This weekend, the first wave of Grassroots Motorsports staff members will be Vegas-bound for the 2016 SEMA Show. Will you be filtering through the miles of chrome and rubber? Be sure to stop by our booth, say hello, and hang out for a little bit. We'll be in booth space #24522.
From what I can tell, most of us wouldn't be able to get into SEMA no matter how much we wanted to.
yupididit wrote: From what I can tell, most of us wouldn't be able to get into SEMA no matter how much we wanted to.
My sentiments exactly. Is there any way a civilian can gain entry to SEMA? I've always wanted to go.
Are you in any way affiliated with any sort of automotive business? A wee bit of creativity will get you there.
Honestly, I have no problem with keeping the know nothing bozos on the street. There's lots of other shows for you to go to. This one is for buyers from professional businesses, and I don't want your 8 year old running into me.
In reply to Streetwiseguy:
Even then SEMA is still no PRI
The MSX trade show was an attempt to bring something like SEMA to the masses, but it just wasn't well received by the sport car racing public. I realize it's a chicken and egg thing, but it just didn't take off.
Got a spare pass, or just wanna go out for a beer?
Well, we will do like we always do. Stop by your booth at SEMA through the TV or Internet. 
Years ago a couple of friends and I got to go because my one friend was getting a bunch of work done on his RX7 and the shop hooked us up. Be creative and it is possible.
I'll be there for a race, if you stop by the Global Rallycross race(Subaru), don't be afraid to say hi. If you are wearing GRM gear, I'll probably say something if I see you. We've have passes for the show the last couple of years, but likely won't have the time to enjoy them. Might have time on the Thursday AM.
-Seth
Believe me....it's not that difficult to get into the SEMA show. I spend much of my week kicking the shins of "lookie loos" who are drinking beer at 9am, waiting in line to meet TV nitwits, or fawning over booth babes while cluttering the isles. I actually am there for.....you know.....work, and these spectators are maddening to deal with. It's supposed to be a trade show....and it is.....but it's also a circus filled with people who really shouldn't be there. The T.V. "celebrities" are the worst, as the lemmings form huge crowds around them hoping to get a peek.
So yes....if you want to get in, I'm sure there is a way--- but please don't!
If you do make it in.....you'd better wear shin guards, cause I've got places to go, and more people to meet with than time will allow! SEMA is massively important for those actually in the industry. The circus that surrounds it adds attention, and T.V. coverage, but it makes it harder for the "real" industry types to do their jobs.
Once was enough for me, way too many people so it is fairly hard to actually look at anything. I checked the box off the list but for me it was mostly stuff that I was not really interested in and I don't like to wear shin guards so I won't be going back.
So the general consensus is that, don't come unless you have work to do because you'll just get in the way and/or get kicked in the shins?
Uh, Joe, you might want to re-read Ed Higgenbotham's original post. Sounds like he's inviting people to be there and visit while you're calling us shiny happy people for showing up and ruining your flow. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt because you're busy preparing for the show while publishing a mag simultaneously. It's a tough job and we get it. I'm not even saying that's what you meant but it sounds like it.
Jerry,
I didn't call anyone shiny or happy. 
If you are planning on attending SEMA, by all means, stop by the GRM booth and say hello. We ALWAYS enjoy meeting readers.
Just do me a favor, when you are lined up 100 deep to get an autograph from the Gas Monkey Garage guys......please stay out of the isle, as many of us are there to work, not just screw off. My frustration stems from SEMA allowing thousands of folks in, who are there for entertainment, not business.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to attend the SEMA Show as a spectator, but I'd also be aware of those who aren't there on vacation. For many of us, SEMA is about as far away from a vacation as possible. It's a hugely important business trip.
Sorry if I came across as a shiny happy person. Go to SEMA, have fun---- just be conscious of the fact that most of the people there come to work, not play.
did they change SEMA from an industry show to open to the public? (well more than just Fridays?)
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