MESA, AZ (03.28.23) – The second annual MasterTech Expo, which took place on March 5-8, 2023 in Mesa, AZ, was an overwhelming success. Show organizer and founder, Bryan Schmitt, said “we grew the audience by a solid 30% and added more educational workshop sessions, more vendors and more skills contests. It’s really become a unique event like no other.” MasterTech Expo attracts attendees from broad aftermarket automotive disciplines including upholstery professionals, 12 volt technicians, fabricators, vehicle builders, automotive electricians and more. The event’s education tracks taught by renowned subject matter experts in their field offer a crossover of different skills and learning paths for attendees.
Education workshops are the cornerstone of MasterTech Expo and the 2023 event reached into a range of new areas, including coding Arduino controllers for custom lighting applications, metal shaping, TIG welding, DC electronics fundamentals, remote starter installation, custom radar/laser install and more. In post-event surveys, attendees rated the overall knowledge of the instructors and expertise in the subject matter a 9.1 out of 10. About half of the instructors returned from last year’s event, with the other half being new to the Expo. In all cases, the workshops contained all new content so attendees from a prior year need not worry about seeing the same presentation. “We are proud that our expert instructors take the time and effort to develop curated presentations that they share with attendees throughout their education workshops at MasterTech Expo” remarked Schmitt.
A unique highlight at MasterTech Expo are the skills contests. This year, the Rockford Fosgate-sponsored build off competition ran with four three-person teams competing and a new clean wire challenge, overseen by Dean and Fernando of 5 Star Car Stereo, allowed eight individual participants to compete with their wiring layout and design skills to for a grand prize. There were also skills contests for the Viper security challenge and light off contest, which added to the excitement. “The skills contests are an effective methods to both show techniques and demonstrate how to think in a production mindset while still exercising the creativity and individual skills each team member brings to their contest” adds Schmitt. Surveys indicated that nearly 80% of attendees watched one or more of the skills contests.
Both attendees and exhibitors are served morning coffee/pastries, a buffet lunch as well as a catered dinner on the outdoor plaza. “We want every person attending MasterTech Expo to maximize their time with us by not having to leave campus for meals if they would rather not do so” explains Schmitt. This added value is a signature component of most professional-level conferences and group learning events.
Additional highlights of MasterTech Expo 2023 included Chip Foose as a special guest speaker. Accompanied by the build team on stage, Foose did a live rendering of the 1964 Impala that was on the final Overhaulin TV episode. Additionally, a state of the industry keynote was presented by Aron Demers, SVP of VOXX Electronics.
The dates for MasterTech Expo 2024 are set! The event will take place March 3-6, 2024 at the same venue, the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ. Mesa Mayor John Giles informed attendees at the welcome reception at the Mesa amphitheater on Sunday evening March 5 that MasterTech Expo is now the third largest event at the convention center. Look for even more exciting details about the 2024 event later this summer.
Watch for more detailed information on MasterTech Expo 2024 at the official event website, MasterTechExpo.com. The site includes workshop descriptions, hotel information, event schedule, cost to attend and so much more. Information about the 2024 event is coming soon! Interested first-time attendees and exhibitors can contact info@mastertechexpo.com for more information as well as get on the mailing list for updates.
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