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
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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