SEMA Show 2024: The Epicenter of Automotive Innovation, Driving the Future of the Aftermarket Industry
The 2024 SEMA Show has officially concluded, solidifying its status as the global epicenter of automotive innovation. The event brought together over 2,400 exhibitors, including 580 first-time exhibitors, and attracted more than 160,000 attendees from 140 countries celebrating the industry at events throughout SEMA Week. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 5-8, this year’s Show encompassed 1.2 million net square feet of indoor space and acres of outdoor exhibit space and activations showcasing groundbreaking products, cutting-edge technologies, and forward-thinking custom builds. The scope, energy and passion reaffirmed the SEMA Show as the premier automotive aftermarket event shaping the future of the industry.
“SEMA 2024 was a true celebration of where the automotive aftermarket industry is headed,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA President and CEO. “This year, we saw a remarkable convergence of innovation, collaboration, and passion, with exhibitors, builders, and enthusiasts all coming together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation was the heart of SEMA Show 2024, driving the merger of creativity and technology across the Show floor.”
Whether it was the unveiling of next-gen products like the Revv ADAS Plus, Milltek Forge Motorsport E-DV electronic diverter valve solution, or innovative designs like the Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the event demonstrated that SEMA is not just a trade show—it’s a catalyst for industry evolution.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 SEMA Show was packed with visionary products and builds that underscore the continuous advancement of the aftermarket industry:
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept: A nod to 90s rally heritage, this build merges modern day performance with vintage rally design, embodying Toyota’s commitment to motorsports innovation.
Ram REV & Dodge Charger Banshee Concept: Electrification meets performance in these two bold concept vehicles, showcasing the growing trend of electric performance vehicles in the aftermarket space.
SEMA Battle of the Builders: The category champions for the 2024 Battle of the Builders—including overall champion Noah Alexander’s ’68 Dodge Charger (Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck), Bruce Yarnell’s ’65 Aston Martin DB5 (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Connor McElvain’s ’69 Datsun 2000 Roadster (Young Guns), and Rob Lindsay’s ’49 Willys Pickup (Off-Road)—demonstrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking approaches of the industry’s best custom builders.
Custom Autosound’s USA-850 DigaDial: The virtual screen radio allows user a choice of four distinct, one-of-a kind displays, from a classic analog look to all-digital RDS display, as well as improved audio refinements.
FutureTech Studio: A highlight of the 2024 show, the FutureTech Studio presented next-generation technologies that are transforming the automotive world. From advanced EV innovations to autonomous driving systems, this space provided a glimpse into the future of the industry.
SEMA SHOW CELEBRITIES: STARS BEHIND THE WHEEL
A staple for celebrity appearances and star-powered moments, the 2024 SEMA Show attracted major attention from both the entertainment and motorsports worlds. Among the most anticipated reveals was country music sensation Kane Brown’s custom F250 King Ranch. Displayed at the American Force Wheels booth, the stunning build had crowds buzzing as fans lined up for a glimpse of the star’s personalized ride.
Chip Foose, legendary designer, brought his unmistakable touch to a number of custom builds, and Akira Nakai (known for his work with RAUH-Welt Begriff or RWB) created a one-of-a-kind Porsche 997—a milestone as his first-ever build at the SEMA Show, continuing his legacy of perfection and influence in the world of custom cars.
SEMA FEST & CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY WITH FANS
SEMA Fest expanded the Show’s reach by offering the public a chance to engage with cutting-edge automotive designs, live music, and motorsports. Featuring performances from bands like Cage the Elephant and Sublime, SEMA Fest brought together music, motorsports, and automotive culture for an unforgettable experience.
The SEMA Cruise was another crowd-pleaser, with more than 1,200 vehicles parading down Convention Center Drive, giving attendees a final chance to see some of the most innovative and jaw-dropping builds up close.
SEMA also opened its doors, literally and digitally, through the Friday Enthusiast Experience, an opportunity for the public to experience the Show on its final day, and SEMA Live, the Show’s first ever livestream, which attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world, giving the SEMA Show a true global audience.
SEMA SHOW 2024: MORE THAN JUST A TRADE SHOW
The 2024 SEMA Show was more than just a celebration of the latest products—it was an exploration of the future. The event served its role as the industry’s innovation epicenter, where attendees engaged in 80+ seminars, hands-on workshops, and networking events designed to keep them ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
SEMA’s advocacy efforts were also front and center, underscoring the importance of collaboration across the industry. With initiatives like the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC), SEMA continues to advocate for policies that protect and promote the automotive aftermarket, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sector.
THE ROAD AHEAD: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY POWERED BY INNOVATION
The SEMA Show 2024 closed with an electrifying sense of optimism. As the global leader in automotive innovation, SEMA once again demonstrated how the aftermarket industry is evolving.
By championing collaboration, sustainability, and next-gen technologies, the show remains the essential destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to shape the future of automotive culture.
“We’re excited by the groundbreaking innovations showcased at SEMA 2024,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The future of the automotive aftermarket has never been brighter, and SEMA is where it all begins.”
For more information and show highlights, visit SEMA Show 2024.
Dave Kindig
SEMA Fest
SEMA Breakfast
SEMA Vehicle Unveil -Toyota
SEMA New Products Showcase
This story was originally published on November 15, 2024.
The post SEMA Show 2024: The Epicenter of Automotive Innovation, Driving the Future of the Aftermarket Industry first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
