NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The International Carwash Association (ICA) and the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) announced they will co-locate AOCA’s annual convention and trade show with The Car Wash Show starting next year, according to a press release.

The Car Wash Show 2015 attracted approximately 7,000 car care professionals, which is a 22 percent increase in attendance over last year’s event, stated the release, and AOCA’s iFLEX, an international fast lube exhibition, generally attracts more than 700 visitors.

“Adding the leading event in the fast lube industry to The Car Wash Show is just another example of how we are continually looking for opportunities to add value to our event for attendees as well as suppliers,” said ICA President Gary Dennis in the release. “After successfully integrating the Western Carwash Association into our event earlier this year, we’ll now be able to offer an even greater menu of networking, education and products for attendees in 2016.”

The Car Wash Show 2016 will take place May 9-11 at the new Music City Center in Nashville, reported the release.

“This is an opportunity that has been openly discussed for many years,” said Len Minco, AOCA chairman, in the release. “There is a great deal of overlap between our attendees, with carwash being a popular complement to the oil change business – and vice versa. Co-locating iFLEX with The Car Wash Show will provide attendees with many more opportunities to network and learn and for exhibitors to reach a much larger buyer audience.”

Founded in 1987, AOCA is a nonprofit trade organization that represents the convenient automotive service industry, noted the release.

You can find the release here.