See You at SEMA

By Chris Collier

The Las Vegas Convention Center welcomes car culture back into its halls this November. It’s a live-and-in-person comeback featuring an additional 1.4 million square feet of space in West Hall—the home of all things paint protection film (PPF). SEMA’s return is akin to comfort food for a car enthusiast. For me, it’s a brand new era of my career that I can’t wait to experience.

“West Coast Customs” sparked my passion for the automotive scene. The Burbank, Calif., customization center was my first exposure to SEMA and all it had to offer. My father and I marveled at the shop’s creations behind a now-defunct Zenith television. Now, I’m covering it all from a birds-eye view clearer than any early-2000’s TV screen . . . crazy how that works. The shop and its crew frequent SEMA to this day, and now it’s my turn.

What am I anticipating most? Well, I’m ready to learn from the industry’s sharpest. Avery Dennison is planning live demonstrations and training in which all can partake. I’m eager to scan the PPF process and watch installers dance between speed and quality in pursuit of perfection. I’m also looking forward to visiting Global Window Films, Johnson Window Films, XPEL, Eastman Performance Films and more after watching them shine in the Sunshine State at the International Window Film Conference and Tint Off™ (WFCT) this past June.

I can’t deny it—the kid in me is ready to scan the matte-black McClarens, the paint-protected Porsches and the ceramic-coated Corvettes—I’m ready for it all.

Bring it on SEMA.

If you’ll be at SEMA, please stop by PPFMag’s booth at #54074. It would be great to meet you.

Chris Collier is the assistant editor of PPFMag. Email him at ccollier@glass.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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