tool trade shows?

[cbracer]

Are there any public tool trade shows? Prefer in the LA area.

I saw someone mentioning SEMA which I missed. It would be nice to physically touch a bunch of these tools before buying mostly from online places (trying to get good deals).

Are there any good tool stores in LA area or Portland, OR which sell Armstrong / Proto / Gearwrench / SK

thanks,
-chris

 

[Outlawmws]

SEMA is for people in the car trades, the average Joe can't get in, (unless they changed the rules)

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

Sema is for anybody as far as I know. I know lots of people who have gone and have been invited. But then again they own shops so that may be enough

 

[metalhead212121]

from Sema's website....

Can consumers attend the SEMA Show?

No, the SEMA Show is not open to the general public. The SEMA Show is a trade-only event and only qualified individuals employed within the aftermarket industry are permitted to enter the convention center. Unfortunately, the following business categories do not qualify to attend: accounting firms, consumers, freight providers, graphics companies (non-automotive), installation/dismantling companies, insurance agents, law firms, modeling agents/agencies, packaging companies, printers, software companies (non-automotive specific), travel agencies or any non-automotive company.


Some of my friends have friends that have shops so they just tag along with them....