FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The SEMA Show is a trade-only event. Only qualified individuals employed within the automotive aftermarket industry are approved to receive a badge to enter the exhibit hall.
The following business categories do not qualify to attend:
- Accounting firms
- Any non-automotive-affiliated company
- Attorneys/law firms
- Consumers
- Exhibition industry service companies
- Freight providers/Transportation companies/Towing companies
- Graphics companies – non-automotive
- Insurance agents
- Modeling agencies/agents
- Printers
- Packaging companies
- Promotional products companies
- Software companies
- Travel agencies/agents
Enthusiasts are able to purchase the "SEMA Friday Experience" badge at www.semafest.com to access the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3 ONLY. This purchase will also allow access to SEMA Fest Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2023.
We require proof that your business or the employer you work for is a current and legitimate automotive aftermarket business. You must supply documentation as proof that you are currently employed by or own the company you register under, such as:
- A current and valid business card with your name, company name, job title, and address corresponding with the information provided on your registration. (Digital renderings of your business card are not acceptable)
- A current and valid business license
- A current and valid tax registration certificate or business registration
- Recent paycheck stubs (handwritten company checks are not acceptable)
- Business photo ID (must include company name, photo, and your name)
If you registered and were approved for last year's Show and have not changed your company, job title, or contact information—such as your telephone number, address, or email—you may not be required to show proof of involvement in the automotive aftermarket industry again. If you have questions about documentation required, contact Customer Service, Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CST at 866-229-3687 or aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. International callers dial +1-224-563-3154.
If you do not meet the above listed qualifications, enthusiasts are able to purchase the "SEMA Friday Experience" badge at www.semafest.com to access the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3 ONLY.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. Only qualified individuals employed within the automotive aftermarket industry are approved to receive a badge. Qualified individuals may register online at www.semashow.com or on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Main Registration. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time and money and receive your badge in the mail.
To receive your badge in the mail, you must be registered and APPROVED to attend before the domestic pre-reg deadline of September 29th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 15th.
No. The company you are employed by does not have to be a SEMA member for you to attend the SEMA Show, but you do have to hold a qualified position and work within the automotive industry. The SEMA Show registration process requires you to provide proof that you are currently employed within the automotive industry.
No. Even if you are a member of SEMA, you will still need to be qualified to attend the SEMA Show. The same qualification process will apply to members as it does to non-members.
We accept credit cards or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for the on-site registration fee. CASH or CHECK will NOT be accepted on-site. No Exceptions.
There are several options available for obtaining new product information. One of the easiest ways is to visit the New Products Showcase at the SEMA Show. At the New Products Showcase, buyers and media can use the SEMA Show app to select the products you wish to learn more about. This information will remain in your Show app to reference throughout the year. Additionally, you can still check out a scanner to select items then receive a print-out and email, including photos as well as links to high-res photos of the products that can be downloaded.
Tickets for the special events and educational sessions are available when registering for the Show online. If you have already registered, you may return to your personal dashboard and add a session or special event. Please be prepared to provide credit card information online if payment is required.
SEMA Fest will be open to everyone and bring the full spectrum of automotive passions together in an accessible, awesome celebration of car culture. Features will include top music and entertainment, car show & cruise, VIP experiences, craft food, celebrities, and motorsports. For additional information for SEMA Fest and to sign up for festival updates updates please visit www.semafest.com
A map and list of 2022 SEMA Show exhibitors is available at www.semashow.com/floorplan. Use "Search the Show" option on the top of this page for the exhibitor list. The 2023 SEMA Show Floorplan will be available in the Summer of 2023.
No one under the age of 16, including infants, is allowed access to the exhibits. No exceptions. Show Management does not provide childcare services on-site. Use of a school-issued ID to prove age is not acceptable unless it provides a date of birth.
In compliance with the ADA, service animals --as defined by the ADA--are permitted at the Show. Other live animals, including comfort, emotional support or therapy animals, pets, and animals used for demonstrations of any kind are not allowed. Show Management reserves the right to prohibit service animals if they pose a threat or safety concern to anyone attending, exhibiting, or working our Event. The handler/owner of the service animal is responsible for the care and supervision of their animal. If the animal is not under control or is disruptive or not housebroken, Show Management may require it to be removed from the Show premises.
Drones/UAVs of any kind are NOT allowed at the SEMA Show or at the Las Vegas Convention Center due to the proximity to Harry Reid International Airport. Drones/UAVs will be confiscated until Show end (after the SEMA Cruise).
The use of the above items are NOT allowed on the Las Vegas Convention Center property, this includes the surrounding lots as well as roadways and walkways within the Las Vegas Convention Center campus. This includes all non-ADA-approved mobility devices. These devices are subject to confiscation and returned at the end of the Show (after the SEMA Cruise).
Business or business casual attire is suggested. Logos and sayings on apparel must be in good taste. Show Management reserves the right to make determinations on appropriate apparel.
Educators, counselors, and administrators employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12), colleges or universities:
- Must be bringing a minimum of one (1) student to the SEMA Show.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to S.T.E.M., transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must provide a minimum of two (2) of the following qualifying documents/documentation to be approved for school group registration:
- A photo of a current school-issued staff I.D.
- A photo of a current school-issued business card.
- URL link to official contact information in online staff/faculty directory.
- Two (2) recent paycheck stubs
School Group Requirements:
- One (1) school official is required to supervise every five (5) students in their group.
- Encouraged to establish a student "vetting" process to limit their student groups to the "top performers."
- Are the designees to pick up show badges on behalf of their student group; SEMA will not issue badges directly to students unless endorsed or arranged by the key school contact.
- Must provide on-site contact information/cell phone number to SEMA staff and to all students under their supervision.
- Spouses are eligible to attend if serving as student chaperone.
- Click here to begin a new school group request application
Students: 18–20 years of age:
- Per trade-show policy, students must be 18 years of age or older to enter the exhibit halls and exhibit areas at the SEMA and AAPEX Shows.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or university, or be a 2023 high school, college or university graduate.
- Must be interested in learning about careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must be accompanied by a school official or school-approved chaperone.
Students: 21 years of age or older:
- Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university or be a 2023 college or university graduate seeking to connect with employers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must submit current school ID and driver's license/identification card.
- Must submit a written endorsement by a school official who is familiar with the student's academic or skilled-trade certification performance.
- Click here to begin a professional student application
Market research is not permitted to be conducted at the SEMA Show.
If a company qualifies to exhibit in a booth space at the Show, but chooses not to exhibit, wishing only to register employees to attend (walk the exhibits), they will be classified as a NEM. If during the qualification process, Show Management finds the company to be classified as a Non-Exhibiting Company (NEM), a higher registration fee of $200 each will be required to register. Non-exhibiting companies are limited to registering two people, attending no more than two shows.
Fireworks, firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds, including replicas, are prohibited in all premises of the AAPEX and the SEMA Shows. This prohibition applies to interior and exterior Show facilities, including parking areas, and prohibits weapons in or on any vehicles or displays. Violations of this policy can result in the violator being banned from the Shows and Show facilities.
If AAPEX and the SEMA Show should have to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, your registration fee will be refunded in full.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. Only qualified individuals employed within the automotive aftermarket industry are approved to receive a badge. Qualified individuals may register online at www.semashow.com or on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Main Registration. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time and money and receive your badge in the mail.
To receive your badge in the mail, you must be registered and APPROVED to attend before the domestic pre-reg deadline of September 29th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 15th.
We require proof that your business or the employer you work for is a current and legitimate automotive aftermarket business. You must supply documentation as proof that you are currently employed by or own the company you register under, such as:
- A current and valid business card with your name, company name, job title, and address corresponding with the information provided on your registration. (Digital renderings of your business card are not acceptable)
- A current and valid business license
- A current and valid tax registration certificate or business registration
- Recent paycheck stubs (handwritten company checks are not acceptable)
- Business photo ID (must include company name, photo, and your name)
If you registered and were approved for last year's Show and have not changed your company, job title, or contact information—such as your telephone number, address, or email—you may not be required to show proof of involvement in the automotive aftermarket industry again. If you have questions about documentation required, contact Customer Service, Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CST at 866-229-3687 or aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. International callers dial +1-224-563-3154.
If you do not meet the above listed qualifications enthusiasts are able to purchase the "SEMA Friday Experience" badge at www.semafest.com to access the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3 ONLY.
Online attendee registration is $40 USD per person until Friday, June 30th. Starting July 1st, attendee registration online increases to $60 USD per person. Beginning Saturday, September 30th attendee registration online or onsite increases to $120 USD per person. Attendee badges allow entrance to both APPEX and the SEMA Show on all days of each Show. (Note: AAPEX exhibits are not open on Friday, November 3, but the SEMA exhibits are open on Friday.)
Registering exhibiting personnel over your company's complimentary allotment pre-show is $40 USD per person until Friday, June 30th. Starting July 1st, exhibitor badges ordered online over company's allotment are $60 USD per person. On Thursday, October 26th, exhibitor badges ordered online or on-site over your company's complimentary allotment are $120 USD per person.
Non-Exhibiting Company (NEM) registration and Financial Investment Companies (FIN) are $200 per person online or on-site. NEM companies are limited to two people from each company attending for no more than two years.
Participants who have a featured vehicle in the Show, must register on-site for $60 USD each and are limited to two badges.
Lost or forgotten badges may be reprinted on-site 1x only for a fee of $120 per badge. The fee for reprinting a non-exhibiting company (NEM) or Financial Investment Companies (FIN) badge is $200 per badge. You may not have anyone else's badge reprinted on-site but your own, and an official government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) must be presented.
We accept credit cards or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for the on-site registration fee. CASH or CHECK will NOT be accepted on-site. No Exceptions.
If AAPEX and the SEMA Show should have to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, your registration fee will be refunded in full.
No. Registration fees are non-refundable. No credits or refunds for registration fees will be provided. No exceptions. Note: Failure to obtain a visa in advance of the Show does not constitute a valid basis for a refund.
If you have previously registered as a Show attendee and want to re-register, you will NOT need a password to access your alumni record. We do not keep passwords in the system from year to year. Each year registrants are required to create and enter a new password. Please follow the steps below if you have registered in the past and would like to register for 2023.
- Visit www.semashow.com
- Click on "ATTEND"
- Click on "REGISTER NOW!"
- Click on "ATTENDEE"
- Go to the NEW REGISTRATION box and click on "Register"
- Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and select which Show(s) you will be attending
- Enter your company and the email address you used to register in the past
- Click on "Register with my email/Company"
The system will pull up your alumni registration information- once you are in you will be able to create your new personal password.
No. The company you are employed by does not have to be a SEMA member for you to attend the SEMA Show, but you do have to hold a qualified position and work within the automotive industry. The SEMA Show registration process requires you to provide proof that you are currently employed within the automotive industry.
No. Even if you are a member of SEMA, you will still need to be qualified to attend the SEMA Show. The same qualification process will apply to members as it does to non-members.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only industry event. It is not open to consumers or the general public. If you are unemployed, retired, a car club member, hobbyist, collector, or car enthusiast, you do not qualify to receive a badge.
Attendee badge mailing will begin in mid-August and will continue through October. You MUST be registered and APPROVED to attend before the deadlines below to have your badge mailed. If you miss the mailing deadline for your region, you may still register online, but your badge will not be mailed. You will need to print out your barcode confirmation and bring it to one of the Barcode Express Registration locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center; present your photo ID, and your badge will be printed out.
Note: International exhibitors', media (including exhibiting media), and Non-Exhibiting Company (NEM) badges are not mailed and must be printed out on-site upon presenting an official, government-issued photo ID (such as a valid passport or driver's license).
International mailing deadline: Friday, September 15, 2023
Domestic (USA and Canada) mailing deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023
You may check your approval status and see if your badge has mailed by logging on to your attendee dashboard.
REGISTRATION SERVICES ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE INSIDE THE WESTGATE HOTEL.
SEMA Show Registration is located on the East Side of Lower South Hall with a satellite Registration on the first floor of West Hall
Full-Service Registration, including:
- Feature Vehicle
- Exhibitor (international & domestic)
- NEM (Non-exhibiting companies qualified to exhibit but not exhibiting in this year's Show)
- Buyer/Non-Buyer, onsite registration requiring qualification and payment (domestic and international)
- Pre-Registered Will Call – Badge print, badge re-print and corrections.
- Pre-Registered Barcode Express badge pick up (Must present personalized bar code confirmation printed out or on mobile phone); and
NOTE: Media must collect their badge on-site in the Media Center located in South Hall Upstairs, Room S219-S223, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Main Registration Hours:
- Thursday, Oct. 26: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Friday, Oct. 27: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Saturday, Oct. 28: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Sunday, Oct. 29: 8:00 am -5:00 pm
- Monday, Oct. 30: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, Oct. 31: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, Nov. 1: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday, Nov. 2: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, Nov. 3: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm*
*SEMA Only – AAPEX exhibits are Tuesday – Thursday only; SEMA Exhibits close at 4 pm on Friday.
SEMA Friday Experience Registration Hours
- Fri. November 3: 7:30am – 3:30pm
Pre-registered Barcode Express Registration Locations:
ALL barcode express registration locations are ONLY for those who have PRE-REGISTERED; have been approved to receive a badge; and have a personalized bar code confirmation (either printed out or on their mobile phone) to have their badge printed. Registrant must present their personalized barcode confirmation and a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) to have their badge printed.
No new registrations or changes requiring payment may be completed at these barcode express locations. Even if pre-registered, Media must go to the Media Center room S219-S223, South Hall upper level and NEMs (Non-exhibiting companies qualified to exhibit but not exhibiting in this year's Show) to lower South Hall EAST to have their badges printed out.
Barcode Express Registration: West Hall W102
West Hall W102 Pre-Registered Barcode Express Registration Hours
- Thursday, Oct. 26: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Friday, Oct. 27: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Saturday, Oct. 28: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Sunday, Oct. 29: 8:00 am -5:00 pm
- Monday, Oct. 30: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, Oct. 31: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, Nov. 1: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday, Nov. 2: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, Nov. 3: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm*
*SEMA Only – AAPEX exhibits are Tuesday – Thursday only; SEMA Exhibits close at 4 pm on Friday.
Note: Each person must pick up their own badge. They may not send anyone else in their place. NO EXCEPTIONS. The registrant must be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up their badge at any of the pre-registered barcode express locations. The name on the photo ID must match the name on the badge.
EXHBITOR Barcode Express Registration Locations:
Exhibitor Barcode Express locations are for PRE-REGISTERED Exhibitor badge HOLDER pick-up ONLY. Exhibitors will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a valid driver's license or passport) to pick up their badge holder. NEW exhibitor registrations cannot be processed at these exhibitor barcode express registration desks.
Exhibitor Barcode Express Registration: Lower South Hall WEST Lobby
Exhibitor Barcode Express Registration: Grand Lobby
Exhibitor Barcode Express Registration Hours:
- Thursday, Oct. 26: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Friday, Oct. 27: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Saturday, Oct. 28: 8:00 am -5:00 pm (Exhibitors Only)
- Sunday, Oct. 29: 8:00 am -5:00 pm
- Monday, Oct. 30: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, Oct. 31: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, Nov. 1: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Note: Each person must pick up their own badge. Registrants may not send anyone else in their place. The exhibiting key contact may NOT pick up all badges registered for personnel working in their booth. NO EXCEPTIONS. Registrant should be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up their badge at any of the barcode express locations. The name on the photo ID must match the name on the badge.
Contact Customer Service Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., CST, toll free at 866-229-3687 or aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. International callers dial +1-224-563-3154.
You may register on-site using a paper registration form, but depending upon the day and time you arrive, the lines for new, on-site registration may be lengthy. You will also need to bring with you to the Show your qualification documentation and a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license). If you do not have this paperwork with you, you will not be able to complete registration.
Pre-show, EXHIBITORS may only register online via their designated key contact. On-site registration is $120 (USD per person). We strongly encourage you to pre-register online to save time, and money and receive your badge in the mail if completed prior to domestic pre-reg deadline of September 29th, and international pre-reg deadline of September 15th.
The SEMA\AAPEX Joint Operating Committee and the association boards of directors require that Show management verify that everyone in attendance is involved in the automotive industry. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.
No. Badges CANNOT be reproduced, transferred, or resold. All AAPEX and SEMA Show attendees and exhibiting personnel must be prepared to provide a matching government-issued photo ID upon request. Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission and revoke your badge at any time. If it is discovered you are allowing someone else to use your badge, that person will be escorted from the Show floor and both of you may not be allowed to attend a future Show.
If it says, "only two," that means the system recognizes your company's name as a Non-Exhibiting Company (NEM). If you have any questions about what it means to have NEM status, contact SEMA Show Management at regmgr@sema.org or phone 909-396-0289.
Please email Customer Service at aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com and describe the situation. A representative will follow up with you via email within 24 hours (one business day). If you do not receive a timely reply, please call toll-free, 866.229.3687, Monday-Friday, 9 am-6 pm, Central Time. International callers, please dial +1.224.563.3154.
You must register before the visa letter can be sent, and the letter may only be made for the individual's name and company name in his or her registration record. Invite letters are sent via email instantaneously as a bounce back to the email address you provide during registration. Emailed, printed-out copies of the visa letter are acceptable. Show Management no longer prepares and express-mails abroad personalized letters because originals of visa invite letters are no longer required. The bounce-back, emailed invitation letter is sufficient. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of any government visa requirements and allow sufficient time for the visa entry application process. Attendees and exhibitors should contact their nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing and requirements related to their visa application. SEMA will not contact embassies and consulates on behalf of visa applicants or provide any other assistance relating to visa issues. All costs associated with applying for a visa are the sole responsibility of the attendee or exhibitor in need of the letter.
If you have questions, contact Customer Service, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CST, toll-free at 866-229-3687 or aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. International callers, dial direct +1-224-563-3154.
You will receive a confirmation by email with your identification number. You can also determine your registration status online at "registration look-up" at www.semashow.com/register.
As you register, the system will ask you if you wish to register another employee – follow the prompts to register the individual. If you have already completed your registration, you can use your confirmation email to return to your registration dashboard and click on "Add another." Note that each person may be required to provide qualification materials.
As you register, the system will ask you if you wish to register another employee, or a spouse. You can register your legal spouse at that time. If you have completed your registration and want to add a spouse later, use the link in your confirmation to return to the dashboard and click on "Add a Spouse." You will need to provide documentation (such as a marriage or civil union license or certificate) verifying your legal marriage or civil union to the person you register as a spouse. Friends, colleagues, consumers, guests, and other family members are not allowed to attend as your spouse.
No. There are no guest or complimentary passes, tickets, and/or badges for the SEMA Show. SEMA Show is a trade industry-only event. It is not open to consumers or the general public. Guests do not qualify to receive a badge.
No one may pre-register for a Feature Vehicle badge. Feature Vehicle badges are not mailed. Each Featured Vehicle is entitled to a maximum of two (2) badges at $60 each, and registration must be done on-site when you arrive at the show. When you check in your vehicle, you will receive a special registration form which you must complete and take to Exhibitor Registration in the Main Registration area in the Las Vegas Convention Center to register up to 2 people, maximum, per vehicle. (Spouses are included in the 2.)
If you have been denied registration, it may be because you are listed in the system as a member of one of the categories that SEMA/AAPEX does NOT permit to attend, or you did not provide the correct paperwork requested. In that case, email regmgr@sema.org with your name, company, and website. You will be contacted and given the opportunity to explain your situation. Or, if you would prefer to speak with someone directly, contact SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289.
If you were denied registration, enthusiasts are able to purchase the "SEMA Friday Experience" badge at www.semafest.com to access the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3 ONLY.
Please email regmgr@sema.org or call Show Department at 909-396-0289 to speak to SEMA Show Management directly.
Badges must be worn at all times in the AAPEX and the SEMA Show areas.
No. Neither Show Management nor Customer Service can take your information over the phone. No exceptions. You must register on-line or in person on-site, complete the registration form, and provide payment as well as any documents required to prove you are qualified to receive a badge for our Show.
No. One badge allows you entrance into both the SEMA and AAPEX Shows. Please note the AAPEX Show is located at the Venetian Expo Center and is not open on Friday, November 3. The AAPEX Show is open Tuesday–Thursday, October 31 – November 2. See www.AAPEXShow.com for more information on their event.
Because each case is different, email regmgr@sema.org or phone 909-396-0289, and someone will assist you.
Yes. If you arrive on-site and for any reason do not have your badge, you may have it reprinted on-site one time only for a fee of $120 per badge. The fee for reprinting a non-exhibiting company (NEM) or Financial Investment Company (FIN) badge is $200 per badge. You may not have anyone else's badge reprinted on-site but your own. You will need to present an official, government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license) that must match the name in your registration record. Go to the Main Registration area in the Las Vegas Convention Center to pay the fee and have your badge reprinted.
When Show Management* scans your badge, your personal information is processed pursuant to Show Management's legitimate interest in tracking attendance, traffic flow, and providing a better Show for attendees. To withdraw consent, contact Show Management (see below). By allowing exhibitors to scan your badge, you consent to Show Management sharing your registration information with them and they may then contact you regarding their goods or services. Please review their privacy policies for additional information. If you do not want to share your information, do not permit the exhibitor to scan your badge. If you do not want to receive communications from an exhibitor, you must contact that exhibitor directly.
*Show Management includes AAPEX Show Management (Auto Care Association, MEMA and William T. Glasgow, Inc.- 708/226-1300) and SEMA Show Management (Specialty Equipment Market Association - SEMA - 909/396-0289).
Educators, counselors and administrators employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12), colleges or universities:
- Must be bringing a minimum of one (1) student to the SEMA Show.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to S.T.E.M., transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must provide a minimum of two (2) of the following qualifying documents/documentation to be approved for school group registration:
- A photo of current school-issued staff I.D.
- A photo of current school-issued business card.
- URL link to official contact information in online staff/faculty directory.
- Two (2) recent paycheck stubs.
School group requirements:
- One (1) school official is required to supervise every five (5) students in their group.
- Encouraged to establish a student "vetting" process to limit their student groups to the "top performers."
- Are the designees to pick up show badges on behalf of their student group; SEMA will not issue badges directly to students unless endorsed or arranged by the key school contact.
- Must provide on-site contact information/cell phone number to SEMA staff and to all students under their supervision.
- Spouses are eligible to attend if serving as student chaperone.
- Click here to begin a new school group request application
Students: 18–20 years of age:
- Per trade-show policy, students must be 18 years of age or older to enter the exhibit halls and exhibit areas at the SEMA and AAPEX Shows.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school, college or university, or be a 2023 high school, college or university graduate.
- Must be interested in learning about careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must be accompanied by a school official or school-approved chaperone.
Students: 21 years of age or older:
- Must be enrolled at an accredited college or university or be a 2023 college or university graduate seeking to connect with employers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must represent academic disciplines or skilled trades, including but not limited to transportation technologies, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, graphic design, information technology, journalism, and manufacturing technologies, that would support careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Must submit current school ID and driver license/identification card.
- Must submit a written endorsement by a school official who is familiar with the student's academic or skilled-trade certification performance.
- Market research is not permitted to be conducted at the SEMA Show.
- Click here to begin a professional student application
- SEMA Show badges are FREE for educators and students participating in the Student Program. SEMA waives the $40 entrance fee and provides complimentary non-buyer/educator and non-buyer student badges.
- Non-buyer educator and student badges permit access to the SEMA and AAPEX Shows for all days that the shows are open, free-to-attend SEMA Show educations seminars and free-to-attend special events and networking receptions:
- SEMA Show: Tuesday, October 31–Friday, November 3, 2023.
- AAPEX Show: Tuesday, October 31–Thursday, November 2, 2023.
- Educators, counselors and administrators who are employed by accredited high schools (grades 10–12) colleges or universities may be eligible to register as "Attendee Non-Buyers" under the "Association/Education/Government" category and pay the registration fee of $40 (USD per person) until Friday, June 30th. Starting July 1st registration online increases to $60 (USD per person). Starting Friday, September 29th registration online or onsite increases to $120 (USD per person).
- We encourage you to participate in the SEMA Show Student Program special events to explore opportunities to coordinate school groups in the future and share the benefits of student attendance to the SEMA Show with your fellow school officials.
- Click here to begin an individual instructor registration
- SEMA partners with all major hotel groups in Las Vegas to secure the best rates for SEMA Show attendees. Hotel accommodations vary in cost according to property and amenities.
- SEMA has also partnered with Alaska, Delta and United Airlines to secure discounted airfare for SEMA Show attendees.
- Visit the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging website listed below for more information.
- SEMA has partnered with our official SEMA Show housing provider, OnPeak, to provide room blocks at the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort and Excalibur Hotel & Casino exclusively for schools with large student groups.
- Please note that per Nevada gaming laws, many casino/hotels require guests to be 21 years of age or older to be eligible to make room reservations; check-in to hotel rooms and receive room keys; and apply payment toward hotel accommodations.
- Please contact the hotel properties directly to find out their specific reservation and check-in requirements.
- Visit our websites to view options and reserve your hotel and airline reservations:
- Student Program Welcome Kickoff
Wednesday, November 1 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | LVCC, West Hall, W326
- Student Networking & Scholarship Roundup
Wednesday, November 1 | 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | LVCC, West Hall, W326
- Gear Up Girl Networking Event
Wednesday, November 1 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | W210 Entryway
Female students and school officials only.
- Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast
Thursday, November 2 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | LVCC, West Hall, W326