SEMA touts expanded Las Vegas Convention Center ahead of 2021 expo

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Visitors to the 2021 SEMA Show will experience a revamped and enlarged trade show, thanks to the completion of a fourth exhibit hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

This year's show, scheduled for Nov. 2-5, will include exhibit space in the LVCC's newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4 million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January during the COVID-19 shutdown, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), organizer of the annual SEMA Show.

The new facility — which occupies space that previously was a parking lot immediately west of the LVCC's North Hall — will house exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections, SEMA said.

Moving these sections to the new hall will allow SEMA to optimize the floor plan throughout the LVCC's other halls as well as offer room for new features and enhancements. The new hall is connected to the North Hall via a sky bridge over Paradise Road.

The realignment is one element of a comprehensive plan to enhance the entire attendee experience, SEMA said, connecting exhibitors with buyers throughout the four-day event with engaging and interactive features and activities.

Moving the Truck, SUV & Off-Road section to the new hall will free up space in the South Hall, home of the Global Tire Expo and location of most of the show's tire, wheel and related undercar products and services exhibitors.

"The industry is eager to reconnect," SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said, referencing the cancellation of last year's show due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The return to an in-person SEMA Show gives resellers a chance to engage with an amazing gathering of suppliers, new products, stunning vehicle builds and networking opportunities."

Details on additional resources, including a new online component that focuses on manufacturers, new products, feature vehicles, and educational resources, will be announced as they are finalized in the coming weeks.

SEMA said it is working closely with LVCC authorities and the state of Nevada to ensure the 2021 event will meet any health-related guidelines.

SEMA said nearly 1,000 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the 2021 SEMA Show. Buyers will begin to secure credentials as registration opens in May.

"Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention Center are on a great path to hosting live events, and we are steadfast in connecting it all to deliver the best SEMA Show ever," Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, said.