The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has canceled the 2020 SEMA Show due to COVID-19.
"While both event organizers and industry members have been working tirelessly to deliver an outstanding SEMA Show in November, mounting uncertainty has rendered continuing with the event inadvisable," the organization said in an announcement Aug. 5. "SEMA expects the decision will bring much needed clarity to an uncertain picture and will help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan accordingly."
Additionally, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) have informed their members that AAPEX 2020 is canceled as well. The organizers are pursuing a "virtual/digital experience" for this fall.
SEMA said, "Recent SEMA Show survey results indicated interest in a possible virtual trade show with related live elements. SEMA will be working with industry members to determine interest levels on specific alternatives.
“The SEMA Show is committed to furthering businesses in the automotive specialty equipment market, and to providing manufacturers and buyers with the best opportunity to connect, promote new products and discover new trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA CEO and president. “We appreciate the spirit, hard work and innovation our industry puts into the SEMA Show each year. While we are disappointed circumstances prevent us from hosting the Show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event.”
The SEMA Show regularly attracts 161,000 people to its combined 2.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Organizers had been working on lots of safety protocols, from limited traffic patterns and temperature checks to mask requirements, all in an effort to go forward with the show.
Full refunds for SEMA Show exhibitor booth deposits and attendee registration fees will be issued. Updates will be posted to www.SEMAShow.com.
