From May 13-15 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the professional carwashing and detailing industry gathered for The Car Wash Show™ 2019. As noted by its organizers, this year’s show was officially the largest gathering of carwash owners, operators, manufacturers and suppliers from the carwash, quick lube and detailing segments.
“I’m happy to say that this show is the largest in exhibition size and in attendance that ICA has had in its history,” confirmed Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA).
In fact, noted the ICA, The Car Wash Show 2019 covered over 170,000 square feet of exhibition space alone featuring the industry’s latest innovations and services.
Owners and operators who were in attendance this year were treated to an expansive educational offering as well that covered a wide variety of topics, from becoming a smart new investor to this industry to learning the ins and outs of selling your carwash business for those looking to exit.
This year’s Hall of Fame recipient, Tom Essenburg of Tommy Car Wash Systems, was honored at the Annual Membership Meeting. After receiving the award, Essenburg said, “In my 50 years in the industry, this is the most exciting time ever.”
Wulf also introduced the ICA’s new president, Richard Enning, CEO of Mr. Wash in Germany. Enning is the first European president to serve the ICA.
“It’s all about sharing,” Enning said in his address to members at the Annual Membership Meeting, where he stressed the importance of international cooperation. “The more we can partner around the world … the stronger we are.”
Related: Q&A: Global carwashing trends
In the spirit of stronger international ties, the ICA reported at the meeting that for the first time, the association will be hosting four shows on four continents in a 12-month period: North America, Europe, Australia and — new to the lineup — Asia, with The Car Wash Show China.
Be sure to check back with Carwash.com regularly for more information regarding The Car Wash Show 2019 as well as next year’s event, which is scheduled to take place in San Antonio, Texas, on April 6-8, 2020.
