Fake SEMA passes...

[badazz81z28]

Can you believe the CL SEMA passes were fakes. They looked pretty legit and the seller claims to work for SEMA. The only problem is they didn't have the black light feature that all the security checkpoints were looking for. The badge holder was a make shift thing too but not obvious....lots of unhappy folks reposting in CL. Would have never guessed it.

[AU Doc]

NO!!!! A scam on CL! Surely not.

:jawdrop: :hand:

Sucks that people are willing to take advantage of others for a few dollars.

[badazz81z28]

They would have worked if it wasn't for the black light feature. They looked pretty legit!

[TheJDMan]

Let me guess, you bought CL SEMA passes. :hand:

[badazz81z28]

Let me guess, you bought CL SEMA passes. :hand:


Sure did. Second time worked like a charm

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I noticed all the blacklights they were using this year, wasn't sure if they'd used them before.

[MuscleRodz]

Can you believe the CL SEMA passes were fakes. They looked pretty legit and the seller claims to work for SEMA. The only problem is they didn't have the black light feature that all the security checkpoints were looking for. The badge holder was a make shift thing too but not obvious....lots of unhappy folks reposting in CL. Would have never guessed it.

Really? Its a manufacturers trade show. Its not a car show for the public.

[chevelletiger]

Sure did. Second time worked like a charm

I got you a pass in 2014,i could have got you in as a guest, you just needed to ask,buying from those guys makes it worse at sema.
The wife and could barely walk around because there was so many people that were there some that didn't even have any badges and there was a bunch of people drunk carrying around beers which made it even more worse

[dontlifttoshift]

I got you a pass in 2014,i could have got you in .....


The wife and could barely walk around because there was so many people......

In the nicest possible way, you are part of the problem.

[raustinss]

Donny ....???????

[USAZR1]

Really? Its a manufacturers trade show. Its not a car show for the public.

I certainly agree with you in principle, Mike, but why does SEMA want/allow all those custom vehicles outside the building? Surely they don't think the exhibitors and buyers came to see those, even if they had the time to do so. SEMA could crack down on the spectators but the event wouldn't attract the attention or crowds it does,now.

[chevelletiger]

I know donny,that why my wife said not to give more badges out after reading this.

[dontlifttoshift]

.... :)

[dhutton]

Really? Its a manufacturers, cool and wealthy guys, trade show. Its not a car show for the regular Joe Q public.

Fixed it for you....

Don

[USAZR1]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[USAZR1]

http://www.gm-efi.com/editorials/charging-forward-know-sema-show/

[chevelletiger]

http://www.gm-efi.com/editorials/charging-forward-know-sema-show/
"If you have a beer in your hand at 12:31pm on Tuesday, you’re probably not supposed to be there."
I saw alot of this on fri,a bunch of drunk ass$%!s
Almost falling on cars and leaning on cars to take selfies.

[BonzoHansen]

We were surprised how much drinking we saw.

[chevelletiger]

We were surprised how much drinking we saw.

Yeah,pretty bad too.
I saw alot of people with NO BADGES walking thru really sucked this yr,my wife and start planning for sema the start of the new yr and it sucks its lime this now.

[BonzoHansen]

Yeah,pretty bad too.
I saw alot of people with NO BADGES walking thru really sucked this yr,my wife and start planning for sema the start of the new yr and it sucks its lime this now.

We saw that outside but no badges required out there. Although badge checking was questionable at those big tents on the side

[BMR Sales]

Really? Its a manufacturers trade show. Its not a car show for the public.

I agree, but the way it is Promoted leads to people thinking it is a Car Show! SEMA SEMA SEMA all over Velocity, Magazines, Forums. And it's in Vegas!

The Publicity & the Show Atmosphere is what separates SEMA & PRI

[AU Doc]

It's hard to find another show of any kind where there are that many high quality cars in one place. That's certainly part of the allure for the average joe to try to get in.

[badazz81z28]

Yeah, technically it's a trade show, but let's get real...it's a car show and I would bet single digit percentage of folks seem to use it as a business ordeal. It seems most are spectators. What ever it was when it first began, it's not that way now. On the inside there are many custom cars on display to include all the big car dealer names. There was a Challenger simulator, video game racing challenge, tv show meet/greet/autograph sessions. On the outside more custom cars, ride along in Ford cars, a SBC engine build challenge, promotional stuff given away like crazy....honestly it was just like going to Barrett Jackson and Summit Racing big boy toy store during Hot August Nights.

Badges that I saw ??
"Industry Guest" "Government" "Spouse" "collision" "paint"......hardly anyone was there to do actual business. I was wearing a polo and I saw people in t-shirts and shorts.

[badazz81z28]

Business centric Trade show??? You decided

[raustinss]

#sideboob

[chevelletiger]

When my wife and i go,i really do network with the vendors on whats new for the builds or jobs i have going into the cars im working on,new spray tools,new ideas that the top builders are setting the bar at and learning from picking there brain,and WHAT I CAN APPLY to what im working on.
Theres some on this forum that really dont need to go to sema,spend the money on rooms,time off work(money lost??),walking miles a day when you can just go on the web and see the cars and trucks and save your money for parts for your hobby.
For some of us its alot about making the money plain and simple...its what we do.
Its a way of life.
For the folks that want to see the sema builds,well thats what ignite was made for,spend $20 bucks enjoy the eye candy and not spend,like my wife and i did more than $1,000 on the rooms for the week,eating out EVERY MEAL while in vegas,and the travel it starts not to be as fun as most see it.
For all the people who set up and work at the booths in sema its work,and they cant wait till semas over and they get to go home.

[Later-A-body]

When my wife and i go,i really do network with the vendors on whats new for the builds or jobs i have going into the cars im working on,new spray tools,new ideas that the top builders are setting the bar at and learning from picking there brain,and WHAT I CAN APPLY to what im working on.
Theres some on this forum that really dont need to go to sema,spend the money on rooms,time off work(money lost??),walking miles a day when you can just go on the web and see the cars and trucks and save your money for parts for your hobby.
For some of us its alot about making the money plain and simple...its what we do.
Its a way of life.
For the folks that want to see the sema builds,well thats what ignite was made for,spend $20 bucks enjoy the eye candy and not spend,like my wife and i did more than $1,000 on the rooms for the week,eating out EVERY MEAL while in vegas,and the travel it starts not to be as fun as most see it.
For all the people who set up and work at the booths in sema its work,and they cant wait till semas over and they get to go home.

You explained it perfectly. I attended SEMA six years in a row when I worked for Toyota Racing Development. Our goal was to display our newest products to the industry, network with our vendors, and build new relationships with potential business partners. Yes, It is the best car show on the planet, but after a week, even I wanted to go home. The public should not attend the show...period. As stated, buy a ticket to SEMA Ignited. And for many people who are able to score a pass from a vendor, 99.9% of them are responsible enough to not be walking around with a beer at 10 am acting poorly. I used to see that all the time at the CART/IRL races I worked back in the day. It doesn't take much to ruin an event like SEMA with irresponsible behavior. SEMA is the best tool the automotive industry has in the shed to continue building interest and enthusiasm in the automotive aftermarket. The TV shows, and internet coverage of SEMA is geared toward that goal.

[79-TA]

I've been to SEMA twice, both times with work. I didn't have to work the booth and had a day's freedom to find vendors, products, and competitors relevant to our market.

The nearby AAPEX show has a much more tolerable atmosphere. The general public overlook it and there aren't many car displays to draw in outsiders. As a result, it's easier to have useful conversations with the representatives at booths. Most large companies will have a booth at both SEMA and AAPEX. I bump into more friends and contacts at SEMA, but AAPEX is a nicer setting to hold a meeting.

[Rod]

I would bet single digit percentage of folks seem to use it as a business ordeal. It seems most are spectators. .

I'm part of that single digit then, I attended again this year and cemented my commitments from past sponsors for another year, picked up a few more sponsors and even added some dealer packages for my little company and debut my latest build in the Spectre/K&N booth, won the best hot rod Grand Turismo award was in battle of the builders, and I also took one of the days just for me to walk around and see the new products and looked at all the cool cars,....

146403

[badazz81z28]

[QUOTE=Rod;1248070]I'm part of that single digit then, I attended again this year and cemented my commitments from past sponsors for another year, picked up a few more sponsors and even added some dealer packages for my little company and debut my latest build in the Spectre/K&N booth, won the best hot rod Grand Turismo award was in battle of the builders, and I also took one of the days just for me to walk around and see the new products and looked at all the cool cars,....

/QUOTE]


Sounds like it it was a good trip for you. You did admit you walked around and enjoyed the scenary. Do you feel because you own a car business nobody else has the right to enjoy the same fun? How much of what you did could have been done at a public venue or at race track?

The point im making is regardless of what business you did knock out, it was a car show and that's how most people enjoy it. Heck you said it yourself, you brought a car for people to google over. Can you build cars for people? Was your business displayed next to the car?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Sounds like it it was a good trip for you. You did admit you walked around and enjoyed the scenary. Do you feel because you own a car business nobody else has the right to enjoy the same fun? How much of what you did could have been done at a public venue or at race track?

The point im making is regardless of what business you did knock out, it was a car show and that's how most people enjoy it. Heck you said it yourself, you brought a car for people to google over. Can you build cars for people? Was your business displayed next to the car?

It worked for Rodney exactly as it should. He was there primarily for his business... working existing contacts, gaining new ones, and pleasing his sponsors and promoting his company through displaying her/his car. There are a lot of nice cars and other things to look at too because you need to draw attention to yourself and make people want to come to your booth and do business with you. That's the end goal, business. Even all the celebrities making appearances, they're there to please their sponsors. It's all money. It's always been a business meeting with eye candy. But TV and media these days, like they often do, screwed that up and made it into the 3-ring circus that it is (Barrett-Jackson is another example of something that now sucks for the same reason). It's given people a false impression of what SEMA is.

A quick Google search of "SEMA Rambler" gives you a flood of results on that car, so the show also did it's job of getting the word out of the sponsors and Rod's company.
http://www.lsxmag.com/features/car-features/radical-rambler-a-one-of-a-kind-ls-powered-63-rambler-wagon/
I see Suspension Geek, DSE, Viking Shocks, Global West, TCI, and many more mentioned. Rodney's company is promoted, all his sponsors are promoted, all businesses are happy.

The people that go there do enjoy it, because it is the best car show in the world, I'd argue. But what do you propose? Make it public? That is flat out IMPOSSIBLE. It's unbearable as it is with people sneaking in. Make it open, then suddenly you flood the show with morons that have no business there (Saw some idiot in the unbadged outside area open up, and sit in a show car Lincoln to check it out). Flood the show, then it's harder to actually do business. Then suddenly it's not worth the $20k-500k that it takes to go there, vendors leave. People mess with cars, then the cars don't show anymore, then SEMA becomes crap. You see that video of that A-hole fooling people into jumping onto tonneau covers and causing general mayhem? That's where this show is headed if it strays from the business-centric purpose it has.

[badazz81z28]

It worked for Rodney exactly as it should. He was there primarily for his business... working existing contacts, gaining new ones, and pleasing his sponsors and promoting his company through displaying her/his car. There are a lot of nice cars and other things to look at too because you need to draw attention to yourself and make people want to come to your booth and do business with you. That's the end goal, business. Even all the celebrities making appearances, they're there to please their sponsors. It's all money. It's always been a business meeting with eye candy. But TV and media these days, like they often do, screwed that up and made it into the 3-ring circus that it is (Barrett-Jackson is another example of something that now sucks for the same reason). It's given people a false impression of what SEMA is.

A quick Google search of "SEMA Rambler" gives you a flood of results on that car, so the show also did it's job of getting the word out of the sponsors and Rod's company.
http://www.lsxmag.com/features/car-features/radical-rambler-a-one-of-a-kind-ls-powered-63-rambler-wagon/
I see Suspension Geek, DSE, Viking Shocks, Global West, TCI, and many more mentioned. Rodney's company is promoted, all his sponsors are promoted, all businesses are happy.

The people that go there do enjoy it, because it is the best car show in the world, I'd argue. But what do you propose? Make it public? That is flat out IMPOSSIBLE. It's unbearable as it is with people sneaking in. Make it open, then suddenly you flood the show with morons that have no business there (Saw some idiot in the unbadged outside area open up, and sit in a show car Lincoln to check it out). Flood the show, then it's harder to actually do business. Then suddenly it's not worth the $20k-500k that it takes to go there, vendors leave. People mess with cars, then the cars don't show anymore, then SEMA becomes crap. You see that video of that A-hole fooling people into jumping onto tonneau covers and causing general mayhem? That's where this show is headed if it strays from the business-centric purpose it has.



Youre right, if it was open to the public it would be completely unbearable. It was so packed you would think it was open to the public. On that topic, I think it's too easy for mom and pop businesses to legitimately get in amplifying the foot traffic. SEMA has caused some of their own pain though. Look how big the outside area was with no badge needed and how easy it was to get into the building. Additionally, they were checking badges at the main room entrances but there were so many people they couldn't check them all. BL it's not locked down like a private/invite only venue should be.

Like you said there was value to some legitimate businesses, I just feel the dynamics of the show opened themselves up to what it is now....it's gonna be all show over time. Personally, that's where the real money is...the customers. Me buying your product is the end goal...

[chevelletiger]

"On that topic, I think it's too easy for mom and pop businesses to legitimately get in amplifying the foot traffic"

Mom and pops me included,IS how alot of these companys,builders/craftsmen,started
When your building cars its fun.but dont forget its still work.
When you start building more than one car a year by yourself,and have YOUR PROJECTS/honey do's ect. You will see how sema is more work then play,dont get me wrong we love going but its earned thru hard work,coming this year i have a 72 land crusier to do body and paint,a 67 fastback stang and a full floor pan replace on a 66 el camino,and thats just whats set up for 2018 this month,and the years not over!
Buy a project car to flip next yr and work on your camaro,you will love it or hate it.
Like i said get hooked up with some jobbers to prove your doing cars for a business,get onto sema or AAPEX and its as simple as that theres no free hand out to sema for alot of us,Your LUCKY if you get a badge to g. Just look at it that way.

[badazz81z28]

"On that topic, I think it's too easy for mom and pop businesses to legitimately get in amplifying the foot traffic"

Mom and pops me included,IS how alot of these companys,builders/craftsmen,started
When your building cars its fun.but dont forget its still work.
When you start building more than one car a year by yourself,and have YOUR PROJECTS/honey do's ect. You will see how sema is more work then play,dont get me wrong we love going but its earned thru hard work,coming this year i have a 72 land crusier to do body and paint,a 67 fastback stang and a full floor pan replace on a 66 el camino,and thats just whats set up for 2018 this month,and the years not over!
Buy a project car to flip next yr and work on your camaro,you will love it or hate it.
Like i said get hooked up with some jobbers to prove your doing cars for a business,get onto sema or AAPEX and its as simple as that theres no free hand out to sema for alot of us,Your LUCKY if you get a badge to g. Just look at it that way.

Theres nothing wrong with being a small business, it's just that there are so many the attendee population was huge. How many of these people go just because they can and have no interest in signing contracts or looking for sponsors. Heck, it's Las Vegas (2 birds with 1 stone). Like I said they even let in "guest" and "media". Does a trade show need magazine coverage? I guess it helps the big names. I just found out a bunch of my folks from work got in as "industry guest" and of course we are not affiliated with the automotive business.

[Gmc427]

hi rod,replyed to your inbox,but its full ,could you use rodend type joint to drop .500?regards

[TheJDMan]

Theres nothing wrong with being a small business, it's just that there are so many the attendee population was huge. How many of these people go just because they can and have no interest in signing contracts or looking for sponsors. Heck, it's Las Vegas (2 birds with 1 stone). Like I said they even let in "guest" and "media". Does a trade show need magazine coverage? I guess it helps the big names. I just found out a bunch of my folks from work got in as "industry guest" and of course we are not affiliated with the automotive business.

Sounds to me like the answer to reducing the crowd at the SEMA show is pretty simple, SEMA needs to crack down on all passes and stop allowing ANY non-SEMA members in. Problem solved!

[Build-It-Break-It]

Sounds to me like the answer to reducing the crowd at the SEMA show is pretty simple, SEMA needs to crack down on all passes and stop allowing ANY non-SEMA members in. Problem solved!

On top of that have a dress code in place,don't sell beer (I seriously don't get why they sell beer but I don't drink so what do I know), no sema ignited and stop having celebrity autograph sessions. I get that everyone is a fan of someone but sema isn't the place to be a fan. Sema should be back to a place to conduct business,period. Now it's just a circus advertised on TV.

I enjoy watching it when its on velocity but would never want to go and waste people's time with my dumb questions about their product. Especially a small business trying to put their foot into the market. Your just killing time they could be selling to a real vendor..

Allowing YouTube " celebrities" or reality show "celebrities" baffles me to. If your not a real shop or business building cars for people or selling/ buying parts to sell at your business you don't belong.

[badazz81z28]

Sounds to me like the answer to reducing the crowd at the SEMA show is pretty simple, SEMA needs to crack down on all passes and stop allowing ANY non-SEMA members in. Problem solved!

The crowds are not huge because of the people sneaking in....SEMA lets these people in. $$$$$ bottom line...

[Rod]

hi rod,replyed to your inbox,but its full ,could you use rodend type joint to drop .500?regards

you have to cycle the suspension and measure the movement, because of motion ratio its not a direct 1 to 1 offset so just adding a .500 of spacer is not a guarantee of correct placement..

sorry for the hijack guys

[Rod]

Do you feel because you own a car business nobody else has the right to enjoy the same fun?

so your mad that I work in the car business?



How much of what you did could have been done at a public venue or at race track?

zero, at an average event, almost never if ever will you have the CEO of K&N, president of Viking, owner of CPP, founder of Hotchkis, head cheese of Ridetech all around you and willing to listen to proposals



The point im making is regardless of what business you did knock out, it was a car show and that's how most people enjoy it. Heck you said it yourself, you brought a car for people to google over. Can you build cars for people? Was your business displayed next to the car?


the car was there ....for attention of the media, that same media that covers all of the hundreds of new products for print and web, and some of those amazing new products were on that car, the new cerekote products, Viking electronic shocks, new line of PPG paint, new 5th gen Camaro Baer rear calipers, some of these were prototyped right on this car

[killer69]

Really? Its a manufacturers trade show. Its not a car show for the public.

Since when? lol

[badazz81z28]

Who said anything about because being mad? I do think you're misrepresenting what actually happens at Sema for most of the attendees. Small garages are not making deals with big companies and yes, I have seen folks like Brett at autocrosses.

I don't see how anyone could disagree Sema is mostly show. I learn about new products on these forums and word of mouth at events. Not reading about your $100k car in a magazine.

[Rod]

The people that go there do enjoy it, because it is the best car show in the world, I'd argue. But what do you propose? Make it public? That is flat out IMPOSSIBLE. It's unbearable as it is with people sneaking in. Make it open, then suddenly you flood the show with morons that have no business there (Saw some idiot in the unbadged outside area open up, and sit in a show car Lincoln to check it out). Flood the show, then it's harder to actually do business. Then suddenly it's not worth the $20k-500k that it takes to go there, vendors leave. People mess with cars, then the cars don't show anymore, then SEMA becomes crap. You see that video of that A-hole fooling people into jumping onto tonneau covers and causing general mayhem? That's where this show is headed if it strays from the business-centric purpose it has.

there are a lot of joe public in there already, I saw several shops that I have been to and know personally that are like my own and only have a few employees but suddenly there is 10 guys walking around with that company badge, and already we have folks opening and closing doors and hoods at whim, it happened on my car several times

[BonzoHansen]

there are a lot of joe public in there already, I saw several shops that I have been to and know personally that are like my own and only have a few employees but suddenly there is 10 guys walking around with that company badge, and already we have folks opening and closing doors and hoods at whim, it happened on my car several timesthats messed up. I find that shocking. But sadly not.

[TheJDMan]

I don't see how anyone could disagree Sema is mostly show. I learn about new products on these forums and word of mouth at events. Not reading about your $100k car in a magazine.

SEMA IS a car show, for the aftermarket parts industry. Hence the term "Trade Show". The people that tell you about these new products, first learn about them at SEMA because they are in the industry and they are attending a "Trade Show". SEMA is not now and has never been a car show for the general public! SEMA is a "TRADE SHOW" for business people in the industry. As I said earlier, SEMA needs to tighten up who it allows in. 10 passes for a 5 employee company is part of the problem, but IMO, a bigger problem is the general public thinking they have a right to get in and that is it OK to buy fake passes off CL. Further more any SEMA member caught selling SEMA passes on CL, ebay or anywhere else should forfeit their SEMA membership. And NONE of these people has any right to touch any car in any display without express permission!!!! As for the drinking by show attendees, no doubt the company in charge of the concessions at the show venue has a contract/license with the city which allows them to sell alcohol and that translates to $$$$ plain and simple. I would be surprised if SEMA had any say in the concession sales.

[Chevy Kid]

SEMA IS a car show, for the aftermarket parts industry. Hence the term "Trade Show". The people that tell you about these new products, first learn about them at SEMA because they are in the industry and they are attending a "Trade Show". SEMA is not now and has never been a car show for the general public! SEMA is a "TRADE SHOW" for business people in the industry. As I said earlier, SEMA needs to tighten up who it allows in. 10 passes for a 5 employee company is part of the problem, but IMO, a bigger problem is the general public thinking they have a right to get in and that is it OK to buy fake passes off CL. Further more any SEMA member caught selling SEMA passes on CL, ebay or anywhere else should forfeit their SEMA membership. And NONE of these people has any right to touch any car in any display without express permission!!!! As for the drinking by show attendees, no doubt the company in charge of the concessions at the show venue has a contract/license with the city which allows them to sell alcohol and that translates to $$$$ plain and simple. I would be surprised if SEMA had any say in the concession sales.

As a guy from a small shop that attends SEMA, well said!!!

Tim

[rrunner68]

If you are going to SEMA and not going to at least one Meet and greet and at least one seminar/panel; you probably don't belong there.
I've been half a dozen times and between time working a booth, Seminars and Meet and Greets/Socials, I have ZERO time to walk the floor. I catch up on what was there on the way home and the week after.

[badazz81z28]

SEMA IS a car show, for the aftermarket parts industry. Hence the term "Trade Show". The people that tell you about these new products, first learn about them at SEMA because they are in the industry and they are attending a "Trade Show". SEMA is not now and has never been a car show for the general public! SEMA is a "TRADE SHOW" for business people in the industry. As I said earlier, SEMA needs to tighten up who it allows in. 10 passes for a 5 employee company is part of the problem, but IMO, a bigger problem is the general public thinking they have a right to get in and that is it OK to buy fake passes off CL. Further more any SEMA member caught selling SEMA passes on CL, ebay or anywhere else should forfeit their SEMA membership. And NONE of these people has any right to touch any car in any display without express permission!!!! As for the drinking by show attendees, no doubt the company in charge of the concessions at the show venue has a contract/license with the city which allows them to sell alcohol and that translates to $$$$ plain and simple. I would be surprised if SEMA had any say in the concession sales.

Blaming people for thinking they have a right is a little arrogant. Its more of an opportunity that presents itself people take advantage of. I wouldn't knowingly purchase fake passes....As for borrowing badges...even people that can get in now AND even the big name folks did it too in the past. I can't recall who, but on one of the velocity interviews he openly admitted "my first time here I was Joe Bob". I wouldn't get panties in a knot on who belongs and who doesn't, but rather keep the tradition of the show. You can't tell me SEMA couldn't control alcohol venders nor really filter who actually got in. Hell they had cars outside anyone could walk up too with a beer in their hand. The problem is not the car enthusiast who have credential or not to get in, its how SEMA runs it! Blame them....Not the guys that want to check out cool cars and the scenery. If they wanted to keep it as a trade show and not a car show, it wouldn't get advertised like does, passes handed out as easily as they are, and the venue would be locked down in a convention center where you showed credentials at the door. There wouldn't be industry guest or even Spouse passes.....it a business meeting right?

I don't belong I guess....But I was told I could get in as a guest next SEMA....

[Curt C]

I wonder if all the SEMA members are against consumers being inside the show? The big automobile makers? Tire companies? Are the celebrities that some members bring in to sign autographs meant solely for SEMA members? Just curious.

[chevelletiger]

There wouldn't be industry guest or even Spouse passes.....it a business meeting right?

Tell my wife im going to vegas for sema for business and networking by myself????
Tell your wife that and see what she says?!!
Lol!

[chevelletiger]

Sema 2017 is over now,stop beating the poor horse already!

[chevelletiger]

I wonder if all the SEMA members are against consumers being inside the show? The big automobile makers? Tire companies? Are the celebrities that some members bring in to sign autographs meant solely for SEMA members? Just curious.

Its to get shops to stop by the booths the stars will be at to get business for the product they sell.
Alot of time the stars are car people too that are having cars built for them.

[BMR Sales]

"If you have a beer in your hand at 12:31pm on Tuesday, you’re probably not supposed to be there."
I saw alot of this on fri,a bunch of drunk ass$%!s
Almost falling on cars and leaning on cars to take selfies.

Well that matches up to the Fast N Loud Episode from last week that reran on Monday! Rawlings always had a Beer in his hand, was slurring his words and he was about to spill his New Beer on the Blue HotRod the Monkeys built last year. then Shouting "Let's get another Beer!"

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (https://postimages.org/)

[ctcz28]

I know this is a somewhat old thread, but I've always wondered if SEMA is missing a big opportunity by not having several days for the general public to enter the venue with paid passes for the general public. Who do they think the ultimate end consumer is anyway? Yes, professional fabricators and builders may buy most of the items exhibited at the show, but customers may want to specify certain equipment for their builder to install or like most of us that don't have $100K+ for a build, we're doing this stuff ourselves and I'd like to see the new options available out there. I understand and agree that they want to give members first access, but why not a couple of days at the end of the show for the general public to see the new products too and to have the opportunity to ask the vendors/manufacturers the same questions that the professionals and vendors have the opportunity to ask. I don't know anywhere the general enthusiast population can see all the new equipment like shown at SEMA. Just my 2c.

[BonzoHansen]

It's a really expensive week for exhibitors. to extend another couple days would cost exhibitors thousands of dollars. And for every edelbrock and Holly there's dozens of small companies that just could not afford that

[badazz81z28]

It's a really expensive week for exhibitors. to extend another couple days would cost exhibitors thousands of dollars. And for every edelbrock and Holly there's dozens of small companies that just could not afford that

How much does it cost? Really....I honestly think it’s already open to the public. The vast amount of people there...no freaking way they are ALL in the business. The big businesses have the money...if it’s that expensive to a particular business, you’re probably not big enough to even warrant being there? It’s an event as stated...meant to do a lot more then just business. All the “fun” stuff is what makes people want to go and brings the crowd. It’s a gloried car show...which is limited but people find ways around it and SEMA allows it.

[BMR Sales]

How much does it cost? Really....I honestly think it’s already open to the public. The vast amount of people there...no freaking way they are ALL in the business. The big businesses have the money...if it’s that expensive to a particular business, you’re probably not big enough to even warrant being there? It’s an event as stated...meant to do a lot more then just business. All the “fun” stuff is what makes people want to go and brings the crowd. It’s a gloried car show...which is limited but people find ways around it and SEMA allows it.

it's Very Expensive. BMR doesn't do SEMA, but we do 15-20 Shows a year. PRI is a better show for the Industry and that's why we are Always there. Costs for a Space vary depending on size - a 10x10 is at least $2k and that puts you in the Boonies. Big Companies will get 4-20 Total Footprint Booths, so multiply accordingly. Cost of your Display? $2k, $10K, $200K? You have to ship Displays or drive them in your Trailer and that is going to be a couple of Grand! You want to get your display to your Booth? pay the Union to drop it off, take your Crate Away, store it & bring it back, $1.5K+. Want Electricity to your Booth? $500 per Outlet. Want to plug something into it? Union Guy $300. Give-aways - $1K. Need Chairs, Tables, Table Cover, Carpet? Rent them $150 Table Cover, $500 Table, $150-250 a Chair. Fly your Staff in - $5K. Put them in Hotels - $5K. Feed Them - $2.5K. Entertaining anyone? $$? Have you participated in a Build that is at your Booth, $40-$400K.

I'm sure I've forgotten a few things.

[badazz81z28]

it's Very Expensive. BMR doesn't do SEMA, but we do 15-20 Shows a year. PRI is a better show for the Industry and that's why we are Always there. Costs for a Space vary depending on size - a 10x10 is at least $2k and that puts you in the Boonies. Big Companies will get 4-20 Total Footprint Booths, so multiply accordingly. Cost of your Display? $2k, $10K, $200K? You have to ship Displays or drive them in your Trailer and that is going to be a couple of Grand! You want to get your display to your Booth? pay the Union to drop it off, take your Crate Away, store it & bring it back, $1.5K+. Want Electricity to your Booth? $500 per Outlet. Want to plug something into it? Union Guy $300. Give-aways - $1K. Need Chairs, Tables, Table Cover, Carpet? Rent them $150 Table Cover, $500 Table, $150-250 a Chair. Fly your Staff in - $5K. Put them in Hotels - $5K. Feed Them - $2.5K. Entertaining anyone? $$? Have you participated in a Build that is at your Booth, $40-$400K.

I'm sure I've forgotten a few things.


Yeah, that’s my point. It’s basically an investment with some sort of expected return. If you pay out $200k to go to SEMA, you got the pockets to do so and you feel being there will give you a return on the investment. Each business chooses how they promote themselves. I know for a fact many businesses that would classify as small have $200k+vehicles....that they claim are business promoting cars. One of the tuners I went to talked down to my car because I didn’t want it left outside...he said my car was nothing compared to his $300-400k race cars....these businesses have the money It’s a matter if they want to spend it on SEMA. That’s a lot of money to me...folks like Forgeline, Holley, Detroit Speed which I alone have given them thousands of dollars. Is $100-$200k a lot to them? They make millions! Probably for “Johns Tire Change and Lube” which really has no business at the scale SEMA is anyways.

All those folks on TV don’t even need to go to SEMA to get their name out....heck I just saw Aaron Kaufman’s new show where he said “gotta go to sema” yet all he did was sign autographs at the MF booth and basically enjoy the week. Does GMGs Nissan have any value added being at SEMA? It just shows further how much the show changing to entertainment.

[BMR Sales]

Is $100-$200k a lot to them? They make millions!

I think you might be confusing Make with Sell! Any Company in this Industry that is Banking Millions of Dollars a year is doing it wrong - you have to re-invest in your business.

[badazz81z28]

Isn’t paying to attend SEMA re-investing? Based on the opinions posted here, it’s business not a place for beer and fun.

[chevelletiger]

Sema,2017 has past.
2018 is coming up.
I'm sorry,but you keep bringing this thread up.
Is it your upset that you couldn't get in,or do you feel everybody should be able to get into Sema?
This is the metallity a lot of people have now,not work super hard to get to attend something like sema,to own a home,to have a nice car,to spend on etc,but feel they are entitled to get something BECAUSE THEY FEEL everybody should.

Sounds like the welfare system.

You should stop posting about this topic,becaus if you ever wanted to get into Sema as a favor.No one is going to help you out because your complaining about it to much,please stop.

I'm sure one of the vendors or business/shop owners would have done so for you but I see it hurting any chance for you.
Again,sorry but I had to say it.

[badazz81z28]

Hope you’re not talking to me....I’m not the one complaining about it not being open to the public. I think it’s been stated numerous times over by people stating/complaining it shouldn’t be open to the public. Many complaints about the beer and entertainment...Based on what I saw it’s pretty much open already. You just have to know which way to do it. I think we can all see, it’s not strictly business with who does get in (spouse, industry guest etc.). The scenery is changing and I bet this year is even more crazy.

[chevelletiger]

Yeah,well...imo?
That guy is a jack a... joke!
He.a gimmick. Kc's paint is what makes those vehicles what they are,and the vendors like to ridetech.
The wife and I save the drinking till we leave the convention,and are at the casinos on the strip.
It's not very professional to act like that.
"THIS WAS A COMMENT TO POST#53 typing and priming a car,sorry.

[chevelletiger]

Yeah,I am talking to you.
You hope I'm not talking to you?
Your not anybody,your a guy who bought fake seam passes and started the post!
Like I stated to you start working on hot rods on your spare time,pay taxes on the gains you get from it,it's really easy to get into sema? It's a lot of dam hard work all yr round.

Your the one who KEEPS bringing this up!
Give it a rest.

You wrote this post last yr about the public not getting in,and keep bringing up.
Mods please close this thread.

[raustinss]

If it costs 100k $ plus to do SEMA.... do you know how long it will take them to make it back in sales? . Answer is not in a matter of a couple months it literally will be over the course of the yr, especially when combined with any other shows they may attend . The simplest answer is yes SEMA should consider doing one or 2 public only days ,which might help weed out others from the rest of the days . during the public only days they should have NO alcohol being served where it could be spilled on a car or display .

[badazz81z28]

Yeah,I am talking to you.
You hope I'm not talking to you?
Your not anybody,your a guy who bought fake seam passes and started the post!
Like I stated to you start working on hot rods on your spare time,pay taxes on the gains you get from it,it's really easy to get into sema? It's a lot of dam hard work all yr round.

Your the one who KEEPS bringing this up!
Give it a rest.

You wrote this post last yr about the public not getting in,and keep bringing up.
Mods please close this thread.


Think your making too big a deal about it. Did I buy a pass? Sure did...from a guy who said he worked for SEMA and would allow me to purchase a ticket. Anything wrong with that? No different then your spouse, guest, media attendees right? The SEMA rules are they way they are....ok. I’m not going to change that, and I’m not the one screaming about it not being public or having public days. Seems there are more people upset about average Joes coming in and don’t belong.


Being called a nobody...ouch. I guess I can sit on that while I’m working behind a barbed wired fence next several months.

[chevelletiger]

The issue is you bought them off Craigslist,you said anything wrong with that?no.
Yes it is it was,
Not thru sema,not thru APPEX,you were not a guest.

I'm sorry about saying your nobody
The show is not for the regular joe though.

My wife?she does the bill paying in my venture,sets up meetings with customers,budgets the money coming in,and going into the shop.
My guests? Those people pay me to build or repair there pride and joy,THEY SPENT THOUSANDS,INTO that project to be seen or the vendors used to get there dream.
This is the point a lot of joes don't see.
I won't comment on this subject now.
I'm about to paint ;)

[BMR Sales]

Sema,2017 has past.

I'm sorry,but you keep bringing this thread up.


I'm sorry but I brought it back up in Post #53 highlight the Drinking, because I saw that poor excuse of a car guy Richard Rawlings episode where he was at SEMA acting Drunk.

Does he deserve to be there, Yes! Drunk, No!

[vintageracer]

Get Velocity and other TV car shows to stop doing hour long TV shows or video clips about the just occurred/last years SEMA show and then the "Public None Industry People" will not care about what they "May" have missed at the most recent SEMA show! The TV coverage, magazine coverage and hype are what are ruining the SEMA show.

Turn off the SEMA TV & print coverage and the PUBLIC will no longer see what was at SEMA that year and therefore will not care or know what they "missed". If the public does not know what they missed at SEMA the show can go BACK to being a true industry only TRADE show with half the show cars, show trucks, no drifting demo's, no car crushing demo's, no off-road demo's, no stupid named car debut's, less general BS, far fewer people attending and far fewer strippers handing out posters all the while taking pictures with old men who want to be young again.

Who the Hell would want to go backwards and change all that?????

Vegas Baby!

To Bigger Titties and Colder Beer!

[BonzoHansen]

Vegas Baby!

To Bigger Titties and Colder Beer!


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/917f9d19279de68172e3288368e7f6e6-1.jpg

[CarlC]

Gentlemen,

Civil discussion is good but name calling is unacceptable. Let's keep it on-topic with clean arguments / no low-blows.

[TheJDMan]

I think press coverage (or lack of) is why PRI is still a true "Trade Show" rather than the media circus that SEMA has become.

[raustinss]

SEMA is definitely become a circus and only has itself to blame with some of the outdoor crap and such, which has nothing to do with new products or development within the hobby. Its almost like that one super hot girl in school who was nothing more then a tease . Look whats here ....oops cant touch nor quite see it all. They do this to stir up excitement which is fine but, I believe they might have gone too far which is possibly why we are where we are right now . Talking about it and that's it ! yes PT is quite large but we aren't a automotive producer,supplier,magazine,tv show,celebrity etc , we're just a bunch of everyday people .

[Jetfixr320]

SEMA is definitely become a circus and only has itself to blame with some of the outdoor crap and such, which has nothing to do with new products or development within the hobby. Its almost like that one super hot girl in school who was nothing more then a tease . Look whats here ....oops cant touch nor quite see it all. They do this to stir up excitement which is fine but, I believe they might have gone too far which is possibly why we are where we are right now . Talking about it and that's it ! yes PT is quite large but we aren't a automotive producer,supplier,magazine,tv show,celebrity etc , we're just a bunch of everyday people .


Well, It is in Vegas.

[badazz81z28]

Who’s going this year???

[Curt C]

I am I am. I just found a smoking deal on CL.:rotfl:

[raustinss]

Lmao omg here we go again

[chevelletiger]

Lmao omg here we go again

^ Right,lol

[badazz81z28]

Well actually, going through the SEMA website...I’m successfully registered.

[Rod]

Well actually, going through the SEMA website...I’m successfully registered.

see you there

[vintageracer]

The official "Craigslist" SEMA ticket sites will be up and running about 1 week before and during the SEMA event.

No pre-registration or any documentation needed to obtain your SEMA pass.

Just show me the money!

[RMMiller]

I haven't been but I have been to it's cousin for the construction industry. I can see where the more the (less)merrier.

[chevelletiger]

The official "Craigslist" SEMA ticket sites will be up and running about 1 week before and during the SEMA event.

No pre-registration or any documentation needed to obtain your SEMA pass.

Just show me the money!

You do need documentation,business licence #,business card,and references from jobbers is what I had to do when I first started in 2013,maybe it's changed?
I know the o.p registered,but it still needs to get approval,the dash board shows if you have been approved,or denied.

[badazz81z28]

You do need documentation,business licence #,business card,and references from jobbers is what I had to do when I first started in 2013,maybe it's changed?
I know the o.p registered,but it still needs to get approval,the dash board shows if you have been approved,or denied.

Dashboard? You need a log on for that?

[arcane73]

I will be in Vegas that week. I'm going to Ron Sutton's seminar on Wednesday, finding something in town to do Thursday and Friday, and Optima on Saturday. Would I like to be able to walk the floor to see what the aftermarket is coming out with in the next year? Of course.
Do I understand why the show isn't for the general public? I do. I've got friends in the industry that go every year legitimately and I hear the good and the bad stories from them. I'll be satisfied just waiting it out to see the articles and read the news about what's coming down the pipe......without being surrounded by a horde of people and walking 800 miles to cover it all.

[badazz81z28]

I will be in Vegas that week. I'm going to Ron Sutton's seminar on Wednesday, finding something in town to do Thursday and Friday, and Optima on Saturday. Would I like to be able to walk the floor to see what the aftermarket is coming out with in the next year? Of course.
Do I understand why the show isn't for the general public? I do. I've got friends in the industry that go every year legitimately and I hear the good and the bad stories from them. I'll be satisfied just waiting it out to see the articles and read the news about what's coming down the pipe......without being surrounded by a horde of people and walking 800 miles to cover it all.


During SEMA week you can freely walk the outside exhibits and at night the SEMA ignite thing

[arcane73]

During SEMA week you can freely walk the outside exhibits and at night the SEMA ignite thing

That's the plan. I will go meet a friend and wander around a bit outside. I'm just not one for over the top builds just for the sake of being over the top.

[chevelletiger]

Dashboard? You need a log on for that?

ConnectME dash board.
YOU SHOULD HAVE,got an email conformation right after you paid for the badges,and You should have got another email to confirm your info/email.???

[chevelletiger]

I will be in Vegas that week. I'm going to Ron Sutton's seminar on Wednesday, finding something in town to do Thursday and Friday, and Optima on Saturday. Would I like to be able to walk the floor to see what the aftermarket is coming out with in the next year? Of course.
Do I understand why the show isn't for the general public? I do. I've got friends in the industry that go every year legitimately and I hear the good and the bad stories from them. I'll be satisfied just waiting it out to see the articles and read the news about what's coming down the pipe......without being surrounded by a horde of people and walking 800 miles to cover it all.

I went to Ron's class last yr,left Cali at 3:00am,dropped my wife off at the hotel,Then went to Ron's class!
He's awesome,I learned a lot from Ron.
Have fun,and drink a lot of coffee cuz Ron don't stop!

[badazz81z28]

Got confirmation today via email!

[BMR Sales]

I went to Ron's class last yr,left Cali at 3:00am,dropped my wife off at the hotel,Then went to Ron's class!
He's awesome,I learned a lot from Ron.
Have fun,and drink a lot of coffee cuz Ron don't stop!

Be on time! Ron doesn't wait on anyone!

[chevelletiger]

Got confirmation today via email!

Thats good,make sure it says APP ON the dashboard.
Still don't know why you will get approved without,documents or a business license #?
But at least you didn't buy them again from those b's

And don't get drunk and lay or jump on cars!.
Have a good time,see you there.

[badazz81z28]

Thats good,make sure it says APP ON the dashboard.
Still don't know why you will get approved without,documents or a business license #?
But at least you didn't buy them again from those b's

And don't get drunk and lay or jump on cars!.
Have a good time,see you there.


Like mentioned before...industry guest, spouse, media etc...there are avenues to get in that’s totally in the rule book of SEMA.