Every November the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) turns the Las Vegas Convention Center into a vehicle Mecca. Specifically, they highlight the most cutting automotive innovations. Especially products that enhance vehicles’ looks, performance, and utility, or that provide services for the automotive world. 

Since 2021, the final day of the four-day SEMA Show has been open to the public. That means Utahns don’t need an industry or media badge to experience one of the biggest automotive events on the planet. If you didn’t make the drive down I-15 this year…here’s what you missed, and what you might look forward to next year.

The Show

First, forget parking at the convention center. The parking lots are a huge part of the show. The Hoonigans exhibit, the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, the “SEMA Fest” concert venue, a Nitro Circus stunt zone, and big manufacturer setups sprawl across the pavement. 

And between those? Acres of meticulously built rigs of every type—trophy trucks, slammed classics, OHVs you’d take straight to Sand Hollow, and even a truck with seventeen turbochargers sticking out of the hood. Yes, that’s a real number.

Step Inside the four cavernous halls…it’s wall-to-wall innovation: personal air-taxi drones, every upgrade imaginable for your car, truck, or UTV. There is even a 15-passenger armored personnel carrier for folks who think their minivan just isn’t…battle-ready. 

A Day at SEMA 

So how might you spend a day or two at the show? Start with the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, where five Utah drivers threw down in autocross and speed-stop competitions.

Head over to Nitro Circus if you appreciate people sending it: freestyle MX bikes, BMX, scooters, and skateboards all going big and catching big air.

Next, cruise to the Hoonigans drift yard for tire smoke and the kind of sideways action that would get you banned from the streets. You can even perch atop little electric drift karts and try sliding for yourself. You’ll spot Travis Pastrana’s Subaru WRX STi-based supercar alongside racing sims and dozens of machines that demand you stop and stare.

Moving inside the conference halls you’re still surrounded by supercars, race cars, OHVs, etc. And the number of business exhibits ramps up exponentially. They included over 2300 displays for the 2025 show, with 500 first-timers. They were showing off tools and gear for every garage, tech, build kits, AI diagnostics, and aftermarket parts for anything with a motor and wheels.

Utah-based Business at SEMA

Innovative Utahns were well represented. Companies showcased products that fit right in with local terrain and Utah’s booming automotive and off-road culture—upgrades and better bed security for trucks and Jeeps, AI apps for mechanics and DIY tinkerers, plus tools and equipment for home garages and pro shops.

One standout was an ultra-rare 1956 Mercury M100 pickup converted to  full electric by ElectroMod using an Elkington electric chassis—two Utah companies teaming up on a build that drew crowds all week. From St. George to Salt Lake, from Moab to Logan, Utah businesses helped make the show shine.

See below for a sample of SEMA exhibits from Utah-based businesses. 

Should You Go to the SEMA Show?

If you get the chance—either through an industry invite or on Friday’s public-access day—you absolutely should go. Between the off-road tech, performance innovation, Utah companies showing off their best, and endless rows of drool-worthy builds, the SEMA Show is insane.

Anyone who loves horsepower, fabrication wizardry, or things that make loud noises in the desert should really appreciate this event. Just be sure to wear good shoes and be ready to walk miles while grinning the whole time.

Sample of Utah Businesses at the SEMA Show

MECH-AI (Draper, UT) provides an AI-backed app to shops and DIYers for advanced automotive troubleshooting and repair.

Speedhut (Payson, UT) produces custom automotive gauges for restomods, upgrades, etc.

Podium (Lehi, UT) provides car dealers with AI-driven software to house online leads and power customer webchat.

Cache (Sandy, UT) created an amazing Basecamp 3.0 locking tailgate pad system, and accessories, that won a GearJunkie Best-in-Show award in 2024.

Diabolical Inc. (Herriman, UT) provides secure cargo enclosures for Jeeps, Broncos, and Grenadiers.

The super-adjustable AeroCreeper (Corinne, UT), in manual and electric versions, earned a SEMA 2025 Media’s Choice award.

Cinch (Salt Lake City, UT) supports auto shops with data and automated marketing to bridge the gap between shop operations and customer interactions.

Expedition One (Ogden, UT) provides tough racks, steps, and bumpers, and is in their 10th year at SEMA.

Z-Trak (Washington, UT) rail and mounting systems firmly secure bikes, motorcycles, and various items in pickup beds.

Utah company FixMyCarDude developed software that helps auto shops streamline operations, manage appointments, track repairs, and get paid.

Ruff Tuff (West Valley City, UT) custom manufactures truck seat covers of the highest quality.

Phoenix Systems (Washington, UT) produces reverse bleed kits, tools, and other brake maintenance products.

FLOG Industries (St. George, UT) builds extra-strength truck bumpers, and auxiliary fuel tanks with built-in tool storage.

Xodus (Salt Lake City, UT) produces a variety of aftermarket upgrades for Ford Ecoboost powered vehicles.

DimeDeal (Logan, UT) provides a variety of custom LED rings and strips to light up your vehicle.

Congratulations to these and other Utah-based businesses for being invited to highlight their cutting-edge products at the 2025 SEMA Show!

© 2025, R Bairett