By Juan Torres
As exhibitors prepare to choose their exhibit locations for the 2021 SEMA Show, excitement continues to grow for the annual trade event taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.
“SEMA is the place to showcase what is new within the industry, which creates excitement and enthusiasm,” said Kristen Damberger, Cometic Gasket director of promotions, advanced. “As an exhibitor, we want to fuel that fire. We want to be a part of that energy.”
Cometic Gasket is one of more than 1,700 companies that will take part in the annual SEMA Show Priority Space Selection process, held June 7–23. Like Cometic, these companies all committed to exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show before the May 7 priority deadline, and they are now preparing to showcase their new products and reconnect with buyers in person for the first time in nearly two years.
“Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show has increased as exhibitors begin making plans,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are excited to know where their booth is going to be so they can start to plan what their exhibit is going to look like and how to effectively connect and conduct business with attendees.”
Many exhibitors experienced growth during the nationwide stay-at-home orders and maintained production with new products. Others have hot products from early 2020 that they have not had a chance to debut industry-wide.
“The SEMA Show is a great place to do business, and not being able to connect last year only amplified our enthusiasm to get back to Vegas and get back to business in person,” said Rob Fisher, E3 Spark Plugs vice president of motorsports, marketing and business development. “We recently launched a new line of ultra-lightweight lithium batteries, and these were originally going to be showcased last year, but we will naturally showcase them at the 2021 SEMA Show so that our customers and the industry can see them first-hand.”
This year’s Show will include exhibit space in all four Las Vegas Convention Center halls, including the newly constructed West Hall—a 1.4-million sq.-ft. facility that will be used to enhance the attendee experience. As exhibitors select their space, the floorplan will be updated several times throughout the day at www.semashow.com.
Once the Priority Space Selection process is completed, Show organizers will begin adding meeting rooms for seminars and areas for special displays and interactive attractions throughout the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Our work creating this year's floorplan to meet the demands of the aftermarket industry has only just begun,” said Gattuso. “The enthusiasm to reconnect in person can be felt throughout the industry, so this year’s SEMA Show will be essential in helping businesses move forward.”
For more information or to register to attend the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.