Uncertainty due to COVID-19 forces cancellation of this year’s Las Vegas event. Will determine interest in possible virtual event this fall.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced that due to COVID-19 and concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable, the SEMA Show will not be taking place this year.
According to a statement from the organization, the mounting uncertainty had rendered continuing with the event inadvisable. SEMA expects the decision will bring much needed clarity to an uncertain picture and will help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan accordingly.
Recent SEMA Show survey results indicated interest in a possible virtual trade show with related live elements. SEMA will be working with industry members to determine interest levels on specific alternatives.
“The SEMA Show is committed to furthering businesses in the automotive specialty equipment market, and to providing manufacturers and buyers with the best opportunity to connect, promote new products and discover new trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We appreciate the spirit, hard work and innovation our industry puts into the SEMA Show each year. While we are disappointed circumstances prevent us from hosting the Show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event.”
Full refunds for SEMA Show exhibitor booth deposits and attendee registration fees will be issued.
The organizers of the AAPEX show, also held in Las Vegas in November, announced they were canceling in-person events in favor of a virtual trade show.