SEMA: How can a nobody

like myself attend?

If you work for an automotive-related business, maybe through that business.

Otherwise, dress up nice, find a pic of a valid badge and make a fake one, and then find a way to slip past security.

Just off the top of my head, you could wear a while T-shirt under a colored button shirt, put the pass in your pocket, and say "I gotta bring this (flash drive or something you can lose) to my boss at (not too high-profile company I know is presenting here) real quick or he's gonna have my ass" and then if you get in, ask where the bathroom is, go in there, fold the shirt real tight and and put it in your pocket and then put the pass on. Ta-da!

Clever.

I'm interested in learning if there is a legit way to get in too...I've always wanted to attend

In reply to GameboyRMH:

Damn sounds like a plan!

Eddie's Plumbing coveralls and a plunger.

"E36 M3ter's full"

i work for cummins and have a legit badge and nice work clothes... hmmm.....

I want to go, too. I live about 15 minutes away. Somebody tell me how to get in. Hey GRM, need an on-site reporter??

We won't need an on-site reporter as Tim, David, Gary, Casey, Debi and I will all be there.

Seriously though---- SEMA is full of guys who aren't really in the industry that are there just screwing off. Believe me, I know, as I have to kick them in the shins to get them the Hell out of my way--- as I'm actually.....you know.....working! I can't tell you how many people I see drinking a beer at 9am, waiting in an hour line so some bimbo can sign a poster. (right pal....you'll say something clever and she'll go home with you! )

If you have any friends in the automotive industry that are going--- ask one of them if they can get a pass for you. It's not that difficult--- judging by all the lookie-loos there. Security is pretty tight, so getting in without a pass won't be as easy as you think.

If you do make it in, please, please, keep in mind that the majority of us there are running from meeting to meeting all week working our asses off. Have fun, take in the sights, but please stay the heck out of the way. It's like a car coming to a stop on a highway entrance ramp in front of you.....while you are rushing to the hospital.

For many of us, SEMA is an incredibly important business show. If you aren't there working, please have consideration for those that are.

Oh--- and have fun! One of these days I'd love to go as a spectator--- it's quite an extravaganza.

In reply to Joe Gearin:

The prospects of me ever going to SEMA is getting smaller...I was more hopeful before I started this thread lol .

It's difficult, but not impossible. Is there a local speed shop you're always wasting money at? Odds are if you ask nicely, they'll sign off on a pass for you.

Here's the registration link:

https://www.compusystems.com/jsp/AttendeeReg/AAIW14_TST/AttendeeRegWelcome2.jsp?isLive=Y&REG_label_evtcode_text=SEMAWS06&__utmk=105795072&__utma=248458773.1567324647.1408718787.1412712199.1412712199.1&translate_width=1280&__utmc=248458773&__utmb=248458773.0.10.1412712199&__utmx=-&__utmv=-&enableWS=Y&__utmz=248458773.1412712199.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&browser_width=1280&evt_uid=545&sent=Y

Nope! I just move to Southern California from VA earlier this year. I guess I'll start using some popular shops. And in a few years start kissing feet :*

Judging by how many non-industry types there are there....it won't take years....more like weeks!

Or, start your own company.

Joe's complaints are why we put more emphasis on PRI than the SEMA show. I haven't been for over a decade, but I remember it being mostly tourists.

I've been to the SEMA show many times over the last ten years, and I'm one of the tourists described above. That said, I've always been there with a somewhat legitimate business that a buddy owns, and I think security is super lax. Get a lanyard or two from anywhere, add some stickers, and you're in. There are hundreds of doors in and out. Stake one out and just walk on in when the door monitors take their breaks.

Not that I'd endorse that sort of thing... but I've often thought of saving myself the $50 entry fee and just walking on in.

As Keith says- PRI is the show to go to.

join SEMA as a consutant... thats what I did 10 years ago.... I was in the Atlantic City show 2 hours before the people were let in... it was cool watching them set up

I taught an A6 prep class a few years. It was pretty cool, but way too big to see in a day, or even a weekend.

oldeskewltoy wrote: join SEMA as a consutant... thats what I did 10 years ago.... I was in the Atlantic City show 2 hours before the people were let in... it was cool watching them set up

I have set that show up :)

http://telstarlogistics.typepad.com/telstarlogistics/2006/09/what_is_telstar.html

Remember that everyone at SEMA is there trying to promote their products to prospective buyers. That means that they WANT prospective customers to attend. As the owner of yupididit speed shop, you can buy a legit ticket if you want to...it's only $25. However, you will need to prove that you are legit.

-Tax registration certificate or business registration
-Business license
-Two (2) recent paycheck stubs
-Business card (company name and address must correspond with information on registration form, and must include job title)
-Business photo ID (must include company name, photo, and full name)
-Invoices from automotive companies doing business with your company

If you work for a company already known to SEMA or that has registered in the past, you don't have to prove all of that, but the other attendees from Gas Monkey Garage may look at your weird as you pass them in the aisle.

I loathe SEMA and won't go unless required for work and unable to schedule something important for the week. I loved PRI went it was in Orlando, Indy doesn't seem to have the same draw that Orlando did. MSX in Charlotte is getting pretty solid.

Go to the site and apply for a pass. Do what it says to get the pass. Squint a little at the definition of automotive industry. Pay the $25.

How do they know your company is not in the automotive related business?

Sensors, Materials, coatings, Electronics, Audio/Visual.... Hard to name an industry that does NOT cater to the aftermarket automotive world.

Tell them you are Chinese and here to clone anything that looks well made and profitable. It seems that they HAVE to let those guys in.