Las Vegas, Nevada – SEMA 2026
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) welcomed more than 100,000 attendees to its annual SEMA Show, and expectations were exceeded!
What happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas. Representatives from the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket (IMA) and Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) joined more than 2,000 brand exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center for SEMA 2026. The event filled the 1.1-million-square-foot venue, with the entire West Hall dedicated to the recreation, powersports, and motorcycle industries.
A custom motorcycle show featuring 70 entries highlighted the West Hall activities, bringing together old- and new-school builders competing for Best of Show bragging rights. The IMA and MRF were well represented by MRF President Kirk Willard, IMA Chairman Jim Bengtson, MRF Club Liaison Russell Radke, MRF Sustaining State MRO Rep Traci Beaurivage, and MRF member Travis Fahlsing.
IMA outgoing Chairman Bob Kay organized and orchestrated SEMA’s inaugural custom bike show, creating an opportunity to introduce the IMA and MRF to bike builders, enthusiasts, and industry representatives. Throughout the four-day event, the IMA and MRF also used the opportunity to network with industry leaders and discuss their legislative goals for 2027.
When SEMA offered the IMA and MRF a complimentary booth, the opportunity to introduce both organizations to an entirely new audience of potential supporters was quickly embraced. Kay made his intentions clear: “The SEMA show has been a goal of mine for the past several years, and when I was asked to pull together the bike show, I jumped at the opportunity for the IMA and MRF.”
On the final day, when SEMA 2026 opened to the public, the IMA/MRF team was stationed at the motorcycle exhibit to ensure attendees received information about both organizations. The team repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting an industry representing $380 billion, more than one million jobs, and $1 billion in employee wages. Protecting this industry is critical to its continued growth and the survival of our industry and lifestyle.
At SEMA 2026's opening-night powersports reception, Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO, welcomed exhibitors and introduced SEMA's new Motorcycle and Powersports Council, RPM – Recreation, Powersports, Motorcycles. Spagnola acknowledged the common ground between traditional SEMA supporters and recreation, powersports, and motorcycle industry enthusiasts, welcoming the opportunity to build an alliance.
The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket and MRF look forward to an ongoing, positive relationship with SEMA as all parties work to further promote their mutual goals.
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