Installers show their skills and compete for a cash prize.

Fairfax, Va. – The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) unveiled plans to host its first-ever Wrap Team Challenge at the 2018 SGIA Expo (Las Vegas; October 18–20). The event, which gives installers the chance to test their wrapping speed and skills against their peers, takes place each day of the show in the PDAA booth (Booth 4118).

"This new competition presents an exciting opportunity to the community to engage in a fun, competitive event where they can flex their muscles and be recognized for their skills. The top teams will walk away with cash prizes as well as bragging rights," said Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs, SGIA.

Two-person teams will wrap the side of a car in 20 minutes or less, and PDAA Master Certified installers will evaluate the job based on the speed and quality of their work. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top ranked participants, with the first-place team receiving $2,000; second place, $1,000; and third place, $500.

The competition begins on Thursday, October 18, with 24 teams competing. The lot will be narrowed to 12 teams on Friday, and then six teams will compete for the championship on the closing Saturday.

"This competition is a great way to discover talent. We will see skilled, two-man teams use a variety of interesting techniques as they try to install on the side of a car in under 20 minutes," said PDAA Committee Chairman Kim Magraw, National Operations Manager, Supergraphics, GM Nameplate Inc.

Each day of the competition will use vinyl provided by the day’s sponsoring manufacturer: Arlon Graphics (day one), Ritrama (day two) and 3M (day three).

Attendees can watch the competition unfold from the booth’s WrapQuest area, sponsored by ORAFOL Group, where they can also test substrates on a variety of surfaces and get tips from experts.

“Package the competition with the WrapQuest area, with its hands-on offering of new films and an open door to speak with some of the greatest installers from around the country, and it’s clear: No offering is better,” said Magraw.

Registration for the Wrap Team Challenge is $150 per two-person team, and partners must register together. For any questions, or if you are interested in judging the competition or volunteering at the booth, contact Ray Weiss.