Even after the show floor closes each day, the excitement and connections continue

By SEMA Magazine Editors

Without a doubt, the daytime SEMA Show activities at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) comprise the core of the SEMA Week experience. From new-product discovery to visiting exhibitors, learning, networking, and experiencing astonishing vehicle builds and outdoor activations, the Show Halls are where the industry’s business gets done.

But savvy attendees also know how to leverage their evenings. As dusk falls over Las Vegas, they extend their Show discussions and exchange ideas over dinner meetings, receptions and “napkin conversations” all across the city.

Plus, on two special nights—Thursday and Friday—they make sure to mix and mingle with industry peers and enthusiasts through two headline Show events that combine celebration with networking, music and entertainment. As you plan your SEMA Week itinerary, don’t forget to add Thursday’s SEMA Industry Honors at Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Friday’s SEMA Fest 2026 to your list of top after-hours places to be. The following pages present the full rundown.

SEMA Industry Honors

Celebrating Leadership and Drive

BleauLive Theater, Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Thursday, November 5
Starting at 6:00 p.m.

One night, one stage—and an atmosphere of connection, recognition and industry camaraderie you won’t want to miss.

One night, one stage—and an atmosphere of connection, recognition and industry camaraderie you won’t want to miss.

Thursday, November 5, the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors takes over the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, companies and innovators advancing the specialty-equipment industry. From SEMA Content Creator of the Year to SEMA Person of the Year and other prestigious honors, this is the industry’s premier night of recognition.

From SEMA Content Creator of the Year to SEMA Person of the Year and other prestigious honors, [the Industry Honors] is the industry’s premier night of recognition.

“The energy in the room at the conclusion of last year’s inaugural SEMA Industry Honors was unmistakable,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “At its heart, this event is about bringing the automotive aftermarket community together to reflect on the past year, celebrate its achievements and recognize the people shaping its future.”

“From Sung Kang sharing his passion for car culture as host to honoring content creator Westen Champlin for the voice and visibility he brings to the industry, the evening was electric. It struck the perfect balance between honoring the traditions that built our industry and celebrating the innovators and influencers driving it forward. Attendees can expect the same high energy at this year’s ceremonies.”

As of press time, the host and lineup for the 2026 Industry Honors had yet to be announced. However, the format for the evening will be similar to the inaugural 2025 event. Attendees will join A-list industry movers and shakers for a cocktail reception beginning at 6:00 p.m., where they’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers, leaders and visionaries from across the aftermarket. After the reception, all will take their seats in the BleauLive theater for the 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony saluting the industry’s brightest stars.

After the reception, all will take their seats in the BleauLive theater for the 7:30 p.m. awards ceremony saluting the industry’s brightest stars.

Tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres and access to an open bar throughout the evening. They can be purchased during the Show registration process online at semashow.com or on-site at the Show registration center in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today.

Already registered? Add tickets to your badge through the Show’s Registration Resource Center, (https://tinyurl.com/xpressreg) or contact Registration Customer Service at 508-743-8571 and aapexsema@maritz.com.

Thursday, November 5, the 2026 SEMA Industry Honors takes over the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The 2026 SEMA Industry Honors

• Where: BleauLive Theater, Fontainebleau Las Vegas
• When: Thursday, November 5
• Attire: Cocktail
• Tickets: $50 (includes hors d’oeuvres and access to an open bar). Visit semashow.com/industry-honors for registration.
• Schedule:
  • 6:00 p.m. PST—Cocktail Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. PST—Awards Ceremony

New Changes

• 6:00 p.m.: Networking reception featuring open bars and heavy appetizers
• 7:00 p.m.: Dynamic, faster-paced two-hour awards presentation headlined by a celebrity host.
• 9:00 p.m.: After-Party complete with a DJ, open bars and additional snacks

SEMA Fest 2026

Ready to Rock SEMA Week

LVCC Bronze Lot (adjacent to South Hall)
Friday, November 6
Gates Open at 3:00 p.m.

Returning to close out SEMA Week, SEMA Fest 2026 promises another high-energy celebration of music, motorsports and car culture at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Headlining this year’s Friday, November 6, event is multi-platinum punk-rock powerhouse The Offspring, joined by alternative-rock favorites Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending hitmakers 311 and California rockers The Alive.

“SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance,” said Gattuso. “By bringing together the world’s premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note.”

“SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance…”

Serving as the official closing celebration of SEMA Week, SEMA Fest transforms the world’s premier automotive trade show into a public festival that extends the excitement of the SEMA Show well beyond the exhibit halls. The day begins inside the LVCC, where the “Friday Experience” allows non-industry automotive enthusiasts special public-ticket access to explore the SEMA Show’s thousands of custom vehicles, more than 2,000 exhibiting brands, and the industry’s newest products and technologies before the SEMA Fest gates open.

As the day progresses, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and a full slate of high-intensity automotive attractions. Returning favorites include drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA, the Globe of Death and an impressive display of rare exotics and hypercars presented by Supercar Saturdays Florida.

As the day progresses, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and a full slate of high-intensity automotive attractions.

(Above) Returning favorites include drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA, the Globe of Death and an impressive display of rare exotics and hypercars presented by Supercar Saturdays Florida.

As the sun sets, the spotlight shifts to the SEMA Fest stage, where arena-caliber performances from the four nationally recognized bands provide a fitting finale to SEMA Week. Fans can expect to hear iconic hits from The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and 311, while California rock band The Alive brings its energetic blend of surf, skate and hard-driving rock to the lineup.

As the sun sets, the spotlight shifts to the SEMA Fest stage, where arena-caliber performances from four nationally recognized bands provide a fitting finale to SEMA Week.

Fans can expect to hear iconic hits from The Offspring (left bottom), Jimmy Eat World (left top) and 311, while California rock band The Alive (left middle) brings its energetic blend of surf, skate and hard-driving rock to the lineup.

SEMA Fest continues a tradition that began with the SEMA Cruise in 2011, evolved into SEMA Ignited in 2014 and expanded into the launch of SEMA Fest in 2023. Previous festivals have featured such major acts as Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, Sublime and Queens of the Stone Age, reflecting SEMA’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the connection between automotive enthusiasm and live music.

Beyond the performances, SEMA Fest remains a one-of-a-kind experience where industry professionals, enthusiasts and the public come together to celebrate the lifestyle surrounding automotive culture. Live motorsports demonstrations, featured vehicle displays and immersive automotive experiences continue throughout the evening, ensuring that high-performance excitement remains center stage through the final encore.

For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit SEMAFest.com, and follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media for the latest updates.

SEMA Fest 2026

• Where: LVCC Bronze Lot (adjacent to South Hall)
• When: Friday, November 6
• Gates Open: at 3:00 p.m.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available at semafest.com, as are combined tickets offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access.
• For the latest updates: follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media.

Behind The Wheel

By Jason Mulroney

Chris Jacobs has been one of the most recognizable personalities in automotive television.

For more than two decades, Chris Jacobs has been one of the most recognizable personalities in automotive television, bringing equal parts enthusiasm, quick wit and genuine car-guy credibility to living rooms, auction blocks and show floors across the country. Best known for his long run on “Overhaulin’” alongside legendary designer Chip Foose, Jacobs has helped tell the stories behind some of the most memorable custom builds ever captured on camera. But his connection to car culture goes well beyond the screen. From growing up around Porsches and musclecars in the Chicago area to covering major events such as the SEMA Show (host of SEMA Live), Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Mecum Auctions, Jacobs has built a career around the people, passion and craftsmanship that drive the automotive world. In this conversation, he reflects on the early spark that started it all, the pressure of fast-turnaround television builds, unforgettable SEMA moments, his personal dream cars and what continues to fuel his love for the aftermarket community.

From growing up around Porsches and musclecars in the Chicago area to covering major events such as the SEMA Show (host of SEMA Live), Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Mecum Auctions, Jacobs has built a career around the people, passion and craftsmanship that drive the automotive world.

Early Days

SEMA Magazine: You had a long run hosting “Overhaulin’.” What original spark drew you into the automotive and custom car world?

Chris Jacobs: Well, I’ve always been a “car guy,” but before “Overhaulin’,” my interest was casual at best. In 2003, I auditioned for the show and was lucky enough to get the job. Little did I know that it would change my life so dramatically.

“…I’ve always been a ‘car guy,’ but before ‘Overhaulin’,’ my interest was casual at best.”

SM: Growing up in the Chicago area, what was the first car that made you fall in love with car culture?

CJ: Growing up, I was first drawn to cars by my dad and older brothers. They all had cool cars. My dad was a 911 guy, and my brothers had musclecars. I particularly loved both the 911—my dad had several over the years—and my brother Zach’s ’66 GTO, a black-over-red convertible. It was an awesome car, and I used to go out into the driveway, sit behind the wheel and pretend I was cruising in it.

SM: Before becoming a household name in automotive television, what was your earliest gig in entertainment, and what did it teach you?

CJ: Before “Overhaulin’,” I was a traditional actor from 1995–2003. I appeared in several movies and television shows and made about 30 commercials. It was enough to earn a living back then, so I didn’t have to have a “regular” job. What it taught me was perseverance. You have to be able to hear “no” 99 times and go back for the 100th audition with the same confidence—and be prepared to hear “no” again. It’s a tough way to make a buck.

“Overhaulin’” and Custom Builds

SM: Working alongside Chip Foose on “Overhaulin’,” what is the single most valuable lesson you learned about car design and craftsmanship?

CJ: The single most valuable lesson I learned working alongside Chip is that 99% of custom car builds is preparation. Before you even disassemble a project car, you have to have a solid and clear plan for where you want to arrive and how to get there, while also allowing for the inevitable hiccups along the way. When it comes to doing the actual work, prep is again the most important step, especially when it comes to paint. That’s probably the most time-consuming step. If the paint prep isn’t done correctly, it’s going to show up in the final product.

“The single most valuable lesson I learned working alongside Chip [Foose] is that 99% of custom car builds is preparation.“

SM: Pulling off a surprise build reveal requires serious stealth. What was the absolute closest call where an owner almost caught the crew?

CJ: The closest we ever got to being caught doing a prank was on Connie Eastman’s C2 Corvette episode. I was playing a detective, and we hadn’t taken the time to make fake business cards for me. Connie got suspicious and called the real cops on us. When they arrived, I had about 30 seconds to explain to Fullerton PD what was actually going on. Thank God, they believed me and vouched for us. It taught us a valuable lesson about, again, preparation. Haha.

SM: Out of the 100-plus vehicles transformed on “Overhaulin’,” is there one specific build that holds a special place in your heart?

CJ: Of course, Chip’s truck is the one build that is far and away the most special to everyone who was involved. Other than that, though, I’d have to say the ’67 Coronet episode where Chip and I switched roles. He hosted the episode, and I designed the car. It was surreal to be able to customize one of my favorite B-bodies with a virtually unlimited budget.

SM: What is the hardest part about coordinating high-end, fast-turnaround builds under tight television schedules?

CJ: The hardest part is keeping on track and on pace. That’s why having a solid schedule is imperative. If you don’t know where you’re going, you don’t know how to get there, in a limited-time build, things can get out of hand if you’re not keeping on schedule.

On-Air Career

SM: Hosting live television brings unpredictable moments. What’s the most unexpected curveball thrown at you on air, and how did you handle it?

CJ: Yes, live television is a very special animal. Countless times, I’ve been asked in real time to “stretch,” which is essentially filling time live on air because something isn’t ready to go to. I can usually handle this situation pretty well; I’m pretty good at improvising.

SM: Having hosted coverage for major automotive events—from the SEMA Show to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to Mecum Auctions—what makes the live event atmosphere so electric?

CJ: Following through on that experience with unpredictable live situations, it’s the “one-and-done” aspect that makes it so interesting. In my head, I’m thinking about what I’m going to say or ask next because you don’t get a second chance. You have to be ready to jump in with the next thought or question when the other person is done talking. And you have to be able to listen to what the producer is telling you in your ear at the same time you’re listening to the person you are talking to or interviewing. It’s definitely a skill, and one that gets easier with experience.

“…the SEMA Show becomes the center of the automotive universe for one week.”

Car Culture, Trends and Personal Collection

SM: You’ve toured dream collections across the country. What is the single rarest or most breathtaking car you’ve ever seen in person?

CJ: The rarest car I’ve ever seen in person is the ’66 Ford GT, which Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s been meticulously restored, and I was actually able to sit in it at Pebble Beach a couple of years ago; the owner started it for me. Absolutely thrilling. The most breathtaking car I’ve ever seen happened just a few days ago at the 2026 Concours d’Elegance. While walking through the display lawn as the cars were setting up, the ’38 Phantom Corsair drove right past me. It looks like it’s from another planet. If you don’t know what it is, look it up. There is only one in existence, and it is an absolutely incredible car.

SM: The automotive landscape is changing fast with modern tech. Where do you see classic hot-rodding and custom-car culture heading in the next decade?

CJ: The trend I see for where hot rodding is going is the continuation of bespoke tribute cars, like what RuF and Gunther Werks are doing with Porsche. They are building their own cars using a classic design. There is also a company in China called Jiangsu Juncheng, which is producing body shells for Broncos, Defenders, 240Zs and AE86s. Larry Chen did an episode of his show over there. I definitely see that as a trend in the car industry.

SM: If you had to pick just one vehicle in your personal garage to drive for the rest of your life, what is it?

CJ: Without question, the one car that I will never sell is my ’85 911 Targa. I love it with all my heart. I’ve had it for 21 years, and I am the second owner. I originally bought it in honor of my dad, who definitely passed his love for Porsche down to me. I plan to teach my daughter how to drive manual in that car.

“Without question, the one car that I will never sell is my ’85 911 Targa. I love it with all my heart. I’ve had it for 21 years…”

SM: What is your ultimate “holy grail” car—the one you don’t own yet, but dream of adding to your collection?

CJ: My ‘holy grail’ car would have to be either a Pro-Touring ’Cuda built by the Ringbrothers or a Canepa Porsche 959.

Behind the Scenes

SM: What does a non-filming, relaxed weekend look like for Chris Jacobs when you’re completely off the clock?

CJ: When I’m not working, I try to spend as much time with my daughter as possible. She’s almost five, and she grows and changes so quickly that I try to experience it all.

SM: If you weren’t working in television and broadcasting today, what career path do you think you would have pursued?

CJ: If I wasn’t a television host, I would be practicing law. Before getting into entertainment, I attended law school and passed the California State Bar exam in 1995. (Yes, I’m old.)

SM: What’s a habit or passion of yours that fans who only know you from television might be surprised to learn?

CJ: I’m obsessed with golf and try to play whenever I get the chance. Being from Chicago, I’m also a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan. I go to about four Bears home games a year and listen to almost every Cubs game on my SiriusXM app. I love the radio announcers Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer.

SM: Having spent years on the SEMA floor in Las Vegas, what is the single most jaw-dropping custom build or concept vehicle you’ve ever come across at the show?

CJ: At SEMA, there is so much to see and so many phenomenal builds. The single most amazing build I’ve ever seen would have to be the Ringbrothers INVADR. It’s a custom 1987 Grand National that was unveiled at the 2024 show. It rides on a Roadster Shop chassis and is one of the most amazing cars I’ve ever seen. And, of course, pretty much anything Chip brings to SEMA is off the charts as well. There are too many to name them all, but a recent standout is the ’56 Continental that was in the BluePrint Engines booth at last year’s show. Simply stunning.

SM: SEMA is ground zero for automotive innovation and aftermarket trends—what’s one trend you saw blow up on the SEMA floor?

CJ: Trends at SEMA are always changing. I would have to say that the latest trend seems to be trucks—and those trucks becoming more luxurious. They’re not just for work anymore.

SM: From hosting SEMA Live coverage to working with top builders, how would you describe the energy and atmosphere inside the Las Vegas Convention Center during SEMA week?

CJ: The energy and atmosphere at SEMA get bigger and better every year. The changes that have been made to create a better experience for attendees are a huge success. The convention center seems to expand every year, and this coming November will be the first year with the new entrance. I can’t wait to see that.

“The energy and atmosphere at SEMA get bigger and better every year.”

SM: Custom car builders spend months pulling “SEMA crunches” to finish vehicles in time. What’s the best advice you can give someone?

CJ: The best advice I can give to a shop that is planning a SEMA build is to start even earlier than you think you need to, while also staying realistic.

SM: Finally, what does the SEMA Show mean for you?

CJ: What does SEMA mean to me? The most amazing family reunion you could ever imagine.

Facts to Know

The best builds. The boldest customizations. Who has what it takes to be the next Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care champion?

By Kevin Lee

A new class of elite builders is gearing up to debut their latest creations at the 2026 SEMA Show, all vying for one of the industry’s most coveted honors: Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care champion. Each year, BOTB celebrates the best craftsmanship, innovation and creativity in the automotive aftermarket, recognizing standout builds across five categories: 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; Motorcycle & 2-Wheel; and BFGoodrich Young Guns, featuring builders age 29 and under.

Before the SEMA Show even begins, a panel of five respected industry experts reviews hundreds of entries to select the Top 40 finalists—10 in each of the automotive categories. Those finalists will be revealed during Show Week at the BOTB Stage in Central Hall booth #24743. At the same time, the Motorcycle & 2-Wheel category will be hosting its inaugural stand-alone competition, where 10 judge-selected builders will compete amongst themselves for top honors.

From there, the automotive competition shifts into high gear. As the week unfolds, the field is narrowed through multiple rounds until just four category champions remain. Unlike any other automotive competition, the BOTB title is ultimately decided by the finalists themselves, who cast the deciding votes to crown the industry’s top builder.

More than a competition, BOTB is a showcase of the talent, passion and ingenuity shaping the future of automotive customization. Along with earning industry-wide recognition and invaluable exposure, winners gain marketing opportunities, expanded professional networks and the ultimate bragging rights.

The following pages offer a preview of some of this year’s standout contenders—from cutting-edge sports cars and lifted trucks to custom hot rods, motorcycles and one-of-a-kind builds. Visit SEMAShow.com throughout Show Week for the latest event schedule, and follow SEMA Live, the SEMA Show’s official online broadcast, for exclusive coverage of BOTB and the biggest moments from the 2026 SEMA Show.

Battle of the Builders Schedule

All events held at the Battle of the Builders Stage, Central Hall #24743.

• Tuesday, November 3: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Motorcycle Top 10 Competition; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Motorcycle Top 3 Announcement; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Automotive Top 40 Announcement
• Wednesday, November 4: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Young Guns Top 10 Competition; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Automotive Top 12 Announcement
• Thursday, November 5: 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Automotive Top 12 Competition; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Motorcycle Overall Winner Announcement; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Automotive Top 4 Category Winners Announcement
• Friday, November 6: 12:00 p.m. Automotive Overall Winner Announcement

Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care

Ezra Evans — '77 Datsun 280Z

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Brandon Fien/Stonehouse Studios

Evans had a plan: build a ’77 Datsun 280Z into a period-correct vintage racer designed and built to road-race. His first step was to build a solid foundation by replacing nearly every exterior panel with solid originals, hence the multi-color scheme. He then began designing and fabricating components, including the roll cage, suspension pieces and dash. To help weight distribution, Evans fabbed new engine mounts that relocate the 300hp Nissan L28 straight-six 3.5 in. rearward towards the shaved firewall. The factory brake master cylinder was replaced with a new dual master cylinder with custom reservoirs mounted inside under the dashboard. A custom-built header and exhaust system completed the engine upgrade. A lot of extremely rare vintage aftermarket race parts, including Hurst/AirHeart brakes, an R190 limited slip differential, a Datsun Competition intake manifold with 44mm Mikuni carburetors and linkage, a Mallory distributor, a mechanical Jones 10k tachometer and Stewart Warner gauges complete the vintage theme to perfection. The exterior when finished will be metallic blue with gold and pink accents.

Anthony Gonzalez — '14 Scion FR-S

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Rad Rides

Anthony’s vision for his Scion was to create a clean, aggressive, JDM- inspired widebody FR-S that blends show-quality styling with functional performance. The initial widebody installation uses several parts from Rocket Bunny and a Seibon carbon- fiber TS hood and was completed by Gonzalez and a few close friends in a garage in California just before he moved to Las Vegas. The Pandem 6666 wheels and Toyo R888R tires complete the look. After relocating, the majority of the remaining work, including assembly, fitment, refinements and completing the build, was done by Jun at 0-to-60 Shop in Las Vegas. Gonzalez has been hands-on throughout the entire build, from planning the parts selection to overseeing the fitment and final details. Every stage of the build has been driven by a commitment to constantly improve and evolve while staying true to a unique style.

Chase Jones — '65 Ford Mustang

Category: Young Guns

When you build a custom full-frame chassis for a ’65 Mustang coupe, we know you mean business. That’s just what Jones has done by modifying a set of Cornfield Customs framerails to fit the Mustang and then adding a four-link rear suspension with a Quick Performance rearend, a Mustang II front suspension and QA1 adjustable coil-overs at each corner. The new IFS was a great way to get rid of the stock shock towers to make room for the Holley-equipped Ford Performance 7.3 Godzilla powerplant and Tremec six-speed. ProWheels 20x12 and 18x7 wheels fill the wheelwells with more rubber than we generally see on a first-gen Mustang. Most of the inside is hand-built along with some pieces from TMI and Kicker Audio. The Mustang was painted at home using a base layer of Harley-Davidson Charcoal Gray with House of Kolor Brandy Wine and their clear over top.

Kevin Cassar — '71 Chevrolet C10

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

What if Chevrolet had engineered a true factory-built Super Sport flagship based on the ’67–’72 C10? This was the question Cassar Performance & Design set out to answer with their ’71 Chevrolet C10 SS/R “Super Sport/Racer.” Using today’s technology and engineering, represented by a No Limit Engineering Pro-Tech Race Spec raised-rail four-link chassis, supercharged BluePrint Engines Pro Series LS 427 V8, Bowler Performance T-56 Magnum close-ratio six-speed and a Quick Performance Ford 9-in. housing with a Miller Built full-floater and TrueTrac third-member, they proceeded to transform the C10 into a well-crafted, purpose-built, street- legal machine that seamlessly blends NASCAR-bred intensity, Pro Touring precision and GT-level refinement into one cohesive vision. Every aspect of the build was developed around a single guiding philosophy: Function must dictate form. Nothing exists purely for appearance. Every fabrication detail, engineering solution and design decision serves a measurable purpose: improving airflow, cooling efficiency, structural rigidity, weight distribution, handling, serviceability, ergonomics and driver confidence.

Sam Collins — '74 Porsche 911 RSR Clone

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Travis Sanchez

Sam Collins had been staring at posters of air-cooled Porsche 911s since he was a child. Finally in 2021, he was able to go from poster to reality when he purchased this car as a rolling chassis. Collins spent the next four years building the 911 to what he thought was going to be its final rendition. He stuffed an LS1 V8 and a 996 gearbox in the back, spent months taking everything apart so the individual pieces could be cleaned/blasted and then powdercoated or clear-coated. The front and rear suspensions were rebuilt, and Porsche Boxster brakes were added. The exterior was accented with custom BBS Motorsport E50 wheels (11x17 fronts and 13.5x17 with a 9.5-in. lip rears). The interior was gutted when he found it, but Collins has since turned it into something that represents a classic race car with modern touches. Once it was on the road, the LS1 was fun but just didn’t satisfy Sam’s air-cooled dreams. So earlier this year he decided to stick with the ’74 RSR theme and sold the entire LS setup and replaced it with a 911 SC 3.0 hopped up with 10.5:1 compression, twin plugged, custom cams, valve springs, re-worked heads, and to top it off, he swapped the stock CIS intake system with a set of Weber 40 carburetors. Paired with the race headers and exhaust, this engine should be snappy and a joy to drive.

Jesse Greening — '61 Chevrolet Biscayne

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

Courtesy Eric Wolf

This Chevrolet Biscayne has been on Jesse Greening’s mind for a long time. When you run a successful hot-rod shop, it’s easy to drift off and ponder what-ifs. And a common theme is wondering what the car guys working at the Big-3 back in the day would do if they had access to not only off-the-shelf parts, but the time to engineer something special. Greening’s concept centered on the then new ’59–’60 Chevrolet Biscayne. Leave the flasher Impala for the business-types. What would the GM Proving Ground guys build using a Biscayne to prowl Woodward Avenue. Having found a client that shared his curiosity, Greening started with a strong foundation, a Roadster Shop Fast-Track IRS chassis and welded it into the ’61 Biscayne’s body. Under the hood is a Don Hardy-built LS V8 fed through twin turbos managed by an HP Tuners ECU and backed by a GM Performance transmission. The wheels pay tribute to wheels off of a concept car from 1959. The interior was crafted by M&M Interiors and features Hyde’s leathers and Vintage Air to cool it.

Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop — '55 Chevrolet Cameo 3100

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Stuart Wilson

Kustom Built Cars Educational Workshop is a non-profit hot-rod restoration shop dedicated to teaching students valuable, hands-on skills in automotive restoration by providing real-world experience through hands-on workshops. The 2026 class is working on a ’55 Chevrolet Cameo 3100, converted to four-wheel drive. The students will invest more than 2,500 hours breathing new life into this truck with the help of an E-Z chassis and a BluePrint Engines supercharged LS3 paired with a 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission and a Corsa exhaust system. This truck will be painted Red Velvet Candy with chrome accents and feature a 4-in. lift, 20-in. Cali Wheels with 35-in. Geolandar X-AT tires and 16-in. Wilwood brakes. The inside features a custom TMI interior, Dakota Digital Gauges, Vintage Air A/C, Retro Manufacturing stereo and Nu-Relics power windows. This mentorship-based program is focused on inspiring and equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain and grow the automotive restoration and preservation industry.

Hunter Kim — '07 Mercedes E63

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Cody Dabney

This build draws inspiration from arguably the most elite closed-wheel racing series in existence, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), specifically its mid-’00s era. We’re all familiar with “race-car-inspired” builds involving extensive cutting and custom fabrication. Most rely on a GT3-style body kit followed by considerable modification to make it fit a street car. While some builders pull it off, race body kits simply aren’t designed to easily mount to a street car. Hunter Kim set out to solve that by designing an equally aggressive kit that bolts on 100% to a street car. In order to prove his concept, this ’07 Mercedes E63 underwent a full carbon-fiber rebody alongside a complete restoration consisting of a rebuilt M156 V8, a manual transmission swap, an all-new interior, suspension, brakes and drivetrain. The process began with 3D scanning every inch of the E63 to capture precise data on how each panel mounted to the car. Using that data, every panel was then engineered to pay homage to one of DTM’s peak eras. Despite its aggressive stance, the panels relied entirely on OEM mounting points.

Jake Rozell — '52 Volkswagen Split-Window Bug

Category: Young Guns

Courtesy Christopher Malloy

From day one, Rozell’s goal for his VW was simple, build a Beetle that could lay on the ground while still fitting 17x7-in. wheels, remaining fully drivable and staying true to the timeless styling of an early Split-Window. Looks like this body-off-pan build completed in his home garage completed his goal. Nearly every part of the car has been modified. The rear floor and pan were cut and raised 1.5 in. to allow the body to sit lower without sacrificing drivability. The suspension is fully airbagged and features a 6-in. narrowed front beam that has been moved back 1.5 in., shortening the wheelbase, allowing the wheels to fit properly underneath the fenders. Under the rear deck lid is a 1,680cc air-cooled engine paired with a custom exhaust—giving the car reliable performance while retaining the classic Volkswagen spirit. Inside, the interior was custom-built with the goal of looking as though it could have come from the factory while incorporating subtle modern styling touches. This Beetle represents what can be accomplished with determination and passion without a massive budget or a professional shop.

Buddy Hale — '55 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic

Courtesy Brian Rogers

If you were looking for a physical example of “must-see-to-believe,” look no further than this ’55 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The one-of-a-kind custom-build represents the highest level of craftsmanship, engineering and attention to detail. Hale and the Type One Restorations team preserved the iconic silhouette of the early “Lowlight” Karmann Ghia, while reimagining nearly every aspect of the car. The body features widened rear fenders, redesigned wheel openings and extensively modified head- and taillights that blend seamlessly into the car’s elegant lines. Every panel was carefully reshaped to enhance the original design while creating a unique appearance. Built over the course of six years and requiring more than 20,000 hours to complete, this is a true hand-built masterpiece. More than 6,000 hours were devoted to custom machining and fabrication, resulting in thousands of one-off components. Every suspension component was either hand-fabricated or precision-machined specifically for the car, including virtually all of the hardware and fasteners. The Recovery Room Upholstery interior is an entirely bespoke creation featuring a completely redesigned layout, custom trim, unique upholstery and countless one-off components that transform the cabin into a work of art.

Jordan Henke — '74 Ford Capri

Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic

In the ’70s, Windsor-built Ford 302ci V8 engines were shipped to South Africa to power Basil Green’s legendary racing Capris. Jordan Henke is honoring those local heroes with an aggressive, modern-classic tribute. The ’74 Capri is outfitted with a full-metal widebody and painted with BASF McLaren orange paint. The upgraded suspension takes advantage of improved geometry with new custom front lower control arms, triangulated rearend, custom Gaz Racing coil-overs at each corner and six-piston Wilwood brakes front and four-piston rear. Motivation is provided by a Ford Racing 347ci stroker fed by a Borla eight-stack EFI and backed by a Tremec TKX five-speed. Inside you’ll find custom Dakota Digital gauges, a Vintage Air Gen5 mini and a world-class luxurious leather and tweed interior done in the United Kingdom by D-Class Automotive and then shipped back to the United States and installed. All in all, a true throwback to the golden post-musclecar era thanks to the talented team at JH Restorations.

Musa Rio Tjahjono — '10 BMW E93

Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic

This BMW E93 is more than just a modified BMW. It is a fully re-engineered performance build created to demonstrate the capability, creativity and craftsmanship of Indonesia’s automotive industry on an international stage. Rather than treating the BMW E93 as a conventional luxury convertible, the team reimagined it as an open-top, competition-inspired performance machine. The project combines the aggressive proportions of a ’90s race and drift car, contemporary motorsport engineering and the visual language of traditional Indonesian batik. It features a Pandem wide-body kit, hand-airbrushed “batik” details, custom Rotiform wheels, CNC-machined cantilever rear suspension, LS3 6.2L V8, Tremec TR-6060 six-speed with an S1 sequential shifter and a quick-change differential. Inside is a fully stripped, hand-fabricated racing interior with a full roll-cage. Every major element of the project was developed with one clear objective: to create a visually distinctive, mechanically functional, and culturally meaningful vehicle that represents the spirit of Indonesian builders.

Tyler Adams — '65 Chevrolet C40 Truck

Category: 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road

There’s no doubting that mid-’60s Chevy trucks are more popular today than ever, and when they are as well put together as this ’65 C40 it’s easy to see why. Adams Customs fully boxed and modified the chassis with front and rear shock towers to accommodate the Fox coil-overs and bypasses. Trophy-truck rear trailing arms were utilized in a rear four-link setup and up front, a power-assisted PSC crossover steering helps control the 40-in. tires. A supercharged LSA V8, 6190E six-speed automatic and Atlas transfer case ensure this truck can haul. The wheel openings have been stretched and widened to encase 40-in. tires at full compression. Other exterior mods include a cut and flush-mounted front bumper with an added winch, a flipped and tucked rear bumper, elimination of all body seams, and refined body gaps and panel fitment. The bed (floor) was raised in order to clear the swing of the rear sway bar. The exterior is the original color and scheme from when the owner’s dad owned the truck. The interior has more in common with a new truck than when it left the factory. Custom bucket seats were wrapped in Apex Auto leather and a console was created to house the Twin Stick and Lokar shifters. The modified dash was filled with Dakota Digital gauges, a JVC screen and controls for the Vintage Air A/C system.

Dustyn Dell — '88 Chevrolet C3500

Category: Young Guns

Inspired by the iconic cover trucks on ’90s Sport Truck and Truckin’ magazines, Dustyn Dell set out to build his ’88 Chevrolet C3500 to combine those timeless looks with modern hot-rod styling, performance and drivability. The body features a fully shaved exterior, refined panel fitment and countless custom details—all finished in a stunning metallic green BASF paint. Underneath, a fully custom chassis from Acme Chassis with air suspension allows the truck to lay frame while delivering exceptional ride quality and handling. Power comes from a dependable 435hp Chevrolet LS3 backed by a GM 4L65E. Inside, a complete interior by TMI Products is paired with a period-inspired audio system from PowerBass, bringing the ’90s theme full circle. The result is a truck that seamlessly blends classic mini-truck influence with modern engineering, equally at home on the Show floor or the open road.

Corey Mauck — '26 Aero Precision Metal Works

Category: Motorcycle & 2-Wheel

The motorcycle you see here is called Medusa and it’s rolling art born from the ambitious idea of building a road-worthy machine forged entirely of artistic, twisted metal. The foundations of this custom bike—the frame, the girder front end and handlebars—were meticulously crafted from more than 45 ft. of solid square stock. Every linear foot of the exposed metalwork is coated in a breathtaking antique bronze plating. This rich, unique finish is perfectly balanced by the engine, which features an antique nickel Cerakote treatment. Attention to detail is paramount. The custom-made gas and oil tanks are shaped to flow seamlessly with the bike’s unique silhouette. The stunning paint job truly speaks for itself, boasting a deep finish with careful details, including accents made from real abalone shell. Finally, the centerpiece that ties the entire concept together is the seat. It features a magnificent, hand-tooled Medusa portrait, further enhanced by expert airbrushing, completing the vision of a mythological, one-of-a-kind motorcycle.

John Panapinto — '68 Ford F-100

Category: 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road

John Panapinto’s ’68 Ford F-100 is built on its original chassis, extensively modified by Kincer Chassis to complete the 2WD-to-4WD conversion with Tractive semi-active coilovers. Power comes from Ford’s legendary 7.3L Godzilla V8 paired with a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, while an American Autowire harness, all-stainless exhaust system and 40-gal. fuel tank ensure the truck is as reliable and road-ready as it is performance-driven. Every major system has been redesigned with the goal of creating a truck that feels as refined as it is capable. The exterior is finished in Ford Eruption Green, accented with bronze Cerakoted components that complement the custom bronze wheels. Modern upgrades are thoughtfully integrated, including Dapper Lighting LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, a color-matched Raptor-lined bed and a one-piece power door glass—bringing contemporary functionality to the classic platform while preserving its timeless design.

Michael Carpenter — '02 Ferrari 575

Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic

Michael Carpenter set out to have the flowing lines of a ’60s Ferrari with modern amenities so the 575 chassis was the perfect fit being the last of the analog front-engine V12 Ferraris. With a vision in mind, he set about designing a new exterior with an eye toward the classic ’60s design. The glass openings of the Ferrari 575 along with the doors and trunk were retained and new exterior door latches were redesigned and relocated to be more comfortable and give a more vintage feel. Once happy with how the body looked on his computer, the entire exterior shell was 3D printed and sealed in fiberglass. However, the hood and grilles used some old-world craftsmanship and have been hand-shaped with aluminum. The wheels were designed off of the iconic Ferrari 330 P4 with a hollowed-out center to give a more modern look with lighter weight. The interior will be mostly stock with just some custom materials and stitching along with a custom designed shift tower completing the car’s six-speed manual conversion. The exhaust has been finished off with a redesign and simplification of the “snaps” tips used on the Ferrari 250 GTO and 250 SWB.

Jeremy Cupp — '25 Indian Chief

Category: Motorcycle & 2-Wheel

Being entrusted to be the new caretaker for someone’s pride and joy can be a daunting task. When an old friend passed his somewhat complete ’25 Indian Chief to Cupp, he knew he had to do something special with it. The bike was missing a lot of parts, though what was there had survived nearly 100 years without being altered. He couldn’t bring himself to cut anything, so he decided to use the powertrain and build his version of an Indian Chief from scratch. Cupp’s last few bikes drew inspiration from early race bikes, hillclimbers, board trackers, speedway racers, etc. When he came across a Wall of Death bike that was used in Germany back in the ’30s, he had his inspiration. First he designed the leaf-sprung frontend, which gave him the color and metal finish scheme he’d hoped to achieve. The polished billet frontend would blend from modern and shiny to a more traditional and patina look. The dual rear drums have cutaway backing plates to reveal all the working parts, the swinging rear axle dropouts were based on a bicycle design, and the ratcheting shifting utilizing a few Triumph parts was mounted on the top of the case. The continuation of the seat onto the tank is part of the Wall of Death design, giving a place to sit or stand and give off a thrill.

Ramsey Sexton — '86 Chevrolet K20

Category: Young Guns

Ramsey has owned this K20 since he was 15. It was bought for $600 as a rusty, moldy and worn-out truck. He gutted it, fixed the rust and used the vehicle as his daily driver through high school. Once school was out of the way, he decided to tear the truck apart and do it right. The truck was stripped down to bare frame, which was then straightened and smoothed and shaved. The frame, leaf springs and axles were painted viper red and then assembled with an Off-Road Design 8-in. lift kit, a crossover steering kit with a Redhead steering box, 3/4 -ton axles with a disc-brake conversion in the rear and 15x15 Real Wheels wrapped in 35x16.50 boggers at each corner. The truck is powered by a 427ci big-block with aluminum heads, Holley 750 carb and CVF billet pulley system. The firewall was shaved and painted with the rest of the truck to a mirror-like finish in Mercedes Nocturnal Black paint. A custom wiring harness is run through the truck where it can’t be seen—not a wire is to be found on the frame or in the engine bay.

Tim Palazzolo — '66 Chevrolet Chevelle

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

As we gaze upon the vehicles in this article, most of us can only dream of having one in our garage that has been built to such a high level. Well, for one lucky person that dream will become a reality in July 2027. The ’66 Chevelle you see here was actually built as the 2026/2027 Goodguy’s Giveaway car that will be awarded in 2027. Tim Palazzolo and his crew at Built by Gap built the Chevelle to rival any of the top builders today. They completely rebuilt the entire car using all aftermarket panels from the floors to the roof. The only part original on the car is the cowl section and the main structure. It sits on a Speedtech Extreme chassis with a cantilever IRS, has Wilwood 14-in. brakes, Forgeline wheels and a Late Model Engines 427 Port-Injected LT making more than 700 hp backed up by a Tremec T56 transmission. All the TMI interior will provide plenty of comfort and quieted with HushMat sound and thermal insulation. The window and hood trim was hand-built from brass, the bumpers were tucked closer to the body, and it was all chrome-plated by Ogden Chrome. This car was built in about a year and half. It will be shown throughout the year and compete in drag and autocross events—proving it’s not just a show car.

Kirby Horrell — '47 Ford Woodie

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

Kirby Horrell’s journey to restore this ’47 Ford Woodie began in 2019, during a drive along scenic Highway 101 to Encinitas, California. He had learned about a Woodie owned by Mike Merkt, who was a legendary surfer in his time and who was looking to sell. When he went to check it out, he found that it had been disassembled a while ago but discovered all the components to reassemble the wagon were neatly stored in Merkt’s garage and had been meticulously documented in an organized notebook. The next challenge was getting all the pieces back home with some helps from friends with a pickup and trailer. Once the parts were back at his house, he took a moment to assess the daunting task ahead of him. Over the next few years, with more help from friends and some professionals, he turned the pile of pieces into the bright yellow Woodie we see here.

Joseph Granatelli — '90 Ford Mustang

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

Project S-Fox is a Granatelli Motorsports custom Fox-body build. It is a modern restomod/Pro-Touring build intended to showcase Granatelli Motorsports fabrication, performance engineering and selected GMS products from its custom engine, ignition components, unique suspension, bodywork and interior. The intention was to create a world-class, ground-up transformation rather than a simple restoration with a fit and finish that rivals the most expensive exotics and classics. No stone has been left unturned or forgotten. One example is the 780hp 427ci LS engine has been set back approximately 3 in. and offset towards the passenger side to balance out the weight of the driver. GMS built the full-frame and suspension components in house. Although intended as a street car, it borrows many ideas from F1/Indycar/NASCAR.

Chris Malloy — '91 Nissan Pao

Category: Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic

Las Vegas resident and U.S. Air Force veteran Chris “Token” Malloy has built a collection of Nissans, but his seafoam-green ’91 Nissan Pao stands apart. After first discovering the quirky Pike Factory car while stationed in Japan, Malloy eventually found one in the United Kingdom and imported it to the United States in 2017. He restored and personalized the Pao with his own unique style, including fresh upholstery, a new soft top and hand-painted pinstriping. Despite its modest 51hp 980cc four-banger and leisurely driving experience, the Pao has become one of Malloy’s most recognizable cars, appearing at SEMA, in international automotive publications, and throughout the Las Vegas car scene. More than performance, the Pao is about personality, nostalgia and having fun. It’s the car you never knew existed, but you knew you always wanted.

Shannon Manley — '62 Ford Ice Cream Truck

Category: Young Guns

This project, “Dirty Humor,” by Shannon Manley and his sons Damien (15) and Tyler (24), is a version of an ice-cream truck based on the mid-’60s Good Humor trucks. They tweaked the design by starting with a ’62 Ford F-250 cab and removed the doors, shaved the door hinges and cut the roof off, making it a roadster. The striped cab and custom widened bed ride on a Roadster Shop chassis, with Airlift’s new ALP4 air management system with twin Viair 444 black compressors. Wilwood four-piston Dynalite brakes hide behind Detroit Steel Wheel D-Town Smoothies, 20x9 front and 20x14 rear. A 530hp BluePrint Engines LS dressed up to look like a vintage Y-block with parts from Delmo is backed by a Bowler 4L65E. A Pot O’ Gold Kustoms cooling system with four-row aluminum radiator, Derale twin fans and overflow system keep the underhood temp down. Throughout the build, Damien and Tyler learned a lot by doing all the fab work as well as all wiring, engine and trans setup, body work and paint. They will be doing interior work and assembling the project all the way through getting it running and driving all on their own with no more than supervision and guidance. This project has shown them how to properly design, plan, order parts, overcome obstacles and dominate the build process to turn out a machine they can be proud of.

Stanley Chavik — '32 Ford Roadster

Category: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

It’s hard to talk hot rods without mentioning the ’32 Ford roadster. The challenge for a builder is how are you going to differentiate your highboy from the thousands built before. Well, that was a challenge Stanley Chavik of Hot-Rod Chavik USA was willing to take on for his personal ride with a nod towards Indy 500 racing traditions. He completed the project by himself alongside his regular work; it took over six years to engineer, modify and build. All the body parts and the suspension were customized or made from scratch. Chavik started with an original ’32 Ford roadster. The original frame was customized, marrying the original K-member with an X-member. Chavik used iconic race parts that he restored or recreated. The build includes a Schroder steering system, a Winters Quick-Change rearend and a Don Ferguson’s Flathead V8 with Ardun Heads and a S.Co.T. supercharger. The exterior carries the Indy 500 theme with a custom louvered aluminum hood and nose, a custom handblown windshield and a Pitman steering arm engineered to work like power steering. A custom Indy-style blister behind the headrest flows from the roll bar into the deck lid and integrates the fuel filler neck which feeds the stainless-steel gas tank hidden under the aluminum rear floor.

Jesse Rieger — '69 Ford Mustang Fastback

Category: Young Guns

It takes some ambition and guts to take one of Ford’s iconic designs and think you can improve it. When the risk pays off, the reward can be spectacular. Jessie Rieger had a vision for the ’69 Mustang fastback he’s been working on. Not content with just making it faster and lower, he wanted to make it mean. The entire car utilizes the latest technology, including CAD design, CNC machining and 3D printing. He knew to achieve the performance and uncompromised stance with a wider track width for the wide-body flares he was after, he’d have to ditch the stock uni-body design and replace it with a full-perimeter chassis. Once the foundation was set, it was enhanced with custom independent suspensions front and rear to take advantage of the Ford Performance Aluminator 5.2 XS crate engine and six-speed manual trans. The body was reworked top to bottom with stretched rockers, modified fender part lines, fender flares, smoothed valance panels, re-designed quarter vents with aluminum 3D-printed vents, machined rear bumper and a refined taillight panel with custom machined lenses and bezels. Once the body was worked to perfection, it was covered in PPG Porsche Dark Olive Metallic. The period-correct-inspired interior was outfitted with cognac brown leather and houndstooth inserts for the seats, interior panels and center console. S

Leveraging the SEMA Show

By Michael Imlay

Anticipation is running high for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). As of press time, more than 2,200 exhibiting brands were making final preparations for the industry’s largest annual trade event. That means there will be literally thousands of new and featured products for attendees to discover. But that’s not all: As veteran attendees will tell you, no two SEMA Shows are ever alike, and this year’s gathering will see some exciting changes since the aftermarket last convened at SEMA 2025.

First there’s the newly renovated convention center itself. Attendees will arrive at a modernized, state-of-the-art campus spanning millions of square feet of display and meeting space. More importantly, they’ll find an LVCC interior featuring improved lighting, access points, and easier navigation between halls. This is sure to enhance buyer and media connections with exhibitors and the Show’s many exciting features.

Among those features will be an expanded Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section in the West Hall, along with outdoor powersports activations in the adjacent Diamond Lot. The hall is also home to truck, SUV, off-road and recreation-related exhibitors, underscoring their synergy with the rapidly growing powersports and adventure lifestyle markets.

There will be other surprises as well. This is a Show that continues to evolve, and with organizers and exhibitors entering the home stretch of their preparations, now is also the time for buying attendees to finalize their game plans. To assist, we present our annual SEMA magazine attendee checklist. Whether you’re a first-time or returning Showgoer, following the steps we lay out here will go a long way toward ensuring a profitable SEMA Show experience.

With organizers and exhibitors entering the home stretch of their preparations, now is also the time for buying attendees to finalize their Show plans…

From travel arrangements to mapping Show priorities, planning ahead goes a long way toward getting the most from your SEMA Week.

30 Days Out

1. Finalize Your Hotel and Travel

Don’t get sidetracked in the last-minute rush to Las Vegas and the convention center. Now is the ideal time to book and/or confirm your hotel and travel for the best possible room rates. In addition, you’ll also want to think carefully about how you’ll traverse Las Vegas, especially to and from the SEMA Show. Note that the city’s streets can get busy, and parking near the LVCC is virtually non-existent—making ridesharing, taxis, the Las Vegas monorail or the LV Loop from adjacent hotels your best commuting options. (See p. 40.)

2. Determine Your Show Goals

Brainstorming what you want to achieve at the Show is the key to a successful SEMA Week, not to mention a healthy return on your investment. Having a list of goals helps prioritize where to spend time each day. Ask yourself what’s most important to your business—finding new products, exploring the latest trends, taking in as many business meetings as possible, brushing up on industry education or a combination of all the above? Once you’ve settled on your goals, planning a manageable and efficient daily itinerary becomes that much easier.

Brainstorming what you want to achieve at the Show is the key to a successful SEMA Week, not to mention a healthy return on your investment…

3. Consult Official SEMA Planning Tools

Show organizers have developed a range of tools to assist in schedule planning and navigating your way to all the Show’s exhibitors, events and features. First, you’ll want to visit the official online floorplan and exhibitor directory at semashow.com/floorplan to search exhibitors by category, company, booth number or product category. In addition, semashow.com also features planning tools at semashow.com/plan where you can pre-select education sessions, events and exhibitor booths to build a Show itinerary and gain other insights to prepare for the big event.

Even better, you can “put the entire Show in your pocket” via the official SEMA Show app, which you can download free from your mobile device’s native app store. The app allows you to bookmark exhibitors, schedule appointments, make and retain notes and get turn-by-turn directions as you navigate the LVCC campus. Simply search “SEMA Show” in your app store to find and download it.

4. Draw Up Your Priorities List

We’ve already alluded to this above, but we can’t emphasize enough that deciding now who and what you’ll most want to see at the Show will pay dividends once you’re actually there. Start by creating an advance list of the exhibitors that particularly interest you, map out your route to see them and then add your “can’t-miss” Show features and events. Here are some top suggestions:

We can’t emphasize enough that deciding now who and what you’ll most want to see at the Show will pay dividends once you’re actually there…

The South Hall’s New Products Showcase is among the Show’s top destinations for attendees and media.

The New Products Showcase (located near the main registration area in the Lower South Hall) is an all-important first stop for most attendees. The Showcase presents the industry’s latest and greatest product offerings. Plus, with the Show app, you can scan and save information for the products that catch your eye and map a route to their respective exhibitors.

As previously mentioned, the West Hall’s revamped and expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section highlights a rapidly growing sector with ties to the truck, off-road, overlanding and recreational categories. Embracing UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles and more, this section encompasses performance, appearance and ancillary products, as well as a wide range of emerging opportunities.

The SEMA FutureTech Studio, located in the Central Hall, features industry innovations in alternative propulsion, advanced manufacturing and tooling, and other breakthrough technologies reshaping the aftermarket. The Studio’s education stage also presents thought-provoking discussions covering a variety of innovation-related topics.

Located this year in the LVCC Central Hall, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care adds a motorcycle category for 2026.

SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care, now located in Central Hall showcases the automotive industry’s most talented builders as they compete for one of the aftermarket’s highest honors. From groundbreaking custom vehicles to cutting-edge craftsmanship, the competition celebrates innovation, creativity, and passion that drives car culture forward. New for this year, the Motorcycle Builder Shootout shines a spotlight on elite custom bike builders, recognizing the artistry, engineering and individuality that define motorcycle culture.

Positioned this year in the front of the Central Hall Members Lounge upstairs, the SEMA Art Walk draws crowds of enthusiasts in search of automotive art for home and office. Be sure to stroll through and shop the many works created by celebrated industry artists.

Outdoor activations demonstrate the industry’s latest and greatest products in action—plus they’re a thrill to see.

Outdoor activations and feature vehicle displays are designed not only to thrill your senses but raise your awareness of the latest aftermarket products, trends and innovations. See industry applications up close on vehicle platforms and put through their paces in action-packed demonstrations.

SEMA Education sessions deliver new insights, understanding and skills across a range of business and technical topics. SEMA education sessions take place in North Hall conference rooms and are all free of charge, while satellite education hubs and stages are also conveniently located elsewhere in the LVCC to showcase learning opportunities across collision repair and the global tire community through partners SCRS, TIA and I-CAR. (See p. 170 for more information.)

Throughout Show Week

As you schedule each day’s activities, make sure to carve out “unstructured time” for “discovery tours” of the LVCC halls.

Once you arrive at the Show, it’s time to put all the above pre-planning into practice. Keep in mind your central mission: forging connections and maximizing your Show experience. Here are some tips:

1. Stick to a Daily Navigation Strategy

To effectively cover a Show as expansive as SEMA, you’ll want to think methodically. Bouncing back and forth across the sprawling LVCC campus is a haphazard approach and not very effective. Instead, leverage the Show’s categorized layout. Group each day’s meetings and other to-do’s by hall or Show sections to save time in foot travel. When you can, take advantage of the LVCC’s Vegas Loop, with three main stations on the Show campus, to save time covering ground between the West, Central, North and South Halls.

Using the LVCC’s Vegas Loop can save significant travel time between the Show’s West, Central, North and South Halls.

2. Leverage the SEMA Show App

Leading up to SEMA Week, the app has been a helpful planning tool, but now it becomes your true Show workhorse. As mentioned earlier, it’s ideal for scanning New Products Showcase items and locating their exhibitors on the Show floor. The app can also scan feature-vehicle signage to get a list of the build parts and the brands offering them. The app’s notes feature further helps you keep track of your booth visits and/or meetings and what was discussed for follow-up later.

3. Attend Networking and Special Events

From just before opening on Tuesday through its end on Friday, the SEMA Show delivers many fun events for learning, entertainment and networking. Taking advantage of these opportunities for casual exchanges with peers can advance your business connections, knowledge and success within the industry. The following are some especially popular suggestions:

The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast slated for Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 a.m. (with program starting at 7:20 a.m.). Held each year prior to Show opening, this event features SEMA’s New Product Awards, interviews with well-known industry icons and plenty of peer camaraderie.

The SEMA Industry Honors, Thursday evening, November 5, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, begins with a 6:00 p.m. reception before segueing into SEMA’s annual industry awards program in the BlueLive Theater at 7:00 p.m. (See “SEMA Into the Night” on p. 86 for details).

SEMA Council and Network events meanwhile run throughout SEMA Week. Presented by the association’s many dedicated industry groups, these receptions, mixers and special programs cater to specific industry sectors and their professional interests. Refer to the SEMA Show schedule (semashow.com) for further information.

The SEMA Cruise: Starting at 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, this annual event will see a seemingly endless stream of Show vehicles parade out of the LVCC, marking the trade event’s close. The Cruise has become a wildly popular tradition, with Showgoers and local crowds lining the parade route to cheer on all the rolling eye candy.

SEMA Fest caps off SEMA Week with the industry’s celebration of music and car culture featuring headline bands and high-energy automotive entertainment. With doors opening at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, it’s a fun atmosphere for unwinding and mingling with peers after a full week of business. (See “SEMA Into the Night” on p. 86 for further details).

4. Exchange Contact Information and Track Connections

Obviously, you’ll want to get contact info from every business connection you make—and, of course, exchange yours. But don’t simply trade business cards: Record notes for future reference whenever you can. Again, you can save exhibitors’ info in the SEMA Show app by “starring” them and entering your notes there. (Your data will remain accessible long after the Show ends.)

Additionally, many at the Show like to exchange LinkedIn and other business profiles. Whatever your preferences, make sure you use a method that keeps post-Show review and follow-up simple, complete and organized.

5. Keep Abreast of SEMA Show Highlights via SEMA Live

There’s a lot going on at the Show, and it’s impossible to be two places at once. But don’t despair if your busy schedule prevents you from attending a key event or two. There’s always SEMA Live, the Show’s official livestream coverage of each day’s highlight activities and personalities. Check the live-stream regularly to review any events you may have missed and/or discover any new exhibitions, demonstrations or features you may want to visit when your schedule permits. You can also share Show content with colleagues who are unable attend the trade gathering. SEMA Live is accessible via the Show’s Facebook or YouTube channels.

After the Show

The most successful SEMA Show attendees are those who nurture the relationships and knowledge they gained during SEMA Week. Follow-through is essential and begins as soon as you return to your office or shop. Fortunately, the process is simple…

The most successful SEMA Show attendees are those who nurture the relationships and knowledge they gained during SEMA Week. Follow-through is essential…

1. Review and Organize Your Contacts

Begin by reviewing all the contacts you made, whether you saved them in the SEMA Show app or gathered business cards. Make notes about each contact and why you consider the person a good lead. (You don’t want to forget your conversations as time passes.) Next, prioritize the contacts based on follow-up needs. Separate them into three categories: (a) immediate leads requiring follow-up within the next two weeks, (b) medium-term opportunities for reconnection over the next six months, and (c) long-term relationships to check in with over the next 12 months.

Determine who falls into each category according to your goals. Is the contact a potential new vendor with a hot product you liked? A price issue you need to resolve? Those are obviously immediate follow-ups. Other relationships might be ones you want to solidify over time but don’t want to forget as the year progresses. Plan accordingly.

2. Share Your Show Insights With Your Team

You may have attended the Show alone or with teammates. Either way, a team debriefing back at your business will ensure the momentum goes forward and action items get done. Discuss the products or trends discovered at the Show, along with the connections made with exhibitors and other leads. Share any new ideas learned through SEMA Education seminars and other Show events or features. This helps extend your Show investment across your entire business.

3. Cultivate Ongoing Relationships

As the months progress, the contact notes you made during and immediately after the Show will become especially important here. Confirm the agreements made with your contacts, whether they be pricing commitments, product or sample orders, or requests for further information. Regular check-ins will keep you top of mind and cement your relationships. This is the all-essential, proven strategy for capitalizing on your Show investment long after SEMA Week ends.

Powering Up Powersports

By Michael Imlay

Since the very first SEMA Show held at the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium in the late ’60s, the event has grown to become an industry powerhouse and North America’s number-one automotive trade show. Constantly evolving, each year brings exciting new changes to the Show, which continues to reflect the vibrant and expanding specialty aftermarket. Among the biggest evolutions planned for 2026 is an expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section taking up residence in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall.

To better understand the significance of this development for exhibitors and attendees, SEMA magazine turned to SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso and SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. The following is our Q&A exchange, edited for clarity and conciseness.

Facts to Know

• The 2026 powersports section embraces vehicles, parts, accessories, gear, lifestyle and recreation products.
• Indoor exhibits will be complemented by outdoor activations in the Diamond Lot.
• The section connects powersports with trucks, SUVs, trailers, overlanding, off-roading and more.

The breadth and rapid growth of the powersports market will be on full display at the 2026 SEMA Show.

SEMA Magazine: Let’s start with an easy question: How is the SEMA Show powersports section coming along?

Tom Gattuso: The section is coming along extremely well. With just weeks to go until the Show, we’re really excited about the support this section is seeing. New brands are joining every day, and the momentum is unlike anything we’ve seen within this sector over the past several years. So, we’re looking forward to presenting a great package to our powersports and motorcycle dealers in November.

“New brands are joining every day, and the momentum is unlike anything we’ve seen within this sector over the past several years…”

We’re especially pleased to announce that the section is being rounded out with many endemic brands within the powersports and motorcycle industries, including some of the largest and most iconic in the OE space like Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco and Mahindra, to name just a few.

Andy Tompkins: And I’ll add that this section is a great complement to the Truck, SUV & Off-Road section, demonstrating a lot of synergy between the communities. We’ll also have lifestyle brands joining the section, including, for example, eyewear, apparel, protective gear and many other products.

Plus, we’re seeing incredible support from the adventure-lifestyle and powersports recreation communities. All combined, the brands that we’re attracting will represent the full powersports ecosystem, from the vehicles you ride, to what you’re wearing and carrying when you ride them, to the experiences you can enjoy in off-road recreational areas.

SM: It sounds like quite an extensive Show section.

TG: Yes, and it will be great anchor to complement the truck and restyling exhibitors we have each year in the West Hall. With these and all our other aftermarket communities, we’re going to be able to present a completely full convention center in November, delivering plenty of opportunities for SEMA Show attendees to see the latest products and network with brand leaders. They’ll especially gain a deeper understanding of the crossover between our industry’s many lifestyle communities, including SUVs, trucks, trailers and toy hauling, motorcycling, side-by-sides, overlanding and many other forms of motorized outdoor recreation. It’s all going to be at this year’s Show.

AT: We’re also planning some exciting outdoor activations in the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall. The “Trail to SEMA,” managed by Ian Johnson of Big Tire Garage, is just one of the outdoor anchors currently in the works. These activations will recreate some of the authentic experiences made possible through powersports vehicles and products. They’ll complement the indoor exhibits, so attendees will have a lot to explore both indoors and outdoors.

SM: SEMA has been expanding its support to the powersports community at many levels. How does this space reflect that outreach?

Expect to see an even greater presence of dirt and street bikes at the 2026 Show, underscored by the addition of a bike-build category to the Show’s famed Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care competition.

AT: We’ve been working with the National Powersports Dealers Association [NPDA], and we’re finding our organizations share the goal to support powersports dealers and the lifestyle they represent. NPDA has been instrumental in getting the word out to dealers, eliciting industry support and helping us create an authentic representation of the entire powersports community.

SEMA Show participants will benefit from exposure to product categories and business leaders we haven’t typically highlighted in this space. We’ll create a much more horizontally integrated powersports section than our attendees have experienced in the past.

Conversely, all the various powersports niches will gain access to a lot of small businesses within the SEMA community—something very beneficial for them. Powersports attendees will be able to connect not only with their dealers, but also with SEMA education opportunities and a larger aftermarket community that they can now see as part of their own. This cross-pollination will spark new ideas they can take back to their shops and businesses.

Many dealers are vehicle enthusiasts who own trucks and trailers along with their powersports vehicles. They modify cars. They also love to see new builds, so we’re really talking about kindred spirits here.

SM: You’ve touched on some of the opportunities for powersports dealers. What specifically can they expect to gain from attending the 2026 SEMA Show?

TG: In addition to the work we’re doing with NPDA, we’ll also have Dealer News magazine doing live interviews and bringing dealer-pertinent information to the powersports community, so the segment’s media and storytellers will be involved as well. It’s cool to see so many aspects of powersports coalescing to create this unique experience. We’re putting together an entire package that will help powersports dealers learn about new product innovations and how they can incorporate them into their businesses.

AT: For a decade or longer, we’ve seen powersports dealers attend our Show to accomplish many of the goals that Tom just outlined. Now we’ll be able to deliver a lot more in an exciting, comprehensive manner that builds the community and creates further opportunities for all.

SM: And how about traditional SEMA Show attendees? What will this expanded section offer them?

The West Hall powersports section will showcase the synergy it shares with the truck, off-road, overlanding, recreation and related lifestyle sectors.

AT: On the flip side, I think most SEMA Show attendees are in search of new products. Our surveys indicate that’s their number-one reason for coming each year. This expanded Show section means more new products, and that’s a win for any SEMA attendee.

But, similar to the powersports community, a lot of our vertical buying communities—collision-repair specialists, retail jobbers, builders, vehicle dealers, etc.—are enthusiasts as well. They’re passionate about the automotive lifestyle, including its intersection with powersports. It flows both ways, so they’ll also discover new products, innovations and business connections.

In all, we’ll have 12 different product communities and more than 40 different buying communities at the Show. Each brings something unique while bolstering the others. Strengthening our powersports platform and adding more lifestyle components means more opportunity for all.

TG: I’d also add that attendees come to the Show with their end-user enthusiasts in mind. So, when a buyer walks the Show knowing what their customer is looking for, they’ll find a full gamut of products, solutions and services. For example, if you’re an off-road outfitter and lifting trucks for customers to go overlanding, you’ll also find brands selling racks, protective eyewear and a wider assortment of other gear and products in line with your customers’ passions.

SM: Speaking of off-roading, SEMA also has been upping its efforts to serve that niche, notably through the acquisition of the Off Road Business Association (ORBA). How does this section enhance those association efforts?

The expanded powersports section also reflects SEMA’s advocacy efforts, notably the freedom to access public lands.

AT: Beyond the Show itself, there’s always another important goal. Bringing our industries together enhances our collective voice for advocacy. This industry believes in the right of choice—to modify, repair and recreate freely and responsibly. We need to collectively address obstacles to those rights, whether in D.C., at the state level or elsewhere.

Continued access to public lands is a particular issue for this community, whether they off-road in a truck, another powersports vehicle or on a dirt bike. But it’s not the only issue faced by off-roaders, and SEMA is building its advocacy on all fronts. When you participate in the Show, you help support all those efforts.

By uniting, we create a stronger voice to preserve the automotive lifestyle for generations to come. I think that’s very powerful for many of our attendees; they want this. It’s more than just business; it’s a passion. And advocating on their behalf is one of our primary missions. We want to protect and grow all our industry’s categories for the future.

SM: Switching gears, you’ve mentioned that the section goes beyond vehicle parts and accessories to embrace “lifestyle.” Can you elaborate on that lifestyle concept?

AT: We’ve advanced lifestyles for many years at the SEMA Show through the many products that we showcase. Modifications are a great example when you think of businesses and enthusiasts wrenching in their shops and garages. But what’s unique about this Show section is how it intersects with a variety of business and enthusiast interests.

There’s a whole world built around outdoor recreation and wilderness themes. For instance, think of overlanding and all the products you need to stay comfortable outdoors—generators, camping equipment and furniture, and off-the-grid power generation. And so many people who enjoy outdoors adventuring also tow and enjoy powersports vehicles. So, the ability to get to a great recreation area and enjoy an amazing powersports adventure goes far beyond the vehicle. That’s the lifestyle concept reflected here.

“…The ability to get to a great recreation area and enjoy an amazing powersports adventure goes far beyond the vehicle…”

TG: Also, when you look at a lot of global sectors like truck and off-road, overlanding, dirt bikes and street bikes and side-by-sides, there’s a horizontal marketplace of services for these each of these vertical communities. Until now, we’ve never really had an opportunity to showcase them all within proximity to another. As we continue to evolve this section, our vision is to help businesses keep the full range of end users in mind. We’ll highlight what all these customer bases are looking for, what they have in common and how your business can best serve their needs.

SM: So the recent addition of convention center’s West Hall couldn’t have come at a better time; it provided plenty of space for all this.

AT: Absolutely. Now we’re in a place where we can fully mirror the marketplace of all these growing categories. We plan to continue evolving the West Hall into a highly popular venue, just as we have with the other LVCC halls. The exhibits and activities in the West Hall add a lot of value to the Show and create excitement among brands and attendees.

SM: Before we end this interview, are there any other special developments or surprises in store for the powersports community?

TG: Definitely! One thing we picked up on very quickly while developing this section is the incredible talent and creativity of bike builders. There are some incredible builds out there, so it felt natural to incorporate a bike category into our Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care contest this year. We’ve also gathered some of the motorcycle industry’s biggest names to act as curators and judges of the vehicles that will be displayed at the 2026 SEMA Show.

AT: We can’t wait to present this new BOTB category, Bike Builder Shootout, to the industry and put SEMA on the map as the place where you can see not only automotive innovation, but also powersports and motorcycle innovation that’s second to none.

TG: People love the creativity and engineering excellence unleashed each year in BOTB. Adding a motorcycle class brings even more of what we all love. Expect that, right out of the gate, the bike builds at the 2026 SEMA Show will rival anything that motorcycle enthusiasts have seen at any other industry contest or gathering.

SEMA Data

By John Stewart

In a rapidly expanding digital marketplace, great product data is behind more sales than ever—and providing a competitive edge for both manufacturers and resellers. That’s why SEMA Data exists. With hundreds of brands participating, SEMA Data connects manufacturers with the resellers and retailers that bring their products to market, helping ensure accurate, complete product information reaches customers wherever they shop.

Through SEMA Data, manufacturers provide product information, such as vehicle fitment, descriptions, images, pricing, dimensions and other key details. Then resellers, instead of spending valuable time collecting and maintaining product information from multiple sources, can access data directly from participating brands and focus on growing the business.

We asked Gigi Ho, SEMA vice president of data, technology and strategic initiatives, to explain more about what manufacturers and resellers should expect in the near future and how the SEMA Data team can help prepare the industry at the 2026 SEMA Show.

Getting Ready for AI Searches

Even established resellers will need to recognize how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way searches take place. The SEMA Data team has been studying how AI-powered search and discovery use product information and what manufacturers and resellers can do to make their data easier for these systems to understand and surface.

“We want to make sure to be able to supply the answer when someone uses AI to search for ‘what clutch fits my Ford Mustang,’ for example,” said Ho. “There are specific formats and specific data assets that are needed for that type of readiness,” she added. “We can run both a bronze data set and a platinum data set through an AI readiness tool. And even those at platinum may not be at the high level of readiness that they think they are. We can help make those tweaks.”

Different for 2026: Meet SEMA Data in the “Treehouse”

(Above left) During the Show, the SEMA Data team will be standing by to help SEMA Data members solve a problem, access new tools, or just to get to know the team better.

(Above right) Brands that have achieved the highest-quality data can be identified by a Data Excellence badge and will visible.

During the Show, the SEMA Data team will be standing by to help SEMA Data members find out more about AI, solve a problem, access new tools or just to get to know the team better. And for manufacturers and brands attending the SEMA Show, the annual SEMA Data User Meetup will still take place in the afternoon on Monday, November 2, prior to the official start of the Show.

“What we’re doing differently this year,” Ho noted, “will be to have the manufacturer users meet up in our booth in the “Treehouse” Monday afternoon.” Specifically, this year’s meetup will move from a separate meeting room venue and instead be hosted directly inside the SEMA Data booth #20678, which overlooks the Central Hall Show floor, hence the name “Treehouse.”

The Monday User Meetup provides the opportunity for manufacturers, brands, partners and the SEMA Data community to connect before the Show officially opens. Attendees can expect updates surrounding SEMA Data initiatives, platform enhancements, standards participation, industry trends and recognition of Gold and Platinum Data Excellence Award recipients.

Moving the meetup into the booth environment creates a more connected and accessible experience while allowing attendees to engage directly within the space where SEMA Data conversations and demonstrations will continue throughout the week.

In addition to the Monday manufacturer meetup, on Wednesday, November 4, a reseller-focused meetup will also be held at the Treehouse location. The goal is to help resellers better understand the tools, capabilities, integrations, exports, GTIN resources, and product content solutions available through SEMA Data.

In addition, reseller training sessions will be available throughout Show Week. The reseller sessions will provide opportunities for more hands-on discussions, live demonstrations, sharing operational best practices and direct interaction with the SEMA Data team. These sessions are aimed at helping resellers to gain expertise at using the Reseller Portal and show how to find brands and products, access datasets, navigate the available tools and better manage product information. Training also provides an opportunity to ask questions about specific needs and how best to use SEMA Data. Even experienced users may discover a feature that eliminates a manual step, a better way to access the information or simply a faster way to do something your team already does.

“When resellers come up, they’re usually curious about what type of data they’ll see, what formats can they get and how frequently,” Ho told us. “For the resellers in particular, we have additional solutions for them,” she continued. “We have website partners who can help if they are looking to get a website going from scratch or even change the one that they have. And then if they already have a Shopify website and they’re just looking to get data in, we have Shopify plug-ins that help to pull the data in already formatted to Shopify so they don’t have to worry about that either. We want to power the product data behind their website. If they need help building or redesigning the site itself, we can connect them with the right partners. And for resellers already using Shopify, our plug-ins can help bring SEMA Data product information directly into their store.”

To address interests or concerns, SEMA Data welcomes drop-in visits anytime during Show Week or suppliers and resellers can book an appointment for a meeting at info@semadata.org.

Resellers: Data Excellence on Display at the 2026 SEMA Show

Those manufacturers that earn gold and platinum recognition this year will be readily visible at the Show. These companies constitute a defined group the industry looks to when setting expectations for what good product data looks like. Show attendees will be able to identify Data Excellence-certified brands through listings printed in The SEMA Show Directory. And at the Show, look for meter panels in strategic locations throughout the Show floor with booth numbers. These companies’ booths will also be recognizable via carpet ads and identified in the New Products Showcase.

“Manufacturers are creating this kind of excellent data for their customers, but more importantly, for their customer’s customers,” Ho explained. Ultimately, “it’s for enthusiasts who are installing the products and throwing away the box. They’re trying to shop and trying to find the right part for their vehicles,” she said. That’s why SEMA Data’s standards for quality and completeness have to remain rigorous.

Earning and maintaining a gold or platinum rating from SEMA Data is not easy, but as online shopping continues to grow, the value is undeniable. It was around 2020 during the pandemic that online retail volumes permanently shifted upward. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, seasonally adjusted retail e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2026 alone reached an estimated $326.7 billion—a 9.8% year-over-year increase from Q1 2025. Total retail sales for 2026 are projected to equal $1.929 trillion. Similarly, it was around 2020, during COVID, that SEMA Data participation grew, now including more than 560 brands. “So that speaks to the value of data quality, completeness and consistency,” Ho noted.

“The quality of the data, and requirements for the completeness of that data today is vastly different than it was just in 2020,” Ho said. To be considered truly complete, today’s data will include more product information, such as a warranty, a Prop 65 flag, a tariff code for international shipping, a video asset for the product line and more. For a brand to receive a platinum score, it will include data segments such as digital assets, descriptions, product attributes, pricing, vehicle applications and regulatory information and so on.

When you see the Data Excellence badge, that identifies a company supplying data that’s ready to publish. For resellers, that means more complete, publication-ready product information that can help reduce fitment errors and give shoppers greater confidence in their purchase decisions. Data Excellence companies offer the kind of complete content that converts browsers into buyers, allowing shoppers to make purchase decisions with confidence. These are companies that have invested in their data, making them more responsive and willing to support the needs of resellers. Better for customers, and better for margins.

Try SEMA Data for Free with Launch

Introduced in May, SEMA Data’s new Launch tier gives resellers full access to all of SEMA Data’s tools for up to three brands at no cost and with no time limit. Resellers can work with the brands most relevant to their business and use the same tools and capabilities as the paid tiers. A subscription is only needed when they want access to more than three brands.

“Launch is the entry point for resellers who want to see what SEMA Data can do for their business,” Ho said. “It’s free, there’s no time limit, and it’s full featured. You can build and schedule custom exports, use filters and receive notifications when brands update their product data.”

Launch participants work with the same tools paid subscribers use every day—Custom Export Builder, Export Filters, APIs, eCom Plugins, Global Exports, and more. That enables building real workflows, seeing real results and making an informed decision when access to more than three brands is needed for your business.

“The only limitation is that on Launch, you are limited to three brands,” Ho explained. “So if you want to go more than that, then the next tier up is our Accelerate tier. And for SEMA business members, it’s only $25 a month.”

SEMA business members receive significant discounts on SEMA Data’s three paid reseller tiers. Accelerate includes up to 75 file exports for $25 per month for members and $75 for non-members. Turbo increases access to 1,000 file exports for $75 per month for members and $150 for non-members. Mach provides the highest level of access, including up to 5,000 file exports and 500,000 API calls, for $150 per month for members and $300 for non-members.

Questions about Launch or any of SEMA Data paid tiers? Visit the SEMA Data team at booth #20678 or reach out at info@semadata.org. SEMA Data is always happy to help you find the right fit.

Troubleshooting? SEMA Data Can Help!

In addition to providing access to one of the industry’s largest repositories of automotive product data, SEMA Data helps resellers and brand owners solve product data challenges directly with its team or by connecting them with the right industry resources.

Problem: For resellers, some of the most damaging—and most common—data problems in the aftermarket are fitment conflicts and overmapping. While these issues ultimately need to be corrected by the manufacturer or brand owner at the source, they can create significant problems for resellers in the meantime.

Solution: SEMA Data offers fitment conflict resolution and overmapping cleanup as an inquiry-based service. It can work with manufacturers and brand owners to identify and correct issues in their source ACES data or help resellers with one-time cleanup projects when problematic fitment data is affecting their business. SEMA Data specialists will review the issue, scope the work and determine the best path to resolution.

Problem: Managing product data without a product information management (PIM) system—or using one that’s cumbersome and hard to use?

Solution: SEMA Data’s platform is your automotive aftermarket PIM, and it offers numerous advantages. Manage your entire product catalog, images, fitment, attributes and distribution from one place, built around the industry standards. Whether you want to manage your data yourself or work with our team, your product information can be organized, validated and ready to go wherever you need it.

Submit your product data once. SEMA Data standardizes it, validates it and makes it available to the resellers you approve. That means you can support more reseller customers without adding sales headcount while maintaining control over who receives your product data.

Not sure if your catalog meets the ACES and PIES standard? SEMA Data can tell you exactly where you stand and how to get there.

To find out how SEMA Data can help improve e-commerce workflow, visit the SEMA Data team at booth #20678, or reach out at info@semadata.org.

Always Here for You

During the Show, the SEMA Data team will be standing by to help SEMA Data members solve a problem, access new tools, or just to get to know them better. Drop-in visits are always welcome anytime during Show Week, or suppliers and resellers can contact SEMA Data to set up a meeting at info@semadata.org.

“We get current customers and prospective or curious customers come and visit, Ho said. “So, for those who already are customers, they’re usually coming up to resolve some data question or data issue, whether it’s for themselves or on behalf of one of their customers. They’ll come up and talk to us. And we’ll try and resolve the issue right there,” she said.

If you can’t join the SEMA Data team at the Show, remember that the Customer Portal is always open. The Customer Portal gives manufacturers, brand owners and resellers a place to submit questions and requests directly to the SEMA Data team. Instead of relying on an email that can get buried or wondering whom to contact, the portal is there to route requests to the team member best equipped to handle them. It also creates a record of your requests, making it easier to follow their progress, provide additional information and reference previous requests. And because requests are documented in one system, the feedback SEMA Data receives also helps identify recurring questions and opportunities to improve tools, services and customer experience.

The Customer Portal can be used for technical assistance, general and data-related questions, reporting bugs, managing account users and other support needs. Manufacturers can also use the portal for data change requests once their portal account has been associated with their brand.

For manufacturers and brand owners, the portal is a more direct way to get assistance with the product information that ultimately represents your brand throughout the aftermarket. When something needs attention, the portal provides a clear path to the team that can help.

For resellers, the portal provides the same centralized place to get assistance with the data and tools used to power websites, catalogs, marketplaces and internal systems.

SEMA Education Schedule

By Janet Lee

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, strengthen your leadership skills or stay ahead of the latest industry trends, SEMA Education delivers one of the most valuable experiences of the 2026 SEMA Show. Featuring dozens of expert-led sessions throughout Show Week, the program offers practical insights and real-world strategies in an interactive classroom setting at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

While it’s tempting to spend every minute exploring the Show floor, investing just an hour in a SEMA Education session can pay dividends long after the event ends. Most classes are only 60 minutes long, making them easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. In addition to classroom sessions, attendees will find educational experiences and activations throughout the Show, offering even more opportunities to learn and connect.

SEMA Education runs Tuesday, November 3, through Thursday, November 5, with most sessions open to attendees without advance registration. All SEMA-produced education sessions are free to attend. Even better, the program returns to its traditional home in the North Hall for 2026, making it more accessible than ever from anywhere on the LVCC campus.

“Participating in SEMA Show Education is an investment in both your professional growth and the future of your business,” says Justine Hubbard, SEMA trade show operations manager. “We bring together industry experts and thought leaders to provide you with practical insights, emerging trends, and best practices that can be applied immediately to your business.”

The SEMA Show Education program is one of the industry’s most rewarding professional-development investments, designed to drive immediate takeaways.

“With eight different tracks spanning leadership, sales and marketing, technology, regulatory issues, talent management and more, there’s a path for just about every professional. SEMA Show Education is truly a valuable experience for anyone looking to stay ahead, strengthen their skills and drive their business forward.”

To help attendees find the sessions most relevant to their goals, SEMA Education is organized into eight learning tracks: Aftermarket Updates & Future Trends; Emerging & Executive Leadership; Inside the Shop; Legislative & Regulatory; Sales & Marketing; Small Business Strategy; Talent Management; and Vehicle Technology.

In addition to SEMA-led programming, attendees can participate in specialized educational sessions presented by industry partners, including the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), the Tire Industry Association (TIA), and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). These organizations expand the curriculum with expert instruction on collision repair, tire service and other specialized topics.

The following pages include the current schedule for all SEMA Education tracks. As sessions are subject to change before Show Week, visit SEMAShow.com/education for the latest schedule, session details and to build your personalized Show itinerary.

Facts to Know

• Seating for the sessions is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive 10–15 min. early to secure your path to professional growth!
• Take advantage of SEMA and TIA’s FREE sessions—all you need to register are your Show credentials.
• I-CAR is offering “two-course bundles” at a discounted price for those wanting to take advantage of everything they have to offer, for less!
• Best value: The SCRS “Full Series Pass” is an all-access pass to every SCRS educational offering at the SEMA Show.
• Visit SEMAShow.com/education to learn more.

Education Schedule

Schedule as of August 21, 2026. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit semashow.com/education.

ADAS Technology

By Luis Morales

One of the most significant trends shaping the automotive industry today is the rapid convergence of vehicle technology, connectivity, software and automation. While electrification continues to evolve, the industry’s focus has expanded toward artificial intelligence (AI), software-defined vehicles (SDVs), connected services and increasingly sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These technologies are no longer limited to premium vehicles. They are becoming standard across nearly every segment, creating both opportunities and challenges for the aftermarket.

ADAS refers to a collection of technologies designed to assist drivers and enhance safety.

ADAS refers to a collection of technologies designed to assist drivers and enhance safety. Features such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-keeping assistance (LKA), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), driver monitoring systems (DMS) and rear cross-traffic alert are now common on new vehicles. What was once considered advanced technology has quickly become mainstream.

The conversation around autonomy continues to generate excitement and confusion. Many consumers associate autonomous vehicles with fully driverless transportation. While that represents the highest level of automation, autonomy actually exists along a broad spectrum. The Society of Automotive Engineers’ J3016 framework defines six levels of driving automation, from Level 0 through Level 5. Most production vehicles sold today remain within SAE Level 2, where the driver must remain engaged and responsible for vehicle operation. However, limited deployments of Level 3 and Level 4 technologies are expanding through pilot programs, commercial fleets and automated mobility services.

The technology enabling these systems continues to advance at an accelerated pace. Vehicle manufacturers now utilize a combination of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, high-definition mapping, GPS positioning and, in some cases, LiDAR. The combination of these components is often referred to as the vehicle’s sensor stack. Unlike traditional vehicle systems, where components were relatively isolated, modern ADAS functionality depends on the continuous interaction between sensors, software and vehicle controls.

Modern ADAS functionality depends on the continuous interaction between sensors, software and vehicle controls.

This brings us to another increasingly important industry term: the software-defined vehicle. In an SDV architecture, software drives functionality that historically depended primarily on hardware. Vehicle manufacturers can now add, enhance or modify features through software updates, allowing vehicles to evolve throughout their lifecycle. When combined with AI-powered processing, these systems can rapidly interpret data from multiple sensors and determine an appropriate response within fractions of a second.

Vehicle manufacturers can now add, enhance or modify features through software updates, allowing vehicles to evolve throughout their lifecycle.

The Road Toward Standardization

As these technologies continue to mature, the regulatory landscape is evolving as well. During the early stages of ADAS development, regulators largely allowed innovation to drive progress rather than imposing strict standards. This approach accelerated deployment but also resulted in significant variation between manufacturers regarding sensor placement, software logic and system performance.

That period is beginning to change.

Many safety technologies that started as optional features are transitioning toward industry-wide expectations and, eventually, regulatory requirements. The backup camera provides a clear example. Once considered a premium convenience feature, it became mandatory on all new light-duty vehicles sold in the United States. Today, consumers rarely consider a vehicle without one.

Many safety technologies that started as optional features are transitioning toward industry-wide expectations…

ADAS follows a similar trajectory. Automatic emergency braking is becoming one of the foundational technologies shaping future vehicle safety requirements. At the same time, regulators, consumer safety organizations and global assessment programs continue evaluating additional features, including pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, lane-keeping technologies and driver monitoring systems.

It is important to remember that many of these systems are not passive technologies. Their performance depends heavily on sensor placement, calibration and vehicle dynamics. Even seemingly minor changes to ride height, wheel offset, bumper design, body accessories or lighting configurations can alter how sensors perceive their environment.

Why the Aftermarket Should Pay Attention

For the aftermarket industry, this evolution changes the traditional product-development equation.

Historically, companies primarily focused on fitment, durability, performance and aesthetics. While those factors remain critical, ADAS introduces additional considerations. Vehicle modifications now have the potential to influence sensor visibility, system calibration, vehicle dynamics and overall feature performance.

The collision-repair industry has already experienced this transition. Modern repairs frequently require calibration procedures following the replacement of components located near cameras, radar modules or other ADAS hardware. What was once a straightforward repair may now involve sophisticated diagnostic and calibration processes to ensure proper system functionality.

The same reality increasingly applies to vehicle modifications. Understanding sensor locations, sensor fields of view and vehicle-specific software behavior is becoming an essential part of product design and installation planning. As more ADAS features become standard equipment across all vehicle categories, avoiding these considerations will no longer be an option.

One emerging challenge involves the growing use of hidden and distributed sensor architectures. Manufacturers continue integrating sensors behind grilles, windshields, lighting assemblies, emblems and body panels. The hardware is becoming less visible, but its importance is increasing. This makes understanding vehicle architecture more critical than ever before.

The Search for Solutions

Recognizing these challenges, the SEMA Garage continues expanding its research into the relationship between aftermarket modifications and ADAS performance. Over the past several years, research efforts have grown from exploratory testing into a comprehensive program focused on understanding how vehicle modifications influence safety-system behavior.

Vehicle modifications now have the potential to influence sensor visibility, system calibration, vehicle dynamics and overall feature performance, making education vital.

Multiple vehicle platforms have been evaluated using common aftermarket modifications across categories such as suspension systems, wheels and tires, exterior accessories and other popular upgrades. Testing includes the activation and measurement of various onboard ADAS features under controlled conditions, allowing data comparisons between stock and modified configurations.

The objective is not simply to identify potential concerns but to provide the industry with actionable information. By understanding how modifications may influence system performance, manufacturers can make more informed engineering decisions, develop installation procedures and support products that align with evolving safety expectations.

As vehicle technology continues advancing, collaboration will remain essential. Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, standards organizations and the aftermarket all share a common interest in maintaining safety while preserving consumer choice and innovation.

The path forward will not always be simple. Vehicle autonomy, AI-driven decision making, connected vehicle ecosystems and software-defined architectures are transforming the automotive landscape at an unprecedented rate. However, these changes also create opportunities for the aftermarket to evolve, innovate and continue delivering the products and experiences enthusiasts value.

The future of vehicle technology is already here. Understanding it, adapting to it and helping shape it will define the next chapter of our industry.

Facts to Know

• The SEMA ADAS Show section will be located in the LVCC’s Upper South Hall.
• The FutureTech Studio (Central Hall) highlights emerging vehicle propulsion, safety and manufacturing technologies.
• An education stage will present expert speakers on a variety of FutureTech topics throughout Show Week.
• These two Show sections are ideal places to discover new ideas, products and tools to advance and “future-proof” your business.

FutureTech Studio

SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology and Product Development Luis Morales (right) at a panel on the FutureTech Live Education Stage at the 2025 SEMA Show.

The 2026 SEMA Show FutureTech Studio (Central Hall booth #24401) is a SEMA-curated showcase dedicated to the technologies shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, including ADAS.

FutureTech Studio highlights innovations across:

• Advanced Powertrains, including hybrid, electric, internal combustion and innovative fuel technologies.
• Vehicle Software, including programming, calibration, cybersecurity and software-defined vehicle systems.
• Engineering and AI-Enabled Development, including simulation, validation, design innovation and artificial intelligence.
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, including additive manufacturing, metrology, tooling and prototyping.

FutureTech Studio will showcase several jaw-dropping and innovative builds, but it will also offer something even more valuable—relatable displays and practical information to help all SEMA Show attendees take advantage of the latest innovations.

“I want to bring in displays that are going to be more closely relatable to what a lot of our members are doing today,” explains Luis Morales, SEMA director of vehicle technology and product development. “We also want to show connections between what these technologies are and what can be applicable as services and programs through SEMA Garage.”

With locations in Southern California and Detroit, SEMA Garage offers association members access to the high-tech tools and equipment needed for developing and testing automotive aftermarket parts—helping SEMA businesses bring new products to market more quickly.

For companies looking to capitalize on new technology, SEMA Garage can help move products from the drawing board to the production line.

Now in its fourth year, FutureTech Studio has rapidly evolved into a must-see destination at the SEMA Show for all attendees. Last year it featured more than 40 different displays from 32 unique exhibiting companies. As vehicle technology continues to evolve through the convergence of hardware, software, and advanced engineering, FutureTech Studio provides a platform for industry leaders to demonstrate the technologies that are redefining vehicle performance, customization, manufacturing and mobility.

At the center of the exhibit is FutureTech LIVE, an open-format education stage featuring technical presentations, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions from the companies and experts driving innovation across the automotive ecosystem.

FutureTech Studio is not a conventional trade show booth environment. Rather than a traditional exhibitor program, this SEMA-curated featured area brings together a select group of companies and technologies that are advancing the future of vehicle propulsion, software, engineering, manufacturing and mobility. The goal is to educate, inspire and connect attendees with the innovations that will define the next era of the automotive industry. Next-gen systems and visionary builds are quickly redefining what’s possible. While some business owners are understandably hesitant about the wave of new tech, the SEMA FutureTech Studio was designed to provide the knowledge and insights needed to make informed decisions—regardless of specialty.

Participants have the opportunity to showcase ADAS and other technologies through vehicle displays, products, software demonstrations, engineering exhibits and interactive experiences while engaging directly with industry executives, engineers, media, policymakers and technology decision-makers.