The highly anticipated 2024 SEMA Show officially kicks off today, bringing together leading innovators, manufacturers, and influencers in the automotive aftermarket for an unmatched four-day event at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the largest and most influential gathering in the industry, SEMA showcases the pulse of innovation, featuring groundbreaking technologies, emerging trends, and the latest in vehicle customization that are shaping the future of automotive performance.
With an expected 160,000 attendees from 140 countries, this year’s event, running from November 5-8, promises to be the most dynamic yet, highlighting the automotive aftermarket’s commitment to transformation and sustainability. This is an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to engage, inspire, and shape the future of automotive innovation.
The SEMA Show serves as the epicenter of industry advancements. With over 2,400 exhibiting brands, including 580 first-time exhibitors, the 2024 SEMA Show promises a dynamic and immersive experience that captures the pulse of the automotive aftermarket. Attendees can explore more than 1,400 vehicles on display across 1.2 million NSF of exhibit space, showcasing the latest innovations within 12 distinct communities. This is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the trends and technologies that are driving the future of the industry.
“Every year, the SEMA Show illustrates that our members are not just reacting to the future; they are building it together,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Every initiative, every innovation, every victory we achieve is fueled by their passion, expertise, and commitment.”
The 2024 SEMA Show is more than just an industry event; it’s a vibrant showcase of the dynamic community driving the future of the automotive aftermarket. This year’s event features an array of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive aftermarket community. Kicking off tonight, Industry Night @ SEMA will provide an evening of live music and networking opportunities, setting an energetic tone for the week ahead.
On November 8, the public is invited to join in the excitement at SEMA Fest, where automotive culture comes alive with thrilling motorsports demonstrations and performances from top artists to close out the week.
For the first time ever, SEMA is offering a livestream featuring 31 hours of real-time coverage, giving a global audience access to groundbreaking news and stories straight from the Show floor. The livestream can be accessed here.
The SEMA Show not only reflects the industry it serves but also highlights the automotive aftermarket’s substantial impact on the American economy. Specialty-equipment retail sales reached $52.35 billion in 2023, marking a 13% increase from 2019. With SEMA research indicating 50% of accessorizers are under the age of 40 and nearly 290 million vehicles currently on the road, the opportunity for innovative new products is clear.
“SEMA Show 2024 is the heartbeat of innovation in the automotive aftermarket. It’s not just about showcasing products; it’s about igniting a movement of creativity and progress that will redefine how we think about vehicles and their potential,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “We look forward to celebrating the bold ideas and visionary thinkers leading the charge.”
As the 2024 SEMA Show officially kicks off, attendees will experience a vibrant showcase of groundbreaking advancements that are pushing the automotive aftermarket ahead.
Innovation Driven: This year features the latest developments in automotive tools and equipment, including new evaporative air coolers, renewable gasoline blends from sustainable sources, premium overlanding gear that combines functionality with style, cutting-edge EV conversion technology, the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard motor, tailored cargo management solutions, tires designed specifically for EVs, the first-ever eight-arm vehicle lift, and significant advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Immersive Sensory Experience: The SEMA Show celebrates the 11th year of Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers (the industry’s leading vehicle competition) and attendees can enjoy thrilling tire-smoking drifting demos from OPTIMA, exhilarating performances from Shell Performance Unbound and Horsepower Rodeo, high-flying freestyle motocross by Nitro Circus, a live build by Akira Nakai of RWB, and outdoor adventures at the Overland Experience, culminating in the finale onX Offroad Build Challenge. Plus, attendees can test their skills by trying out a motorcycle at Ride With Us.
Automotive Epicenter: This year’s show boasts robust participation from leading OEMs, including Kia, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Honda Racing Corporation, Mopar/Stellantis, and Ford Performance.
As the 2024 SEMA Show unfolds this week, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in a world where innovation meets passion, driving
This story was originally published on November 6, 2024. 
The post 2024 SEMA Show Opens, Showcasing Innovation and Advancement in the Automotive Aftermarket first appeared on Drag Illustrated.