Everything You Need to Know About the 2021 SEMA and AAPEX Trade Shows

The heavy-duty repair industry is constantly rolling into the future at a brisk pace, and you need to stay on top of it. Trade shows are the ideal place to do that, bringing new products, services, technology, and industry pros all to one place. SEMA and AAPEX are the premier automotive shows, and they’re coming up quick. We’ve put together the dates, times, and all the info you need to know to attend.

SEMA

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is an alliance of equipment specialists dedicated to and united by their love of all things vehicular. It’s a trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. However, it also counts publishers, auto restorers and re-stylers, street rod builders, racing teams, and many more among its ranks.

Each year, SEMA hosts a trade show showcasing automotive specialty products. It’s open to automotive professionals from the U.S. and around the world. It’s the place to see the hottest new products and interact with the brightest minds in the industry. Exhibit hours are 9 AM to 5 PM the first three days. They run until 4 PM on the final day of the show. While you’re visiting, you can see new tools, parts, and components, attend demonstrations, educational seminars and special events, and network with others in the industry.

SEMA holds its annual trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the world’s largest single-level convention facility. The SEMA show typically takes place the first week in November each year. The 2021 event will be happening November 2–5, and ticket prices range from $40 to $90.

Because SEMA isn’t open to the public, registration is required. On-site registration starts Thursday, October 28. Attendees can register at the show all the way through 5 PM on the final day. However, pre-registering for the SEMA show will save time and money: There’s a discount for registering online by October 8, plus, you’ll get your badges and other attendee materials before the event. What’s more, you can sign up for both the SEMA and AAPEX shows at the same time.

AAPEX

AAPEX is an organization jointly owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). The organization’s mission is to connect aftermarket suppliers with automotive professionals to advance the industry.

Billed as a trade-only show, AAPEX hosts thousands of exhibitors. Every year, they pack a ton of products, services, and education into three days. In 2021, AAPEX estimates that 2500 exhibitors will be on-hand. Attendees can learn about new technology, alternative fuel vehicles, and the latest in heavy-duty repair. In addition to product and service exhibits you’ll have a chance to attend hands-on tech training seminars, state-of-the-industry presentations, and specialized networking receptions to make the most efficient use of your time during the show.

AAPEX’s trade show coincides with SEMA’s show each November, with the 2021 event scheduled for November 2–4. As with the SEMA show, AAPEX is closed to the public and there are options for registering online, via fax, or through the mail. Pricing is the same as the SEMA show, $40 to $90, and there’s a discount for registering early. The badges you’ll receive with registration will get you into both shows!

The AAPEX show makes its home at the Sands Expo Convention Center, adjoining the Palazzo and Venetian hotels and casinos. The Sands Expo about a mile and a half from the SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is only a 5-minute drive even with heavy traffic.

See You There!

Before you can ask – yes, Fullbay will be at both shows, and we’re looking forward to seeing you there! At SEMA, you’ll find us at booth #11730 and look for us at booth #R7915 at the AAPEX show. We’ll have some killer swag on hand for attendees who stop by—so come say hello and pick up your gear!

Whether you catch us at SEMA, AAPEX, or both, you’ll have the chance to check out Fullbay up-close and in-person. Learn how the software can streamline and automate processes, help you assign jobs and monitor work, manage your inventory, access real-time data and reports, and increase your shop’s efficiency and productivity. While you’re there, you can check out Fullbay’s answer to the parts shortage: Fullbay Marketplace, which lets you price and purchase parts from all over the country through the app.

So clear your schedule from November 2-5! Make your hotel reservations and travel arrangements! And when you’re planning your itinerary, be sure to schedule a stop at one or both of Fullbay’s booths. It will be time well-spent, and you’ll be glad you did.