Anyone ever been to a SEMA show ?

Don,The SEMA was originally "Speed Equip Manuf Assn" and changed to "Specialty Equip Mfg Assn" after it was taken over by Petersen..Original concept was the brain child of Noel Carpenter who was the publisher of "Speed Equip News" publication.. I was seated at the banquet with Roy Richter,Harry Weber,Gary Gabelich,All friends..in later years was a good friend of Doug Thorley,,of which I'm sure you know also.
Your detail above brings back good memories of the early years of this industry..As I knew most of all the names you mention,,sorry if my thoughts are of "good old days" and not of what this event has become.
In my opinion it is now a "free for all" with a circus atmosphere.

 

Cool got my registration confirmation today.

Cant wait to "get in people's way" and "waste vendor's time" ;p

 

Been every year for The last 7 years. This year will be no different. There is something for every one

 

Circus atmosphere is right, it's really kind of a hassle to be honest.

 

Absolute best car event Ive ever been to! Helped exhibit a car and it was absolutely amazing. Make sure and stay for the very end "cruise" or whatever they call it, it was really neat seeing and hearing many of the high dollar cars on the road. Cant wait to go back!

 

Heading out to SEMA this year on the 2012 Posies Driven Dirty Tour from Cincinnati. As always, its guaranteed to be a good time!

 

No loopholes, they been doin' this for close to 50 years and know all the tricks. Passes are expensive, so you won't likely find any extras either.

 

SEMA is the best show ever and Vegas has a million great places to eat.

Went last year for the first time, amazing. Had two days to see everything last year and wish I had more time to go back and visit more booths.

If you like cars you'll like SEMA. Can't wait, two more weeks.

 

According to many sources, including SEMA themselves, the original idea for SEMA came from an industry outsider, Henry Blancfort. Henry was one of the owners of Revell Models and was looking for permission to reproduce logo's for decals for models. He met with Roy Richter of Bell Auto Parts and Dean Moon and he and his associates were shocked to learn that there wasn't any kind of trade organization representing the performance industry. This was in early 1963 and Revell was a member of the MAA (Model Association of America) whose main fight at that time was against legislation looking to outlaw model glue due to abuse of glue sniffing! Henry offered up the By laws of the MAA and John Bartlett, President of Grant Piston Rings (and an attorney) drew up the first SEMA Bylaws using the MAA as a guideline. The first meeting of SEMA was held at Revell headquarters as the Revell guys wanted a leg up on rival AMT as far as licensing the decals went! They incorporated in May of '63 and Isky was voted first President.

In 1970 the name was changed to mean Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association due to the fear of bad connotation regarding "Speed" and the connection to street racing. And then Manufacturing was changed to Marketing to further serve the needs of the members, who weren't just manufacturers any more.

 

Don,,I guess it depends on who is telling the story on the beginings of SEMA,,I have heard this same thing,but was also a personal frind of Noel
so I tend to believe his version..Noel was a "renegrade" with the "upper crust" of the speed mfgs..They did not want to credit him with anything
or let him benefit from his ideas..so did everything possible to delete him from any future with the event...Verified to me also by Ed Cholakian.

 

ITs a good time, your but will be kicked after walking show and carrieing new catalogs all day . Like a swap meet, food will be 3 times as much so put a few $$ in your pocket . Dont bother spending money on fancy hotel, you wont spend any time in it . I like friemont street, lil more mature crowd, bands and bars on sidewalk and the overhead light show .I saw someone posted a car /music show on monday at hogs N heffers if you get in that early , I plan to go to voodoo tattoo again too , already to much to do in a week lol

 

Here are my pics from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/browndogwelding/collections/72157628049617514/

 

Looks like the hurricane is not gone let me go to Sema this year. So bummed. Flight out is monday afternoon during the height of the storm. Only had a two day window to go. Send pictures for those lucky enough to go please.

 

Well I am here

 

yup, i've got to go there tomorrow, fly in there in the morning, have a couple meetings, lunch and fly home that same afternoon... bummer

 

Sounds like a good time will be had by all.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

I've always wanted to go, my brother has been a few times and I hint to all my friends that go, but ... no go, not yet

 

See you at SEMA

 

I had a blast this year.started out boring when i got there on thursday , but ounce ifound the cool stuff it was cool.if anyone saw a guy walking around with a road devils shirt on, that was my happy butt. Jimmy

 

more 2012-69 camaros w candy paint and chrome 26s than I could deal with ,

 

no pics?

 

Well did you have a good time? I was pretty saturated after 3 days

 

Man I am still wore out ! but it was fun !