You have to show proof you have a business. Business license and cards[ i think cards, it was years ago], pay checks for employees and maybe some other stuff. Call them to find out. If you do get in, I highly recommend a small rolling cart to haul your literature and goodies in. I use a fold up plastic unit thats good for 80lbs. If you don't, you will need platform shoes at the end of the day because your knuckles are dragging the ground from carrying heavy azz bags. You can take snacks/water in if you don't want to get hooked from the concessions.
You can get a badge because you're a business that buys equipment from manufacturers there. That's the key to getting in, we were denied at first because we're a manufacturer, but we showed that we actually purchase from a vendor at the show, so we were able to get a couple of passes.I received my badge for this year, so hopefully there won't be a surprise when I get to Vegas.
I did a few show cars for Chrysler/Mopar booth some years back. I would get a invite and about 100 e-mails about signing up when the show fell on it's face in the mid 2000's.I've been turned down for the last 8 years. Got burned out anyway. BUT you can go to see all the stuff out on the streets and parking lots.Just not in the buildings. I can't think of the name but there is a Body/Paint expo usually the same time that covers SEMA also.The last time I went I got signed up thru a friends Body shop.
If he already has the passes and gives them to you, that may work, I don't know if they're checking ID yet when people show up with a pass. If he hasn't ordered the pass yet, they'll ask for a business card with that name and email on it. It's not impossible to get a pass, it's just they are really cracking down because of too many bad elements. Last year I had a real difficult time getting in, but when I told them I freelance write for three publications, they asked for proof while I was there, and then gave me a media pass.this really bums me out. Sema is on my bucket list. I have friends who own a custom hotrod shop and another who owns a custom car stereo place. Both have offered me their pass.
I'm guessing that that doesn't fly anymore?