How to Succeed at the 2017 SEMA Show

SEMA’s just around the corner. In fact, it’s almost time to start packing. We want you to have the best time possible, so we’ve made a list of things to do before you jump onto a plane to Vegas. Follow these guidelines to get your trip started on the right foot. Or left. It doesn’t matter, because you’re going to be using both of your feet quite a bit while you’re there.

First things first: download the app. We’re not sure how we ever navigated SEMA—literally or figuratively—without an app. There’s a map, a list of exhibitors and a schedule of seminars. It will even give you directions from one place to another.

Know how to go. There are a ton of transportation options to get to the show. It’s not too hard to figure out which is the best from wherever you’re staying, so make a plan before you walk out of your door.

Leave the steel toes at home. You’re going to walk. And walk. And walk. Wear shoes that make it feel like you’re walking on clouds instead of like you’ve strapped cast iron skillets to your feet.

Bring your business cards. Seriously. Don’t forget them.

Review the floorplan. You probably couldn’t visit every vendor at SEMA if you tried. And why would you? You need to hit the booths that are relevant to your shop. So take a look at a map and familiarize yourself with the locations of the vendors you need to see. (And for easy, back-pocket access, make sure you snag a printed map in addition to downloading the app.)

Create an agenda. Maybe you’re a planner and you would have done this without needing a suggestion. For everyone else, trust us: make some kind of plan. If you just show up, you could easily become overwhelmed and wind up missing something that could benefit you. If nothing else, make a list of the top booths you want to visit and the top seminars you want to attend.

Grab a scanner. Part of the reason you’re going to SEMA is to have a good time with folks from the industry. But the other part is to get information on new products and services that could help your business. There’s no better way to do this than getting a scanner at the New Products Showcase in the Sky Bridge. As you walk, you’ll scan the new products that interest you. Once you return the scanner, they’ll print info on every product you scanned.

Find more tips and tricks. This list is a good start, but head on over to the SEMA site for even more helpful direction.

Stop by and say hello. We’re in Booth 10122 of the North Hall, and we have quite a few show specials. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.