2020 SEMA Show Will Go Forth Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

The organizers for the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas have confirmed the event will go forth this year despite concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement released this month, organizers said they “will again host the automotive industry for four days of business, innovation, inspiration, and education,” at the 54^th SEMA Show this year, but acknowledged it will be ” one of the most challenging events the (Speciality Equipment Market Association) has delivered.” The show will be held from November 3^rd through to the 6^th.

“SEMA members have made clear the event is essential this year to help the industry renew business ties, find new opportunities, and accelerate into a successful 2021,” the association said in a statement. “While there’s no doubt that the 2020 Show will be different, the SEMA team is making plans to preserve the Show’s core business value in a safety-first environment.”

SEMA organizers provided a detailed list of various safety measures it plans to implement to keep attendees safe. For starters, attendees will be required to wear face masks or face shields while inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Social distancing measures will also be taken and hand sanitizing stations will be scattered about the event. Attendees will also be required to confirm that they are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive. Foot traffic flow will also be controlled with one-way aisles, preventing attendees from walking close by while face-to-face.

In addition, convention center employees will perform hourly sanitization of high traffic areas throughout the show floor and common areas, including doorways, elevators, and escalators. With these measures in place, SEMA believes it will be able to protect attendees from contracting COVID-19 while also providing its usual boost to the aftermarket auto parts industry.

Highlights from the 2019 SEMA Show, which was held last November, included the Chevrolet E-10 EV concept and the Ringbrothers’ Camaro Valkyrja – the latter of which won best in show.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more SEMA news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.