The automotive sector is undergoing one of the most significant metamorphoses in its history, paralleled by the evolution of the annual SEMA show.
Historically, SEMA has been a trade event for vendors, resellers, and the aftermarket, celebrated for its display of turbochargers, exhaust mechanisms, and extravagant vehicle builds. However, under the guidance and vision of SEMA’s president and CEO, Mike Spagnola, there’s an aspiration for the show to metamorphose into a comprehensive two-week automotive festival. This envisioned event draws inspiration from the likes of the South by Southwest festival.
SEMA traditionally occupies three convention center halls in Las Vegas, boasting a robust attendance of over 150,000 registered and credentialed visitors within a span of three days. This year, the show has introduced a new segment – the SEMA Fest.
For the first time, this Friday, the show will be accessible to the general public. A SEMA Fest ticket, priced at $179, will entitle holders to explore the entire three million feet of indoor exhibition space as well as the external attractions. This ticket also unlocks access to events like drifting competitions, motorcycle jumps, a micro circus, and performances by over 20 music artists across the two days. Among the top-performing acts are renowned bands like Incubus and Imagine Dragons. But, as per Spagnola, the SEMA Fest is merely the precursor to greater things.
The comprehensive vision is to initiate a two-week festival beginning with the well-known SEMA industry trade show and culminating in the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix. In the interim between these two events, there would be the SEMA Fest, an expansive auto show similar to Detroit’s, featuring vehicle launches and test drives, global car club meetings, and much more.
Spagnola envisions an automotive takeover of Las Vegas. He has already engaged in discussions with the Las Vegas city authorities, Formula 1 planners, hoteliers, and vehicle manufacturers. The feedback has been positive, with a notable interest from stakeholders, although definitive agreements remain pending. Spagnola highlighted the involvement of the Wynn Hotel in the automotive domain via its concours event, noting their keen interest in merging their existing show with this envisaged festival.
Spagnola acknowledges that they cannot commandeer the entire city for SEMA. Yet, he underscores that Las Vegas possesses the requisite space and facilities to accommodate such a magnified event. Considering that both SEMA and F1 already have a presence in the city, and given their sequential timing, the pieces might just align perfectly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: SEMA Transformation
What is the new vision for the annual SEMA show?
The new vision for the SEMA show, under the guidance of its president and CEO, Mike Spagnola, is to transform it into a comprehensive two-week automotive festival, drawing inspiration from events like the South by Southwest festival.
How has SEMA traditionally been set up?
SEMA has traditionally been a trade event for vendors, resellers, and the aftermarket, occupying three convention center halls in Las Vegas. It usually witnesses an attendance of over 150,000 registered and credentialed visitors within a three-day span.
What is the significance of the SEMA Fest this year?
This year, SEMA introduced the SEMA Fest segment. For the first time, the show will be open to the general public on Friday. A SEMA Fest ticket, priced at $179, allows attendees to explore the vast indoor exhibition space and participate in various events and performances over two days.
Which prominent bands are headlining the SEMA Fest?
Two of the prominent bands headlining the SEMA Fest are Incubus and Imagine Dragons.
How does Mike Spagnola envision the future of SEMA in Las Vegas?
Mike Spagnola envisions a grand automotive takeover of Las Vegas, starting with the well-known SEMA industry trade show and culminating in the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix. The festival would also include an expansive auto show, global car club meetings, and more.
Have stakeholders shown interest in this new vision for SEMA?
Yes, stakeholders, including the Las Vegas city authorities, Formula 1 planners, hoteliers, and vehicle manufacturers, have shown interest in this vision. However, definitive agreements are yet to be finalized.
What role does the Wynn Hotel play in the envisioned festival?
The Wynn Hotel, already involved in the automotive domain through its concours event, has expressed interest in integrating its existing show with this envisioned festival.
More about fokus keyword: SEMA Transformation
- SEMA Official Website
- South by Southwest (SXSW) Official Site
- Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
- Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Information
- Wynn Hotel Las Vegas Official Site
- Incubus Official Site
- Imagine Dragons Official Website
7 comments
Two weeks of pure automotive bliss. Hope Spagnola gets all the support he needs. this could be iconic.
i’m curious to see how the public day goes on Friday. Might be a bit chaotic but definitely exciting.
whoa! incubus and Imagine dragons at a car show? didn’t see that one coming. lol
Wonder how the local residents feel about this? Living in Vegas must be wild with all these events.
I always thought SEMA was just a trade show. never realized they’re planning to make it this huge! feels like it’s gonna be the next big thing in Vegas.
Sounds ambitious. But if anyone can do it its vegas. F1 and SEMA back to back? count me in.
been to SEMA a couple times and it’s already pretty massive. If they pull this off… wow, just imagine the scale.