What did I see at SEMA/AAPEX 2022? More and more people do not get to come to SEMA every year so I go to not only report to our members but also to meet and support our sponsors who are there!
It was great to always come out for SEMA/AAPEX show every year and yes, they are still rebuilding from being shut down during Covid. Being a show promoter and sanctioning body I can tell you this takes time with many obstacles. Obstacles like the hotels are charging unbelievable high pricing to make up for being off for Covid and monies lost. I stayed out by the airport in a plain non-casino Marriott which was $200 a night with resort fees while the same down by convention center was $400 a night. Parking during event at SEMA $40-60 a day and AAPEX free parking.
Expenses having to play a big part of crowd attendance since fuel in Vegas was easily $5-6 per gal depending on which station so yes, expensive week to attend a show that you go to as an industry show.
Attendance at SEMA was reported 35% over last year which I can say yes most likely so since last year was still low. Compared to 2018 or 2019 to be fair was about half. But again it takes a while to build back plus hurting economy, expensive accommodations and for the first time in a long time rain/cooler temps for Las Vegas! It was warmer back home in Kansas City! Weather makes a big difference on attendance and it was really cool the last 2 days there, people who live there had winter coats!
As far as SEMA having a fun and successful show I would say they did a good job, everything seem to be normal. Yes fewer vendors/exhibitors than 2018 but consider the circumstances it was better than last year. Some of the exhibitors I had never heard of but new people are always good. It was great seeing some of my usual people I see every year and also meeting new people and viewing new products!
The industry is in a transition stage and managing through it will take some time. Was all the people walking down the aisle having buyers badges on, no, not really but it was a diverse crowd that may be the new crowd that attends every year.
The AAPEX show I spent the last day attending was very busy with more business like atmosphere down every aisle but it has always been that way. AAPEX is for wholesale, jobber, chain store sales and fulfillment. We used to call this show the hard part show but it is so much more nowadays! I did not see any empty spots in the hall and many companies there to exhibit. No vehicle displays or performance activities at the AAPEX show, it is all business with many products, services you would find at chain garages, truck stops and part stores.
Overall it is always fun to attend SEMA/AAPEX show to see what each show plans to display and have for our entertainment while doing business. Both shows succeeded! Was it like the good ole days, nothing is folks, so be glad we have the NEW shows for our industry!
More than I could ever get around to see in 3-4 days but it is something we need to keep around for many years to come.
PS - the reason for so many photos of the Rambler American halfway down is that was my first car at 16 yrs old - exact model! It was not as refined as this one but I did buy it used at a garage sale!
SEMA/AAPEX Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5997568663610648&type=3
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