SEMA 2020 is Cancelled

Las Vegas currently prohibits any group events larger than 50 people. So SEMA 2020 is a no-go.

Sorry, car show fans. We won’t be seeing any crazy custom restomod C2s or twin-turbo widebody C8 Corvettes this November. SEMA officially canceled SEMA 2020 this afternoon. From what we understand, the show’s organizers seemed intent on proceeding, but simply can’t find a workaround to current Las Vegas laws prohibiting events larger than 50 people. Couple that with the extra risks of transmitting COVID-19 in crowds, particularly indoors, and SEMA 2020 could have been a disaster had it taken place.

We know times are tough, so gathering together with the best mechanics, car builders, and parts suppliers in the automotive industry would have been an amazing way to end the year. Being part of an online community is great, of course. But to experience a truck or a car is to see it in person. Hear it rev. Watch it crawl on a trail or spin around a parking lot in a swirl of disintegrating tires.

But, safety needs to be our utmost priority. The sad truth is that this idea we all have of returning to normal may take a very long time. And this is another reminder of this hard truth.

I hope you’re all well and safe. Here’s SEMA’s full statement:

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced today that due to Covid-19 and concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable, the SEMA Show will not be taking place in 2020.

While both event organizers and industry members have been working tirelessly to deliver an outstanding SEMA Show in November, mounting uncertainty has rendered continuing with the event inadvisable. SEMA expects the decision will bring much needed clarity to an uncertain picture and will help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan accordingly.

Recent SEMA Show survey results indicated interest in a possible virtual tradecshow with related live elements. SEMA will be working with industry members to determine interest levels on specific alternatives.

“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.”

Full refunds for SEMA Show exhibitor booth deposits and attendee registration fees will be issued.

Updates will be posted to SEMAShow.com.