Showcasing the innovation & passion that drives the specialty automotive aftermarket.

Set for Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show showcases the innovation and passion that drives the specialty automotive aftermarket. (Photo by Jef White)

An expanded SEMA Show is right around the corner, bringing aftermarket networking opportunities, product demonstrations and education sessions to shop owners and industry professionals. Set for Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, the annual event—produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)—showcases the innovation and passion that drives the specialty automotive aftermarket.

Celebrity appearances, special vehicle reveals and popular competitions such as Battle of the Builders and the PRO Cup Challenge will return this year, along with the Friday program that allows some consumer presence in the exhibit halls and the closeout SEMA Fest car show and concert Friday night.

Among the debuts is a new dedicated powersports section that helps expand the show’s off-road segment to include UTVs, dirt bikes and adventure lifestyle gear.

“The SEMA Show is where the industry comes to see what’s next and experience innovation firsthand,” says Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “This is the only place to see the products and technologies that will define the aftermarket landscape over the next five years.”

The floor plan spans the full spectrum of specialty equipment, from performance and racing to trucks, SUVs and off-road, powersports, accessories, tools and equipment, and emerging technologies.

An expanded SEMA Show is right around the corner, bringing aftermarket networking opportunities, product demonstrations and education sessions to shop owners and industry professionals. (Photo by Jef White)

A PLACE FOR POWERSPORTS

The show’s West Hall will undergo a transformation to bring a new Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section to join the usual truck and off-road displays. Show officials say the space creates a unified home for the rapidly growing intersection of the automotive and powersports communities.

“This expansion is a bold step forward in SEMA’s mission to serve the entire enthusiast ecosystem,” says Gattuso. “Powersports has always been an integral part of SEMA’s DNA, and we are now providing this community with the dedicated platform it deserves. By integrating powersports and related lifestyle products into our show floor, we are creating a more powerful, unified resource for the aftermarket. This move celebrates the natural synergy between automotive and outdoor recreation, ensuring our members have the advocacy, resources and product discovery platform they need to thrive in a modern, evolving market.”

Utilizing a layout designed for long-term growth, and with the West Hall’s unique access to adjacent parking lots for dynamic outdoor activations and vehicle demonstrations, the powersports section reflects a “total package approach” with categories including:

• Motorcycles & dirt bikes

• Side-by-sides & UTVs

• Trailers & tow vehicles

• Adventure lifestyle gear & accessories

“Attendees can expect an immersive and highly interactive experience that mirrors how they actually live and work,” says Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. “By grouping powersports and lifestyle gear alongside our world-class truck and off-road sections, we are providing an unmatched opportunity to see the latest in the adventure market.”

The association’s membership has a strong presence in the powersports sector. According to SEMA Research, 60% of specialty equipment manufacturers already produce products for at least one type of powersports or recreational vehicle, while 47% of retailers and installers sell to those segments.

Beyond the show floor, SEMA’s recent acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) has strengthened its presence in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California, to fight for land-use protection and motorized recreation access.

The show’s West Hall will undergo a transformation to bring a new, dedicated Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section to join the usual truck and off-road displays. (Photo by Jef White)

OEMS & OTHERS

Show officials predict strong participation from major automakers and performance organizations, reinforcing the event’s role as the global meeting place where OEM and aftermarket innovation intersect.

Participating OEMs for 2026 include Ford Motor Company, Honda Racing Corp. (Honda/Acura), Mitsubishi, Nissan, Stellantis (with representation from Dodge, Jeep and Mopar), and Toyota North America.

“The enthusiast community is central to Ford Motor Company,” says Matt Simpson, Ford customization executive director. “We are a passion brand in every segment that we participate in. And the way we win with our audience is to meet them where they are, and they’re at SEMA. We are thrilled this year to increase our investment and presence at SEMA to show off what we’re working on, from our latest Ford Custom Garage offerings to our growing Ford Racing Parts business and our heritage crate engines.”

This year, Ford will engage SEMA enthusiasts on new levels, he says, with opportunities to interact with the company.

“We invite attendees to visit our booth to connect with our team and partners, and to see firsthand how we are bringing vehicle customization to the masses at an impressive scale,” says Simpson.

Other highlights include the return of the popular New Products Showcase featuring the latest launches and solutions across categories, and the FutureTech Studio, which presents a forward-looking window into advanced vehicle technologies and ideas influencing what comes next for the aftermarket.

“Show attendees are going to feel the momentum the moment they hit the halls: more product discovery, more hands-on experiences and a layout that makes it easy to navigate and find the solutions they came for,” says Tompkins. “Whether you’re here to source new products, meet with suppliers or see the industry’s best builds and latest tech, 2026 is set up to deliver a week that’s productive, energizing and inspiring.”

The FutureTech Studio area offers a forward-looking window into advanced vehicle technologies and ideas influencing the aftermarket. (Photo courtesy SEMA)

OEM participation fuels the show’s role as the global meeting place where carmakers and aftermarket innovation intersect. (Photos by Jef White)

The SEMA Show wraps up Friday evening with SEMA Fest, featuring exhibits, show vehicles and a concert near the West Hall. (Photo courtesy SEMA)

SEMA FEST

The SEMA Show wraps up Friday evening with SEMA Fest, an outdoor celebration featuring exhibits, vehicles from the show floor and a concert near the West Hall. This year’s musical lineup includes The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive.

Billed as the “ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels—a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture,” general admission and VIP concert access tickets are available for SEMA Fest, as are combined tickets offering entry into both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access.

“SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance,” says Gattuso. “By bringing together the world’s premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note.”

SEMA Fest serves as the official “closing ceremony” of SEMA Week, transforming the trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience.

Highlights include automotive-related exhibitions including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death. Supercar Saturdays Florida also returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its 2025 debut.

The SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase features the latest launches and solutions across categories. (Photo courtesy SEMA)

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) offers exhibits and training for auto service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders. (Photo courtesy AAPEX)

AAPEX

Held concurrently with the SEMA Show at The Venetian Expo and Convention Center, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) unites the more than $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry and historically draws around 2,500 exhibiting companies from around the globe.

Industry buyers include automotive service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, independent warehouse distributors, program groups, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders.

For 2026, AAPEX is rolling out an improved floor plan for its exhibit halls and the all-new AAPEX Forum, which optimizes the show’s exhibitor segmentation capacity and was first introduced last year.

Traditionally, exhibitor booths were segmented by one of a dozen overarching product or service categories; however, some supplementary sections were needed to carry an overflow of exhibitors, according to show officials.

“The new layout was well-received among attendees; AAPEX earned the highest net promoter score (NPS), a standard measure of customer satisfaction, that it’s ever received following last year’s show,” says Liz Goad, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers vice president of events. “AAPEX strives for continuous improvement, and we have worked with exhibitors and buyers alike to create a plan that’s easy to navigate and fosters a high-energy business atmosphere.”

The AAPEX Forum is a building adjacent to The Venetian Convention Center.

Meanwhile, Joe’s Garage is moving to Level 2 of The Venetian Expo this year. The area is a hallmark exhibit space that features six fully operational vehicle service bays that are used for hands-on auto technician training and new product demonstrations.

AAPEX also announced multiple celebrity guest appearances throughout the show, which runs Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 3-5. Sports figures Mia Hamm, Jimmie Johnson, Barry Sanders, Grant Hill and Randy Johnson are among those scheduled to participate in photo opportunities and sign autographs.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into improving the business benefits of AAPEX for exhibitors and attendees over the years: informative sessions; high-quality, hands-on training; and a better-organized exhibit hall layout that benefits both exhibitors and attendees,” says Mark Bogdansky, Auto Care Association vice president of trade shows and community engagement. “This year, we are taking things a step further with a variety of entertainment activities, including inviting several major celebrities to the show.”

Famed basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski will be the headline speaker at the AAPEX 2026 Keynote Breakfast.

“A common theme between these celebrities and the automotive aftermarket is that they are all competitors who found a way to win,” says Goad. “Automotive aftermarket professionals have good reason to attend the show for business purposes, but we’re still aiming to improve the experience every year.”

SEMA Show attendees can use their valid 2026 entry badge to also enter AAPEX.

AAPEX has announced multiple celebrity guest appearances throughout the show, which runs Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 3-5, at The Venetian Expo Center. (Photos courtesy AAPEX)

2026 SEMA Hall of Fame

In May, SEMA announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $52.6 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The Hall of Fame inductees are Doug Dwyer, Jay Leno, Ellen McKoy and Dennis Overholser.

“These four individuals have poured their time, talent and passion into building this industry. Their contributions have shaped what the aftermarket is today, and we’re proud to recognize the impact they’ve made, both on the businesses they’ve led and on the people who have been lucky enough to cross their path,” says Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO.

Here are their provided bios:

DOUG DWYER

With a career spanning 60 years across wheels and tires, motorsports marketing, media strategy and brand development, Dwyer’s industry contributions reflect a rare combination of technical insight, professional integrity and service to others. He started his career working for Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing Tires at age 16, served in the Army and went on to build a strong leadership career at Appliance Industries, Weld Wheels and TrueSpoke Wire Wheels. As a partner in Bryson Dwyer Inc., he continued to strengthen professional standards and build lasting brand identities, always emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship and respect for both the product and the customer. As a SEMA volunteer, he organized and participated in numerous events and programs and was inducted into the 2023 Wheel & Tire Council – WTC (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council – WTSBC) Hall of Fame for his industry impact.

JAY LENO

A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early 1980s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube, “Jay Leno’s Garage,” and launching his own line of detailing products—Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care—to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA’s global presence. He’s also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as “Leno’s Law”—legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.

ELLEN MCKOY

McKoy has devoted nearly five decades of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, beginning as co-owner of Skycoach Customizing in Long Island, New York, in 1975. Throughout her career, she has served as an entrepreneur, journalist, consultant and industry advocate. Through volunteer service, she served on the SEMA Board of Directors, created and advanced the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and founded the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). McKoy was a SEMA executive from 1994-2009. Skilled in institution building, she volunteered for SEMA following her tenure with the association, consistently identifying and addressing opportunities where members needed stronger organization, education or representation. Today, she continues to provide editorial, marketing and public relations services to aftermarket companies as founder of EMK Marketing.

DENNIS OVERHOLSER

Overholser founded Painless Performance Products in 1990 to provide racers, hot-rodders and automotive enthusiasts with easier and safer wiring solutions. His career is marked by a deep-rooted passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products, backed by years of industry volunteerism and legislative advocacy. Overholser served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2001-06, chaired the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), volunteered for HRIA’s precursor—the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA)—and was inducted into both the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (now the Motorsports Products & Media Council – MPMC) and HRIA Halls of Fame in 2013 for his industry involvement and contributions.