For those that don’t know, SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
They represent everything that automotive aftermarket companies stand for. From mud flaps
to racing engines, SEMA encompasses a billion dollar industry. Their annual private
event highlights the people, products and manufacturers that make the automotive aftermarket
what it is today. The Semashow.com Website sums it up best:
"The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It
draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas
Convention Center. The SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry
leaders from over 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive,
truck and SUV, marine and RV markets. SEMA Show 2004 is expected to draw over 50,000
domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The
displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase features more
than 1,100 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show
provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events,
networking opportunities and more."
Being an automotive enthusiast since a young age, I dreamed of attending SEMA ever since I
heard about it in the late 90s. From all accounts it sounded like car guy Nirvana. As years
passed, I hungrily waited for online updates and television shows that would cover the event.
This year would be different. I waited too long, I was going to SEMA in 2004.
I’ve heard that SEMA is popular and you can’t see it all in the four days it is held. Sure,
everyone says that, but I was skeptical and had to see for myself. Folks, I’m here to say,
this is the most incredible automotive spectacle on earth. On day one alone, it had renewed
my love of the car hobby exponentially. This is the mother of all events and the sheer
volume of products, cars and attendees is mind boggling. After spending a full day moving
quickly through the exhibit halls, I’d only seen 1/8th of what there is
to see here.
Already, I have met some of my personal heroes, (who just happen to be legends in the automotive
industry,) overheard business deals going down inches away from me, seen with my own eyes,
true automotive works of art and have stood in awe at the waves of people that share the same
exact passion I do for this hobby. I am speechless.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. There is something in there for everybody. If they seem scattered
and out of order, keep in mind I was running around in wide-eyed amazement like a kid on Christmas
morning. If you love cars, trucks, racing, whatever…go to this event. Make it no matter what.
It has turned my whole perspective around.
I am a born again car guy.
*Click thumbnails to enlarge
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