By SEMA News Editors
The 2024 SEMA Show has officially concluded, solidifying its status as the global epicenter of automotive innovation. The event brought together more than 2,400 exhibitors, including 580 first-time exhibitors, and attracted more than 160,000 attendees from 140 countries celebrating the industry at events throughout SEMA Week. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 5-8, this year's Show encompassed 1.2 million net square feet of indoor space and acres of outdoor exhibit space and activations showcasing groundbreaking products, cutting-edge technologies, and forward-thinking custom builds. The scope, energy and passion reaffirmed the SEMA Show as the premier automotive aftermarket event shaping the future of the industry.
"SEMA 2024 was a true celebration of where the automotive aftermarket industry is headed," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "This year, we saw a remarkable convergence of innovation, collaboration, and passion, with exhibitors, builders, and enthusiasts all coming together to push the boundaries of what's possible. Innovation was the heart of SEMA Show 2024, driving the merger of creativity and technology across the Show floor."
"[This year's SEMA Show] was definitely a success because we met our goals, which was to meet and cultivate three new solid industry friendships and acquaintances--and pick up at least one new product to offer [in our shop]. We succeeded on both fronts by adding a new product line we'll stock and sell regularly, as well as adding a product that will be a special order offering for large ticket restyling [projects]," said attendee Steve Welch, a restyler who owns New York Customz offering automotive restyling, paint protective services and window tinting in Dothan, Alabama. "Adding industry contacts, in my opinion, is equally and almost more important. The old adage rings true with almost every avenue of life: it's not what you know, but who."
Whether it was the unveiling of next-gen products like the Revv ADAS Plus, Milltek Forge Motorsport E-DV electronic diverter valve solution, or innovative designs like the Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the event demonstrated that SEMA is not just a trade show—it's a catalyst for industry evolution.
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 SEMA Show was packed with visionary products and builds that underscore the continuous advancement of the aftermarket industry:
- Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept: A nod to '90s rally heritage, this build merges modern-day performance with vintage rally design, embodying Toyota's commitment to motorsports innovation.
- Ram REV & Dodge Charger Banshee Concept: Electrification meets performance in these two bold concept vehicles, showcasing the growing trend of electric performance vehicles in the aftermarket space.
- SEMA Battle of the Builders: The category champions for the 2024 Battle of the Builders—including overall champion Noah Alexander's '68 Dodge Charger (Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck), Bruce Yarnell's '65 Aston Martin DB5 (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Connor McElvain's '69 Datsun 2000 Roadster (Young Guns), and Rob Lindsay's '49 Willys Pickup (Off-Road)—demonstrated the artistry, craftsmanship and forward-thinking approaches of the industry's best custom builders.
- Custom Autosound's USA-850 DigaDial™: The virtual screen radio allows user a choice of four distinct, one-of-a kind displays, from a classic analog look to an all-digital RDS display, as well as improved audio refinements.
- FutureTech Studio: A highlight of the 2024 show, the FutureTech Studio presented next-generation technologies that are transforming the automotive world. From advanced EV innovations to autonomous driving systems, this space provided a glimpse into the future of the industry.
SEMA SHOW CELEBRITIES: STARS BEHIND THE WHEEL
A staple for celebrity appearances and star-powered moments, the 2024 SEMA Show attracted major attention from both the entertainment and motorsports worlds. Among the most anticipated reveals was country music sensation Kane Brown's custom F-250 King Ranch. Displayed at the American Force Wheels booth, the stunning build had crowds buzzing as fans lined up for a glimpse of the star's personalized ride.
Chip Foose, legendary designer, brought his unmistakable touch to a number of custom builds, and Akira Nakai (known for his work with RAUH-Welt Begriff or RWB) created a one-of-a-kind Porsche 997—a milestone as his first-ever build at the SEMA Show, continuing his legacy of perfection and influence in the world of custom cars.
SEMA FEST AND CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY WITH FANS
SEMA Fest expanded the Show's reach by offering the public a chance to engage with cutting-edge automotive designs, live music, and motorsports. Featuring performances from bands like Cage the Elephant and Sublime, SEMA Fest brought together music, motorsports and automotive culture for an unforgettable experience.
The SEMA Cruise was another crowd-pleaser, with more than 1,200 vehicles parading down Convention Center Drive, giving attendees a final chance to see some of the most innovative and jaw-dropping builds up close.
SEMA also opened its doors, literally and digitally, through the Friday Enthusiast Experience, an opportunity for the public to experience the Show on its final day, and SEMA Live, the Show's first-ever livestream, which attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world, giving the SEMA Show a true global audience.
Exhibitor Motorcycle Industry Council in Irvine, California, is a not-for-profit organization that works to spread the thrills of motorcycle riding. Its RideWithUs program, situated in the Diamond Lot outside of West Hall this year, saw several attendees learn how to ride a motorcycle, many for the first time in their lives. SEMA Live host JC Fernando even took a spin while livestreaming this year, with viewers watching him gear up with a helmet and driving suit before successfully--and safely--riding a motorcycle on the SEMA Show campus.
"SEMA is always a great Show--the energy is high, the people are stoked to be here, and when you have the opportunity to offer attendees an experience they can't get anywhere else," said Cinnamon Kernes, vice president of market expansion for Motorcycle Industry Council. "Automotive enthusiasts appreciate the fun that engines provide, and for many, riding a motorcycle would probably be something they'd really enjoy--they just need a chance to try it. And so that's what we did [with RideWithUs at SEMA this year]. We got them geared up, paired with a coach, and we put them on a motorcycle. Within minutes, they were riding and smiling.
"SEMA also attracts many knowledgeable younger enthusiasts as they offer student and educator badges for free. So we get to put motorcycling in front of the demographics we really want to reach," Kernes continued. "If you didn't get a chance to try riding a motorcycle at SEMA, there will be opportunities across the country at Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved schools that offer free RIDE Days with certified MSF coaches. Check out MSF-USA.org for a schedule. And if you're not sure where to begin or are looking to rejoin the moto community, visit RideWithUs.com for inspiration and next steps."
SEMA SHOW 2024: MORE THAN JUST A TRADE SHOW
The 2024 SEMA Show was more than just a celebration of the latest products—it was an exploration of the future. The event served its role as the industry's innovation epicenter, where attendees engaged in 80+ seminars, hands-on workshops and networking events designed to keep them ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
SEMA's advocacy efforts were also front and center, underscoring the importance of collaboration across the industry. With initiatives like the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC), SEMA continues to advocate for policies that protect and promote the automotive aftermarket, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sector.
THE ROAD AHEAD: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY POWERED BY INNOVATION
The SEMA Show 2024 closed with an electrifying sense of optimism. As the global leader in automotive innovation, SEMA once again demonstrated how the aftermarket industry is evolving.
By championing collaboration, sustainability and next-gen technologies, the Show remains the essential destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to shape the future of automotive culture.
"We're excited by the groundbreaking innovations showcased at SEMA 2024," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "The future of the automotive aftermarket has never been brighter, and SEMA is where it all begins."
For more information and SEMA Show highlights, visit SEMAShow.com.