March may be over, but the madness continues as the world’s top auctioneers and ring people from across the U.S. descend upon Las Vegas for the 2015 World Automobile Auctioneers Championship (WAAC). Hosted by Manheim Nevada April 17, the event showcases more than 100 competitors battling for top honors across three categories – best auctioneer, best ring person, and best two-person team – as well as $25,000 in prize money.

“The level of talent on display during this competition is unparalleled,” said Janet Barnard, president of Manheim North America. “It’s our privilege to host this year’s event as we recognize the top professionals in automobile auctioneering and celebrate the hard work and dedication they put into their craft.”

Top executives from the auto auction industry will be in attendance at this year’s event, including Cox Automotive president Sandy Schwartz as well as National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) CEO Frank Hackett and NAAA president Ellie Johnson, both of whom will serve as judges alongside Manheim’s Barnard. They will judge competitors on their presentation, chant, voice quality, salesmanship and other performance elements of effective auctioneering, including their interaction and communication with bidders and buyers.

“Manheim’s commitment and dedication to auto auctioneers and ring people across the country and around the world is unmatched,” said Paul C. Behr, president of the WAAC. “This year’s event is gearing up to be our best yet, and we are grateful to Manheim for making it possible.”

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) will broadcast the day’s action live via webcast at www.niada.tv starting at 8 a.m. PST. For more information, visit the WAAC website at www.autochampionship.com.