Sam Krahn 
The Coronavirus pandemic has seen numerous event cancelations, with many impacting the automotive world. Most notably, auto shows have been hit especially hard, with the Geneva and Detroit Auto Show canceled, and New York still postponed. Upcoming auto shows don’t have it any easier. The annual SEMA Show in November is the most important aftermarket show of the year, and one of the biggest automotive events of the year, period. While we certainly hope the Coronavirus situation allows for a 2020 SEMA Show, its organizers are being cautious. Organizers recently sent an email to provide updates, stating:
“While some of SEMA’s more immediate events have been cancelled or postponed, the 2020 SEMA Show is set to take place as scheduled on Nov. 3-6. As the situation continues to evolve, we will monitor the landscape closely and will make decisions based on guidance from local, state, national and international health officials.”
So, for now, the 2020 SEMA Show is on. It’s good to see they’re taking a proactive approach to planning the show. Given the world has never gone through a pandemic of this scale in modern history, there are a lot of unknowns, and SEMA acknowledges that. But to the tuning and modification companies of the world, SEMA is their lifeline. While car manufacturers are well known enough to host online reveals, many modifications companies depend on SEMA to get the exposure they need to survive. SEMA also understands this, as said in the email.
“The health and welfare of the industry is a top priority to SEMA, so the association has taken a proactive approach to supporting SEMA members and is working with lawmakers to ensure they are educated and informed about the auto and auto parts industry and how it’s affected by COVID-19.”
2020 SEMA Show organizers have a difficult road ahead for planning the show. By November, hopefully we will be out of the worst of this, but there is always a chance of a rumored rebound from the virus. Hopefully, by planning so far in advance, SEMA can make the best possible decision on how to hold everyone’s favorite tuning and modification show.
