Every year, late in the season we hear SEMA mentioned over and over, and we know it’s a big deal show in Las Vegas. The biggest names in classic and collector cars are there along with manufacturers, distributors and retailers. There are unveilings of brand new flawless restorations, two thousand exhibitors at last count in more than one million square feet of space, and almost 1,500 never-before-seen new products on display.
Thousands are on hand for the grandest event in the industry. However, this show is not open to the public so one might wonder what goes on behind those convention center doors that so few have the proper credentials to enter. The four day event is where members of this trade association called SEMA and other verified industry professionals gather to preview and review a massive showcase of technology, trends and products for the automotive industry.
One of the most popular areas of the SEMA show is Hot Rod Alley, which is also known as one of the most creative and artistic sections of the entire show. It is the place of modification and customization, and is where one can find all sorts of custom and specialty products from complete hot rod bodies to wiring kits and everything in between.
SEMA is a very large trade association of some 6,800 members representing the specialty automotive industry. They are a diverse group of manuufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders, restylers, racing teams, car clubs and more. The organization was founded nearly forty years ago by a group of companies in the specialty parts and accessories industry who loved cars and trucks, and turned their hobby into a career. In those forty years SEMA has grown to provide extended services to it’s members in various areas of the specialty market. The association is also actively involved in promoting the youth market of young rodders.
In addition to tracking trends and market growth, SEMA works to protect consumer’s rights. This is perhaps their most important work. It protects our right to drive accessorized, customized and vintage vehicles. SEMA monitors state and federal legislatures so that SEMA members can support good legislation for the hobby of classic cars and protest any pending legislation that would bring harm to the hobby. Interestingly, SEMA has helped consumers on numerous occasions interact with car dealers who wrongly claim that specialty parts void a warranty.
With legislative monitoring, working with major auto manufacturers and securing the place of specialty products in the industry as whole, SEMA has become the umbrella organization under which many smaller groups and businesses flourish. Their presence and leadership is a major factor in the enjoyment and preservation of all classic automobiles.
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