The IDA Returns To Vegas For The 2019 SEMA Show…

By Erin Reyes, IDA Communications Coordinator

The International Detailing Association (IDA) is heading back to Las Vegas!

Fresh off a successful trip to Las Vegas for the first annual West Coast Mobile Tech Expo held earlier this year, the IDA will return to the city for the 2019 SEMA Show, presented by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). According to its website, the SEMA Show “is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world,” drawing tens of thousands of buyers from around the world. The show will run from Tuesday, November 5 through Friday, November 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The IDA’s offerings will be held on Tuesday, November 5and Wednesday, November 6.

First up for the IDA is the Detailers Meet & Greet on Tuesday, November 5 beginning at 5:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity to gather with detailing colleagues from across the globe and catch up with IDA leaders to discuss hot-topic industry issues.

The IDA Meet & Greet at the SEMA Show—now in its fifth year—always makes for a fun time to connect with your friends and peers you might not get to see frequently, but who are able to come together at industry events such as this. The gathering continues to grow each year, with 2018 seeing the highest attendance yet.

Plus, if the recent Meet & Greet at MTE Las Vegas was any indication, this will be another well-attended event. IDA members and non-members alike are welcome—just remember, you must be registered for the SEMA Show itself to attend any IDA-hosted events. An RSVP is requested, so please visit the IDA’s website to register yourself and your guests for the Meet & Greet, and get ready for a night of fun and networking with fellow detailing professionals!

The next day, Wednesday, November 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the IDA will host an IDA Certification Event – Phase I (CD) for those who are hoping to become Certified Detailers at SEMA. Phase I (CD) certification evaluates and affirms an experienced detailer’s technical knowledge and proficiency.

This phase consists of 10 exams, 10-20 questions each, in the following subject areas: Chemicals, Detailing Terminology, Equipment, Glass & Trim, Interior Detailing, Leather & Seats, Paint Correction & Protection, Prep Wash & Wash Bay, Safety & Compliance, and Wheels & Tires. Successful completion of the 10 written exams will grant the detailer the title of IDA Certified Detailer (CD).

Since there is so much to see and do at a multi-day event like the SEMA Show, it might be tough to carve out four hours of the day to attend the certification event. However, just think of those four hours as a minor investment in a decision that could positively impact the rest of your career. While there is no guarantee you will become a millionaire on the slot machines in Vegas, there are much better odds of you becoming a Certified Detailer—but you must be sure to sign up! Registration for the IDA Certification Event – Phase I (CD) is open now. Space is limited!

Visit the-ida.com/event/2019-sema for the full schedule of IDA’s offerings at SEMA. Remember to first register for the trade show at www.semaShow.com! See you in Las Vegas!

Join the IDA and fellow detailers at the association’s Meet & Greet, Tuesday, November 5, during the SEMA Show. Here, colleagues and friends spend an evening of camaraderie at the 2017 event.