Event Coverage Go to SEMA Once in Your Life.

Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post:

Go to SEMA Once in Your Life.

Continue reading the Original Blog Post

 

I’ve never been and probably will never get there…….but it sure is cool knowing and seeing a local HAMBer, Cody Walls getting the national recognition he so rightfully deserves…….being one of 12 in the battle of the builders is really cool. In the main building

 

It's been streaming live on YouTube for the last few days.

 

yeah, you gotta go....I used to go every year in the 1990s. Last time was 2015. And I was in Vegas last weekend for something else, but that doesn't count!


this was 2015



and 2004, I got to shake Wally's hand

 

Went about 15 years ago, it was overwhelming. I'm sure it has grown a lot. I was able to walk it then, today I'd need my scooter.

 

Agree, I've been there a few times, lots to see/experience.

 

It's actually been "Specialty Equipment Market Association" for 50 some years. I think the government was sticking it's nose in where it didn't belong. A lot of the crap there doesn't have much to do about speed anyway.

 

it has nothing to do with the gummint. They just realized what they're all about, which is marketing.

 

I used to go in the early 90's. That was before it was combined with another show. It was a marathon back then, too. I agree with squirrel, it had branched into many areas long before the name change. However, if you are a serious gear head, you need to go. It's amazing to see.

 

I've been there.
It's a MUST SEE at least once.

 

Don't you have to be a member or something to attend? I was thinking I heard it wasn't open to the general public?

 

I was there when it was in Anaheim.
We took the Holley display from Detroit to there.
That was a few years ago.

 

Yep, I was just talking to a buddy that headed there this week. I really need to make it someday.

 

Requires a pass from a vendor or shop that belongs to SEMA.

 

What? The HAMB isn't part of SEMA? It's because SEMA doesn't promote points and bias ply's isn't it?

 

THE BUCKET LIST
​

1. OSHKOSH FLY IN........... I ATTENDED FOR 26 YEARS. BOX CHECKED.
2. PEBBLE BEACH............NOT YET.
3. SEMA............NOT YET.
4. STURGIS..... A COUPLE OF TIME'S, COMING HOME FROM OSHKOSH, BOX CHECKED.
5. CONEY ISLAND.......... TO RIDE THE WONDER WHEEL, ...NOT YET.
6. BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK..........NOT YET.
7. THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY.......NOT YET.
8. RENO AIR RACES......WENT IN 97, PART OF AT-6 CREW "LICKETY SPLIT"
BOX CHECKED.

Okay, that's enough for now, its time for my first nap of the day.

 

Went to the first one in Dodger Stadium and about 35 more over the years. SEMA stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association and changed to Specialty in the early 70’s. I still make my annual membership check to the SPEED EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION and they still cash it! Last time I looked, Atomic Industries was listed as a member.

 

I'd go if I knew someone that had tickets. Been to Pebble Beach 5 times and it was worth the cost every time, Hershey 54 years in a row..

 

I don't think SEMA gives out that many "associate" passes to members!
And if they did @Ryan would need to hire more people for that............
A LOT MORE!

 

I just came back and was one of the guys without a pass so I just wandered the grounds on the outside of the buildings and took in the sights there. My buddy who I came with had a pass and the idea was for me to use his pass incognito the next day while he wandered outside. Circus Circus didn't like where we were illegally parked so we came home.

 

I went to SEMA once in the mid ‘80’s, it was an experience. Now I look at pictures of some of the absolute junk built vehicles that they display and have zero interest in attending again. I know the manufacturers displays would be interesting but in my mind not worth going for. Even in the 80’s there were too many wheel manufacturers, and most of them were geared to jacked up trucks. Been to Pebble Beach twice and many other “big” events, I would not hesitate to go back to most of them, but never again to SEMA.

 

1996 & 2000 for me. Peed next to Smokey Yunick and both of us had a hotdog and a 10 minute chat at a table, my claim to fame there.

 

Did you two shake hands while you were peeing?

 

He always 'claimed' he got a double-portion in that area ! I guess...YOU-WOULD-KNOW about that first hand !!

6sally6

 

Well the Buick won the John D’Agostino Crystal Cup award in Vegas!
Pretty Awesome

 

Congratulations to Cody and his Awsome build. So happy the car was up front where it belonged. Not hidden within some tuner cars.

Well deserved.

 

SEMA is a must see if you are in the industry. Right now it’s all about marketing, too many Lookie Loo’s that get media passes. Always trying to get the best shot of a car or doing some kind of influencer ramble.
Most vendors do not like them as they take freebies and have no intention to buy or sell their goods.
Changed a lot in the last 5 years.

 

Cody ( on the left ) getting his award

 

I've never been and probably missed my chance back in the days when my buddy was the "speed guy" in a Napa store here in the valley and managed to go several times. That was back when my job was such that I couldn't get away easily.

You can pretty well sit in the chair at home and go on a walk though with a number of those Youtube folk who are probably the ones getting in the way in some of those booths. Most show what their particular interest lies in though.

 

Had free tickets offered several times. Never went and never will.
You have to like people to go there and that isn't my strong suit.