I get credentials for SEMA and PRI every year...whether I attend or not is another thing. now that PRI is in Indy, can't say that I am always excited to be in Indy in December...December in Orlando was more inviting when PRI was there
If credentials are being checked at SEMA, it is typically only at the main entrances of the convention center buildings proper and not the outside display areas.
the outside display areas of silver lots 1,2 and 3 as well as Convention Center Drive and North Road (between North Hall and the Westgate) are open to all. there is no way to limit access in these open public areas. I spend a day in these open areas checking out the displays, Ford's proving area, and all the show cars lined up outside along Convention Center Drive. Many of the Optima battery street car challenge competitors are lined up on North Rd.
there is a lot see in these open areas...here is the
floorplan
Even without SEMA credentials, there is still a lot you can see at the SEMA show and around vegas itself....
DAY 1: outside displays at SEMA
DAY 2 FRIDAY: outside displays, SEMA Ignited (open to public) begins at 3pm goes to 10pm
SEMA Ignited factsheet check out youtube for past year's highlights.
DAY 3 +4 Saturday/Sunday: at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NHRA division 7 final sportsman series races. Also, Optima Battery street car competition on the road track. Optima Street Car Challenge event info.
Day 5: check out the sights of vegas if you've never been.
just ideas how to take in some of the show and motorsports events that same week...