Answers to Your SEMA Show Questions By Della Domingo, SEMA
SEMA vice president of events Tom Gattuso recently answered questions about the 2021 SEMA Show’s health and safety plans. Read below for more details, or visit www.SEMAShow.com for the most up-to-date information about the SEMA Show.
Q:
What is SEMA, AAPEX and Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week?
TG:
off-road, restyling, mobile electronics or another segment, this is the place to discover the new trends and products, and to connect with other businesses in your segment. Both events include seminars, meetings and events for the automotive industry, so businesses can get a lot accomplished while in Las Vegas during the week. It makes for a really busy week, but with the entire industry in attendance and so many activities taking place, it is the best place for businesses to be, and participation delivers the greatest ROI.
The SEMA Show and AAPEX are two different shows that take place during If the two events share regthe first week of November in Las istrations, why are there two Vegas each year. Together, they different health and safety policies make up the automotive industry’s (or strategies) in place? Wouldn’t leading trade gathering—it’s an ex- it be easier to just have one policy citing weeklong event that we call that applies to both events? Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, or AAIW for short. The COVID landscape is Both events are B2B, and they complicated, and organihelp companies succeed and grow. zations are making decisions and They are conveniently co-locat- planning in their own ways. SEMA ed within a few miles believes that we will of one another, and a serve our industry best single attendee regisby having the benefit of tration allows access some time, which will into both events; but, give us more current as mentioned earlier, and reliable decisions from state and local authe SEMA Show and thorities for the event AAPEX are two unique taking place in Novemand different events. AAPEX takes place ber. SEMA Vice President of Nov. 2-4 at the Venetian We’ve seen a lot Events Tom Gattuso Expo & Caesars Forum, change in the past few and it features aftermarweeks, and we anticiket replacements parts—the type of pate more changes to come. We’re products that are required to keep working with Nevada authorities your car or truck running. to understand what will be needed The SEMA Show is a four-day for the SEMA Show. We believe we show taking place Nov. 2-5 at the will have a better read in the weeks Las Vegas Convention Center, and ahead and will act accordingly. it features products and services that enhance the performance, stylIs there a chance SEMA will ing, comfort, convenience and safeimplement the same meaty of cars, trucks and SUVs. sures AAPEX and other events are It’s where you’ll find the eye implementing, and require proof of candy and discover the newest vaccination in order to attend? products available to modify and personalize your vehicle into a oneIt’s not possible to know with certainty today what of-a-kind creation—from superchargers and performance brakes the Nevada requirements will be to seat covers and custom paint or in November. Rather than specbedliners. The SEMA Show covers ulate on what may or may not be ever market niche, so whether you required, we are closely monitoring work in racing and performance, the COVID landscape and working
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with state and local authorities, and we will share details that the industry can rely on as soon as we can.
Q:
How long will we have to wait until SEMA makes a decision?
TG:
We don’t have a specific date at this time, but we can tell you that we are 100% committed to having the Show in November and helping the industry and our customers succeed. As soon as we learn the specific measures that will be required in November by state and local governments, we will share those details by posting them on our websites, in our social media channels and emailing registered participants. We will do everything we can to notify our customers as soon as possible.
Q:
It sounds like masks are required at all indoor events in Las Vegas. Should I be prepared to have to wear a mask all day long
while at the SEMA Show?
TG:
Currently (as of this Sept. 1 interview), Nevada does require that masks be worn by everyone while indoors in Las Vegas, but that may change. We will have to assess the situation and the requirements that will be place, and it’s just a bit too early to make that determination. We’ll know more in the coming weeks. Also, there is more than a million square feet of outdoor activation space, including feature vehicles, displays, drifting and ride and drive experiences, where masks are not required.
Q:
Doesn’t SEMA have an option to require proof of vaccinations from attendees, and then not require masks to be worn the entire time?
TG:
That is not currently (as of Sept. 1 interview) an option for events such as trade shows in See SEMA Show Questions, Page 51
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