Your Ultimate Las Vegas Guide to SEMA / AAPEX

Attending the SEMA and AAPEX shows in Las Vegas is your chance to witness the best in automotive innovation. It's also the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most out of your stay during the SEMA / AAPEX shows. 

Insider Tips for SEMA / AAPEX Attendees 

Transportation  

Getting to the Strip from McCarran International Airport (LAS) is quick and affordable. Grab a two-hour bus pass for just $6. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes. Prefer a taxi or rideshare option? The cost and time are identical: $15 to $20 and 10 to 15 minutes. We don't recommend renting a car: parking is expensive and scarce in Vegas. You don't need that stress.

Happily, the convention locations are centrally located, making walking viable for many attractions. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available (pay attention to surge rates), and the Las Vegas Monorail offers convenient travel along the Strip. 

Pack Smart  

We recommend packing layers--it is the desert in November. Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the expansive show floors. Keep your water bottle close, it's easy to get dehydrated during a full day exploring vendor booths.

As for electronics, a portable charger is a must. It ensures your devices remain powered throughout the day. Be sure to bring extra cash for quick and convenient tipping. 

Ideal Accommodations  

Staying at The Venetian, Caesars Palace, or nearby hotels such as The Palazzo or Treasure Island provides easy access to the SEMA and AAPEX shows.

It may be tempting to stay off-Strip, but it could result in more travel time to and from the shows. Embassy Suites by Hilton is a convenient option--it's close to the airport and the convention center while giving you a little breathing room from the bustle of the Strip.

Must-See Attractions and Activities 

Las Vegas has something for everyone, from exquisite dining experiences to thrilling entertainment and iconic sights. After a bustling day at the Las Vegas Convention Center for SEMA or The Venetian and Caesar's Forum for AAPEX, unwind and explore these top recommendations. 

Drinks with the Team

Travel back to the Roaring Twenties at this immersive Prohibition speakeasy located in the basement of the Mob Museum. Enjoy craft cocktails from the 1920s.

Offering a cozy vibe and proper cocktails, the Downtown Cocktail Room's lounge in the heart of Las Vegas is a popular choice. Happy hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Sip on delicious cocktails. Devour premium steaks. Enjoy half-price specials from 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner and drinks with your team or midnight to 3 a.m. for a late-night treat.

Dining Options 

Nice Restaurants 

📌 Matteo's Ristorante Italiano  

Cuisine: Italian | Cost: $$  

Treat yourself to upscale Northern Italian dishes in a sophisticated ambiance. Perfect for those special dinners with a focus on pasta and regional specialties. 

Cuisine: Steakhouse | Cost: $$  

Enjoy premium cuts of meat in a modern steakhouse setting, offering a top-tier dining experience. 

Cuisine: French | Cost: $$  

Delight in classic French dishes crafted by renowned chef Thomas Keller in a refined bistro environment. 

Sit-Down Restaurants 

📌 Wazuzu

Cuisine: Asian Fusion | Cost: $$ 

Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, you'll experience Asian dishes served up in surprising ways.

📌 Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Cuisine: Southern | Cost: $  

Relish Southern comfort foods like fried chicken and biscuits in a stylish, casual setting. 

📌 Lakeside

Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired | Cost: $$  

Fresh fish in the desert? Absolutely. Freshly caught in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands.

Quick Service 

📌 Tacos El Gordo

Cuisine: Mexican | Cost: $  

Savor authentic Mexican street tacos that are both quick and delicious. 

📌 Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Cuisine: American/Burgers | Cost: $  

Indulge in craft burgers and their famous milkshakes. 

📌 Jaburritos

Cuisine: Sushi + Burritos | Cost: $  

Find handcrafted and delicious burrito-style sushi located at The LINQ Promenade.

Entertainment & Shows 

Performing November 6, treat yourself to a night of classic hits and soulful performances.

Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil with a stunning aquatic-themed show that's truly breathtaking.

Interact with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities for a fun diversion. 

Sightseeing 

See the strip from 550 feet on North America's largest observation wheel. 

Don't miss this iconic attraction where water dances to music every 15 to 30 minutes. 

Explore vintage Vegas through restored neon signs that once lit up the city.

Walk through Venice's replica canals, shop at luxury stores, or take a gondola ride. 

Gambling & Nightlife 

Try your luck at this grand casino, perfect for gaming enthusiasts. 

Dance the night away with top DJs in a club with breathtaking Strip views. 

Mingle above the stars on the 64th floor of Delano Las Vegas.

World-Class Golf Courses

One of the most exclusive and luxurious golf courses, Shadow Creek is known for its beautiful landscaping, challenging holes, and being a frequent host of celebrity and pro tournaments.

A PGA Tour facility, TPC Las Vegas offers a championship experience with scenic desert views. It’s one of the top public courses and a favorite among both locals and tourists for its challenging layout.

A tropical-themed course with views of the Strip's skyline. It’s one of the most conveniently located courses and is known for its palm trees, lagoons, and challenging play.

Spa & Relaxation 

Rejuvenate with massages and treatments at one of the top-rated spas. 

Indulge in luxury treatments to unwind after an action-packed day. 

Your November Forecast

November in Las Vegas is the perfect getaway, with mild, comfortable weather that's great for both work and play. During the day, you can expect temps between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C), which is warm enough for outdoor fun without the scorching summer heat.

In the evenings, it cools down a bit, often dipping into the low 40s°F (5°C to 8°C), so you'll want to bring a jacket. Rain is pretty rare, and the clear skies make it easy to enjoy both the SEMA and AAPEX events and your own personal adventures.

Maximize Your SEMA / AAPEX Experience 

Las Vegas offers an adventure at every corner, ensuring your trade show trip is as memorable outside the convention center as it is inside. Enjoy your stay and make the most of what this dynamic city has to offer! 

Stop by Cinch Booth #11565 at SEMA or Kiosk #1 at AAPEX to connect with the Cinch team and explore consumer behavior AI for the automotive industry.