While you’ve probably seen the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas on your television or computer, nothing compares to experiencing this Nevada spectacle up close and personal. Whether you're trying your luck at one the world-class casinos or having an outdoor adventure in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the area lives up to its nickname of America's Playground. To make your trip unforgettable, try out unique attractions such as Stratosphere Tower, which features four amusement park rides on top of a 1,000 foot-tall skyscraper.
SEMA Ignited has been a must-attend event for auto enthusiasts since 2013, and it will take place November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Gold Lot. The event is the official SEMA Show afterparty that connects car lovers with automotive industry professionals and personalities. Attendees will see hundreds of heavily modified vehicles made by a variety of the leading custom automotive builders on the planet. Some of the builders will compete in the SEMA Battle of the Builders, which is a competition where industry judges determine the ten best automobiles in four categories. Patrons can also see a variety of professional drivers from Formula Drift participating in a drifting demonstration. SEMA attendees can enter the event free of charge, and those not attending SEMA can purchase tickets on the event website or at the door. We interviewed Sr Digital Marketing Manager for SEMA, Albert Somlith, to learn about this one-of-a-kind automotive experience.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AS: SEMA Ignited has taken place since 2013.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AS: We expect more than 20,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
AS: The event attracts trade professionals, and the general public including families, couples, and children.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AS: We offer the public the opportunity to see hundreds of the most outrageously customized vehicles from inside the trade-only SEMA Show. There will also be Formula DRIFT demonstrations, automotive industry celebrities, food trucks, music, and the live filming of the crowing of the winner of the SEMA Battle of the Builders which will be broadcast on Jan. 2, 2018, on the Velocity channel.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
AS: Gates open at 3:00 pm and lasts until 10:00 pm. There will be a parade of the coolest custom cars on the planet, Formula DRIFT demonstrations, automotive industry celebrities, food trucks, music and the live filming of the crowing of the winner of the SEMA Battle of the Builders which will be broadcast on Jan. 2, 2018 on the Velocity channel.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
AS: Yes, a variety of automotive industry celebrities and personalities.
RAL: What will attendees find for dining options?
AS: Yes, food trucks and beer garden.
RAL: What is the atmosphere like?
AS: It's exciting and action-packed! The event is a must for any automotive enthusiast.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
AS: Numerous hotels are available adjacent to the event and on the Las Vegas Strip.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up for the event?
AS: Not associated with the event, but many hotels offer general discounts. Please visit the hotels’ websites for more details.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
AS: This event caps off the trade-only SEMA Show, which by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau accounts is one of the most significant contributors to the local Las Vegas economy. The SEMA Ignited event employs nearly one hundred local workers, and we also bought a variety of local TV and radio spots, infusing more money into the Las Vegas economy.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AS: We feature some of the coolest custom cars on the planet. The Formula DRIFT demonstrations are a sight to behold, and we give the chance to meet automotive industry celebrities from across the country and the world. Plus, our battle of the builders is going to be filmed and presented on the Velocity Channel.
For more information about SEMA Ignited, please visit the event website.