2019 SEMA Show Prep: What To See, What To Know, & Where To Go

Forget the holidays, the truly best time of year has arrived—for automotive professionals, that is. As if you actually needed another reason to head to Vegas, the 2019 SEMA Show has descended upon the city’s convention center in all its overwhelming glory. With exciting new products on tap, as well as jaw-dropping builds, celebrity appearances, educational resources, competitions and more, the 2019 floorplan is quite literally packed with exhibitors from every conceivable industry segment.

While it’s virtually impossible to see everything, there are some mainstays every year that should be at the top of any attendee’s list. We’ve rounded up a few of the must-sees, as well as some of the major trends you should expect to encounter. And if you’re wondering how you’ll stay focused amid all the excitement, we’ve included resources for staying organized (and not getting lost).

The Must-Know

The 2019 SEMA Show runs Tuesday, November 5 through Friday, November 8. And trust us when we say those four days are going to be both exhausting and exhilarating. To keep your sanity in check, here are some helpful tips for making the most of the show. And before you go, take some time to familiarize yourself with the floorplan.

Hot Tip: Pack comfortable shoes!

Be Social

It’s important to remember that as the world’s premier automotive trade event, the SEMA Show is so much more than a simple inside peek at industry happenings. Everybody loves new releases, but don’t squander the networking opportunities! Rub elbows with fellow professionals and seize the opportunity to discuss market changes, consumer trends, selling techniques, and more. If ever there’s a time to find new ways to accelerate your business—this is it.

“There’s five of us going to SEMA this year and we’ll be trying to learn what all the latest things are,” says Harry Cilk of TrailToyz Off-Road. “Plus, I’ll be seeing all my suppliers—I talk to all these manufacturers on the phone every week and it’s nice to go up and say ‘Hey! I’m your guy in Alaska.’ It’s just nice to put a face to name.”

Be Studious

While there’s plenty of fun to go around (it is Vegas, after all), make a little time for the classroom. The 2019 SEMA Show Education Program will feature more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. There’s no shortage of interesting and valuable programs.

Hot Tip: In addition to any conferences that directly affect your line of work, we recommend squeezing in some macro-level topics as well. The industry is facing some major changes, so it’s important to stay nimble. Consider discussions on new technology, upcoming trends, coping with technician shortages, and navigating government regulations.

The Must-See

Speaking of upcoming trends, there are a few things you can expect to see dominating the 2019 SEMA Show (while plenty of new ones will emerge once you arrive). Pay attention to how your fellow professionals are putting their own spin on these consumer crazes. Who knows? You might find some inspiration for your own business.

New Innovations

It goes without saying that, given the current state of the auto industry, the 2019 SEMA show will be featuring some of the most cutting-edge tech available. The best way for you to check this out is to attend the New Products Showcase, located in the Sky Bridge.

Truly, if you manage nothing else during your four days in Vegas, do this. With over 3,000 new and featured products, this is your opportunity to discover what the exhibiting companies have been working on all year.

Simply pick up your free scanner and walk around to scan all the products you’re interested in. When you’re finished, return the scanner and get a detailed print-out of every product, as well as how to locate the manufacturers on the showroom floor.

Hot Tip: Stay open-minded about new electric propulsion parts and equipment. Whether you like it or not, EVs are hitting the mainstream. It won’t hurt to know which companies are leading the corresponding aftermarket segment.

Overlanding Everything

“This growing subset of the off-road market has caught the attention of SEMA manufacturers, spawning a range of products that put self-contained adventure travel in reach for more customers,” writes SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

Aside from loads of new product releases, the 2019 SEMA Show will feature an entire section in the Performance Pavilion dedicated to the trend. Aptly named the “Overland Experience,” you can expect dozens of custom rigs sporting a smorgasbord of survival gear, as well as product demonstrations and panel discussions on how you can build overlanding into your own business.

Keep an eye out for Yakima’s new HD collection of rooftop tents, truck racks, and crossbars built for rugged overland adventures (Booth 34101). And don’t miss American Expedition Vehicles’ five show builds: a JL Wrangler, JT Gladiator, two Colorado ZR2 Bisons, and the first prototype of the company’s new Prospector—a uniquely-equipped RAM pickup with impressive versatility.

Be sure to catch Keystone Automotive’s 2019 TerraRAM creation. Completed by LGE CTS Motorsports, this overland-ready beast will sport goodies from Leer, ARB, BEDSLIDE, Rhino-Rack, Mickey Thompson, Fab Fours, Fabtech, Raceline, Westin, and more!

Sick Rides

Speaking of builds, SEMA reports that while “tricked-out trucks have surged in recent years, 2019 SEMA Show registration data indicates that this year’s feature vehicle crop includes a significant wave of sport compacts, Euro tuners, and exotics.”

Expect to see a lot of Supras, like this one from Evasive Motorsports with a Fast & Furious-style body kit and, as for exotics, don’t miss the new Liberty Walk widebody Lamborghini Huracan.

We anticipate trucks will still be a main draw, thanks to so many new exciting releases and updates in the segment. Look out for Ford, who is bringing a whopping FIFTY custom vehicles, including five Super Duty trucks and a bevy of SUVs. We’re excited for the six Ranger concepts that will be attendance, mostly decked out for camping or overlanding adventures but with a performance off-roader and slammed street ride thrown in the mix for good measure.

The automaker also has two Transit concepts tagging along. And we have to say—the plucky euro van rolling on tank treads is pretty bad ass.

If you really want to get a pulse on emerging customization trends, then don’t miss the Battle of the Builders (BOTB) at Friday’s SEMA Ignited after party. Launched in 2014, the competition recognizes top builders and celebrates some truly incredible rides. And while we expect a bevy of Jeep Gladiators to crop up throughout SEMA 2019, we are really excited to check out David Williams’ six-door Gladiator sporting a 10-inch lift and added supercharger.

Some other 2019 SEMA Show competitions you should be sure to add to your must-see list are the J.E. Pistons’ Masters of Motors (11/6 10:30AM Booth #22835) and the OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational Competition (11/9-11/10 Las Vegas Motor Speedway).

Powersports Vehicles & Gear

While you’re eyeing up the off-road extravaganza in the South Hall, carve a little time to check out what’s happening in the Powersports and Utility Vehicles expo. There’s no denying this is a rising trend, as UTVs in particular pick up steam among outdoor enthusiasts.

Toyo has launched its first tire dedicated to the segment—the Toyo® Open Country® SxS—which you can check out at the show. The popular ROXOR (61040) will be showing off some new model changes, while big names like Oracle, BOSS Audio, and Smittybilt will be bringing products for the segment as well.

“We’re launching new UTV wheels with Keystone,” says Lawrence Lee, VP of GRID Off-Road. “It’s been a really successful, growing market so we’re targeting it with some new designs and multiple colors.” Be sure to check out the company’s booth (45067) to see what other exciting wheel designs they’ve cooked up as well. And don’t miss the company’s Marshmello Ford 6×6, customized by the Diesel Brothers.

Have Some Fun!

It can’t be all work all the time. Luckily, the 2019 SEMA Show has plenty of fun events baked in. Here’s three to consider:

NHRA Breakfast. One of the most popular (and longest running) events, this is often dubbed a “can’t miss.” Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pro Stock, the 2019 NHRA Breakfast will feature drag racing legends and current fan favorites including Herb McCandless, Warren Johnson, Greg Anderson, Erica Enders, and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Wednesday Nov. 6 from 7:30– 9 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Casino Paradise Events Center.)

Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Indulge your inner kid and check out the insane custom creations built by 18 finalists from across the nation. The winner will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends™ and see their car sold around the world as an iconic die-cast model!

SEMA Ignited. As the official SEMA Show after party, there will be music, food, drifting demos, celebrity appearances, BOTB competition, and plenty of burnouts. (Friday, Nov. 8 from 3:00 – 10:00 p.m. Platinum Lot.)