The schedule and location of the first ever Auto Glass Industry Technician Olympics, co-sponsored by the Independent Glass Association (IGA) and AGRR magazine, is now set.

The event, which focuses on safe windshield installation, will take place at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on October 16-17th.

To compete in the event, a technician must have at least one year experience as a technician in the auto glass industry, be currently employed as a technician in a bona fide operating auto glass company and follow Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Standard 002-2002. Competitors don't have to be members of the IGA to compete. The competition is open to all companies, whether IGA members or not.

Competitors will be judged according to the AGRSS standard and the first-place winner will receive $5,000 and a gold medal, and bragging rights as World's Best Auto Glass Technician. The second place finisher will receive $1,000 and third place gets $500.

Bob Beranek of Automotive Glass Consultants, Steve Coyle with Performance Achievement Group, and Gilbert Gutierrez of Equalizer will be serving as judges for the event, with a combined total of 84 years of industry experience.