The 56th annual SEMA Show will once again bring together the automotive aftermarket industry. Here's what to watch this year.
Autobody News is preparing to cover the 2023 SEMA Show, open only to the industry, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, NV. Whether collision repairers are attending in person or following along here with us, here is what we’ll be tracking over four days of exhibits, demonstrations and educational sessions.
Download Your Digital Tools
SEMA has updated its app for the 2023 edition of the show, available for Apple and Android users at www.semashow.com/app/. The app allows users to create their own show schedule, find exhibitors, browse events, connect to social media, pull up maps and scan new products and feature vehicles for more information.
New this year is Bessie, SEMA’s AI-powered chat bot. Bessie complements the SEMA app and website to help attendees maximize their time at the show by offering personalized assistance.
MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium, running from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 30, the day before the SEMA Show opens, at the Mirage Convention Center, encompasses extensive networking opportunities and a very informative agenda, to help small, medium and large MSOs and growing independent repair facilities in understanding current influences on their business and the data behind it. The program runs from with sessions that include discussions on private equity, the economy, consolidation trends, expanding streams of income and an outlook on the industry’s future.
Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions, will serve as emcee.
The Show Begins
Before the Show officially opens Oct. 31, all attendees are invited to the Kick-Off Breakfast in the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Hotel, featuring the latest innovations from new product award winners as well as the presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year and the Channel Partner of the Year awards. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the presentations begin at 8 a.m.
New Product Showcase
Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Use the SEMA Show app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the show has ended.
Must-See Tools
Toby Chess, a collision repair educator and longtime SEMA attendee, recently previewed what he believes will be the best tools body shop owners and technicians will want to check out at the show. Read the full article here.
Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards
This year, the Red Carpet Awards will be held during the evening for the first time, Oct. 31 in the Westgate’s Ballroom AB. A reception will open at 6 p.m., followed by the awards at 7:30. It will also coincide with the Collision Industry Conference's 40th anniversary celebration.
Among the annual awards announced will be those sponsored by CIECA, I-CAR, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the National Auto Body Council.
FutureTech Studio
Building on the foundation of last year's SEMA Electrified exhibit, the new SEMA FutureTech Studio is an immersive experience featuring technology spotlights, live education, product displays and sponsor vehicles highlighting the technologies advancing and redefining the performance aftermarket. Find it in Central Hall, Booth #24401.
Battle of the Builders
This unique program helps attendees, and millions following the action online, to spot trends and see the latest techniques of some of the world's most influential builders. The action unfolds throughout the week, with cameras following along to document the journey for a TV program set to air in January 2024. Located in North Hall, Booth #10967.
SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development
Located in Upper South Hall, Booth #36007, this feature offers an expanded exhibition of various tools and services related to ADAS technology, emissions compliance and product development, available through the SEMA Garage. Staff and industry partners will be on-site with interactive displays, demos and knowledge to help SEMA members develop high-quality, robust and compliant products.
Collision Repair & Refinish Stage
The Collision Repair & Refinish Stage, in Upper South Hall, Booth #32145, is the place to see free hands-on welding demos and I-CAR, SCRS and OEM presentations. Top experts will be on hand to answer questions and lead interactive demonstrations on the collision repair industry. This interactive area will showcase the latest techniques and products being used in the market today.
Education Opportunities
Every year, the SEMA Show offers attendees a packed slate of educational sessions. This year, 99 are scheduled, touching on every facet of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Autobody News writers are attending sessions covering how to open an ADAS business, the “death” of the estimator role in body shops, how to ensure the collision repair industry has enough technicians in five years and more.
More Fun Stuff
Autobody News will be sharing on its social media channels celebrity interviews, custom car reveals, the SEMA Cruise on Nov. 3, and more. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
SEMA Fest
This year, the inaugural SEMA Fest will be held immediately after the Show, Nov. 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Unlike the show, SEMA Fest is open to the public, and will feature a concert lineup led by Incubus, Imagine Dragons, Wiz Khalifa and more, as well as the hottest automotive brands, a full slate of immersive automotive lifestyle events, a consumer marketplace, world-class drifting, motorsports competitions and freestyle motocross.
SEMA released another app this year specifically for attendees of SEMA Fest. Find it here for Apple users and here for Android users.
Abby Andrews