Why Attend the SEMA Show in 2025?
The automotive industry is gearing up for its biggest event of the year. From November 4-7, the 2025 SEMA Show will take over the Las Vegas Convention Center with 4.6 million square feet of exhibit space, showcasing products, technology, and services from more than 2,000 leading brands.
This year’s show is expected to draw over 160,000 attendees from across the industry, all looking to improve their skills, spot new trends, and see what’s next for the aftermarket. Along the way, they’ll catch celebrity appearances, witness live demos, and maybe even pick up some merch and freebies.
Meet Shopmonkey at SEMA 2025
Shopmonkey at SEMA 2025 is bringing the energy to Booth #11739 in the North Hall. Stop by to take on Monkey Golf, back with daily rotating challenges, exclusive swag, and the chance to win epic prizes including a ride-along at the SEMA drift track with Corey Hosford. Keep the momentum going with our daily Happy Hour from 3–5 pm, where you can grab a cold beer and connect with the builders behind this year’s featured customer vehicle. And don’t miss our multi-bar night out on Wednesday, November 5, featuring stops at the minus5º Ice Bar and 1923 Prohibition Bar. From interactive games to networking events, Shopmonkey is making SEMA 2025 unforgettable.
What Makes the SEMA Show Unique in 2025
Every SEMA Show brings something new, and 2025 is no different. One major addition this year is the International Pavilion, where global brands will connect directly with buyers, media, and influencers while showcasing products that aren’t yet widely available in the U.S.
Also coming to SEMA for the first time is HorsePower Rodeo, a live-action motorsports showcase in the Diamond Lot (outside the West Hall) led by Westen Champlin and Kyle Douglas, featuring drag racing, drifting, burnouts, and more. It’s all part of SEMA’s expanded motorsports programming, joining OPTIMA Unleashed, Nitro Circus, Hoonigan, and the Globe of Death.
SEMA Las Vegas is still the ultimate stage for new product debuts, and the New Products Showcase features an exciting–and vast–selection of entries across nearly 20 categories. Meanwhile, the SEMA FutureTech Studio will highlight cutting-edge technologies, everything from internal combustion to EVs, hydrogen, hybrids, and synthetic fuels.
Capping off the week, SEMA Fest returns for its third year with an all-new-for-2025 lineup. Taking place Friday at the Bronze Lot, this open-to-the-public celebration combines drifting demos, motorsports action, and custom vehicle displays with live music from Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, and Neon Trees.
Top Reasons to Attend the SEMA Show
SEMA is THE place to discover new products, see thousands of unique builds, and connect with fellow industry members at various networking events. You’ll also find dedicated areas like the Feature Vehicle Displays, the Overland Experience, and others highlighting new technology, car culture, and industry innovation.
Plus, the sprawling SEMA Show offers expert-led education sessions, hands-on tech demonstrations, and first-glimpse vehicle reveals–everything aftermarket professionals need to stay up-to-date and competitive in a fast-paced industry. To put it simply, SEMA is where connections are made, solutions are discovered, strategies are developed, and business opportunities come to light.
Key Exhibits and Showcases at SEMA 2025
Exhibiting companies wait all year to debut their newest parts, equipment, and accessories at the SEMA Show, and many choose the event’s No. 1 buyer destination, the New Products Showcase to do just that. This area spotlights the latest innovations across 18 separate categories, making it a must-see for anyone looking to stay ahead of industry trends.
The SEMA Battle of the Builders puts the spotlight on some of the world’s most influential vehicle builders as they show off next-level techniques and set the tone for what’s next in custom builds. The competition pulls in both show attendees and a global online audience, offering a front-row look at the future of automotive craftsmanship.
As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to reshape the industry, SEMA 2025 will offer dedicated programming to help shops stay ahead. Attendees can check out the latest calibration tools and training, and hear directly from manufacturers and experts about how to adapt vehicles safely in the ADAS era.
Another can’t-miss event is the PRO Cup Challenge, happening in the West Hall at the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Booth #50197. This competition celebrates creativity and innovation in restyling while showing how manufacturers and dealers can work together to deliver turnkey vehicle accessory packages. Leading this year’s group of six finalists are Shopmonkey customers Auto Additions Inc. (Westerville, OH) and MARS of Billings in Montana.
Once you’ve visited Shopmonkey at Booth #11739 (North Hall), be sure to explore the wide range of other top exhibitors across the Show floor. On the OEM side, look for vehicles and accessories from Ford, Honda, Mopar/Stellantis, Nissan, and Toyota. Major brands such as eBay Motors, Holley Performance Brands, Hoonigan, Hunter Engineering, Optima, Rockford Fosgate, Snap-on, SPARQ, and WeatherTech will also be on hand with notable displays.
Education and Networking Opportunities
Show attendees will have countless opportunities to refine their skills, meet with industry leaders, and plan for the future through this year’s SEMA education program. Held in the North Hall from Tuesday through Thursday, sessions run the gamut from aftermarket updates and future trends to leadership, sales and marketing, hiring and retention, and solutions to common challenges faced by shop owners and technicians.
Training classes–both free and paid–will also be offered by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and I-CAR, which will host courses on MIG welding, high-voltage EV safety, and working with ADAS-equipped vehicles.
With so many industry pros in one place, SEMA is the perfect chance to build new connections and strengthen existing ones, whether on the show floor or at aftermarket industry events like the Kick-Off Breakfast, Awards Banquet, or SEMA Cruise. All week long, you’re bound to run into familiar faces and meet new people who can make a real difference for your business.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
SEMA Show first-timer attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time to avoid lines on site at check-in. The best place to do that is through the SEMA Show website. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to get familiar with the SEMA floor plan. At the very least, make note of booths and products you plan to see ahead of time. The show’s footprint is massive, but a little prep goes a long way once you’re there.
If you haven’t already, make hotel arrangements ASAP; rooms typically fill up fast, even in Las Vegas. Booking through the show’s official provider, onPeak, should get you the lowest possible rates.
Otherwise, pack the right clothes for an automotive trade show, including comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a small backpack or satchel for things like a water bottle, snacks, a phone charger, wallet, business cards, and other essential or nice-to-have items. Also, be sure to download the free 2025 SEMA Show Mobile App to access exhibitor listings, event and seminar schedules, maps, and more.
Planning Your Visit: Dates, Location, and Registration
From wild custom builds to the latest aftermarket products, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is where the industry comes together to celebrate the energy, passion, and creativity driving car culture. It’s an extraordinary experience that every automotive professional should see for themselves.
To recap, this year’s show takes place from Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. For more information or to register, visit semashow.com.
FAQ
What does SEMA stand for?
SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. It is a trade association for the automotive aftermarket industry that also organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
What is the SEMA Show?
The SEMA Show is an annual trade-only event showcasing the latest products, services, trends, and innovations in the automotive aftermarket industry for professionals like manufacturers, buyers, and media. It features custom builds, new product launches, educational seminars, and live demonstrations.
Can anybody go to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas?
No, the main SEMA Show is not open to the public; it’s strictly for automotive industry professionals. However, SEMA does offer a “SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public” experience on the final day that provides access to the show floor, outdoor demonstrations, and more.
How do you get into the SEMA Show?
To get into the SEMA Show, you must be a qualified member of the automotive aftermarket industry, like a manufacturer, distributor, buyer, or media member, and register through the SEMA Show website. The general public can, however, attend the “SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public” experience.
How long is the SEMA Show?
The SEMA Show is a four-day event. This year’s show takes place from Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109.