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Seen at SEMA: Big crowds, new tech and familiar faces

Four men smiling at a professional conference event, wearing business casual attire and credential badges

The 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas features custom vehicles, repair equipment, and technical training for collision repair professionals, with custom car builder Dave Kindig showcasing seven vehicles and expanded ADAS demonstrations helping repairers understand how repairs affect vehicle safety systems.

  • The 2026 SEMA Show runs November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center with custom vehicles, new repair equipment, and technical training.
  • Dave Kindig has seven custom vehicles on display, including a 1957 Corvette 'Shark Bite' and 1969 Dodge Super Bee 'Killer Bee'.
  • The expanded ADAS showcase features engineers from Ford, General Motors, and Rivian demonstrating how repairs and modifications affect vehicle safety systems.
  • Educational programs cover welding, ADAS calibration, diagnostics, sensor alignment, and vehicle geometry for collision repair professionals.
  • Opening-day attractions include Jay Leno's keynote conversation with Harley-Davidson's CEO and Best New Product Awards in 15 categories.

Las Vegas, Nevada — The 2026 SEMA Show kicked off Tuesday, Nov. 3, with automotive enthusiast and television personality Jay Leno helping open four days of automotive action at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Enthusiastic exhibitors welcomed industry professionals from around the world as the show floor came alive with new products, spectacular custom builds, equipment demonstrations and the latest collision repair technology.

From advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and welding equipment to new repair techniques and training opportunities, there was plenty to see and learn. Vehicle reveals, product awards and educational sessions kept visitors busy throughout opening day.

But SEMA has always been about more than products and technology. For many attendees, the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, customers and industry colleagues is every bit as important as what happens on the show floor.

Businessman speaking at SEAM conference stage with modern lighting and white seatingThat was especially true for Canadians attending the annual Canada Night celebration, hosted by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) at HaSalon in The Venetian Resort.

A tradition spanning more than 50 years, Canada Night has become one of the highlights of SEMA week for Canadian attendees. The gathering brought together representatives from across the Canadian automotive aftermarket, including collision repair, parts distribution, manufacturing and service sectors.

It was an opportunity to catch up with longtime friends, renew business relationships and meet new industry colleagues, all away from the busy exhibition halls. For many Canadians, those personal connections are among the biggest reasons to make the annual trip to Las Vegas.

The opening day's activities also included Pro Spot's anniversary celebration, adding to a busy opening day of industry gatherings and special events.

The Collision Repair magazine team was on hand throughout the day, capturing the people, products and activities that make SEMA one of the industry's biggest annual gatherings.

Check out our Flickr photo gallery ( click here ) or by clicking the photo below for a look at the opening-day action, familiar faces and celebrations.

The SEMA Show continues through Friday, Nov. 6. Stay tuned as Collision Repair magazine brings you more coverage from Las Vegas, here on our website, across our social media channels and in our next print edition

SEMA 2026

 

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