The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. will once again hold its annual Automotive Amplifiers Contest at the Reynolds Retail Sumit: Amplify, with the goal of recognizing the most innovative ideas and best practices in automotive retail.

“Every year, it amazes me how many creative ideas the great people in our industry have. When we can share best practices with one another, it accelerates the potential of automotive retail,” said company President Chris Walsh. “We want to elevate the innovative thinkers and visionaries in our industry because ultimately that helps everyone thrive.” 

To enter the contest, innovators detail their best practices, the problem they solved, and the impact they had on their dealerships. From those submissions, five finalists will be chosen. 

Finalists will present their ideas at the summit in Dallas on Aug. 19. Each finalist will be asked to present for five minutes and field an additional three minutes of questions from a panel of judges. 

Each idea will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovation and uniqueness of the best practice

• Impact of the contestant’s idea on his or her dealership

• Relevance of the problem and solution to dealerships nationwide

All finalists will receive VIP tickets to Amplify, which includes a round-trip flight, accommodation, meals, golf, and full access to workshops and event sessions. This year, two winners will each receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice, plus a trophy to display at their dealerships. 

Everyone who submits an idea will be featured in the Amplify Automotive magazine and have the opportunity to share the ideas and the impact they’ve had through newsletters and podcasts.

“Innovation is about creating value –for dealers, their employees, their customers, and their community,” Walsh said. “The men and women who’ve dedicated their best work to the automotive retail industry are creating this value, and we’re proud to recognize them for it.”

The deadline to enter the contest is June 30, and finalists will be notified during the week of July 14. Best practices can be submitted by visiting the contest page.