Just over 42 hours after our in-depth article on the 2020 SEMA Show, it has been officially canceled. Here is what SEMA had to say today.
UPDATE: Reasons for the cancellation and reactions from the industry article here.
I’ll have another deep look at the cancelation of the 2020 SEMA Show later this week or Monday – depending on when everyone gets back to me – but wanted to share the news that the 2020 SEMA Show has officially been canceled by SEMA.
Reasoning
The reasoning cites not only the COVID-19 pandemic but also “concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable.” SEMA doesn’t go any further into what that meant and is part of what I’m following up on from them and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
SEMA also says that there is interest in a digital show with some live elements, but again the release hasn’t gone into any details.
If you want to read the full release, it is down below. Otherwise, sit back and wait for the full follow-up article coming soon that dives into the release and the future of the SEMA Show.
The Full SEMA Statement Released on August 5, 2020
Statement from SEMA about the 2020 SEMA Show:
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced today that due to Covid-19 and concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable, the SEMA Show will not be taking place in 2020.
While both event organizers and industry members have been working tirelessly to deliver an outstanding SEMA Show in November, mounting uncertainty has rendered continuing with the event inadvisable. SEMA expects the decision will bring much needed clarity to an uncertain picture and will help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan accordingly.
Recent SEMA Show survey results indicated interest in a possible virtual tradeshow with related live elements. SEMA will be working with industry members to determine interest levels on specific alternatives.
“The SEMA Show is committed to furthering businesses in the automotive specialty equipment market, and to providing manufacturers and buyers with the best opportunity to connect, promote new products and discover new trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We appreciate the spirit, hard work and innovation our industry puts into the SEMA Show each year. While we are disappointed circumstances prevent us from hosting the Show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event.”
Full refunds for SEMA Show exhibitor booth deposits and attendee registration fees will be issued.
Updates will be posted to semashow.com.
END OF RELEASE
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