SEMA, so I am curious, how do guys get their cars invited?

[HotRod47]

I have always wondered how an invite happens to display at SEMA? I understand a Pro builder is more likely on the radar of manufacturers. But what about the other cars both inside and outside at SEMA? Are those owners/builders lobbying different companies to get their car in? Is it the same for the cars that are not in a specific booth?

Just always been curious.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Many of the cars outside just pay their way in, you can buy spots.

[nokones]

Or do well at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge event and get an invite.

[Craig@Bowler]

Pretty much all the vehicles there are either built by or invited by an exhibiting company. The vehicles outside the booths are "feature vehicles" which are invited by an exhibiting company as a way to extend their company's presence at the show. Even though we aren't an exhibiting company we get asked a lot from guys building cars to help them find placement for their vehicles, so if you really want to have your car there you need to approach a vendor that you've used and try and convince them that your car is worthy of placement. Ultimately the exhibitor and SEMA have to approve the vehicle.

[HotRod47]

Pretty much all the vehicles there are either built by or invited by an exhibiting company. The vehicles outside the booths are "feature vehicles" which are invited by an exhibiting company as a way to extend their company's presence at the show. Even though we aren't an exhibiting company we get asked a lot from guys building cars to help them find placement for their vehicles, so if you really want to have your car there you need to approach a vendor that you've used and try and convince them that your car is worthy of placement. Ultimately the exhibitor and SEMA have to approve the vehicle.


Thanks for that information. I'm not looking to get my car there. Was really just curious how it happened. Thanks!

[bret]

Many of the cars outside just pay their way in, you can buy spots.

You can buy a feature car spot for $2000 AFTER you join SEMA ($1500/year) AND buy a display spot at $25.00/sq ft. Possible? Yes. Feasible.. not really. The best way is to build REALLY nice car then shop it around to the various component manufacturers whose parts are on your car.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

You can buy a feature car spot for $2000 AFTER you join SEMA ($1500/year) AND buy a display spot at $25.00/sq ft. Possible? Yes. Feasible.. not really. The best way is to build REALLY nice car then shop it around to the various component manufacturers whose parts are on your car.

Last year when I attended I thought that there were some limited outdoor spots that could simply just be paid for the week. The car couldn't leave, but they weren't tied to an exhibitor at all.

[BonzoHansen]

and SEMA have to approve the vehicle.

I never knew that. I wonder how often they say no

[HotRod47]

You can buy a feature car spot for $2000 AFTER you join SEMA ($1500/year) AND buy a display spot at $25.00/sq ft. Possible? Yes. Feasible.. not really. The best way is to build REALLY nice car then shop it around to the various component manufacturers whose parts are on your car.


Even more interesting inforation. Always interesting to hear some of the background on some of these topics. Thanks Bret

[PT Sportwagon]

I knew a guy that had a small sponsorship with a company. The manufacturer allowed him to pay like $300 to display his truck outside at SEMA.

Tim