Inspired by the new products, mesmerized by the incredible vehicles, and grateful for all our friends. The 2016 SEMA Show was certainly the biggest ever and definitely a game changer.
We have been attending SEMA, the Automotive Industry’s greatest trade show for several years now. It is an overwhelming experience trying to take it all in. This year we have come to mind that we cannot possibly cover the entire show. With a four-person crew there is just so much to see, the effort is futile. We are forced to focus on a small segment of the industry in order to really dig deep and learn about the trends and new products coming out.
John Oro from the Mercifuls and C10 Club joined us again to catch the trucks at the show. He called us over to different vehicles throughout the show. He was making live Instagram posts throughout the show.
Texas Rich came out for his first SEMA Show. It was great to see the look in his eyes as he was astonished by all that was going on. Overwhelmed, he did a great job covering the action outside and the celebrity sightings. Here’s a great gallery of his shots.
Of course Billy and I were there the whole week. Our task was to check out the New Products display, find trends and catch up with some of our supporters.
This year I hit the AAPEX Show for a couple of reasons. There were a couple of interesting booths featuring Armor All electronics and mat products. Huh? Yes, it appears Armor All has licensed their name to co-brand other products. Interesting. Also, I was interested in a new startup company offering tools for the DIY guy. Hey that’s me! So I made my way over to the MYCHANIC booth. Luke and Jane showed me around the booth with new lighting products and tools. Great thought put into them. Nice branding with the gun-metal grey, black and bright green.
Check out our video overview of the show on BlacktopTV on YouTube!
You must have a plan of attack for an event like this. Over 2500 exhibitors at the SEMA Show (not counting AAPEX) means, that if you were to stop at every booth, you would only have 45 seconds at each booth! I clocked over 58,000 steps during the week! There were over 160,000 people at the show from more than 100 countries. Yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.
Tuesday: New Products Award Breakfast, New Products Section, Upper South Hall Truck and Powersports, AAPEX Show then back for the ARMO Reception after the show.
Wednesday: Central Hall upper section and Hot Rod Alley, then the HRIA Awards Banquet. After that I was invited to be a guest on Primer Podcast. Hear the podcast by clicking HERE.
Thursday: More of the Central Hall, Restoration Alley and Race and Performance sections. We met up with Hauser Riley, our model for the day to shoot some pics at our favorite booths in the Central Hall. Then off to the SEMA Awards Banquet. This year I just hung out at the cocktail reception beforehand.
Friday: We like to hit the North Hall Tools, Styling and Electronics section. I tell you what, I didn’t pace myself very well and about 1pm, I was beat. We decided to hit the road early, skipping out on the SEMA Ignited party. The four hour ride home was relaxing and by the time we got home I saw on social media the Ignited Party was just beginning. Next year, I will try to do better.
Here are some of the photos from the event with links to more detail. Check it out and thank you for following us.
SEE MORE AT SEMA!