As a lifelong car enthusiast, attending the SEMA show has always been a dream come true. This year, I finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand and it was an absolute blast. From the incredible builds to the passionate people, SEMA is truly a one-of-a-kind event.

Uncover the Future of Enthusiasm at SEMA

SEMA - An Annual Trade Show with a Big Impact

The Specialty Equipment Market Association primarily focuses on helping industry professionals do their jobs to the best of their ability. Despite the many uncertainties the industry is facing, SEMA is alive and doing well. With 160,000 people in attendance this year and more than 2,400 vendors, it has officially surpassed pre-COVID numbers. It's not just an annual trade show; it's a celebration of car culture and innovation. 1: SEMA serves as a platform for aftermarket brands to showcase their latest and greatest products. Surrounded by amazing builds and attended by all the biggest influencers and celebrities in the space, it has a unique charm. The exclusivity of being a business-to-business affair makes it even more desirable. 2: Mike Spagnola, the SEMA CEO, emphasizes that no matter what type of vehicle - EV, internal combustion engine, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels - the industry will continue to push the envelope. This shows the adaptability and resilience of the automotive industry.

Hank O'Hop - Meeting with Companies and Making Connections

As The Drive's commerce editor, part of my job is meeting with companies to evaluate products. At SEMA, I had the opportunity to shake hands with reps and CEOs from various companies, pitching The Drive's brand. It was a busy but exciting experience. 1: Every day was filled with meetings and discussions about different products and collaborations. From impact wrenches to independent front suspension systems, I got to see the latest offerings in the automotive aftermarket. 2: The response from some big-name companies was overwhelming. We made some great connections and laid the groundwork for some exciting projects in 2025. It was a great start to the year.

Taking It All In - The Amazing Builds

There is no shortage of amazing builds to look at at SEMA. As a Mopar nut, I was particularly taken by the sudden rise in appreciation for classic Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars. 1: Everywhere I looked, there was a second-generation Charger that made my heart skip a beat. The Joe Dirt replica at the ACES Fuel Injection booth served as a benchmark for my own Charger. It made me realize that I need to step up my game. 2: The Ringbrothers' 1970 Plymouth Barracuda dubbed Infected was an absolute sight to behold. Their insane skill and attention to detail were on full display. And the Grand National, INVADR, with its detuned V6 producing over 1,200 horsepower and capable of 1,800 horsepower on full boost, was the talk of the show.

In the Right Place - Surrounded by Passion

Perhaps the most incredible thing about the SEMA show is the sense of passion and energy in the air. Everywhere you look, there are celebrities signing autographs, people showcasing amazing builds, and suppliers talking about game-changing technology. 1: I felt like I was in the right place when I saw familiar faces in the crowd. Surrounded by icons and heroes, I realized the impact they have had on me and the industry. It was a moment of profound self-enlightenment. 2: Watching Tanner Foust work his magic in a professional drift car reminded me that even I need to loosen up and have more fun with my car. SEMA is not just about cars; it's about the community and the love for all things automotive.