TMCP 663: SEMA 2026 Preview with Dan Kahn: Big Trends, Building Connections & Making the Most of the Show

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Dan Kahn’s SEMA 2026 Preview:
What to Watch and How to Make the Most of the Show

Featured Interview: Dan Kahn

SEMA is almost here! With so much to see and only a few days to take it all in, a little preparation can make a big difference. This week, I welcome back my longtime friend, former podcast co-host, and automotive industry insider Dan Kahn to discuss what’s coming at SEMA 2026—and how builders and content creators can turn a busy week in Las Vegas into lasting opportunities.

Dan is president and CEO of Kahn Media and CEO of Tread Agency. He attended his first SEMA Show in 1998 as a 19-year-old magazine editor, beginning a career that has taken him through automotive journalism, marketing, and public relations. He founded Kahn Media in 2008, and this year’s show coincides with the agency’s 18th anniversary.

Through his work with manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and custom builders, Dan has watched the industry evolve from magazine-driven coverage to today’s mix of YouTube channels, independent creators, and digital media. We cover plenty of ground in this conversation, including what newcomers can learn from the show, how to build valuable connections, and which automotive trends he expects to gain momentum.

And yes, we make time for Star Trek trivia!

Making the Most of SEMA

Do you need an established shop or a car in a major booth to make attending SEMA worthwhile? Dan’s answer is no. For an up-and-coming builder, the show offers an opportunity to discover products, find inspiration, and start relationships that could help grow a business.

Some of the best discoveries happen away from the biggest displays. Dan shares the story of Matt Bean and BuiltRight Industries, which grew from a practical idea for organizing equipment inside a pickup bed. A small booth with one person solving a problem can hold something valuable—if you take the time to look.

Even established builders still walk the show looking for inspiration. Dan points to Mike Ring of Ringbrothers as someone who remains curious about what others are building and developing. There is always something to learn, whether it’s a detail on a finished car or a new component tucked into a corner booth.

Dan also recommends reaching out before the show. Contact companies you want to work with, make appointments, and arrive prepared to learn about their products and discuss where your businesses might fit together. That first conversation may lead to a supplier relationship or future collaboration, but it may also be a seed that takes a year or two to grow.

SEMA’s education sessions deserve a place on the schedule, too. Beyond the presentations on technical skills, marketing, sales, and business operations, they provide opportunities to meet speakers and other attendees facing similar challenges.

Building an Audience That Lasts

Creating automotive content is more accessible than ever, but what makes people keep watching?

Dan and I discuss the value of sharing useful information, telling interesting stories, and consistently doing the work. He highlights Riley’s Rebuilds, whose carburetor rebuilding videos combine a practical skill with an approachable teaching style. Her story demonstrates how sharing something you care about can create opportunities far beyond the original project.

We also talk about creators such as Larry Chen and the different paths people take to build an audience. Dan himself regularly watches small channels when he needs help with equipment or projects on his hobby farm. Sometimes a straightforward video showing how someone solved a problem is exactly what a viewer needs.

For creators attending SEMA, Dan’s advice is simple: arrive prepared, stay curious, and respect the people around you. Exhibitors have invested significant time and money in the show, and the people staffing their booths are there to work. Make appointments when possible, respect their schedules, and approach each conversation professionally.

Have a plan for what you want to cover, but leave enough room to discover a story you didn’t know was there.

What’s Going to Be Hot at SEMA 2026?

When I ask Dan to predict the next big trends, classic trucks are high on his list. As C10s, square-body Chevys, and OBS trucks have become more expensive, he sees growing interest in older Ford pickups—particularly bumpside, dentside, and bullnose models—as well as Broncos.

Dan also thinks carbon fiber could have a bigger presence as production expands and more components become accessible beyond the highest-priced builds.

Another trend is the continued move toward complete build packages. Rather than sourcing every suspension component or rebuilding an engine from individual parts, enthusiasts can purchase a complete chassis, crate engine, transmission, and other coordinated systems. Those packages can simplify planning and help shops and home builders put together a car with fewer compatibility questions.

At the same time, Dan is encouraged by younger enthusiasts tackling ambitious projects with vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s. They’re learning to weld, fabricating suspension components, and taking on complicated engine and transmission swaps. Their willingness to learn and build gives us plenty to be excited about.

Dan doesn’t expect alternative fuels or electrification to dominate this year’s show, though he sees E85 continuing to have a place in performance. His strongest predictions center on trucks, carbon fiber, complete build packages, and younger enthusiasts pushing newer platforms in creative directions.

Find Out More

Whether you’re heading to SEMA to build your business, create content, or discover what’s next, Dan offers a useful reminder: prepare for the opportunities you can anticipate, and stay curious about the ones you can’t.

Learn more about Dan and his work:

What do you think will be the biggest trend at SEMA 2026? Share your predictions in the comments!

Thanks, Dan! See you at the show!

– Rob Kibbe

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