AAPEX 2021 To Require Vaccination Or Negative Test; SEMA Show Policy Coming Soon

The organisers of the SEMA and AAPEX shows have made announcements around COVID-19 health and safety measures they plan to have in place for their respective shows in 2021.

SEMA says it is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 landscape and expects to have details in the coming weeks regarding requirements that will be in place for the SEMA Show, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 2 to 5 November. While subject to change, the state of Nevada currently requires masks for indoor events such as trade shows, but does not require proof of vaccination.

The co-owners of AAPEX – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) – have announced they will require either proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID PCR test prior to arrival for attendance at the 2021 event, which will be held at the Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum from 2 to 4 November.

The two AAPEX associations are also evaluating the potential for on-site testing for people unable to be vaccinated or obtain a negative PCR test prior to the show. SEMA says these measures will be administered through a third-party verification platform and on-site screening. AAPEX’s requirements apply only to the AAPEX event and not for the SEMA Show.

According to SEMA, successful events are taking place in Las Vegas and its partners throughout the city are prepared to host the automotive industry. The Las Vegas Convention Centre was recently awarded GBAC Star Facility Accreditation in recognition of superior health and safety practices at its facility, and SEMA’s hotel partners are implementing similar measures to ensure a safe and productive stay during the show.

Additionally, SEMA says it is adding its own measures, including wider aisles to provide more space to move around the show, reconfigured registration areas, and an expanded campus that allows the show to realign exhibitor sections and give attendees an optimal environment in which to network and do business. Go here to learn more about the current measures in place for the SEMA Show.

SEMA says it has “strong support” for the show from more than 1600 exhibitors and a pre-registration of tens of thousands of industry buyers.