When Are SEMA 2024 Dates?

The SEMA 2024 trade show will be held November 5–8, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This premier automotive specialty products event attracts industry professionals, manufacturers, and enthusiasts, featuring product launches, networking sessions, and trend showcases. Registration typically opens in March 2024, with early-bird discounts available. Attendees should book accommodations early due to high demand during this period.

What are the key dates for SEMA 2024?

SEMA 2024 runs November 5–8, with exhibitor setup on November 3–4. Press and buyer previews start November 4. The SEMA Ignite career development day occurs November 5. Pro Tip: Arrive by November 2 to account for setup delays and local traffic.

Beyond the main event dates, critical deadlines include exhibitor registration closing on July 31 and attendee early-bird rates ending September 15. For example, in 2023, 160,000+ attendees crowded the 2.5 million sq. ft. venue, so pre-scheduling meetings is essential. Technical specs like booth dimensions (min. 100 sq. ft.) and electrical requirements (20A circuits) must be finalized by August. Why does timing matter? Las Vegas hotels hit 95% occupancy during SEMA, making late bookings costly.

Why is SEMA scheduled in November?

November avoids conflicts with summer automotive events and CES in January. Cooler Vegas weather (~70°F) facilitates outdoor exhibits. The post-Q3 timing lets brands showcase next-year models.

Practically speaking, November aligns with manufacturers’ product cycles, allowing debuts of 2025-model-year accessories. The month also precedes holiday retail spikes, letting retailers finalize inventory orders. For instance, SEMA 2023’s November dates saw a 12% increase in order placements versus 2022’s earlier slot. But what if it conflicted with other shows? Organizers coordinate with AAPEX (held concurrently) to streamline attendee logistics. Pro Tip: Use the AAPEX-SEMA shuttle to save $200+ on daily Uber costs.

How do I register for SEMA 2024?

Register online via SEMA’s portal starting March 2024. Early-bird rates (~$40/day) save 30% versus on-site fees. Exhibitors need a $500 deposit.

Registration tiers include All-Access ($299 early), Trade ($199), and Student ($50). International attendees must submit business licenses for verification. For example, Canadian exhibitors in 2023 faced 3–5 day delays without pre-approved tax docs. Pro Tip: Link your registration to SEMA’s app for QR-code badge scanning—reduces entry wait times by 75%. What if you miss deadlines? On-site registration jumps to $150/day, but group discounts (5+ people) trim 20%.

What’s new at SEMA 2024?

2024 highlights include an EV Tech Pavilion, AI-driven customization tools, and a sustainability zone. The SEMA Battle of the Builders returns November 7.

The EV Pavilion will feature 50+ vendors showcasing battery conversions and charging solutions, reflecting the industry’s 35% YoY growth in EV aftermarket demand. AI tools let users visualize mods in real-time via AR apps—vendors like Holley plan live demos. But how impactful are these additions? The 2023 sustainability zone reduced exhibitor waste by 18%, a metric SEMA aims to double in 2024.

How to prepare for SEMA 2024?

Book flights/hotels by June 2024 for optimal rates. Download the SEMA app for schedules and maps. Pack comfortable shoes—venues span 3+ miles daily.

Pre-schedule meetings using SEMA’s BizMatch platform, which saw 85% utilization in 2023. Ship bulky materials via the official freight partner to avoid $150/day storage fees. For example, a 2023 exhibitor saved $1,200 using advance shipping labels. Why overlook logistics? On-site print shops charge $5/page for forgotten brochures. Pro Tip: Carry a portable phone charger—outlets are scarce and 40% of attendees drain batteries by 2 PM.

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