MEDIA FAQ

MEDIA FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Media credentials are reserved exclusively for working members of the media, including print, broadcast, radio, or online. In order to maintain a B2B environment conducive for buyers and sellers to do business, media credentials are only available to media that are related to the automotive industry or those that cover small businesses or another relevant topic. If you have questions about whether you qualify for media credentials, please contact pr@sema.org or call (909) 978-6722.

The SEMA Show is an accessible event for qualified professionals. For any accessibility-related questions, please email us at semashow@sema.org or call us at (909) 396-0289. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our patrons with disabilities. We will do our best to assist you and address your accessibility needs.

Tickets for the special events and educational sessions are available when registering for the SEMA Show. If you have already registered and would like to order special event tickets, simply follow the instructions and shortcut link in your registration confirmation e-mail.

No. Public relations and marketing personnel representing manufacturers do not qualify for media credentials. Video production companies that are representing exhibitors or those that are charging companies to be covered do not qualify for media credentials. To learn more about other categories that might be applicable for public relations and marketing personnel, email regmgr@sema.org.

Approved individuals who abuse their media privileges or who misrepresent themselves or aid in obtaining their media passes may risk having their credentials revoked and their names banned from attending the SEMA Show in future years.

A list of 2024 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.

The list of 2025 SEMA Show Exhibiting companies will be available in May 2025.

  • Saturday, November 2: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 3: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, November 4: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 5: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 6: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 7: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 8: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Amenities in the Media Center include complimentary water and snacks, working stations, Internet access, complimentary copy machines, printers, and storage. The Media Center also houses press kits and materials from SEMA and many exhibitors.

NEW THIS YEAR: Credentialed media will have the ability to avoid the general concession stands in the convention center by quickly purchasing lunch or snacks in the Media Center.

There is not a designated Media Day at the SEMA Show; media activities take place throughout the course of the event. There is an official press conference schedule, at which time select exhibitors will be making newsworthy announcements. The press conference schedule will be available in mid-September online at www.semashow.com and onsite in the Media Center.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Drones/UAVs of any kind are NOT allowed at the SEMA Show or at the Las Vegas Convention Center 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 are NOT allowed on the Las Vegas Convention Center property. This includes all non-ADA-approved mobility devices.

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.

Badges must always be worn in the AAPEX and the SEMA Show areas.

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 for attendees. 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 SEMA Show privacy information, go to www.semashow.com/privacy-policy. For more AAPEX Show privacy information, go to  Attendee Guidelines.

*Show Management includes AAPEX Show Management (Auto Care Association, AASA/MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and William T. Glasgow, Inc.- 708/226-1300) and SEMA Show Management (Specialty Equipment Market Association & Performance Racing, Inc. - SEMA - 909/396-0289).

"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.

The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. Only qualified individuals employed within the automotive aftermarket industry are approved to receive a badge. Qualified individuals may register online at www.semashow.com or on-site. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time and money and receive your badge in the mail. To receive your badge in the mail, you must be registered and APPROVED to attend before the domestic pre-reg deadline of September 27th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 13th.

Badges for exhibiting personnel within the company's complimentary allotment are at no charge. Registering exhibiting personnel over your company's complimentary allotment pre-show is $40 USD per person until Friday, June 27, 2025. Starting June 28, 2025, exhibitor badges ordered online over the company's allotment is $60 USD per person. On Thursday, October 30, 2025, exhibitor badges ordered online or on-site over your company's complimentary allotment are $120 USD per person.

Online attendee registration is $40 USD per person until Friday, June 27, 2025. Starting June 28, 2025, attendee registration online increases to $60 USD per person. Starting Friday, September 28, 2025, attendee registration online or onsite increases to $120 USD per person. Attendee badges allow entrance to both APPEX, and the SEMA Show on all days of each. (Note: AAPEX exhibits are not open on Friday, November 7, 2025, but the SEMA exhibits are open on Friday.)

Participants who have a featured vehicle in the Show, must register onsite for $60 USD each and are limited to two (2) badges.

Lost or forgotten badges may be reprinted on-site 1x only for a fee of $120 USD per badge. *NEM, FIN, MSB and VMO registrants reprint fee is $399 USD. You may not have anyone else's badge reprinted on-site but your own, and an official government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) must be presented. 

When your company key contact signs into the online system, it will indicate how many are registered, how many remain in your complimentary allotment, and how many have been paid for, if any.

Yes. All US and Canadian exhibiting company addresses are considered domestic. All other non-US or non-Canadian company addresses are considered international. International exhibitor badges are not mailed pre-show.

No. Domestic exhibitor badges are mailed UPS 2nd-day Express. UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box. A US or Canadian physical street address must be provided.

Main Registration Locations: Lower South Hall EAST

Main Registration Hours: 

  • Thursday, October 30th : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Friday, October 31st: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Saturday, November 1st : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Sunday, November 2nd : 8:00 am -5:00 pm
  • Monday, November 3rd : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 4th : 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 5th : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 6th : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday, November 7th : 7:30 am - 2:00 pm*

*SEMA Only – AAPEX exhibits are Tuesday – Thursday only; SEMA Exhibits close at 4 pm on Friday.

Barcode Registration Locations: West Hall or Lower South Hall EAST

Barcode Registration Hours:

  • Thursday, October 30th : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Friday, October 31st : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Saturday, November 1st : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Sunday, November 2nd : 8:00 am -5:00 pm
  • Monday, November 3rd : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 4th : 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 5th : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 6th : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday, November 7th : 7:30 am - 2:00 pm*

*SEMA Only – AAPEX exhibits are Tuesday – Thursday only; SEMA Exhibits close at 4 pm on Friday.

Note: Each person must pick up their own badge. They may not send anyone else in their place. NO EXCEPTIONS. The registrant must be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up their badge at any of the barcode registration locations. The name on the photo ID must match the name on the badge.

EXHBITOR Barcode Satellite Locations: Central Lobby or Lower South Hall WEST

Exhibitor Barcode Satellite locations are for REGISTERED Exhibitor badge pick-up ONLY. Exhibitors will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a valid driver's license or passport) to pick up their own badge. NEW exhibitor registrations cannot be processed at these Exhibitor Barcode Satellite desks.

Exhibitor Barcode Satellite Hours:

  • Thursday, October 30th : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Friday, October 31st : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Saturday, November 1st : 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
  • Sunday, November 2nd : 8:00 am -5:00 pm
  • Monday, November 3rd : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 4th : 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 5th : 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Note: Each person must pick up their own badge. They may not send anyone else in their place. The exhibiting key contact may NOT pick up all badges registered for personnel working in their booth. NO EXCEPTIONS. The registrant must be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up their badge at any of the Exhibitor Barcode Satellite locations. The name on the photo ID must match the name on the badge.

The designated key contact may use the registration form online, regardless of how many company personnel you are registering. A unique email address is still required on the online form for each person working in your booth.

Changes to badges may be made online at www.SEMAShow.com/register (until the badges are mailed) by the booth's key contact. Once badges have been mailed, changes must be made onsite in the Exhibitor registration area. The incorrect badge will need to be surrendered onsite in Exhibitor registration to receive the new, updated one.

No. Exhibitor badges may only be issued with the official exhibiting company name provided on your company's booth space application. Exhibitor badges will not be issued to non-exhibiting business associates, consumers, relatives, friends, or guests.

Each exhibitor key contact must provide their own unique e-mail address, as well as a unique e-mail address for each exhibiting personnel registration to complete registration. A confirmation will be sent to each individual e-mail address and will require the registrant to confirm receipt to complete the registration process and for domestic exhibiting personnel badges to be mailed. Badges will not be mailed to exhibiting personnel who do not click to confirm their email address. If a company shares one e-mail address, registration will not be able to be completed. No exceptions.

Email Customer Service at regmgr@sema.org and describe the situation. A representative will follow up with you via email within 24 hours (one business day). If you do not receive a timely reply, please call (909) 396-0289, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, PST.

No. Neither Management nor 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.

Pre-show EXHIBITORS may only register online via their designated key contact. On-site registration is $120 USD per person. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time and money and receive your badge(s) in the mail if completed prior to domestic pre-reg deadline of September 26th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 12th.

You must register before the visa letter can be sent, and the letter may only be made for the individual's name and company name in their registration record. Invite letters are sent via email instantaneously as a bounce back to the email address you provide during registration. Emailed, printed-out copies of the visa letter are acceptable. Management no longer prepares and express-mails abroad personalized letters because originals of visa invite letters are no longer required. The bounce-back, emailed invitation letter is sufficient. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of any government visa requirements and allow sufficient time for the visa entry application process. Attendees and exhibitors should contact their nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing and requirements related to their visa application. SEMA will not contact embassies and consulates on behalf of visa applicants or provide any other assistance relating to visa issues. All costs associated with applying for a visa are the sole responsibility of the attendee or exhibitor in need of the letter.

If you have questions, contact Customer Service, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PST, toll-free at (909) 396-0289 or email regmgr@sema.org.

No one may pre-register for a Feature Vehicle badge. Feature Vehicle badges are not mailed. Each Featured Vehicle is entitled to a maximum of two (2) badges at $60 USD each, and registration must be done on-site when you arrive at the LVCC. 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 2 people, maximum, per vehicle. (Spouses are included in the 2.)

Yes. If you arrive on-site and for any reason do not have your badge, you may have it reprinted on-site one time only for a fee of $120 USD per badge. The fee for reprinting a Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer (NEM), 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 on-site 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.

Network with the automotive industry as opening day continues into the night. Kick the week off in Las Vegas style with an industry party like no other, featuring performances from THE GOO GOO DOLLS, O.A.R. and REIGNWOLF.


No, your SEMA Show badge grants you access to the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center to enjoy the SEMA Show, but badges will not grant you access to the Industry Night @ SEMA concert


Industry Night @ SEMA doors will open at 4:00pm on November 5 with music starting at 5:00pm.


While all those who enter the SEMA Show within the Las Vegas Convention Center must be at least 16 years Industry Night will be taking place outside the halls of the Convention Center so the event is open to all ages, but everyone must have a ticket.


PLEASE NOTE TICKETS ARE CURRENTLY AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE.  Buy now before prices go up. 

TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT www.semashow.com

GA – General Admission $39 + tax and service fees (November 5)

  • Entry to Industry Night @ SEMA concert General Admission viewing
  • Includes access to all GA areas.
  • Does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show Exhibit Halls or to SEMA Fest on Friday, November 8

VIP Access (November 5) – SOLD OUT

  • Exclusive access to the VIP viewing area with premium sightlines
  • VIP bars and washrooms
  • Separate entrance for VIP pass holders at entrance
  • Charging stations
  • Does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show Exhibit Halls or SEMA Fest on Friday, November 8

 


No, you must purchase tickets separately.  Industry Night @ SEMA tickets are available for sale when registering for your SEMA Show badge or at www.semashow.com while SEMA Fest tickets are only available at www.semafest.com 


SEMA Show Friday Enthusiast Experience  (Must be 16+)

  • FRIDAY ONLY access to the SEMA Show floor between 9:00 am-4:00 pm
    • Each person must pick up their own ticket. You may not send anyone else in your place. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up your ticket. The name on your photo ID must match the name on this confirmation. No day of purchases will be permitted.
    • SEMA Friday Experience tickets may ONLY be picked-up on Friday, November 8 between 7:30am-2:00pm at SEMA Show Registration in South Hall and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center- NO EXCEPTIONS

 

SEMA Show Friday Enthusiast Experience  (Must be 16+) – With GA Concert

  • FRIDAY ONLY access to the SEMA Show floor between 9:00 am-4:00 pm
    • Each person must pick up their own ticket. You may not send anyone else in your place. NO EXCEPTIONS.
    • SEMA Friday Experience tickets may ONLY be picked-up on Friday, November 8 between 7:30am-2:00pm at SEMA Show Registration in South Hall and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center- NO EXCEPTIONS
  • GA – General Admission
    • Entry to SEMA Fest concert General Admission viewing
    • Includes access to all GA areas.

 

SEMA Show Friday Enthusiast Experience  (Must be 16+) – With VIP Access

  • FRIDAY ONLY access to the SEMA Show floor between 9:00 am-4:00 pm
    • Each person must pick up their own ticket. You may not send anyone else in your place. NO EXCEPTIONS.
    • SEMA Friday Experience tickets may ONLY be picked-up on Friday, November 8 between 7:30am-2:00pm at SEMA Show Registration in South Hall and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center- NO EXCEPTIONS
  • VIP Access
    • Exclusive access to the VIP viewing area with premium sightlines
    • VIP bars and washrooms
    • Separate entrance for VIP pass holders at entrance
    • Charging stations

 

 


You can easily upgrade through your Tixr account!

Just follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to your Tixr account.
  2. Find and click on your initials, located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
  3. Select "My Events."
  4. If upgrades are available for your event, you will see the text "Upgrades Available"
    It will look something like this:
    phone screen capture
  5. Click "Upgrades Available" 
  6. Choose your new tickets and proceed to checkout.

✔️ Once you have completed your purchase, your upgraded tickets will be sent to you, and your original order will be voided.


Orders with active payment plans cannot be upgraded until paid in full.


No, all sales are final, we do not provide refunds or transfer of tickets from one event to another.


SEMA offers educational sessions, special events and celebrity appearances through each day of the SEMA Show.  But don’t miss these great events that extend beyond the hours of the SEMA Show

  • SEMA Show Kick Off Breakfast – Tuesday, November 5 at 7:30am
    • Network with a global automotive community before sitting down with a plated breakfast, entertainment and special presentations, such as: official announcement of the New Product Showcase Awards winners. A total of 18 winners from as many different categories will be recognized, alongside a special presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year.

 

  • Industry Night @ SEMA – Tuesday, November 5; doors open 4:00pm / music 5:00pm
    • Network with the automotive industry as opening day continues into the night.  Kick the week off in Las Vegas style with an industry party like no other, featuring performances from THE GOO GOO DOLLS, O.A.R. and REIGNWOLF.
    • Tickets available when registering for the 2024 SEMA Show or at www.semashow.com

 

  • SEMA Awards Banquet – Thursday, November 7: 6:00pm Reception/7:00pm Banquet
    • Located in the Westgate Paradise Event Center
    • Join the celebration complete with great friends, food, entertainment, and a few surprises. The extravaganza also reveals the winner of prestigious awards including:
      • SEMA Person of the Year
      • Gen-III Innovator of the Year
      • Content Creator of the Year
      • Chairman's Service Award
    • Tickets available at www.semashow.com