SEMA/AAPEX is it worth our diesel shops to make the trip? DIESEL Motorsports . . .

 Yes, I get asked every year! Depends on can you afford an expensive trip and not working at the shop for 3-4 days? If you have never been and you have the funds and time - YES it is worth the trip. You can see some of the most outrageous vehicle builds in the country, plus view manufacturers products firsthand!

The town of Vegas ups their services at least 3 times during this week, expect to pay at least $2-300 per night for hotel! Everything is $20, Uber $20, Hamburger $20, Beer $20 and it goes on and on! Prepare to walk 4-7 miles a day viewing the show and parking($20-60 per day) is at least 3-4 blocks away from the show. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and casual business clothing. 

You will see a trade show of performance products and accessories for your vehicles. The booth counts have downsized because more companies are buying up the old companies and combining them in a larger booth space. SEMA has done their best to fill back in with some interesting products and services, but it is still a great show if you want to see products.

If you are there to meet and talk to people it is very difficult to talk very long since the crowd keeps the people manning the booths very busy. Good time to collect business cards for later contact. Wear business casual clothing if you want to be noticed by the manufacturers, if you show up in blue jeans and tshirts most will consider you as the tire-kicker crowd.  

Will the show be a industry business convention like it was back 10-20 years ago? No, our automotive business has changed a lot in the past years and SEMA has adjusted the best they could in order to put on a show for the masses. 

You will see a large display of vehicles out front of the show which can take a half day to just see all of it. There are 3 large halls to view so make sure to plot out online where to go on each day.

AAPEX show is more industry business environment with no displays of vehicles. The show is setup to sell to the chain service centers and stores with world wide exposure. It is worth spending a day there in order to see what parts are available for your shop through WDs and distribution centers. It used to be called thte hard parts show but no longer, a widde range of products can be seen there. Main floor are the main US companies with most of the foreign companies being placed in their own sections.

There are buses going to and from the SEMA show available and your pass works at both shows! Yes, you will still walk a lot at the show, it is very large and many products/companies to view. 

If you go to also party and gamble via VEGAS then everything is there to take your $$$. The town doess have a lot to see and experience, however be careful because crime is high because of the $$$. Just be smart and travel in groups! 

I have attended over 30 years and yes, it is still worth going to in order to do business with industry leaders.