The Specialty Equipment Market Association’s annual trade show, held Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, welcomed more than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors and media. The largest automotive trade show since the pandemic began, the event also marked the first full-facility show at the convention center, which has 4.6 million square feet of meeting space and an additional 2.2 million square feet of outdoor space.
"The industry was clearly excited to be back in-person, both to capture business opportunities and to network and celebrate the world’s greatest collection of innovation on wheels," said Chris Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA, a nonprofit trade association representing the $47.8 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.
At the event, manufacturers launched new vehicles, celebrities showed high-profile restyles and exhibitors revealed their latest creations. Toyota introduced its Tacoma truck camper, Mopar debuted two customized concept trucks and Lexus premiered the new LXF Sport. Jay Leno and Keith Urban were on hand to unveil a restored 1969 Ford Mustang. A new addition to this year’s show was SEMA Electrified, which showcased electric vehicles and products designed for converting vehicles to electric power.
"Our industry is at the cutting edge of technology," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s vice president of events. "Products you see at the SEMA Show often become standard and mainstream five to 10 years after they debut."
Other highlights from this year’s event include a display of more than 50 off-road racing vehicles and interactive driving demos. The 2022 SEMA Show will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4.
