Jay Leno, Harley-Davidson CEO Headline 2026 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast

The 2026 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast will launch the automotive aftermarket event on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 a.m. PST at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino ballrooms. Highlighting the program is an exclusive fireside chat featuring Jay Leno and Harley-Davidson president and CEO Artie Starrs, SEMA officials announced in a press release.

This year, Harley-Davidson joins the show’s expanding Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section in West Hall, an expansion that underscores the growing intersection between the automotive and powersports communities, the release noted.

“The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast gives attendees an early start on the industry’s most critical week of business,” said SEMA vice president of events Tom Gattuso. “It’s a dedicated moment to celebrate the people, products and achievements driving our industry forward, while strengthening the connections that define the SEMA community.”

The Kickoff Breakfast will also feature 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, SEMA officials said.

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 organizations for outstanding leadership and contributions over the past year.

“The Kickoff Breakfast is designed to energize attendees for a productive week,” said SEMA trade show director Andy Tompkins. “We look forward to uniting the global industry around product discovery, emerging trends and business growth.”