One of the first professional build-off contests of its kind for the 12 volt industry will take place next March, as part of the MasterTech Expo held by Mobile Solutions in Tempe, AZ.
The build will be live-streamed over social media to thousands of viewers.
It will include two teams selected from the show attendees that will work alongside some experienced builders. The build, sponsored by Rockford Fosgate, will be performed on a stage at the event over a four hour period.
“Nothing like this has been done before,” said Mobile Solutions and the Expo founder Bryan Schmitt. “This event will be different from any of the build-off competitions you have seen in years past,” he said stressing that the point is to use the fabrication methods that have been taught at Mobile Solutions classes over the last 17 years.
Schmitt hopes to grow and expand the build-off contest over the next few years.
Each team will have a mobile electronics expert, a fabrication expert, and an auto trim expert in addition to the selected showgoers.
There will be two build-offs on different days of the conference with the winning team announced at an awards ceremony on the final day of the conference.
There are two different projects for each day– one is in a modern passenger vehicle and the other in a hot rod. The participants must use only the materials supplied, but they can use their own hand tools.
“We want to thank Tom Miller, owner of Musicar Northwest and a truly awesome fabricator, for his help in drafting the format of this competition,” said Schmitt. “Also, we would like to thank the team at Rockford Fosgate for their partnership and support, and their generosity in sponsoring this event as well as providing the team apparel for the build-off competitors.. We know this will be an exciting event and one that brings us together as an industry, and we plan to make it grow. This year we have four teams; next year it could be more.”
For those attendees who can’t be part of the team, there will be a virtual competition as well. They can create their own team and submit a plan on how they would compete in the build. The virtual team with the best plan will also receive recognition at the awards ceremony.
The build off will take place at the MasterTech Expo training conference to be held March 6-9, 2022, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ.
Built Off Details:
- ALL fabrication is done on site (i.e. no pre-made parts).
- All materials will be supplied (i.e. no special materials can be brought in).
- Two different projects for each day
- Build Off Fabrication Stage Shop:
- Two triple bank routers systems
- Universal Laser system
- Upholstery & sewing machine area
- Spray booth area
- Fabrication tables and table saw
- Drill press / hydraulic press
- Live HD camera – can be seen on exhibit hall video screen monitors and on a social media feed
What to bring:
As a build team member, you must bring your own cordless tools, as well as your own necessary hand tools (such as sockets, wrenches, crimpers, wire strippers, soldering iron, pliers, screw drivers, etc).
Build Team Members receive:
- Official Build-Off uniform swag
- Official Build Off Plaque
- MS Measuring Kit (Digital Calipers, Tape Measure, etc.)
- MS Router Bit Kit
- MS Pry Tool
- MS Mini Template Kit
Selection process will be done through online voting.
Note: You must be registered attendee of MasterTech Expo to be part of the Build Off.
Register online at www.mastertechexpo.com to be a candidate.
