by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
LAS VEGAS — For most of its show week, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association event only allows its members entry inside each of the five Las Vegas Convention Center halls.
However, all that changes on Friday of SEMA week. And that is because SEMA opens its doors to anyone on the final day.
So if you are planning to attend the show Friday, here are some top tips so you can make the most out of your day.
Arrive Early
Each of the LVCC halls has a ton of floor space, so not only will arriving early help you get in faster, you’ll also have more time to see everything, get a chance for longer conversations and ask more questions to respective exhibitors.
Additionally, arriving early also helps you avoid longer lines at each entry point. Friday of SEMA week is usually its biggest attendance day, so why not start your day in the best possible position.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
We can’t stress this one enough. Put on shoes that will caress your feet, not make a mess of them.
Again, each SEMA hall at the LVCC is enormous, and you have to walk wherever you go. So don’t punish yourself and have to miss the entire afternoon because your feet went on strike.
Also, it is a good idea to pair those shoes with a backpack and stash away some water and snacks to enjoy through the day.
Plan Your Journey
Just like a good trail experience happens because of proper planning, your SEMA day should also be mapped out before arrival.
Use the exhibitor floor plan on SEMA’s website to learn where all your favorite brands have their space so you can work out the most efficient route to maximize your time (and save stress on your feet).
Capture Your Experience
Make sure your smartphone and/or camera are fully charged and ready to go before the show. Plus, don’t forget to bring along some type of charger for later in the day. There are so many products and unique build designs you’ll want to capture, so ensure your devices are up to the task.
Respect The Exhibits
Each SEMA exhibitor works hard to create a fantastic booth experience for show attendees, and most bring along all kinds of high-value vehicle builds, as well as prototype products.
So make sure you have approval before handling any product or touching vehicles.
Remember SEMA Is Not A Selling Event
Show exhibitors spend most of the week talking business and showing off new products to their retail customers, body shops, dealers, etc.
And just because all consumers are allowed into the halls on Friday doesn’t mean any of that changes. If you are headed to the SEMA show Friday thinking you will get some great deals on products, you’ll quickly discover that is not the case as nearly all exhibitors are there to talk product — not sell product.
Network
The SEMA show is a great spot to meet other enthusiasts and connect with industry professionals. So, don’t be afraid to start a conversation or ask questions on why a build was done a certain way.
You may learn a thing or two that will help perk up your vehicle.
Don’t Miss The Great Outdoors
Not only does the SEMA show have a lot of stuff inside, but it also has a ton of outdoor things as well.
There are drifting exhibitions, tire burn-out pits, plenty of vehicle builds, and some top manufacturers have display locations all around the lot in front of South, Central and North Hall.
Additionally, SEMA has set up this year’s Overlanding Experience outside the West Hall, and it is a great place to look over vehicles that have already proven their overlanding worth in order to see what products the ‘professional overlanders’ use.
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