In every measurable way, the 2011 SEMA Show reached new heights. Industry professionals gathered by the tens of thousands November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, eager to do business in a specialty-equipment market that is clearly looking up after several years of downbeat economic news. From the Show’s educational conferences to its special events and the activity on the Show floor itself, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable and inescapable.
The Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles was the site of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Press days were very well attended by the media, with the majority of manufacturers announcing increased sales, new models and optimistic outlooks. We went to see what new cars might be on tap that would interest SEMA members and enthusiasts in general…and we found quite a few.
Each year at the SEMA Show, a handful of vehicles are dominant amid the thousands on display. There is always one car, one truck, one sport compact and one SUV or off-road vehicle whose greater numbers make them the most visible in the huge exhibit spaces. To celebrate these standouts, SEMA exhibitors honored four vehicles with the SEMA Awards for the Hottest Car, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4-SUV and—new this year—Hottest Sport Compact at the 2011 SEMA Show.
Providing young automotive enthusiasts with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents while being exposed to the automotive aftermarket industry, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow launched in 2008 at the Race & Performance Expo in St. Charles, Illinois, and has been invited to compete at the SEMA Show every year since its inception. The organization’s goal is to reach out to high-school students before they graduate in order to provide much-needed future talent for the automotive specialty-equipment market.
As the automotive aftermarket’s foremost trade association, SEMA is a reflection of the aspirations, vision and creative thinking of its vast membership. However, bringing the industry together for the good of all its businesses requires tremendous time and energy. Key to the association’s mission and growth are industry leaders and volunteers who tirelessly give of themselves to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors and member councils. To recognize these individuals and to encourage the emergence of other industry volunteers to join their ranks, SEMA presented its annual Leadership Days program on Wednesday, July 27, through Friday, July 29.
The SEMA Show is a major attraction in Las Vegas, and most attendees and exhibitors will spend the majority of their time either on the Show floor or participating in the many educational and networking opportunities afforded by the event. But Las Vegas is also one of the premier recreational venues in the world, offering not only world-class entertainment from all facets of show business, but also a wealth of cultural, historical and outdoor possibilities. Check out the official Las Vegas tourism site at www.visitlasvegas.com to discover a host of shows, activities, restaurants and more. And be sure to review the discounted rates for many of the city’s major attractions in the “Best Bang for the Buck” sidebar on p. 266. Meanwhile, browse the accompanying photos and captions to get a taste of what’s on tap.
West Coast Customs (WCC) returns to the glitz and glamour of the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. West Coast Customs known for their amazing builds at their headquarters in Corona, CA, are bringing their shop on the road to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the SEMA Show. At the West Coast Customs Experience inside SEMA, West Coast Customs will open their shop to SEMA members who will have the chance to work hand in hand with the crew to build 4 new GM Sonic’s before the show is over.
The SEMA Show is the industry’s premier trade event, where exhibitors and buyers come together to prepare for the coming year’s commerce. But it is also one of the greatest custom and collector car shows in the world, where the latest creations by master craftsmen are put on display. In some cases, these rolling sculptures are being revealed for the first time anywhere.
As the world’s premier automotive aftermarket trade event, the 2011 SEMA Show concentrates a vast number of attractions and opportunities under one roof. So many, in fact, that it’s practically impossible to know about them all unless you’re highly organized. Step inside the massive Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for the SEMA Show, and you’ll discover more than 1,500 new products plus the latest equipment and technology being developed by more than 2,000 exhibitors, including 500 first-timers alongside major manufacturers and new suppliers. With the Show rapidly approaching, we suggest the following tips for attendees wishing to take full advantage of the event’s many opportunities.
On behalf of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), I would like to welcome you to Las Vegas and to this year’s Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA! We hope you find everything you need to make your business a stronger and more dynamic enterprise.
We’re excited and pleased that last year’s Expo was such an overwhelming success. Over the past year, we have continued our work with our valuable partner—SEMA—in order to make this year’s Expo even better.