Inside SEMA 2025: what you need to know before the big show

We’re just a few days out from the automotive aftermarket's biggest gathering, SEMA. 

Revv’s own Joel Adcock connected with SEMA's Andy Tompkins for an exclusive preview of what's coming to Vegas this November. 

Whether you're making the trip or watching from the shop, here's what to know about this year’s show.

Why SEMA remains so important

SEMA is one of the largest trade shows in the United States, and the 2025 edition proves the aftermarket industry continues to grow stronger. 

This year alone will bring over 2,300 exhibitors to Las Vegas, including 500 first-time participants ready to showcase their innovations. 

With 160,000 attendees expected from 140 countries and regions, the show spans every square foot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. We’re talking millions of net square feet and 21 miles of aisles.

The aftermarket industry contributes billions to the U.S. economy and supports over 1.3 million jobs and SEMA somehow brings this entire ecosystem together under one roof.

ADAS trends shaping 2026

As calibrations become standard rather than exception, there are several trends we’ll likely hear about at SEMA that’ll demand attention as we look toward the future:

Growing complexity drives industry change

Data from CCC and Caliber shows 65% of repairs now require calibration, a number that continues climbing each quarter. 

Diagnostics have already become standard operating procedure, with calibrations appearing in over 30% of DRP appraisals and supplements. Joel noted that the skills gap remains critical: "There's more calibrations than what we've got available technicians to do those calibrations." Static calibrations aren't going away meanwhile. OEMs continue to require them, driving demand for both brick-and-mortar calibration bays and mobile units to meet volume.

Documentation becomes compliance requirement

The days of submitting an invoice and calling it done are over. 

Insurance carriers increasingly demand proof of proper setup, execution, and completion for every calibration. 

Accurate documentation shifts from best practice to compliance requirement, with shops needing to validate not just what was done, but why it needed doing and how it was executed. This closed-loop reporting becomes table stakes for maintaining DRP relationships and getting paid without friction.

Workflow mastery creates competitive advantage

Shops that nail their calibration workflows position themselves to win more business and increase profitability. 

As Joel emphasized: "There's a massive opportunity to get a little bit better on this car by car, shop by shop, technician by technician." 

The winners focus on proper workflow, thorough documentation, and getting ahead of ADAS requirements vehicle by vehicle. Those who master these processes reduce cycle time while increasing accuracy and reimbursement rates.

Attending the show? Must-see features across five halls

If you’re headed to Vegas for this year's show, here are a few features you should check out.

Where to find the innovations

The New Product Showcase moves to South Hall Lower this year and opens before show hours (~7am depending on the day). Organized across 15 product categories, this collection of innovations lets you scan products to build your personal catalog of discoveries.

ADAS takes center stage

The new ADAS Showcase on South Hall Upper's east end brings together equipment demonstrations, OE conversations, and education about repair and modification in the ADAS sector. This dedicated space recognizes calibrations as a growing revenue opportunity, with 65% of repairs now requiring calibration work.

Other experience zones worth your time

• Future Tech Studio (Central Hall): Explore powertrains, new fuel technologies, and yes, flying cars
• Sim Racing Feature (North Hall): Test various simulators with VRX
• Battle of the Builders (North Hall): Watch premier building competitions unfold
• Horsepower Rodeo: Skid pad drifting in the parking lots
• Sparkline City: Driver demonstrations and activations
• Hoonigan Burn Yard: Returns with signature automotive mayhem

What to do at SEMA: an action plan

Joel and Andy also shared hard-won wisdom for navigating the show.

Map your must-sees in advance

With literal miles of aisles and five halls to cover, strategic planning beats wandering. 

Andy advised: "I would have a plan of the areas you want to see. Think about the different product communities you wanna visit, some of the show features you wanna take a part in, and book out your appointment schedule." 

Joel reinforced this reality check: "It's impossible to see the entire show, I think, even if you're there from start to finish. I know people that have tried, and they've gotten their step counters well over thirty thousand steps per day."

Build buffer time into everything

Vegas hosts both SEMA and AAPEX during the same week, creating what Andy called "the SEMA crunch." 

His advice: "Plan in advance...it is a busy week. Not only is the SEMA show in town, but AAPEX is as well. A hundred and sixty thousand people plus Vegas will have some normal churn as well." 

Joel added a practical perspective: "It's easy to get distracted. It's easy to underestimate how long it takes to get from one spot to the next, especially as the show winds down each day."

Use the tools available

Download the SEMA Show app for turn-by-turn campus navigation, floor plans, and real-time schedules. 

Hit the New Product Showcase when it opens early (7:00-7:30 AM) before the crowds arrive. Andy suggests leaving room for discovery: "Leave a little time for discovery because there's definitely some cool things happening around the show."

Education that pays for itself

Over 100 free sessions across 10 tracks focus on what matters to your business. 

Small business operators and managers find practical content on social media marketing, team training, talent development, and succession planning. 

The consolidated education hub on North Hall's second level makes it easy to drop into sessions between appointments. 

The best part is there’s no advance registration required. You just show up and learn.

Can't make it to Vegas? Join virtually

SEMA Live broadcasts 31 hours of show coverage through Facebook and YouTube. 

Chris Jacobs hosts from Central Hall while roving crews capture product launches, celebrity appearances, and key events. Last year had millions of eyes on these promotions, proving you don't need a plane ticket to experience SEMA.

Find Revv in South Hall Upper

Revv has a few exciting events going on throughout the show at two separate locations.

Stop by booth #30203 for platform demonstrations and custom graffiti art on your gear. 

[Editors note: if you’re attending and reading this before the show, save your spot now)

Meanwhile, at our industry connection booth at 35214 serves free coffee every morning (9 AM-noon) and hosts impromptu ADAS discussions with industry leaders. We’ll also be hosting 30 minute educational sessions in our ADAS Learning Corner.

Plus: see Revv CEO Adi Bathla join AirPro President Josh McFarlane for an SCRS/RDE presentation Wednesday morning (9:30-11:00 AM) where they’ll discuss how best to tackle claims volume, insurance pushback, and ADAS technology challenges head-on.

Experience SEMA 2025 with Revv

Whether you're joining us in Vegas or streaming from your shop, SEMA 2025 brings the entire aftermarket industry together. 

Register for SEMA events at semashow.com or watch our complete webinar recording for deeper insights into navigating the show, maximizing your time, and connecting with the innovations shaping our industry's future.

We hope to see you at SEMA!