SEMA Show Survival Guide

Whether it’s your first trip to Vegas, or you are an old hand at navigating the over 140,000 industry professionals in town, you don’t want to be the person in the corner crying. With seemingly endless exhibitors and booths, it can be a little overwhelming to make your way through the madness. You are sure to be impressed but to make the most of your trip, take a few tips from our SEMA Survival Guide.

Getting Around                                                                                                                                                               Vegas is designed for two things, gambling and conventions, so there is no shortage of transportation. Some options are more costly than others. A little planning can help you keep your trip costs down.                                                                                                                                

Taxi- probably the most expensive way to get around other than the stretch limo. If you decide to use a taxi, know where you are going and how you want to get there. Avoid the cab driver taking the “scenic route”

Uber- if you are comfortable doing so, Uber will be available and normally much cheaper than taxis. You can even strike up deals with the drivers for the remainder of your stay.

Hotel Shuttles– most people are unaware that their hotels have shuttle service. Many have shuttles that run on every hour or half hour, plus they are free!

Walking– walking is always an option and with the Vegas weather, that 1 to 2 mile walk may not be bad. Just remember, you will walk miles in the convention center, so pace yourself big guy!

Navigating the Show                                                                                                                                                            With over 60,000 domestic/international buyers, and more than 2,000 new product releases, it’s a challenge to see it all.

Make a Plan– check out the Floorplan, decide what you want to see and map it out accordingly. Once you have a chosen a route, stick to it. It is very easy to get distracted by the flashing lights, but you have things to see, stay focused!

Utilize the Tools– SEMA understands the show is big and has put out some great tools to help keep you in the know. SEMA Mobile App, a handy guide with a turn by turn navigation feature. A trusty old printed map will help those not so tech savvy. SEMA Show Pocket Guides are also available at info kiosks located throughout the show.  

Tips and Tricks                                                                                                                                                                        Here are a few tips from veteran show go’ers that they had to learn the hard way.

Wear Comfy Shoes– there is a place and time for the rhinestone ¾ height cowboy boots, but the SEMA Show floor isn’t it. Forget about form and go with function, a pair of loafers or tennis shoes is the ticket.                 

Stay Hydrated– it is the desert after all. The dry air can take its toll and you may not be aware until it’s too late. Drink plenty of fluids and take breaks as you need.

Immerse Yourself– there has been a great deal of effort put forth to ensure you have a good time. Try the demos, be active in the social media, take photos, have fun, if for no other reason than to make your friends who couldn’t go jealous.

Bring Business Cards– there are lots of potential contacts to be made. Make sure you are social and hand out cards, you never know how it might pay off.

The list of awesome things to see and do goes on and on. The main thing is to have fun, learn as much as you can, and take it all in. Follow our guide and hopefully it helps turn you show experience into a good one.