With all kinds of aftermarket products and vehicle builds, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association event displayed a bit of everything this year.
by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
LAS VEGAS — From the northern tip of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, all the way past the southern edge of South Hall, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association crams in all kinds of automotive builds, products and business development stuff into a 1.2 million square foot area.
It is a time in early November when trends form, products are revealed, build designs are uncovered, and a place where you never, really, know what you are going to find.
SEMA was first started back in 1963 by people who loved cars and trucks, and wanted to turn that passion into a career. The original goal, according to the organization, was to develop uniform standards for certain products used in motorsports competition; promote the industry as a supplier to consumers involved in constructive activities of recreational and hobbyist value; develop programs to encourage improved business practices among member companies; and hold regular meetings to achieve unity as a business organization. In those days, members were founders of companies that exclusively produced speed equipment.
Its members are from all walks of the automotive life, including businesses in the distribution chain, manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, independent retailers, volume retailers, specialty stores (speed shops), sales agents, subcontractors and publishing companies. Memberships even include racing teams, car clubs and special service organizations. Products supplied by the industry are found not only in the United States, but also throughout the world.
Now in its 57th edition, the show has grown from a small, loyal following into a worldwide phenomenon attracting well north of 150,000 people, 2,400 exhibitors and 1,400 vehicle displays.
And from six-wheeled JL Wrangler custom builds, to older Willys Jeepsters, all the way to overlanding products and product refinements on audio, compressors, bumpers, winches and recovery gear, we saw all (or most of it anyway) during the past few days.
So here is some of what we noticed along the way.
The 2025 SEMA show will run from November 4-7, once again at the LVCC.
