Jay Leno to Headline SEMA Kickoff Breakfast in November
The annual industry event will take place on Nov. 3, 2026, featuring the Harley-Davidson CEO.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Motorcycles
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Local attendees and industry professionals will gather at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Nov. 3, 2026, to hear from motorcycle enthusiast Jay Leno and Harley-Davidson CEO Artie Starrs. This year's breakfast highlights the introduction of a dedicated powersports section at the event.
Why it matters
The addition of a powersports section reflects the increasing integration between the automotive and motorcycle markets. The breakfast also serves as the venue for naming the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year.
Jay Leno arrives with a collection of 150 motorcycles, while the New Products Showcase will distribute awards across 15 distinct categories. The total number of companies participating in the new powersports section has not yet been finalized.
The players
Jay Leno
A well-known motorcycle enthusiast and featured guest speaker for the 2026 event.
Artie Starrs
The CEO of Harley-Davidson who will speak at the kickoff breakfast.
The details
The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast will feature conversations with both Leno and Starrs. This year, the focus shifts toward the intersection of auto and powersports with Harley-Davidson exhibiting in the new Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section. Winners for the New Product awards will be selected from the New Products Showcase.
Timeline
September 2026: Harley-Davidson confirmed it will exhibit at the SEMA Show.
Nov. 3, 2026: The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast will take place.
Beyond the Strip
This year's event updates the historical SEMA Show product award structure by incorporating a new powersports segment. This expansion marks a notable departure from the show's traditional focus on automotive aftermarket components.
Residents should anticipate increased congestion near the convention corridor on the morning of Nov. 3, 2026, as the event kicks off. Attendees planning to visit the new powersports section should check the official SEMA floor plan for updated exhibition locations.
The takeaway
The industry's expansion into powersports indicates a shift in market priorities that local retailers may want to monitor. Keep an eye on the SEMA Show website for the post-breakfast announcement of the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year winners.
Further reading
For more on upcoming industry events in the valley, visit Motocycles.
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Do you find large industry trade shows helpful for your professional development or business growth?
