LAS VEGAS — Since 1994, the Western Carwash Association (WCA) has been a defined organization offering various membership benefits to carwash operators in the Western United States. Today, the WCA’s reach includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, according to the wcwa.org.
This year’s western Car Wash Show, the 33rd version, will include more than 800 carwash owners/operators and will offer education sessions, keynote presentations, roundtables and a carwash tour. It is the only carwashing trade show scheduled for Las Vegas in 2014, and it offers one of the lowest trade show registration costs, wcwa.org stated.
This year’s show also marks the final year the WCA will present a solo trade show. Starting with next year’s The Car Wash Show, the WCA will become a co-sponsor and participant in the national trade show instead, according to a news release.
Announced last February, the International Carwash Association (ICA) and WCA determined that members, exhibitors and attendees could be better served by the co-sponsorship of the 2015 event, the release stated.
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In the February release, ICA CEO Eric Wulf said, “We are extremely excited to welcome WCA as a co-sponsor of The Car Wash Show. WCA has been a valued participant in our WaterSavers program since 2009, and this step further strengthens the relationship between our organizations. We look forward to working with the Western Car Wash Association. Their participation and co-sponsorship will continue to serve the needs of their members and enhance The Car Wash Show in 2015.”
WCA President Brad Hooper explained in the release that the final decision was about more than just trade shows. Instead it was about a larger transformation. “This decision provides our members with an even larger show, and allows the WCA to focus on core benefits to our members. WCA is most impactful at the regional and local level, helping operators with networking, advocacy and learning opportunities,” Hooper said. “Entering into this agreement with ICA allows us to participate financially in The Car Wash Show, which gives us additional opportunities to expand our focus locally and bring new added value to our members.”
Next year, the WCA plans to expand its regional members meetings, road shows and networking events throughout 12 states.
Read the full ICA and WCA news release here.
