As the industry gathers together for the 2015 Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), which is taking place Oct. 5-7 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, we caught up with David DuGoff, chair for this year’s show, to dive deeper into the history of the NRCC show, his role with the convention and what is planned for NRCC 2015.
DuGoff has more than 40 years of experience in the self-serve carwash business. He launched College Park Car Wash in 1997 and has been active in the Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association (MCA) for 16 years, serving as president for the association several times. He has also served on the Governor’s Drought Commission for both Maryland and Virginia, on behalf of the MCA. Additionally, DuGoff chaired the NRCC 2010.
In this exclusive Q&A, DuGoff shares insight into the NRCC’s goals for 2015, the special change in venue and what to expect at this year’s show.
Professional Carwashing & Detailing: Can you please provide our readers with the history of NRCC as well as your role with the convention?
David DuGoff: This is the 26th annual NRCC show. The event began in Newport, Rhode Island, and gradually grew to become one of the largest regional shows in the country. The show is a collaboration of five regional carwash associations: the New England Car Wash Association (NECA), the New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA), the Connecticut Carwash Association (CCA), the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) and MCA.
About 10 years ago, MCA was invited to join the NRCC. We joined the board and assisted with seminars and the management of the show. When MCA became the host association in 2010, I was chairman. The NRCC has grown substantially in the last 10 years. We outgrew the 30,000-square-foot ballroom at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and the 60,000-square-foot arena at the Trump Taj Mahal (both located in Atlantic City). This year, the show will be in an 80,000-square-foot hall in the Atlantic City Convention Center, and we expect to have over 300 exhibit booths on the floor — more than a 10 percent increase from last year.
PC&D: Please explain the goals and objectives of NRCC 2015.
DD: Our goal this year is to provide an excellent experience for carwash operators who want to improve their operations. The industry is changing and to succeed, you have to move with the times. The facilities create the environment, and the people provide the experience. We have more seminars this year led by industry leaders who will share their wisdom.
PC&D: Why was a new venue chosen for this year’s event, and how will it impact the NRCC overall?
DD: We moved the show to the Atlantic City Convention Center for the space. We had more exhibitors lined up than we could squeeze into our former location. We also wanted to provide a more upscale hotel venue, and returning to the first-class Borgata was an easy decision. The Atlantic City Convention Center also has meeting rooms for our seminars that will create a more conducive environment for discussion and learning. Shuttle buses will run a continuous loop between the Borgata and the convention center, and we’ll have additional buses during the peak periods.
PC&D: In addition to changing the venue, what else are you most looking forward to for NRCC 2015?
DD: Personally, I find the greatest benefit of attending a carwash convention is the people. The opportunity to chat with carwash operators who have my passion for industry is how I get exposed to new ideas. I like to try new things — some work, and some don’t.
Sharing experiences is an important reason to go to the NRCC. The educational program is full of these kinds of practical, hands on-lessons. And, the informal exchanges in the hallway are rich in carwash knowledge. This is one reason I am looking forward to the Innovative Control Systems’ (ICS) Welcome Reception on Tuesday night (Oct. 6) from 7-9 p.m. in the Borgata’s “28 West.” We have a great event planned and I think attendees will enjoy it.
PC&D: Overall, how will this year’s NRCC compare to previous conventions? Are there any new additions being offered this year?
DD: The NRCC 2015 is going to be Bigger and Better and, in my opinion, you have to Be There. The show floor is bigger; there will be more exhibitors and more things to look at and imagine how these products and services would work in your facility.
There will also be more elbow room. Although we are expecting a record turnout, there will be more space in the aisles, and attendees will have an easier time talking to exhibitors and other carwash operators. More educational seminars will also be available, and we are raising the bar among the presenters.
A version of this Q&A was first featured in our NRCC 2015 Exhibit Product Guide. You can find this interview, as well as more information on this year’s show, here.
