Registration opened late last week for the International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™, which will be held September 15-17 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tenn.

First week contestant registration numbers are at an all-time high and competitor registration is quickly filling up. The early-bird deadline for pre-registration is May 31, and pre-registration runs through September 2.

Co-sponsored by the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and Window Film magazine, the event will provide two-days of educational sessions, quality networking events and a chance to showcase some of the best automotive tinters in the business. IWFA members do receive a discount when registering.

“We are so pleased to be able to work with the IWFA to bring this event to the window film industry once again,” says event director, Holly Biller. “I have already received a record – high number of Tint-Off contestant registrations in the first week so I know the technicians are as excited as I am and we’re really looking forward to being in Memphis!”

Previous winners have been weighing in on the competition’s importance and what new competitors should prepare for.

“The thing that I like the most about competitions is that you learn from the other installers,” says Les Helton of Performance Window Tinting in Carrollton, Ga., and the 2008 Tint-Off winner. “When you work with the same guys all the time you really don’t learn new things because you are all doing the same thing all the time. When you go to that competition you can open your mind up to new ideas, tools and techniques.”

The Tint-Off is a little different every year, but competition veterans have first-hand experience with what installers should or shouldn’t do on event days

“Do 200-percent that day because those three judges are like your worst customer,” advises 2008 second-place winner Chris Brooks of Kauff’s Kustom Tint & Graphics in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. “That’s what you are supposed to do everyday anyway. Every job is supposed to look great before it leaves your shop.”

“Don’t forget any tools,” adds Helton. “I’ll write a list out several weeks in advance and every car that I work on for the two weeks prior I will remember what tool I needed for that specific car. You have to be prepared for anything.”

At this year’s event, the first place winner will be awarded $10,000. Second place will win $3,000 and third place will merit a $1,000 prize. In addition to cash prizes, the first place winner will be awarded a trophy and a Winning Champion’s leather jacket.

Registration to compete or attend the event is now open on-line.  Stay tuned to windowfilmmag.com for more information as the September 15-17 dates approach.