MasterTech Expo is starting to feel less like a niche industry event and more like a global meetup for fabricators, installers and shop owners who take their craft seriously.
This year’s show, held March 12–15 in Mesa, Arizona, attracted attendees from 15 countries across six continents. With more than 40 educational sessions, live demos, and a packed competition schedule, MasterTech Expo 2026 set a new bar for both turnout and energy.
“From intensive training workshops to nonstop networking and live demos, the 2026 expo brought together the industry’s top fabricators, technicians, and manufacturers for a weekend focused on advancing skill sets and pushing creative boundaries,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder of MasterTech Expo and Mobile Solutions. “This year’s revamped Build-Off format and elevated competition structure drove massive engagement both on the show floor and across social media. The combination of real-time fabrication, expert-level execution, and audience interaction created a dynamic environment unlike anything else in the industry.”
If you were there, you probably felt it. And if you weren’t, you likely saw it online.
The MasterTech Build-Off once again stole the spotlight. Sponsored by Rockford Fosgate, the competition featured two teams of three going head-to-head in a live fabrication battle. Over a total of seven hours, split across two days, they designed and built a fully finished subwoofer enclosure complete with trim panels, lighting and fine details.
The entire process played out in real time on massive HD screens, giving attendees a front-row seat to every cut, adjustment and last-minute decision. In the end, the Silver Team edged out the Red Team in what was described as an incredibly close vote.
Special recognition went to Dalton Trainer, Austin Moore, and Chris Britton, all under 32, highlighting the next generation of fabricators making their mark.
The Clean Wire Challenge also drew serious attention. Eight competitors were tasked with building a fully customized amp rack in just 3.5 hours using materials supplied onsite by companies including Stinger and SoundsGoodStereo.com. The finished builds were then put on display for attendee voting. Pablo Cruz took home the win for 2026.
Beyond the competitions, the event also recognized standout talent across the industry. Isai Hernandez was named Clean Wire Tech, while Dave Koz of Titan Motoring earned Fabricator of the Year honors for his advanced builds and use of 3D modeling techniques. Andy Wehmeyer, president of AudioFrog, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of influence, including 17 years at Harman and his leadership as a DSP expert.
Orca Design & Manufacturing, with a build by Sage Weir of Sounds Good Stereo in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, earned Best Sounding Vehicle, marking its third time receiving the honor. MSC picked up both Best Training Experience and Best Booth Experience.
One of the more notable takeaways from this year’s event was its international reach. Attendees traveled from countries including Germany, Italy, South Africa, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing the show’s growing reputation as a global hub for learning and collaboration.
With strong attendance, packed sessions, and plenty of buzz both on the floor and online, MasterTech Expo continues to evolve into one of the industry’s must-attend events.
Recent Comments