I was about to write: I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since the last Car Wash Show™, but then I remembered that this year’s is a month earlier, so my disbelief is understandable. But still, where did the time go? This will be the last time the show takes place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, as next year, it will be held in Chicago. Are you excited for it to be leaving Las Vegas? Will you be attending this year’s show? According to International Carwash Association® CEO Eric Wulf, the numbers aren’t in yet, in terms of attendees. However, according to an unscientific poll on our website, carwash.com, in which we asked: Are you planning to attend The Car Wash Show™ 2013, the majority of those who answered, said they would be attending. With 55 percent saying “yes,” 23 percent said “no,” and 12 percent answered “maybe.” So, our poll indicates that a majority of you will be attending. The staff of PC&D will be attending too, so please be sure to say to hello and offer up your thoughts on the magazine and on our website.
Along with it being held during a different month, there is also a new mobile app called the ICA Speedway being offered to the attendees. It also allows for users to navigate through the showroom floor using an interactive map, browse the list of exhibitors, win prizes and receive updates and news on the show. Such a thing does not surprise me as, after all, like it or not, it’s a digital world full of apps, tweets, QR codes, and blogs. Everything is so modern and technical, and it seems as if every bit of information is really at your fingertips. We here at PC&D understand how the tide has shifted. And, while we still continue to put out a top-notch and beautiful paper magazine each month, we have also been working tirelessly on making our website, carwash.com, not only great, but your most-trusted source of carwashing and detailing news and information.
Every day, we update the website with six or more new stories, and we make sure to inform you of any late-breaking news pertaining to the industry. No matter what time of day it is, if the news breaks, carwash.com will cover it. We’re also offering up podcasts, videos and a great deal of blogs written by yours truly, Managing Editor Phillip Lawless, as well as industry icons Mike Perry, insurance specialist Mike Benmosche as well as others. While I’m at it, make sure you register on the website so that you can enjoy exclusive access to special features, articles and interviews. Register by visiting www.carwash.com/user/new.
Is there anything you would like to see on our website? Please don’t ever hesitate to email me at [email protected]. We put together this magazine and work on our website every day for you. Just the other week, a reader commented on an article that was posted entitled, “Serving up customer satisfaction.” The commenter asked if we could put together an article about how to handle noise complaints. Right after viewing that comment, I immediately went to work on an article for the May issue. That’s how we do it here at PC&D. We are here for you, so please, don’t be afraid to ask us for help.
Until next time,