2020 SEMA Show is finally cancelled due to the COVID-19

KUALA LUMPUR: The COVD-19 pandemic has cancelled a number of auto shows across the globe, including events in Detroit, New York, and Geneva. And here, one more is added in the list - 2020 SEMA Show. Yesterday, the organizers of the show announced, “Due to Covid-19 and concerns that event facilities and services will be unavailable, the SEMA Show will not be taking place in 2020.”

Initially set to run from November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the show was about to have 1,800 exhibiting companies. Until now, it was still on, though, with a litany of safety protocols including several precautions and preventive measures to ensure safety standards and government compliance. Even last month, organizers stated, “thousands of exhibitors and attendees are registered and planning to attend the 2020 SEMA Show.”

Indeed, the organization had been planning hard to hold an in-person event, but “mounting uncertainty” has made it “inadvisable.” And thus the decision to drop the show has been taken. Full refunds will now be issued to exhibitor booth deposits and attendee registration fees.

Chris Kersting, SEMA president, and CEO said, “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. We appreciate the spirit, hard work, and innovation our industry puts into the show each year. While we are disappointed that circumstances prevent us from hosting the show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event.”

Although the in-person show is not happening now, the event organizers indicated that a virtual alternative might be taken into consideration; an online trade show and “related live elements” may be floated as possible substitutes.

With SEMA scratched, the next big thing in the arena is the Los Angeles Auto Show, which is scheduled for later half of November this year. But the cancellation of SEMA pop-ups the doubts on its occurrence.

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