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SEMA show,is it worth the trip?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 37 caddy, Aug 11, 2013.

  1. 37 caddy
    Joined: Mar 4, 2010
    Posts: 487

    37 caddy
    Member
    from PEI Canada

    Hi All,thinking about going to the SEMA show this fall,is it worth the trip,also going to take in the AAPex show too,looks like a lot of fun on the different websites,anyone else been there,what to do and what not to do?,any must do's or see?. Thanks Harvey
     
  2. tfeverfred
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 15,791

    tfeverfred
    Member Emeritus

    It is if you're invited.
     
  3. Stu D Baker
    Joined: Mar 4, 2005
    Posts: 2,755

    Stu D Baker
    Member
    from Illinois

    Personally, I'd skip APEX and spend all my time at SEMA. Stu
     
  4. The SEMA show isn't a 'open' show, it's only for press/vendors/manufacturers/etc...

    So if you're not one of those, you need an invite from somebody who is.
     

  5. corncobcoupe
    Joined: May 26, 2001
    Posts: 7,257

    corncobcoupe
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    It's a invite only - NOT open to the public
     
  6. Lets Go! SEMA CRASHERS!!!!!!
     
  7. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,122

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

    Been to SEMA twice in 5 years. I'd go every year if I could afford to. Its sensory overload for car guys.
     
  8. oldnuts
    Joined: Jan 14, 2009
    Posts: 355

    oldnuts
    Member
    from nebraska

    I've seen tickets on Craigslist for it. Are these legit since you guys are saying its invite only?
     
  9. gtopillado
    Joined: Jul 5, 2013
    Posts: 106

    gtopillado
    Member

    Its one of the events I look forward to every year. Its definitely worth it especially if you've never been. Guys are correct, closed to public. There has to be a vender in the business that you know that can get you in. They check throughly when you are at the show, id, business card etc etc. so I wouldn't go the CL way.
     
  10. spiderdeville
    Joined: Jun 30, 2007
    Posts: 1,134

    spiderdeville
    Member
    from BOGOTA,NJ

    like a midway at a race or car event
    can be boring
     
  11. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 12,594

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    Yes it is a must see and wear your walking shoes.
     
  12. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,179

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    if you are in the automotive business, or know someone that is and will take you, you need to go. Go to the SEMA web site for details. lots of hotel rooms available.
     
  13. Been there twice and worth every penny. You just got to know somebody in the industry that's a SEMA member, otherwise you'll be on the outside looking in.
     
  14. joe--h
    Joined: May 15, 2012
    Posts: 48

    joe--h
    Member
    from New Mexico

    Well worth it, but it's a hike. Used to be the Mother Lode of nekkid lady posters too, but that went the way of most good things.

    Joe H
     
  15. 37 caddy
    Joined: Mar 4, 2010
    Posts: 487

    37 caddy
    Member
    from PEI Canada

    I am in the "automotive business" so tickets shouldn't be to hard to get?,just wanted to know if its as good as they say it is,so far the comments point to being just that. Thanks Harvey
     
  16. Lazlobassett
    Joined: Apr 12, 2010
    Posts: 475

    Lazlobassett
    Member

    Yep, totally worthwhile. I had a great time, got cheepo lodgings on freemont street ( great nightly freak show there too! ) Lots of other stuff to do there after SEMA is over. i got a rental car and drove around the desert looking for old cars, found loads.

    A++ must do!

    Cheers!
     
  17. JoeyP.
    Joined: May 19, 2013
    Posts: 160

    JoeyP.
    Member

    Yes well worth it, I went last year and am going again this year. There is also lots of other training to look out for such as CARS classes, and the AVI Conference.
     
  18. Go..a whole lot to take in.
    Wear comfortable shoes.
     
  19. bluthndr
    Joined: Oct 4, 2004
    Posts: 254

    bluthndr
    Member

    This ^

    Many years ago before I had my shop I made a "paper" business with the sole intention of going to the show. All car guys gotta go once (at least). Not a lot of hard core racer stuff, a little bit of traditional hot rod related, and a ton of 2014 diesel trucks with 40" tires, twin turbo kits on 2014 stingrays, etc, etc.

    I always tell people it's like an unlimited budget car show. It's got the answer to, "If I won the powerball jackpot, how could I build/modify a _________ (insert name of late model vehicle here)."

    Oh - another important note. Wear comfortable shoes. It is the biggest indoor anything I have ever seen. I'm pretty hardcore at those things and am the last guy standing in my group usually. I don't think you could see it all in 2 full days. It's like 3-4 buildings the size of multiple NFL stadiums (each building) full of exhibitors, vehicles, presentations, etc.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2013
  20. You can join SEMA with the proper credentials. I think the minimum price of membership is 500.
     
  21. denis4x4
    Joined: Apr 23, 2005
    Posts: 4,198

    denis4x4
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Colorado

    It's $100, ask me how I know!
     
  22. snelson57
    Joined: Jun 3, 2008
    Posts: 544

    snelson57
    Member

    I go just about every year for work purposes. Spend most of my time at AAPEX because that is where my bread is buttered, but SEMA is much more entertaining.

    Worth going to for sure.
     

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