Depending upon when you read this, online or fresh from your mailbox, the SEMA Show will be only two to five weeks away. As we like to say in our company's Vehicle Service and Repair Group, this is our industry's Super Bowl. It's a time for industry veterans to say hello to old friends, and it's also a time for newcomers to be impressed — and even often overwhelmed — with the sights and sounds of all the industry segments that make up the automotive aftermarket.

Although this week brings a plethora of co-located receptions and meetings scattered across the Strip, most of the SEMA Show's collision repair-oriented training events and exhibits are centrally located in the upper level of the South Hall. 

With a bit of planning and strategy, you can maximize your time and travel investment at the show. Pre-run the show by referring to our SEMA Show guide within this issue, which includes a training schedule for I-CAR and SCRS Repairer Driven Education sessions. Check out our featured companies in that guide, as well as the Ultimate Collision Repair Shop guide packaged with ABRN and this magazine, for a preview of the latest tools, equipment, and products to look forward to at the show.

Also, check out the semashow.com website, where you can map out the vendors you want to visit and their locations. Although paper maps are available at the show, the mobile app is a useful guide to help you navigate the expansive halls and outdoor exhibits. You can scan products in the New Products Showcase in the lower level of the South Hall for more information and to find those manufacturers’ booths. 

It's common to walk seven miles a day, so pack two pairs of comfortable and broken-in shoes and alternate them each day. It’s the desert, so don't forget saline nasal spray and lip balm. It’s noisy inside the halls, so don’t forget mints or chewing gum. (There will be a lot of "close-talking!")

The co-located Collision Industry Conference and the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards, Nov. 4, return to Westgate this year, where I look forward to honoring our 2026 FenderBender Award and Best Repair Planner/Estimator there.

I hope to get the chance to say hello to many of you there. Rest up, and I hope to see you soon!