SEMA 2016 - My experience as a detailer

[haris300]

Hi everyone! As some of you may know, I got a chance to go to SEMA last week courtesy of Autogeek via their video contest. I had never been to SEMA before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I brought along my buddy Steve at Ultimate Detailing since I knew another detailer would appreciate going to the event. The event was HUGE and there was something to see everyday in every corner of the convention center. Naturally I mostly gravitated towards to detailing side of the event, but I still got a chance to see an insane amount of impressive and innovative car builds and products. Some of the paint finishes on the builds were phenomenal while others had me wanting to go grab a polisher and get to work. It was great getting to meet the Autogeek crew. The Ferrari 458 that was being corrected at the booth was getting a lot of attention. It had some pretty nasty body work on the front but the end result looked spectacular. I even got my hands on it with the Flex XFE and the new Lake Country microfiber pads. Nick was a very hospitable host. I even got to eat dinner with him and the guys at Mothers. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mike Phillips, Jeff at Griot's Garage (thanks for the pfm towel ), Corey and Avi from CarPro, and a ton of detailers that I knew from the forums and social media. I was exhausted at the end of the week but it was totally worth it. Ended my stay with a little visit to the strip and had some fun before heading home. Anyways, here are some of the photos I snagged while I was running about.

Well that's all I've got. Thanks again to Autogeek for the incredible opportunity and special thanks to Nick for taking care of us during our stay. Hope to see you guys out there again!

 

[GSKR]

Like those new small micro pads for my Ibrid.

 

[custmsprty]

Cool, thanks for sharing.

 

[Jowillie]

Thanks for sharing your experience.
What detailing products surprised or impressed you most? (Not counting the models)

 

[fly07sti]

Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Mike@ShineStruck]

Looks like the B&S uro MF pads come in many sizes!

Did you by chance get any pics of the Ford Maverick done by Maverick man and Han from fast n furious?

 

[rlmccarty2000]

Look like new microfiber pads from B&S, the black and white ones. I need more 3 inch pads. Thanks for all the great pictures!

 

[BrutalNoodle]

Congrats on being chosen, Haris, and thank you for sharing your experience with us. rops:

How was the food?

And that Z.... I dunno man... I just... Dunno.. lol

 

[forrest@mothers]

Great pix!

Dinner was fun. Well, everything except the Cubbies winning.

forrest

 

[Nick McKees37]

It was a pleasure (finally) meeting you Haris. You're an asset to AGO and we were glad to have you as our guest at SEMA. :dblthumb2:

 

[Desertnate]

What a great opportunity. The blue paint on that Camaro looks stunning.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I agree with Nick,

It was a pleasure to meet you and you're consistent positive contributions to this forum make you an asset and an outstanding forum member.

I wish we had more time to talk, the booth stays very busy as you could see...



:dblthumb2:

 

[OCDetails]

It was fun to meet you and get your perspectives of the detailing you do while we were at dinner. I really enjoyed chatting with you guys. Good luck on getting your shop set up!

 

[RaskyR1]

Thanks for sharing! Your pics are amazing too!!!!!

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Wow! Looks like you had an amazing time!

Thanks for sharing your trip and all the great pictures!

 

[Marc08EX]

Sounds like you had a blast Haris! Thanks for sharing some pictures and your experience.

 

[BadgerRivFan]

Well deserved Haris... Glad that you won and had a good time.

 

[Jaretr1]

SEMA is the show of shows for car people! For many of us, we might see some awesome cars at shows locally, but at SEMA, its literally the best of the best. And only in person can some of the details of these cars be appreciated.

 

[OCDetails]

I tell people that the best part about SEMA is that it is like being at a Star Trek convention and nobody laughs at your Spock ears. I can talk about car wax with people who don't think spending ten or fifteen times what a product from AutoZone costs is crazy. It truly is a car guy's paradise.

 

[Two_6s]

Looks like a great trip! Me being a gear head and a detailer, I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself there!