A and one (1) document from Group B.
Business Owner:
- Upload one (1) document from Group B.
*The document submitted must include your name as the owner of the company you are registering for the Shows and be valid through November 6, 2026.*
Group A: Verify your employment at an active company in the automotive aftermarket.
- Two recent paycheck stubs issued within the past year (handwritten company checks are not acceptable). The check stub / receipt must show the registrants name, company name and the date issued.
- Company issued badge (must include company name, job title and the registrants name).
*We no longer accept business cards as proof of employment*
Group B: Demonstrate that your company is active in the automotive aftermarket.
- A current and valid business license or permit.
- A current and valid tax registration certificate or business registration.
Each registrant must have their own unique email address to complete registration. It must be a valid email address, where their confirmation can be sent. Business or company email addresses are preferred. If a company shares one email address, registration will not be able to be completed. In addition to the required documents, you may be required to submit documentation such as invoices, contracts, or purchase orders to prove that your company advises or makes purchases in bulk quantity from the type of companies that exhibit in the Shows. All documents must be submitted in English.
If you registered and were approved for last year's Show and have not changed your company, job title, or contact information you may not be required to show proof of involvement in the automotive aftermarket industry again.
Please note representatives from the following are not eligible to attend the Show(s).
- Non-automotive companies and organizations
- Accounting firms
- Attorney and law firms
- Exhibition industry service companies
- Freight and transportation companies
- Printers and packagers
- Promotional products companies
- Software companies
- Travel agencies
- Consumers and enthusiasts
Visit SEMAFest.com to learn more about how to attend the SEMA Show Friday - Open to the public ticket! More information will be released Spring 2026.
Qualification Documents Upload Instructions
- Upload documents with one of the following formats: .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, .PNG, .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .TIF, .TIFF. Also please remove any spaces and special characters from the file name.
- If you do not have documents available, you can submit your registration application and return to the Registration Resource Center to upload later.
- While your registration application may be completed without qualifying documents, no action will be taken to approve your registration until the documents have been received.
- The review process may take up to two weeks. Once the review has been completed, you will receive an email as to whether your registration has been approved.
- You may also log back into your Registration Resource Center to view your status.
If you have questions about the qualification process, or documentation required to attend AAPEX and the SEMA Show 2026, please contact us at 909-396-0289 or email regmgr@sema.org.
No. The company you are employed by does not have to be a SEMA member for you to attend the SEMA Show, but you do have to hold a qualified position and work within the automotive industry. The SEMA Show registration process requires you to provide proof that you are currently employed within the automotive industry.
No. Even if you are a member of SEMA, you will still need to be qualified to attend the SEMA Show. The same qualification process will apply to members as it does to non-members.
We accept credit cards or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for the onsite registration fee. CASH, or Checks will NOT be accepted onsite. No Exceptions.
The 2025 SEMA Show Hours Are:
- Tuesday, November 4th: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, November 5th: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
- Thursday, November 6th: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
- Friday, November 7th: 9:00 am — 4:00* pm
*Registration closes at 2:00pm
Several options are available for obtaining new product information. One of the easiest ways is to visit the New Products Showcase at the SEMA Show. At the New Products Showcase, buyers and media can use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your SEMA Show app long after the 2024 show has ended.
When Show Management* scans your badge, your personal information is processed pursuant to Show Management's legitimate interest in tracking attendance, traffic flow, and providing a better Show. To withdraw consent, contact Show Management* (see below). By allowing exhibitors to scan your badge, you consent to Show Management* sharing your registration information with them, and they may then contact you regarding their goods or services. Please review their privacy policies for additional information. If you do not want to share your information, do not permit the exhibitor to scan your badge. If you do not want to receive communications from an exhibitor, you must contact that exhibitor directly.
For more privacy information, please visit AAPEX Privacy Policy and the SEMA Show Privacy Policy.
*Show Management includes AAPEX Show Management (Auto Care Association, AASA/MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and W.T. Glasgow, Inc.- 708-226-1300) and SEMA Show Management (Specialty Equipment Market Association & Performance Racing, Inc. - SEMA - 909-396-0289).
No. Badges CANNOT be reproduced, transferred or resold. All AAPEX and SEMA Show attendees and exhibiting personnel must be prepared to provide a matching government-issued photo ID upon request. Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission and revoke your badge at any time. If it is discovered you are allowing someone else to use your badge, that person will be escorted from the Show floor and both of you may not be allowed to attend a future Show.
A list of 2025 SEMA Show Participating Exhibitors can be found at semashow.com/participating-exhibitors and a map of current exhibitors can be found at www.semashow.com/floorplan.
Available parking for guests but may require a daily fee for self-parking
and valet services. Information subject to change.
For more information, please contact the property. For oversize vehicle
parking inquiry please contact the property.
Limited parking at the following locations:
Guests can find additional nearby parking options on apps like SpotHero or Parkopedia for potential rates.
- Parkopedia browse garage and street parking
- SpotHero reserve spots in advance
No one under the age of 16, including infants, is allowed access to the exhibits. No exceptions. Show Management* does not provide childcare services onsite. Use of a school issued ID is not acceptable to prove age unless it provides a date of birth.
In compliance with the ADA, service animals—as defined by the ADA—are permitted at the Show. Other live animals, including comfort, emotional-support or therapy animals, pets and animals used for demonstrations of any kind are not allowed. Show Management reserves the right to prohibit service animals if they pose a threat or safety concern to anyone attending, exhibiting or working our event. The handler/owner of the service animal is responsible for the care and supervision of his or her animal. If the animal is not under control or is disruptive or not housebroken, Show Management may require it to be removed from the Show premises.
Drones/UAVs of any kind are NOT allowed at the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center or Westgate Hotel due to the proximity to Harry Reid International Airport. Drones/UAVs will be confiscated until Show end (after the SEMA Cruise).
The use of the above items is NOT allowed at the Las Vegas Convention Center or Westgate Hotel. This includes all non-ADA-approved mobility devices.
Educators, counselors, and administrators employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12), colleges or universities:
- Must be bringing a minimum of one (1) student to the SEMA Show.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to S.T.E.M., transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must provide a minimum of two (2) of the following qualifying documents/documentation to be approved for school group registration:
- A photo of a current school-issued staff I.D.
- A photo of a current school-issued business card.
- URL link to official contact information in online staff/faculty directory.
- Two (2) recent paycheck stubs (from an automated payroll system)
School Group Requirements:
- One (1) school official is required to supervise every five (5) students in their group.
- Encouraged to establish a student "vetting" process to limit their student groups to the "top performers."
- Are the designees to pick up show badges on behalf of their student group; SEMA will not issue badges directly to students unless endorsed or arranged by the key school contact.
- Must provide on-site contact information/cell phone number to SEMA staff and to all students under their supervision.
- Spouses are eligible to attend if serving as student chaperone.
Students: 16–20 years of age:
- Per trade-show policy, students must be 16 years of age or older to enter the exhibit halls and exhibit areas at the SEMA and AAPEX Shows.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or university, or be a 2025 high school, college or university graduate.
- Must be interested in learning about careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must be accompanied by a school official or school-approved chaperone.
Students: 21 years of age or older:
- Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university or be a 2025 college or university graduate seeking to connect with employers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must submit current school ID and driver's license/identification card.
- Must submit a written endorsement by a school official who is familiar with the student's academic or skilled-trade certification performance.
Market research is not permitted to be conducted at the SEMA Show.
For more information, please call 909-378-4860 or email josee@sema.org.
The SEMA Show is a business to business trade show. Attendees, exhibitors and media must wear appropriate apparel at all times. Business or business casual attire is suggested. Logos and sayings on apparel must be in good taste. Show Management reserves the right to make determinations on appropriate apparel.
If a company qualifies to exhibit but chooses not to and wants to register employees to attend Show (walk the Show floors), they will be classified as an NEC. If during the qualification process, Show Management finds the company to be classified as a Non-Exhibiting Company (NEC), a higher registration fee of $399 USD each will be applied. Non-Exhibiting Companies are limited to registering two (2) registrants, attending no more than two (2) Shows.
Fireworks, firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds are prohibited in all premises of the AAPEX and the SEMA Shows. This prohibition applies to interior and exterior Show facilities, including parking areas and also prohibits weapons in or on any vehicles or displays. Violations of this policy can result in the violator being banned from the Shows and Show facilities.
"Outboarding" is when any non-exhibitor hosts an event anywhere in the city that attracts SEMA Show buyers. If you hear of an outboarding event, please contact the Show Management Office, 702-943-3505 or your floor manager. To contact Show Management in advance of the Show, please call 909-396-0289.
You can find a number of food options for the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Convention Center on the following page. Food Options
SEMA Fest 2025 will feature live music from the biggest names in the entertainment industry. To get updates please sign up for the latest SEMA Fest news at www.semafest.com
We accept credit cards or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for the onsite registration fee. CASH, or Checks will NOT be accepted onsite. No Exceptions.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. Only qualified registrants employed within the automotive aftermarket industry are approved to receive a badge. Qualified registrants may register online at www.semashow.com when registration goes live Spring 2026.
AAPEX and the SEMA Show are business-to-business trade events. To be approved to attend, you just need to verify that your company is active in the automotive aftermarket, and that you are a current owner / employee. Use of a business email domain (matching your company name) in the registration process is preferred and will help us verify your role in the industry.
Staff and / or Employee:
- Upload one (1) document from Group A and one (1) document from Group B.
Business Owner:
- Upload one (1) document from Group B.
*The document submitted must include your name as the owner of the company you are registering for the Shows and be valid through November 6, 2026.*
Group A: Verify your employment at an active company in the automotive aftermarket.
- Two recent paycheck stubs issued within the past year (handwritten company checks are not acceptable). The check stub / receipt must show the registrants name, company name and the date issued.
- Company issued badge (must include company name, job title and the registrants name).
*We no longer accept business cards as proof of employment*
Group B: Demonstrate that your company is active in the automotive aftermarket.
- A current and valid business license or permit.
- A current and valid tax registration certificate or business registration.
Each registrant must have their own unique email address to complete registration. It must be a valid email address, where their confirmation can be sent. Business or company email addresses are preferred. If a company shares one email address, registration will not be able to be completed. In addition to the required documents, you may be required to submit documentation such as invoices, contracts, or purchase orders to prove that your company advises or makes purchases in bulk quantity from the type of companies that exhibit in the Shows. All documents must be submitted in English.
If you registered and were approved for last year's Show and have not changed your company, job title, or contact information you may not be required to show proof of involvement in the automotive aftermarket industry again.
Please note representatives from the following are not eligible to attend the Show(s).
- Non-automotive companies and organizations
- Accounting firms
- Attorney and law firms
- Exhibition industry service companies
- Freight and transportation companies
- Printers and packagers
- Promotional products companies
- Software companies
- Travel agencies
- Consumers and enthusiasts
Visit SEMAFest.com to learn more about how to attend the SEMA Show Friday - Open to the public ticket! More information will be released Spring 2026.
Qualification Documents Upload Instructions
- Upload documents with one of the following formats: .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, .PNG, .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .TIF, .TIFF. Also please remove any spaces and special characters from the file name.
- If you do not have documents available, you can submit your registration application and return to the Registration Resource Center to upload later.
- While your registration application may be completed without qualifying documents, no action will be taken to approve your registration until the documents have been received.
- The review process may take up to two weeks. Once the review has been completed, you will receive an email as to whether your registration has been approved.
- You may also log back into your Registration Resource Center to view your status.
If you have questions about the qualification process, or documentation required to attend AAPEX and the SEMA Show 2026, please contact us at 909-396-0289 or email regmgr@sema.org.
No. Registration fees are non-refundable. No credits or refunds for registration fees will be provided. No exceptions. Please note: Failure to obtain a visa in advance of the Show does not constitute a valid basis for a refund.
No. The company you are employed by does not have to be a SEMA member for you to attend the SEMA Show, but you do have to hold a qualified position and work within the automotive industry. The SEMA Show registration process requires you to provide proof that you are currently employed within the automotive industry.
No. Even if you are a member of SEMA, you will still need to be qualified to attend the SEMA Show. The same qualification process will apply to members as it does to non-members.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. It is not open to consumers or the general public. If you are unemployed, retired, a car club member, hobbyist, collector, or car enthusiast, you do not qualify to receive a badge. If you do not meet the qualifications to receive a badge, enthusiasts are able to purchase the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the public" ticket at www.semafest.com to access the SEMA Show on Friday, November 6th ONLY. More information will be released Spring 2026.
You may register onsite, but depending upon the day and time you arrive, the lines for new, onsite registration may be lengthy. You will also need to bring with you to the Show your qualification documentation and a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license). If you do not have this paperwork with you, you will not be able to complete registration.
Onsite registration is $100 USD per person. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time, money and receive your badge in the mail if completed prior to domestic pre-reg deadline of September 25th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 11th.
No. Badges CANNOT be reproduced, transferred or resold. All AAPEX and SEMA Show attendees and exhibiting personnel must be prepared to provide a matching government-issued photo ID upon request. Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission and revoke your badge at any time. If it is discovered you are allowing someone else to use your badge, that person will be escorted from the Show floor and both of you may not be allowed to attend a future Show.
If it says, "only two (2)" that means the system recognizes your company's name as a Non-Exhibiting Company (NEC). If you have any questions about what it means to have NEC status, contact SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289 or email regmgr@sema.org.
No. There are no guest or complimentary passes, tickets, and/or badges for the SEMA Show. Other than a legal spouse, everyone must register and be approved to receive a badge. The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. It is not open to consumers or the general public. Guests do not qualify to receive a badge.
No one may pre-register for a Feature Vehicle badge. Feature Vehicle badges are not mailed pre-show. Each Featured Vehicle is entitled to a maximum of two (2) badges at $75 USD each, and registration must be done onsite when you arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. When you check in your vehicle, you will receive a special registration form which you must complete and take to Exhibitor Registration to register up to two (2) registrants, maximum, per vehicle. (Spouses are included in the 2.)
No, neither Show Management or customer service can take your information over the phone. No exceptions. You must register online or in person, complete the registration form, and provide payment as well as any documents required to prove you are qualified to receive a badge for our Show.
No. One badge allows you entrance into both the SEMA and AAPEX Shows. Please note the AAPEX Show is located at The Venetian & Caesars Forum and is not open on Friday, November 6th. The AAPEX Show is open Tuesday, November 3 – Thursday, November 5, 2026. See www.aapexshow.com for more information on their event.
Yes. If you arrive onsite and for any reason do not have your badge, you may have it reprinted onsite one (1) time only for a fee of $100 USD per badge. The fee for reprinting a Non-Exhibiting Company (NEC), Financial Investment Company (FIN), Manufacturer/Supplier/Buyer (MSB) and Vehicle Manufacturer, OEM (VMO) is $399 USD per badge. You may not have anyone else's badge reprinted onsite but your own. You will need to present an official, government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license) that must match the name in your registration record. Go to the Main Registration to pay the fee and have your badge reprinted.
When Show Management* scans your badge, your personal information is processed pursuant to Show Management's legitimate interest in tracking attendance, traffic flow, and providing a better Show. To withdraw consent, contact Show Management* (see below). By allowing exhibitors to scan your badge, you consent to Show Management* sharing your registration information with them, and they may then contact you regarding their goods or services. Please review their privacy policies for additional information. If you do not want to share your information, do not permit the exhibitor to scan your badge. If you do not want to receive communications from an exhibitor, you must contact that exhibitor directly.
For more privacy information, please visit AAPEX Privacy Policy and the SEMA Show Privacy Policy.
*Show Management includes AAPEX Show Management (Auto Care Association, AASA/MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and W.T. Glasgow, Inc.- 708-226-1300) and SEMA Show Management (Specialty Equipment Market Association & Performance Racing, Inc. - SEMA - 909-396-0289).
Educators, counselors, and administrators employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12), colleges or universities:
- Must be bringing a minimum of one (1) student to the SEMA Show.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to S.T.E.M., transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must provide a minimum of two (2) of the following qualifying documents/documentation to be approved for school group registration:
- A photo of a current school-issued staff I.D.
- A photo of a current school-issued business card.
- URL link to official contact information in online staff/faculty directory.
- Two (2) recent paycheck stubs (from an automated payroll system)
School Group Requirements:
- One (1) school official is required to supervise every five (5) students in their group.
- Encouraged to establish a student "vetting" process to limit their student groups to the "top performers."
- Are the designees to pick up show badges on behalf of their student group; SEMA will not issue badges directly to students unless endorsed or arranged by the key school contact.
- Must provide on-site contact information/cell phone number to SEMA staff and to all students under their supervision.
- Spouses are eligible to attend if serving as student chaperone.
Students: 16–20 years of age:
- Per trade-show policy, students must be 16 years of age or older to enter the exhibit halls and exhibit areas at the SEMA and AAPEX Shows.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or university, or be a 2025 high school, college or university graduate.
- Must be interested in learning about careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must be accompanied by a school official or school-approved chaperone.
Students: 21 years of age or older:
- Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university or be a 2025 college or university graduate seeking to connect with employers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must submit current school ID and driver's license/identification card.
- Must submit a written endorsement by a school official who is familiar with the student's academic or skilled-trade certification performance.
Market research is not permitted to be conducted at the SEMA Show.
For more information, please call 909-378-4860 or email josee@sema.org.
- SEMA Show badges are FREE for educators and students participating in the Student Program. SEMA waives the registration fee and provides complimentary Non-Buyer/Educator and Non-Buyer Student badges.
- Non-buyer educator and student badges permit access to the SEMA and AAPEX Shows for all days that the Shows are open, free-to-attend SEMA Show educations seminars and free-to-attend special events and networking receptions:
- SEMA Show: Tuesday, November 4 – 7, 2025.
- AAPEX Show: Tuesday, November 4 – 6, 2025.
- Educators, counselors and administrators who are employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12) colleges or universities may be eligible to register as "Attendee Non-Buyers" under the "Association/Education/Government" category and pay the registration fee of $50 USD per person until Friday, June 27th. Starting June 28th registration online increases to $75 USD per person. Starting September 27th registration online or onsite increases to $100 USD per person.
- We encourage you to participate in the SEMA Show Student Program special events to explore opportunities to coordinate school groups in the future and share the benefits of student attendance to the SEMA Show with your fellow school officials.
- Click here to begin an individual instructor registration
- SEMA partners with all major hotel groups in Las Vegas to secure the best rates for SEMA Show attendees. Hotel accommodations vary in cost according to property and amenities.
- SEMA has also partnered with Alaska, Delta and United Airlines to secure discounted airfare for SEMA Show attendees.
- Visit the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging website listed below for more information.
- SEMA has partnered with our official SEMA Show housing provider, OnPeak, to provide room blocks at the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort and Excalibur Hotel & Casino exclusively for schools with large student groups.
- Please note that per Nevada gaming laws, many casino/hotels require guests to be 21 years of age or older to be eligible to make room reservations; check-in to hotel rooms and receive room keys; and apply payment toward hotel accommodations.
- Please contact the hotel properties directly to find out their specific reservation and check-in requirements.
- Visit our websites to view options and reserve your hotel and airline reservations.
- Student Program Welcome Kickoff, Networking & Scholarship Recognition
Wednesday, November 5 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | LVCC, West Hall, W326
- Gear Up Girl Networking Event
Wednesday, November 5 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | LVCC, West Hall, W208 Pre-Function
Female students and school officials only.
- Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast
Thursday, November 6 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | LVCC, West Hall, W326
* Dates, Times, and Locations Subject to Change
