United States. The 2023 SEMA Show officially opened by welcoming more than 2200 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center campus.
This opens the doors to an event to network and discover the next-generation products that will drive business success, industry growth and the future of the aftermarket over the next year.
The SEMA Show campus is packed with customized vehicles, interactive experiences and demonstrations, extensive networking opportunities, and thousands of new products for buyers and exhibitors looking for the "next big thing" for their businesses.
"The connections made and the relationships built here this week will set the course for our industry," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA's vice president of events.
"The show gives our members the opportunity to build those important relationships with professional industry colleagues, both at the show and at dozens of other events, and ensure future success."
The 2023 Show opens at a time of tremendous growth and optimism across the industry. A new SEMA Economic Impact Report recently found that the aftermarket industry contributes $337 billion to the U.S. economy and creates 1.3 million jobs, employing more people than the U.S. aviation industry and the entire film and video production industry.
The industry is at the forefront of adopting policies and technologies that help reduce vehicle emissions, fostering companies that are at the forefront of change and innovation, while the Show serves as a critical annual platform to help small businesses grow, build partnerships, and drive the industry forward.
These strong economic indicators are generating optimism among SEMA members. In SEMA's recently released State of the Industry Report, two-thirds of companies in the industry report stable or growing sales over the past year and 55% of manufacturers expect growth in the coming year.
"The incredible support of this year's SEMA Show demonstrates that our industry is strong and thriving," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola.
"Our members, many of whom are small businesses, are true engines of growth and prosperity in America," he said.
Attendees come to the SEMA Show from all over the United States and around the world to make connections and discover the latest products that will drive their business growth. The New Products Showcase, moved to the North Hall, is a must-see for those looking for the latest and greatest innovations in style and performance products from hundreds of legendary start-ups and exhibitors.
The SEMA Show is constantly evolving, a feature exemplified by exhibitors. This year, more than 20 percent of exhibitors are at SEMA for the first time, including Sandy Vans, a Chula Vista, California-based manufacturer of lifestyle accessories and products that helps people get the most out of their vans and enjoy the adventurous outdoor lifestyle.
"SEMA is not just a trade show; it's the pulse of the auto industry, highlighting what's next," said Alan Mondus, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Vans. "We are really excited and grateful to join SEMA for the first time and share our line of exterior products and top-of-the-line vans."
