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5 Tips to Ensure a Successful SEMA Show

Posted by Kate Williams on Oct 24, 2015

If you’re one of the 130,000 automotive enthusiasts traveling to the 2015 SEMA show, you might be a little overwhelmed with how to navigate over 2,000 exhibitors and thousands of square feet filled with fifteen hundred of the most unique cars you’ll ever see!

We get it. We’ve been going to the SEMA show for 30 years so we thought we’d outline a few of our tips and tricks to help ensure a successful show and an unforgettable experience.

1.       Download the Show App.

Yes. There’s an app for that. The SEMA show app is a robust app that can help you navigate the show floor, stalk (I mean follow) your favorite celebrities at their appearances, browse exhibitors, manage transportation, connect on social media and build your daily schedule.

Tip: With so many auto enthusiasts in one place, it’s easy to get lost. Look at the exhibitor list in the app and favor the ones you want to see. Then use the map to help you plan out your route. The app also has a “locate me” feature which can help you find an exhibitor or room near you.

2.       Come Prepared. Make a Schedule.

While you might be excited to be going to Vegas for work don’t slip into the leisurely culture of the tourists around you. Look at the exhibit hall maps, show and press conference schedules then plan out your days. The last thing you’ll want to do while attending SEMA is missing out on opportunities because you didn’t plan accordingly.

Tip: I’ve started planning my schedule and the West Coast Customs Experience powered by Toyota is high on my list. The world famous customization shop will be customizing four Toyotas including their new hybrid fuel cell car.  They’ll be painting, audio and video upgrades, custom interiors, adding wheels, suspension and last but certainly not least tinting. LLumar® will be tinting these cars daily from 10-12.

3.       Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

It’s easy to forget the little things like drinking water, taking time to eat and making sure you’re dressed for the occasion. Things like water, a pair of comfortable shoes (or two), granola bars, lip balm, printed schedules, a charged phone and a spare bag to hold all your booth giveaways can go a LONG way.

Tip: Between the food trucks and the food courts, there are several dining options at SEMA, but you’re not always going to have time to wait in line. Make sure you pack your portable snacks with you and a bottle of water. Many booths will have water if you’re running low, including the LLumar booth so don’t feel like you need to carry a hydration pack.

4.       Have an exit strategy. 

After a fun, epic, long, exhausting day at the SEMA Show, you should have a quick getaway plan to keep your goodbyes short and sweet. Nothing puts a dark cloud over an otherwise sunny day than standing in a taxi line for 90 minutes or longer. I’m unfortunately speaking from experience on this one. 

Tip: Luckily taxis aren’t the only way to get around Las Vegas. SEMA has a guide to ground transportation you should scan before you head out to explore the show. Hotel shuttles will run every 20-30 minutes and will drop off/pick up at three separate locations at the SEMA Show: The Westgate Hotel, North Hall Door 10 and the east end of the Performance Pavilion. If you’re using the shuttles make sure you know where your shuttle picks up and drops off.

5.       Get Social.

Gaining national and international media attention, the SEMA show is one of the most widely talked about events in the country. As a “closed to the public” auto show – your colleagues, even family and friends will be watching for your updates.

The SEMA app has features that can help you get social with fellow SEMA attendees to share exhibitors, events and even celebrity sightings.

Tip: Prior to the show, follow the top exhibitors you want to see. We’ll be sharing our perspective of the show @llumarfilms and on Facebook. While you’re at the show, search the #SEMA2015 hashtag to see what SEMA attendees are talking about and where you should go next.

My last tip goes without saying, have fun. SEMA is likely your favorite event of the year. Take a lot of photos, don’t be a stranger to the exhibitors and make sure you remember to plan ahead, get enough sleep and stay hydrated.

Do you have any tips to share with SEMA attendees? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

Kate Williams

Kate Williams is the Digital Marketing Manager for Eastman's Performance Films Division. As a twenty-something professional she describes herself as more of a hirer-someone-elser than a DIYer (which is likely why she has yet to make the leap of purchasing a home). She thrives on research, analytics, making lists and thinking outside the box. When she's not navigating the digital landscape she's likely outside enjoying her home town of St. Louis with family and friends, feeding her appetite for traveling or making a run against her twin sister for “Aunt of the Year”. 

InSightful Solutions

Our LLumar Window Film blog is your resource for smart solutions to enhance the look and performance of glass in your life; auto, home and commercial. From UV protection, glare reduction, and temperature control to energy savings, safety, looking good, and interior decorating; our team provides you with practical tips and advice to improve your quality of life.

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