"SEMA" need advice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
I went last year. Hugh show and great stuff to look at and buy. The other posters are right bring good walking shoes and only collect the freebees that you really want they get heavy fast. It is imposssible to do in one day so take your time and spend a couple of days. I had no trouble getting in just walk up and pay your money. They may have asked if you were in the business but I don't remember.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 1
From: Where everyone's grandparents come to die, FL
Originally Posted by Red70vette
I went last year. Hugh show and great stuff to look at and buy. The other posters are right bring good walking shoes and only collect the freebees that you really want they get heavy fast. It is imposssible to do in one day so take your time and spend a couple of days. I had no trouble getting in just walk up and pay your money. They may have asked if you were in the business but I don't remember.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I also agree on a few of the posts above.. take comfortable shoes..limit the amount of freebies, and a camera with alot of memory and batteries... I went in 2004 along with the NHRA... Went to sema 2 days and still didn't get a chance to see it all. I go to admit I was kind of dissappointed in the mid america booth, no products available to see, only could order directly from the salesman..hopefully I will get a chance again sometime...well worth it.
Last edited by c3 in hawaii; Sep 8, 2006 at 10:14 PM.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 17
From: Tempe AZ
per the latest from SEMA
SEMA eNews, Vol. 9, No. 40 - October 4, 2006
SEMA SHOW CLAMPS DOWN ON CONSUMER ATTENDEES
Connecting businesses and buyers is the fundamental goal of the SEMA Show, and under the direction of the SEMA Board of Directors and the Show Committee, efforts have intensified to ensure the event maintains its trade-only status.
Attendees at the 2006 SEMA Show, for example, will be required to establish their trade status by providing proof of employment at an automotive-related business during the on-site registration process. Individuals will not be admitted simply for showing up with a company’s representative.
In addition, SEMA has increased attention to applications from states near or neighboring Nevada, locales within an easy drive of Las Vegas. Show Management also continues to monitor enthusiast websites for “chatter” about the Show.
For 2006, the badge and badgeholders have been updated. Last year’s badgeholder, for example, will not gain entrance to this year’s Show. Return attendees have been issued Legacy numbers to ensure their continued value to exhibitors. Finally, exhibitors or attendees can call a Show Hotline number printed on the badge to report consumers they believe may be in the Show under false pretenses.
“It’s natural that enthusiast consumers would want to visit the year’s finest collection of automotive speed and style,” says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of Communications and Marketing. “But we also recognize that our primary obligation is to our members, to maximize the time, money and effort they spend at the greatest automotive show in the world.”
SEMA eNews, Vol. 9, No. 40 - October 4, 2006
SEMA SHOW CLAMPS DOWN ON CONSUMER ATTENDEES
Connecting businesses and buyers is the fundamental goal of the SEMA Show, and under the direction of the SEMA Board of Directors and the Show Committee, efforts have intensified to ensure the event maintains its trade-only status.
Attendees at the 2006 SEMA Show, for example, will be required to establish their trade status by providing proof of employment at an automotive-related business during the on-site registration process. Individuals will not be admitted simply for showing up with a company’s representative.
In addition, SEMA has increased attention to applications from states near or neighboring Nevada, locales within an easy drive of Las Vegas. Show Management also continues to monitor enthusiast websites for “chatter” about the Show.
For 2006, the badge and badgeholders have been updated. Last year’s badgeholder, for example, will not gain entrance to this year’s Show. Return attendees have been issued Legacy numbers to ensure their continued value to exhibitors. Finally, exhibitors or attendees can call a Show Hotline number printed on the badge to report consumers they believe may be in the Show under false pretenses.
“It’s natural that enthusiast consumers would want to visit the year’s finest collection of automotive speed and style,” says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of Communications and Marketing. “But we also recognize that our primary obligation is to our members, to maximize the time, money and effort they spend at the greatest automotive show in the world.”
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 1
From: Where everyone's grandparents come to die, FL
I just got that email also. They actually wanted me to provide proof of employment for someone that is going out there with me. After explaining he had a badge last year, they conceded...but there's definitely a crackdown between this year and last year.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Joplin Missouri
that kind of blows about the crack down. But the email stated that you had to be in the auto biz. What about if you had a car dealer's license or an easier alternatinve what about a part time job at the local autozone? Just a though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 1
From: Where everyone's grandparents come to die, FL
Originally Posted by Ironcross
"SEMA" actually stands for "Speed Equipment Manufactures Association". The first few years were not very productive for them until they got smart and dumped the word "Speed" 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Originally Posted by jake1
I'm try'in to score some though my speedtv contacts. But I checked today and it aint looking so good.....
VBP shouild be able to get you in,,,,,,,,,,considering they use your dynamite car in their ads,,,,Peace,,,Moosie
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
I went to sema in 04 and it was just amazing! One of the security guys there told me if you walk every isle there is about 32 miles worth. I went 3 days and still missed alot of stuff. One thing I did was to scan my badge at the vendors booths and it has all your info on it and they will send catalogs so you dont have to pack them around with you all day. O and there are all the vendors models there at the booths that you can take pics with....that was pretty cool too! And if you get tired of walking, you can go check out the "overhaulin" booth, sit on the bleachers and watch the guys work their magic. And then there are the cars.....I guess I better stop rambling, go and you will love it.