SEMA Show cancelled due to pandemic concerns

Baseball great Reggie Jackson’s Dodge Challenger in the OER booth at SEMA. COVID-19 has affected both baseball and SEMA this year. John Gunnell

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Assoc., announced on Aug. 5 that the 2020 SEMA Show has been cancelled. SEMA said that cancellation of the fall event at the Las Vegas Convention Center was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns that event facilities and services would be unavailable.

The annual trade show typically features many restored and customized old cars that are displayed to attract attendees into the booths of participating companies that market automotive goods and services. Classic show cars are also displayed at SEMA by individual owners. Many major hobby suppliers usually vend at the show as well.

While both organizers and specialty vehicle industry members had considered ways to hold the trade show as scheduled this November, it was decided that mounting uncertainty made holding the event inadvisable.

A slightly customized 1956 Chevy Bel Air hardtop attracted attendees into American Autowire’s booth at a past SEMA show. John Gunnell

A recent SEMA Show survey indicated that there was interest in a possible virtual trade show with related live elements. SEMA said that it will be working with industry members to determine the level of interest on specific alternatives to a live event.

“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 president and CEO. “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.”