SEMA 2022

So much has been written about SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) year after year but times like this year are truly special and only happen in rare times. This obviously started with the pandemic and SEMA getting cancelled for two years then in 2021 The SEMA Show was back but attendance was low as buyers and manufacturers were struggling as the world was still trying to find its way again.

However in 2022 the automotive aftermarket makes a run once again as inflation sky rockets and the world is on the verge of recession but things seem a little different this time. Buyers were surer of what their needs really were for the company goals and manufacturers were well aware of the economic situation and seemed more negotiable to make deals happen.

This is the year of SEMA evolution. Returning this year was the dedicated SEMA Electrified area, showcasing electric vehicles and products designed for modifying or converting vehicles to electric power. This area was a happening place with everything you wanted to know about the EV market and many great examples of conversions available now or coming in the near future. Every OEM had their own EV displayed as the auto industry transitions in this direction. Whether you like it or not this is the future automotive aftermarket.

No need to worry, our gasoline powered vehicles will not be going away completely at least not for awhile yet. So SEMA expanded areas like the Overland Experience which featured many modified and awesome adventure focused builds. The eBay Motors Experience featured drifting and the Hoonigan burn yard that put on all out tire melting smoke shows that were nothing short of spectacular. Toyota stepped up this year to give Chevrolet and Ford a run for their money with the Associated Accessory Products program taking aim at the aftermarket.

The biggest news came on Friday November 4, the last day of the show. You know that evolution I spoke of earlier well it’s about to go down. SEMA has announced a five year plan to expand the SEMA Show into an all-city experience officially called SEMA Week. SEMA week will kick off in 2023 with new activities and events introduced over the five year roll-out period. The SEMA Show will remain a trade-only event Monday – Friday but starting on Friday a limited number of enthusiasts will be able to attend the SEMA Show through the Friday Experience Program which launched in 2021 by the way, then SEMA will move to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds through Saturday night and become SEMA Fest. SEMA says it is to connect enthusiasts with the industry, well I thought that was what the media was for. Let the evolution begin.