DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — The Specialty Equipment Market Association has decided to cancel the 2020 SEMA Show due to the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic presents in trying to stage a major convention and trade show.
"We sincerely appreciate your commitment and support of this annual event. Without reasonable assurance that the experience could be reliably delivered, the announcement is being made to help exhibitors, attendees and partners plan appropriately," Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, and Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales, said in a letter to exhibitors.
The 2020 SEMA Show was scheduled for Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"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," SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said.
"We appreciate the spirit, hard work and innovation our industry puts into the SEMA Show each year. While we are disappointed circumstances prevent us from hosting the Show in November, we look forward to getting everyone together in 2021 for another outstanding event."
SEMA had notified potential show-goers and exhibitors on July 16 that it would be requiring those attending the 2020 event to wear face masks or face shields to gain entry to the exhibit halls.
That announcement, plus word of additional safety measures such as one-way traffic flow, came after the state of Nevada proscribed mandatory face coverings for all public spaces in the stat.
SEMA remains committed to helping manufacturers, buyers and the industry succeed, and continues to seek programs that will benefit the marketplace, Messrs. Gatuso and Kosikov said.
Full refunds for SEMA Show exhibitor booths will be processed in the coming weeks.