{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"166. Previewing the 2026 SEMA Show with Tom Gattuso","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/166-previewing-the-2026-sema-show-with-tom-gattuso","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/13c46eb4/podcast/play/118220490/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-3-9%2F421758054-44100-2-aa9521550078e.m4a","description":"In this episode, Cory reaches out to Tom Gattuso, VP of Events at SEMA. Tom and Cory discuss how Tom got to the role of VP of Events and what the future of the SEMA Show looks like.Keep up with SEMA:https://www.sema.org/https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2026/15/sema-goes-all-powersports-lifestyle-2026/-26ss⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you never miss a Car Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be sure to join the discussion on any of our social media pages.Share your stories on any of the platforms listed below.Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTGarageTalk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTGarageTalk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTGarageTalk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@GTGarageTalk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Or send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GTGarageTalk@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can read more on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GTGarageTalk.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support our Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GTGarageTalk.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Garage Talk Merch!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you liked that episode and would like to hear more, head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/GTGarageTalk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and sign up on our 1LT Camaro tier and you will be granted access to TheAftermarket, extra content recorded after each new episode. You’ll get to hear just a little more about what Cory and guests are like when making an episode of GT: Garage Talk. If that’s not enough, browse through our many other tiers and see what perks come with each level.We appreciate you all, we thank you for listening\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":94.4,"endTime":104.0,"type":"concept","title":"SEMA Show","url":"/glossary/sema-show","quote":"You know happy to be here Corey we're like 208 days away from the SEMA show right now so we're really going hard and this is the fun time.","canonicalId":"concept:sema-show","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) hosts the SEMA Show, one of the biggest annual events focused on aftermarket automotive parts and vehicle customization. It’s where manufacturers, builders, and brands showcase new products and trends for enthusiasts and installers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The SEMA Show is a huge event for car parts and customization. Companies bring new aftermarket products and show what’s coming next for car enthusiasts."}},{"startTime":196.9,"endTime":202.9,"type":"concept","title":"OEMs","url":"/glossary/oem","quote":"...California really seemed cool and at that time a lot of OEMs were were putting headquarters out there...","canonicalId":"concept:oem","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer—companies that build vehicles and major components sold under their own brand. In event-planning context, OEMs are often key sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for auto shows and industry events."}},{"startTime":201.0,"endTime":209.6,"type":"brand","title":"Lincoln Mercury","url":"/glossary/lincoln-mercury","quote":"...California really seemed cool and at that time a lot of OEMs were were putting headquarters out there from Lincoln Mercury and Ford to Honda...","canonicalId":"brand:lincoln-mercury","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lincoln and Mercury were major American automaker brands under Ford Motor Company. In the late 1980s, their presence in California helped illustrate how OEMs were concentrating corporate operations in certain regions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lincoln and Mercury were car brands from Ford. The host is saying that, back then, a lot of big automakers were setting up headquarters in California."}},{"startTime":206.0,"endTime":209.6,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"...a lot of OEMs were were putting headquarters out there from Lincoln Mercury and Ford to Honda and Toyota Nissan...","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford is one of the largest U.S. automakers and a key OEM in the American automotive industry. Mentioning Ford alongside other brands frames the era’s shift in where automakers were locating headquarters."}},{"startTime":209.6,"endTime":214.0,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"...from Lincoln Mercury and Ford to Honda and Toyota Nissan so so I jumped in...","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese automaker that became a major player in the U.S. market, especially from the 1970s onward. Its inclusion here highlights how non-U.S. brands were also establishing corporate footprints in California."}},{"startTime":214.0,"endTime":218.0,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"...to Honda and Toyota Nissan so so I jumped in and sold everything I owned...","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a major Japanese automaker and one of the largest global car manufacturers. Mentioning Toyota in the same breath as other OEMs reinforces the idea that many companies were consolidating leadership and operations in California during that period."}},{"startTime":218.0,"endTime":223.0,"type":"brand","title":"Nissan","url":"/glossary/nissan","quote":"...to Honda and Toyota Nissan so so I jumped in and sold everything I owned...","canonicalId":"brand:nissan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Nissan is a Japanese automaker that, like Toyota and Honda, expanded significantly in the U.S. market. Its mention supports the broader point about OEMs relocating headquarters and corporate presence."}},{"startTime":230.7,"endTime":245.1,"type":"concept","title":"auto shows","url":"/glossary/auto-shows","quote":"...I found one out of the blue that was producing auto shows and literally I started by selling 10 by 10 booths...","canonicalId":"concept:auto-shows","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Auto shows are large public or industry events where automakers and aftermarket companies display vehicles, concepts, and new products. The speaker’s career path is tied to producing and selling show space (booths), which is a core part of how these events are organized."}},{"startTime":238.8,"endTime":245.1,"type":"concept","title":"10 by 10 booths","url":"/glossary/10-by-10-booths","quote":"...producing auto shows and literally I started by selling 10 by 10 booths and and sort of built a career from there...","canonicalId":"concept:10-by-10-booths","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“10 by 10 booths” refers to a standard exhibit space size used at trade shows and auto shows. Selling booth space is a common early step in event production because it determines how exhibitors can display vehicles, parts, and branding."}},{"startTime":346.9,"endTime":353.7,"type":"concept","title":"B2B events","url":"/glossary/b2b-events","quote":"it was everything from small regional shows to some B2B events and I walked into SEMA","canonicalId":"concept:b2b-events","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"B2B (business-to-business) events are geared toward companies rather than individual consumers. In automotive, B2B shows often focus on supplier relationships, product launches, and industry networking.","simplifiedExplanation":"B2B events are for businesses to meet other businesses. Instead of selling directly to drivers, it’s more about companies working together and learning about products."}},{"startTime":418.8,"endTime":425.8,"type":"concept","title":"aftermarket","url":"/glossary/aftermarket","quote":"off-roading is really I would say one of the forefront of the aftermarket experiences right now... everybody wants a vehicle that either looks or is capable to take it off-road and then they want to fix it up they want to modify it and make it better","canonicalId":"concept:aftermarket","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The aftermarket is the ecosystem of parts and services sold outside the original vehicle manufacturer. In off-road and customization, aftermarket support is what enables owners to modify vehicles for looks, capability, and durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aftermarket parts are things you buy to change or upgrade your car after it’s already been made. For off-roaders, that can mean upgrades that help the truck handle rough terrain."}},{"startTime":497.4,"endTime":504.0,"type":"concept","title":"off-road expo","url":"/glossary/off-road-expo","quote":"[497.4s]  at the time looking to roll out more off-road expo so I actually did one in Houston one year\n[504.0s]  we did one in Utah as well in Salt Lake City but what I noticed was there was this group of people","canonicalId":"concept:off-road-expo","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An off-road expo is an event focused on off-road vehicles, builds, and the aftermarket culture around them. In this segment, it’s used to describe gatherings that connect young off-road enthusiasts with vendors and other builders.","simplifiedExplanation":"An off-road expo is basically a show or event for people who build and drive off-road trucks and SUVs. It’s where enthusiasts share ideas and companies show off parts and setups."}},{"startTime":534.4,"endTime":546.2,"type":"concept","title":"mud bogging","url":"/glossary/mud-bogging","quote":"[534.4s]  really interesting happen the off-roading that happened in Texas was different than what was\n[540.3s]  happening in Southern California there was a lot of mud and mud bogging and that type of stuff","canonicalId":"concept:mud-bogging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mud bogging is an off-road activity where a vehicle drives into deep mud and tries to keep moving through it. It often requires specific tires, traction, and recovery gear because vehicles can get stuck quickly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mud bogging is when you drive into really muddy ground and try to get through it. It can be tough because the truck can sink or get stuck."}},{"startTime":556.9,"endTime":567.9,"type":"concept","title":"two-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/two-wheel-drive","quote":"[556.9s]  together and it was really neat to watch them say like what do you do your two-wheel drive like how\n[563.1s]  do you even do two-wheel drive it's like oh because in the desert you do this or that","canonicalId":"concept:two-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Two-wheel drive (2WD) means power is sent to only one axle, usually the rear. In desert off-roading, many drivers still run 2WD because the terrain and driving style can make it workable, and it’s often cheaper than 4WD.","simplifiedExplanation":"Two-wheel drive means only two wheels get power instead of all four. Some off-roaders run 2WD in the desert because it can still work depending on the terrain and how you drive."}},{"startTime":638.6,"endTime":638.6,"type":"term","title":"lower or lift a truck","url":"/glossary/lower-or-lift-a-truck","quote":"[632.7s]  which really is tied into some of the modern ADOS equipment so it's like okay we know people want\n[638.6s]  a lower or lift a truck and they want to be able to put off-road wheels and tires on it maybe a winch","canonicalId":"term:lower-or-lift-a-truck","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lowering or lifting a truck changes ride height by altering suspension geometry and components. For off-road builds, lifting is often done to gain ground clearance and fit larger tires, while lowering is typically for stance and handling changes on-road.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lowering or lifting a truck changes how high it sits. Lifting usually helps with off-roading by giving more clearance for obstacles and bigger tires."}},{"startTime":638.6,"endTime":644.9,"type":"term","title":"winch","url":"/glossary/winch","quote":"[638.6s]  a lower or lift a truck and they want to be able to put off-road wheels and tires on it maybe a winch\n[644.9s]  ","canonicalId":"term:winch","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.93,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A winch is a recovery device that uses a motor and cable to pull a vehicle out of trouble. Off-road builds commonly include winches because getting stuck is part of the sport, especially in mud, sand, or rocky areas.","simplifiedExplanation":"A winch is like a heavy-duty pull tool for your truck. If you get stuck off-road, you can use it to pull yourself or another vehicle out."}},{"startTime":638.6,"endTime":638.6,"type":"term","title":"off-road wheels and tires","url":"/glossary/off-road-wheels-and-tires","quote":"[638.6s]  a lower or lift a truck and they want to be able to put off-road wheels and tires on it maybe a winch","canonicalId":"term:off-road-wheels-and-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Off-road wheels and tires are aftermarket components chosen for traction, durability, and sidewall strength in rough terrain. Tires are often the biggest performance factor for mud, sand, and rocks, while wheels can be selected for fitment and strength.","simplifiedExplanation":"Off-road tires and wheels are upgraded parts made to grip better and survive rough ground. The tires especially matter a lot for traction in sand, mud, or rocks."}},{"startTime":717.5,"endTime":725.4,"type":"concept","title":"King of the Hammers","url":"/glossary/king-of-the-hammers","quote":"I've been out to Death Valley I've been out to where I've climbed chocolate thunder as part of King of the Hammers and that is a totally different it's the same skill set but total different application of an off-road vehicle","canonicalId":"concept:king-of-the-hammers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"King of the Hammers is a famous off-road race held in California, known for extreme desert terrain and rock crawling challenges. The transcript uses it to illustrate how the same off-road skill set can apply differently depending on terrain and event style.","simplifiedExplanation":"King of the Hammers is a well-known extreme off-road race. It’s used here as an example of how off-roading can be totally different depending on where and how you’re driving."}},{"startTime":857.2,"endTime":925.8,"type":"concept","title":"community","url":"/glossary/community","quote":"...it really is to make people feel like they're part of a community... when you come to the SEMA show...","canonicalId":"concept:community","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker emphasizes community as a core goal of SEMA programming—making attendees feel like they belong to a shared automotive world. This is presented as both a long-term identity (“for a year and years on years”) and a short-term event experience (“for a week”).","simplifiedExplanation":"The speaker keeps coming back to the idea that SEMA isn’t just about cars—it’s about people. They want attendees to feel like they’re part of a group that shares the same interests."}},{"startTime":1324.1,"endTime":1331.08,"type":"concept","title":"ICE engines","url":"/glossary/ice-engines","quote":"our goal there wasn't to not have electric vehicles... our goal was really to have a choice everything from synthetic fuel to hydrogen to electric to ice engines but now we","canonicalId":"concept:ice-engines","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine—traditional gasoline or diesel engines. The speaker contrasts ICE with electric and other fuels to argue for consumer choice across different powertrain technologies.","simplifiedExplanation":"ICE engines are the regular gas or diesel engines most people are used to. They’re being mentioned as one option alongside electric and other fuels."}},{"startTime":1468.2,"endTime":1477.4,"type":"company","title":"ORBA","url":"/glossary/orba","quote":"[1462.3s]  going to see a red thread right with this answer and it will make sense why an association like\n[1468.2s]  SEMA exists but we saw another off-road association ORBA the Off-Road Business Association and they\n[1477.4s]  defend and protect the use of lands and that type of thing","canonicalId":"company:orba","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ORBA is the Off-Road Business Association, an organization focused on protecting off-road access and land-use interests. The speaker says SEMA acquired ORBA to expand advocacy for off-road and power sports communities."}},{"startTime":1747.2,"endTime":1755.0,"type":"term","title":"side-by-sides","url":"/glossary/side-by-sides","quote":"...to dirt bikes to you know metric bikes to side-by-sides and everything in between...","canonicalId":"term:side-by-sides","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Side-by-sides (SxS) are off-road utility vehicles with two seats side-by-side, typically with a roll cage and belt-driven or geared transmissions. They’re a major segment of power sports and often have their own aftermarket ecosystem.","simplifiedExplanation":"Side-by-sides are off-road vehicles built for trails and rough terrain, usually with two seats next to each other. They’re popular for recreation and have lots of aftermarket upgrades."}},{"startTime":1747.2,"endTime":1755.0,"type":"term","title":"v-twin motorcycles","url":"/glossary/v-twin-motorcycles","quote":"...everything from v-twin motorcycles to dirt bikes to you know metric bikes to side-by-sides...","canonicalId":"term:v-twin-motorcycles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A V-twin motorcycle engine uses two cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. This layout is known for a distinctive sound and strong low-to-midrange torque characteristics compared with many single- or inline-cylinder designs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V-twin is a motorcycle engine with two cylinders arranged in a V shape. It’s known for a unique sound and usually good pull at lower speeds."}},{"startTime":1747.2,"endTime":1755.0,"type":"term","title":"dirt bikes","url":"/glossary/dirt-bikes","quote":"...everything from v-twin motorcycles to dirt bikes to you know metric bikes to side-by-sides...","canonicalId":"term:dirt-bikes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Dirt bikes are lightweight off-road motorcycles designed for unpaved surfaces like trails and motocross tracks. They’re a core part of power-sports culture and often drive demand for suspension, tires, and performance parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dirt bikes are motorcycles made for off-road riding on dirt and trails. They’re built to handle bumps and rough ground."}},{"startTime":1788.4,"endTime":1794.8,"type":"concept","title":"Las Vegas convention center","url":"/glossary/las-vegas-convention-center","quote":"...we are yeah we're in Las Vegas where this year will be the third through the sixth... we've got the entire inside of the Las Vegas convention center full...","canonicalId":"concept:las-vegas-convention-center","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the main indoor venue for the event, where exhibitors fill the convention center space. The speaker contrasts it with the outdoor footprint to explain why both matter to the show’s experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"That’s the big indoor building in Las Vegas where the show’s main exhibits happen. They also use outdoor space, and both are important."}},{"startTime":1814.9,"endTime":1819.8,"type":"concept","title":"drifting","url":"/glossary/drifting","quote":"...it comes from the activations we have outside and the drifting and you know freestyle motocross and that type of stuff...","canonicalId":"concept:drifting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drifting is a motorsport technique where a driver intentionally oversteers so the car slides through a corner while maintaining control and speed. It’s commonly featured at automotive events because it’s visually dramatic and showcases vehicle dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drifting is when a car slides sideways through a turn on purpose while the driver keeps it under control. It looks really cool, which is why events often include it."}},{"startTime":2030.6,"endTime":2079.9,"type":"concept","title":"SEMA Fest","url":"/glossary/sema-fest","quote":"we've started to expand where we create an event called SEMA Fest and SEMA Fest is something that that is automotive and music combined and it happens on Friday","canonicalId":"concept:sema-fest","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"SEMA Fest is an event created by SEMA that blends automotive culture with live music. The idea is to broaden the audience beyond traditional trade-show attendees by pairing vehicles and motorcycles with major touring bands.","simplifiedExplanation":"SEMA Fest is SEMA’s music-and-cars event. It’s meant to bring together car and motorcycle fans with concerts so more people can experience the lifestyle."}},{"startTime":2079.9,"endTime":2135.3,"type":"concept","title":"SEMA Live","url":"/glossary/sema-live","quote":"we produce something called SEMA Live which is a 31 hour long live stream of the SEMA show and we treat it a little bit like Sports Center meets the SEMA show","canonicalId":"concept:sema-live","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"SEMA Live is a long-form live stream of the SEMA Show, described here as a 31-hour broadcast. It’s structured like sports coverage, with a desk and roving reporters to capture what’s happening inside and outside the convention center."}},{"startTime":2341.7,"endTime":2381.3,"type":"concept","title":"floor plan","url":"/glossary/floor-plan","quote":"we have a blank floor plan right now and we're going to have 2,000 exhibitors participate in a space drawing... and we draw the floor plan as we go","canonicalId":"concept:floor-plan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A floor plan is the layout of the exhibition hall showing where booths and exhibitors are placed. In large trade shows like SEMA, the floor plan is built dynamically as companies request space.","simplifiedExplanation":"A floor plan is the map of the convention hall. It shows where each company’s booth will go."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Fifteen58 Productions LLC","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/166-previewing-the-2026-sema-show-with-tom-gattuso/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}