Attending SEMA for the first time is an unforgettable experience for any car enthusiast, and it was no different for me. As someone who’s followed the automotive world closely and always admired the insane builds, innovations, and creativity that emerge from this annual event, actually being there in person was surreal. Imagine stepping into an entire universe dedicated to all things automotive. With over 150,000 attendees this year alone, SEMA isn’t just a car show; it’s an epic celebration of automotive culture that fills the entire Las Vegas Convention Center and spills over into almost every inch of the surrounding parking lots. From jaw-dropping builds to live demonstrations, meeting automotive celebrities, and witnessing the various parking lot antics from drift cars to Nitro Circus, my first SEMA experience was nothing short of overwhelming—in the best way possible.

How to Attend SEMA: Navigating Access as an Attendee or Media

Attending SEMA is a dream for many car enthusiasts, but it’s important to know that it isn’t a public event. The SEMA Show is an exclusive trade show designed for automotive professionals, which means access is typically restricted to those who work in the industry or have ties to it. For general attendees, proof of employment in the automotive field is usually required during the registration process, such as a business license, pay stub, or company letter. Registration costs vary, with early-bird passes starting around $60 to $90, but prices can increase as the event approaches. If you’re determined to experience SEMA but don’t work directly in the automotive field, partnering with a company exhibiting at the show or gaining access through an industry-affiliated connection may be your best bet.

However, for media professionals, SEMA offers an incredible opportunity to get behind-the-scenes access to the event as part of their official press corps. To qualify for media credentials, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your role in automotive journalism or content creation (Which is pretty minimal). This might include links to published articles, examples of consistent work covering automotive topics, or a letter of assignment from a reputable outlet. Media credentials are free but require approval, so applying early and providing detailed information about your qualifications is essential. Media passes come with extra perks, such as access to press-exclusive areas, preview events, and the chance to engage directly with exhibitors and unveilings before the general attendees. This is the route I went with and was by far the best as you have no real affiliation but to yourself and are free to go about the event without any real restriction. I submitted two of my blogs and was let in within 24 hours so the approval process is not as intensive as I would have expected. Being free, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go in 2024 as I have wanted to go as long as I can remember. Starting The Late Brake as largely in part of getting a media basis to lean on when applying to the event. I strongly urge anyone interested in cars to just apply and see what happens; getting a no from SEMA is the same as not going in my eyes so its worth a try!

The Sheer Scale and Intensity of SEMA

The first thing that hits you when you arrive at SEMA is the sheer scale of it all. This isn’t just another automotive event; it’s an entire city of cars, vendors, and enthusiasts packed into the Las Vegas Convention Center. The first place you end up is the outdoor section, which stretches across the parking lots surrounding the convention center. This area is dedicated to live demonstrations, drifting exhibitions, and interactive experiences that take the excitement to a whole new level. With every turn, there’s something new to see or try, and it quickly becomes clear why SEMA is considered the ultimate automotive show.

The scale of SEMA is both intimidating and exhilarating, and as a first-timer, I was blown away by how massive and all-encompassing the event truly is. All five massive halls, let me repeat that, ALL FIVE MASSIVE HALLS, each dedicated to different segments of the automotive industry, awaited exploration within the Las Vegas Convention Center. There’s the South Hall with wheels, tires, and suspension setups; the Central Hall showcasing performance parts and vehicle technology; and the North Hall filled with restoration, repair, and detailing products. As if that weren’t enough, the West Hall houses even more innovations, focusing on trucks, SUVs, and off-road products. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting, but I can tell you it was about a quarter of what I was given.

After hitting all the public areas, I went to the media center to grab my badge. This was quite literally a badge of honor for me as I had only dreamed of attending before, and here I was with a media badge for free. Funny how your world can change so quickly. From here, it was a blur of walking over 30K steps, looking at all the booths and demos the exhibitors had set up. There is way too much to explain, but as an example of the kind of things you’ll see but wouldn’t have expected, there were around 6-7 different companies showcasing paint booths with full booths on display. This is not a product I think of as an enthusiast but at the end of the day, every paint shop has one and where do you get one? Well, from a paint booth company! This was the case for tools, lifts, polishes, wheels, automation systems, insurance, car audio, anything you can think of. Seeing the sheer depth of the industry was exceptionally eye opening for me.

From YouTube Stars to Industry Legends

SEMA is more than just a showcase for vehicles and parts; it’s also a gathering place for some of the biggest names in the automotive world. As a fan of various automotive YouTube channels and industry icons, it was thrilling to see so many familiar faces in one place. Seeing them at SEMA was different experience than I had ever had before. Most of them weren’t there as a promotion, which lots were, but most were there as industry experts looking at the newest of the new in automotive same as I was. Not quite the same as meeting in an autograph signing or something you’d find at a race or car show.

I had the chance to meet some of my favorite content creators and influencers, from YouTube personalities like the team from the ex-Hoonigan and Autoalex team to well-known builders like Chip Foose and JP Performance. Not only were these automotive celebrities present, but they were also incredibly approachable and willing to chat with fans. I even got the chance to ask some of them about their current projects and upcoming plans, making the experience even more memorable.Seeing these people in person, after years of following their work online, was a surreal experience. I even got the opportunity to meet one of my heros, Larry Chen. He gave me a good amount of time to chat and offered me a photo and some signed posters as well. It’s clear that SEMA is more than just a trade show; it’s a place where enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passion for cars.

Live Demos and Stunts: The Action-Packed Outdoor Area

The outdoor section of SEMA is where things were the craziest. Here, you’ll find live demos, stunts, and interactive experiences that give you a hands-on taste of the automotive world. One of the highlights for me was watching a Akira Nakai cut up a Porsche 996 with an air saw. The man behind RWB was there live in person building one of his now infamous widebody kits. It was fascinating to see the level of skill and precision that goes into something like this. I was impressed with the amount of buzz he generated as well with people waiting 20+ minutes just to get close enough to see the master at work.

But the real action was in the drift demos and stunt shows. The two drifting area were packed with spectators, all eagerly watching as cars slid sideways, tires screeching, smoke billowing, in a controlled chaos that’s exhilarating to witness. They were even offering a contest for ride-alongs, but unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to be selected. The Shell booth showcased some professional drifts doing tandem sessions while Optima Batteries was hosting a non-stop single car shred-fest on the other side of the event. All day and night there was someone on the skidpad destroying tires for fans in disbelief only a few feet from the barriers.

And then, there was Nitro Circus. The insane and seemingly immortal team did some solo stunts then transitioned into multi-rider tandem stunts with backflips and no-handed landings. Seemed more like a video game than real life. Seeing these daredevils perform gravity-defying stunts on dirt bikes was a reminder that SEMA is about pushing boundaries—not just in terms of car builds, but in terms of experiences and excitement. The stunts, the speed, the precision—it all added to the adrenaline-charged atmosphere that makes SEMA such a staple in the automotive world. The image above was my favorite on the day by far. It really showcased the insane level of what SEMA really is. The Mecca for automotive culture.

The Real Reason You Are Reading This: The Builds

One of the biggest draws of SEMA is the incredible array of custom builds on display. Everywhere you look, there’s a car, truck, or bike that has been taken to the extreme, each one more insane than the last. Walking through the halls, I was constantly stopped in my tracks by the sheer creativity and craftsmanship on display. From heavily modified supercars with aggressive body kits to classic cars with modernized interiors and cutting-edge technology, every build had its own unique character. It felt like being in a gallery where every exhibit was a masterpiece of automotive art.

One of my favorite builds was a twin-turbocharged widebody Nissan GT-R tribute that looked like it came straight out of 2 Fast @ Furious. The detail in the interior work, the stance, and the custom paint job made it a true showstopper. Another highlight was a Mad Mike’s rotory swapped Mclaren P1. Because why not right? Every vehicle seemed to have a story behind it, and each one was a testament to the passion and vision of its builder. The variety of builds was staggering—from lowriders to lifted trucks, from electric conversions to drag-ready muscle cars, SEMA had it all. Below are some images of my favorites among the thousands of builds at the event. I could dedicate about 50 posts to cover them all. I have covered a few of them on the blog and a few more coming so stay tuned.

Already Looking Forward to Next Year

Reflecting on my first SEMA experience, I can confidently say it’s unlike anything else in the automotive world. The event’s scale, the incredible variety of builds, the chance to meet industry icons, and the high-energy outdoor experiences make SEMA an absolute must-attend for anyone passionate about cars. It’s more than a trade show—it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the unrelenting passion that drives the automotive community forward.

SEMA has been a staple in the industry since 1967, and after experiencing it firsthand, I understand why. It’s an event where dreams become reality, where wild ideas come to life, and where the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world are pushed further every year. I’m already counting down the days until next year’s SEMA, eager to see what new builds, innovations, and experiences await. For anyone who loves cars, SEMA isn’t just an event—it’s a pilgrimage.