SEMA Show Attracts 140,000-plus Attendees to Las Vegas Convention Center
November 10, 2014
By Stephanie Selesnick
The SEMA Show, organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, filled the Las Vegas Convention Center last week from Nov. 4-7.
It attracted more than 140,000 qualified trade attendees from 130 countries, used 1.13 million net square feet of exhibit space (indoors and outside), showcased 2,400+ exhibitors (550 new ones), was covered by over 3,500 international media and had 1.500 vehicles on display.
Some of the more popular areas were two outside demonstration tracks, SEMA Central, an interactive and branded area in the Central Lobby, featuring smart wall technology complete with 16-foot tall simulated engine, and the new product showcase featuring more than 2,000 products.
As a way of driving traffic to the New Products Area, the SEMA App contained photos of all the new products including company information.
Ranked one of the largest trade exhibitions in the country, last year SEMA chose to bring all operations and registration functions in house and worked hard with their partner-suppliers to make the show successful.
Show management went so far as to invite all to Camp SEMA to learn about the industry, exhibition and do some bonding with the new team.
With 80 percent of exhibitors in 20x20’s or less, management includes up to 500 lbs. of material handling per booth.
Early estimates had 8.4 million pounds of freight moved into the convention center. Exhibitors also were able to attend the SEMA Summit, a two-day exhibitor educational workshop held in Las Vegas earlier in the year, around the time of the space draw.
Changes this year included: moving all registration to the Westgate (formerly LVH), closing the Silver Circle Drive; expanding exhibits and the Discovery Channel studio to a large tent in the Gold Lot, and launching SEMA Ignited, a place for fans to see the custom vehicles up close post exhibition at the Linq and film a television show about it.
Since 2011, the show has closed with the sponsored SEMA Cruise – a parade of all 1,500 custom vehicles used as displays, which depart the Convention Center and drive down Paradise Road. Over half of the cars went to the Linq, the rest proceeded down Paradise Blvd. to the Westgate.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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