Inside the SEMA Show: Where Innovation Meets Car-Nerd Heaven (and Foot Pain You Weren’t Ready For)

By Chad Emerson, CD-SV
Owner/Detailer, CME Shine Auto Detailing
Chair, IDA Tradeshow & Education Committee

SEMA 2025 (Photo Credit: CME Shine Auto Detailing LLC on Facebook)

If you’ve never been to the SEMA Show, imagine dropping every automotive obsession you’ve ever had into one giant Vegas convention center, wiring it with caffeine, and unleashing 160,000 car-crazy people inside. That’s SEMA. It’s the industry’s Super Bowl, Oscars, and Black Friday sale rolled into one—minus the doorbusters, plus way better paint finishes. This year was absolutely wild in the best way.

SEMA Pro Tip #1: Plan Your Attack or Get Eaten Alive

SEMA is massive—like “you could lose a grown adult in the South Hall and never see them again” massive. If you show up without a plan, you’ll spend half the day wandering around wondering where your life went wrong.

Before the show, map out the booths you don’t want to miss. Circle the brands you follow, the tools you want to test, and the coatings you want to see in action. It’s the only way to make the most of your time and avoid that day-three panic when you realize you haven’t even made it to the West Hall yet.

The IDA: Relationships That Actually Matter

IDA Meet & Greet at SEMA (Photo Credit: Davy Tyburski)

One of the biggest highlights for me this year was the people. Being involved with the IDA—especially on the Tradeshow and Education Committee—has opened the door to meeting professionals from every corner of the industry.

At SEMA, those relationships come to life. Every aisle has someone you’ve collaborated with, learned from, or followed online. It’s like a reunion, but instead of awkward small talk, you’re comparing polishers and arguing about which coatings actually live up to their marketing.

Tools & Tech: The Candy Store for Detailers

SEMA 2025 (Photo Credit: CME Shine Auto Detailing LLC on Facebook)

The new tools and tech did not disappoint. From polishers with smoother torque and better balance to pads that finish like glass, this year felt like Disneyland for detailers.

And the inspection lights? Brutally honest. Bright enough to expose every last secret your clear coat has ever tried to hide. If you love equipment, SEMA is both heaven and a major threat to your savings account.

SEMA Pro Tip #2: Bring Two Pairs of Shoes

You will walk miles every single day. Rotating shoes is the only thing keeping your feet from staging a full rebellion by day two. This is not optional. This is survival.

SEMA Pro Tip #3: Yes…Put Your Shoes in the Fridge

This one sounds crazy until you try it.

Stick your shoes in the hotel fridge overnight (be courteous to other guests—cover them in a plastic bag first).

Then slide into those cool, chilled shoes the next morning…and your feet will think you’ve ascended to a higher plane of existence. It’s weird. It’s magic. It works. I can’t take credit for this idea, though; it was shared with me by someone else. Thanks—you know who you are!

Why SEMA Matters

Beyond the wild builds, celebrity appearances, color-shift wraps, and enough innovation to make your brain smoke, SEMA is about connection and inspiration. You walk away with new ideas, new relationships, and probably a slight limp—but you’re energized to take on the future.

Bottom Line

SEMA isn’t just a tradeshow. It’s a full-blown experience—chaotic, inspiring, overwhelming, and absolutely worth it.

Plan smart. Network big. Wear good shoes. Refrigerate them like a madman.

And soak in every minute—because the detailing industry is moving fast, and SEMA gives you a front-row seat to the future.

Looking for even more pro tips on attending tradeshows and industry events? Don't miss the IDA Third Thursday Webinar on December 18 at 12pm CST, "Beyond the Show Floor: The True Value of Attending Industry Events," which will be presented by Chad and IDA Board Member Barry Theal CD-SV, RIT. Register now!

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.