SEMA Kickoff Breakfast welcomes pair of high-profile guests
The new-look SEMA Show — now featuring a powersports section — will officially begin at the event’s Kickoff Breakfast on Nov. 3, which SEMA just announced will feature conversations with motorcycle enthusiast Jay Leno and Harley-Davidson CEO Artie Starrs.
Comedian and former late-night talk show host Leno is heavily involved in the motorcycle community and has a personal collection of more than 150 motorcycles.
Starrs is Harley-Davidson’s recently appointed CEO. The Motor Company announced in September that it will be an exhibitor in SEMA’s expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section — an expansion SEMA says underscores the growing intersection between auto and powersports.
“The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast gives attendees an early start on the industry’s most critical week of business,” — Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events
A central highlight of the Kickoff Breakfast is the presentation of the 2026 SEMA Best New Product Awards, honoring exceptional innovation across 15 categories. Drawn from the New Products Showcase, these awards provide attendees with an advance look at breakthrough technologies shaping today’s automotive aftermarket.
The program will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and 2026 SEMA Channel Partner of the Year awards, honoring two exceptional organizations for outstanding leadership and contributions over the past year.
“The Kickoff Breakfast is designed to energize attendees for a productive week,” says SEMA trade show director Andy Tompkins. “We look forward to uniting the global industry around product discovery, emerging trends, and business growth.”
To learn more about the event or to register, visit the SEMA Show website.
