Las Vegas, Nevada — Excitement is running high for the many members of Canada’s collision community heading down to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. When the doors open, more than 100,000 guests will surge into the convention centre and anyone caught without a plan will spend the next three days trapped in a fleshy vortex.
To save our readers from this grim fate, we have compiled a list of the most important sights, demonstrations and events for Canada’s repairers.
Student Career Day: Monday, 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Westgate Resort & Casino, Paradise Event Centre
If you are a student in the industry, the career day offers the opportunity to network with representatives from some of the most exciting businesses in the automotive aftermarket sector. This will give you an unparalleled opportunity to hear from the people who are currently making their living in every conceivable area of the industry, giving you the insight you need to make a great choice upon graduating.
3D Printing in the Automotive Industry: Monday, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Room N254
Are you a tech junkie looking forward to 3D printing the parts you need to make repairs in-house? It is a bit of a moot point either way. This lecture will make the business case for preparing your business for a 3D printing future which will arrive whether or not you are excited for it. Delivered by Bryan Harrison, this presentation will show you how 3D printing can help improve “every aspect of your business” by lowering part cost and gaining the ability to quickly manufacture custom tools.
New Products Breakfast and Awards Presentation: Tuesday, 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Westgate Casino & Hotel, Paradise Event Centre
Attendees should not waiver from waking up bright and early for this event. Over breakfast, consumers will get the chance to see which leading products are making the biggest waves throughout the industry. Products will be judged over 16 award categories to narrow down the best in class.
Canada Night 2019: Tuesday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Paris Hotel, Concorde Ballroom
Bookending SEMA’s second day is the True North’s favourite Canada Night 2019. Canadian suppliers, their colleagues and customers will get the evening to network during this celebrated platform. More than 1,000 northern automotive aftermarket industry members have attended in past years, with this year’s event expected to be the biggest.
Uni-Select’s Top Canadian Suppliers: Wednesday, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Venetian Congress Centre, Murano Ballrooms
In its sixth year presenting, Uni-Select will be celebrating the achievements, innovations and services of its Canadian partners. All in attendance will also get the opportunity to learn about the company’s growth strategies for 2020.
Vehicle Technology Briefings: Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Centre
The future of racing, Automotive 4.0, ADAS—if any of these topics pique your interest then you are not going to want to miss these briefings. The latest advanced vehicle technology trends, rules and regulations are all vital information for the savvy collision repair facility owner in order for them to succeed in the ever-evolving landscape that is the aftermarket industry. Hear from more than 25 leading experts, OEM and suppliers on how to capitalize on new developments.
Computers, Cars and Cybersecurity: Thursday, 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Media Centre, Room S229
Possible security threats? Unfair liability? Join this discussion regarding some of the most burning questions on vehicle autonomy from students at CSUSB along with security researchers.
The top three questions they aim to answer are:
1. In the event of an accident within an AV, would the person behind the wheel be liable or the manufacturer of the vehicle?
2. If manufacturers are liable, will Vehicles-as-a-Service replace the sale, rent and/or lease of vehicles?
3. If the consumer is liable, will laws and regulations limit the amount of modifications and “do it yourself” maintenance and owner can do?
If you are dying to know the answers to these, make sure you do not miss this assembly.
Industry Awards Reception & Banquet: 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradice Event Centre
This is it—the premier awards ceremony for the automotive specialty-equipment market. Industry excellence and achievements alike will be celebrated in this annual show, being the collision repair market’s largest gala. Almost 3,000 icons, experts, supporters and celebrities attend yearly, with the event featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment and more.
SEMA Cruise: Friday, 4:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Silver Drive/Red Road
Though set firmly on land, do not underestimate this cap on the SEMA Show. Called “one of the most-anticipated aspects of the annual gathering” by SEMA itself, this parade down one of Vegas’ main stretches is seen as a rolling art show—showcasing the biggest standouts from the autobody builders in attendance. The cruise includes awards, giveaways, entertainment and even bleachers this year for the ever-expanding crowds, and leads directly into SEMA’s final event.
SEMA Ignited: Friday, 3:00-10:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Platinum Lot
Custom vehicles worldwide are showcased here in the convention centre’s Platinum Lot. Hundreds of award-winning cars and trucks featuring the newest products from SEMA will be celebrated alongside music, food, celebrities and even drift demonstrations. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will also see its culmination here, with more than 250 competitors fighting for the title of Ultimate Vehicle Builder.
While this list is only a drop in the bucket of what SEMA has to offer, we hope this list spares those few who are overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to see it all.
