Making industry connections at trade shows - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Making industry connections at trade shows

Trade show helps rejuvenate and refresh owners and operators.

The reasons why someone attends a trade show vary greatly. Obviously, my goals for attending industry trade shows, such as last month’s The Car Wash Show™, differ from a manufacturer’s reasons for attending. However, most readers of this publication share similar goals and objectives.

While the importance of regional shows cannot be understated, last month’s show, which was hosted by the International Carwash Association (ICA), offered unique opportunities for owners and operators. And, these unique opportunities are sometimes rarely seen in other professions or at other industry trade shows.

While meeting suppliers and manufacturers face-to-face and taking advantage of the associated education sessions are two of the more obvious reasons why carwash owners and operators attend this show, some of our readers have noted other significant benefits when attending The Car Wash Show annually.

Some carwash professionals have explained that bringing team members to the show is an effective way to motivate them and open their eyes to our industry’s scope and innovations.

And, while manufacturers, suppliers as well as the event’s presenters are all great sources of obtaining industry information, other owners and operators have told me that understanding best practices, testing new ideas and gaining fresh industry insights all derive from conversations at the show with other owners and operators.

This special and unique aspect of our industry was witnessed on and off the trade show floor last month in Las Vegas.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the show to sign up for a free subscription or grab one of our several freebies. We also appreciate the feedback we received while at the show. We continually strive to produce better print and digital products, and your feedback helps guide us for future editorial planning.

It was also nice to see our long-standing partners and supporters of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine at the show. We thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing all of you again soon.

In addition to a brief recap of the show, with photos, we feature several articles in this issue to help you grow your marketplace knowledge and profits.

You May Also Like

ICA President Justin Alford speaks at CWONJ fall meeting

UNION, N.J. — Alford, whose grandfather started in the industry in 1951, owns nine Benny’s carwashes in the Baton Rouge market with his father Ben and brother Jason.

Car Wash Operators of New Jersey

UNION, N.J. — The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s (CWONJ) Fall Membership Meeting, Nov. 8, at Suburban Golf Club featured Justin Alford, International Carwash Association (ICA) president and Benny’s Car Wash co-owner.

Alford, a third-generation carwasher who hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made the trip with his wife Juliet and daughter Helen, a fourth-generation carwasher, to speak at the annual meeting attended by 60.

Emmitt Smith to keynote 2024 SCWA Convention

AUSTIN, Texas — Smith will offer an inspiring perspective on how the principles of his success in sports have ignited his success in business and in life.

BendPak to showcase equipment in 4 SEMA Show booths

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. — The company is planning to introduce at least half a dozen new products at the show, including boat lifts, EV lifts, personal air coolers and more.

33rd NRCC breaks records

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The event surpassed its 2022 booth count with 386 exhibits and beat its highest attendee number set in 2019.

Q&A with NRCC’s Bob Rossini

The chairman of the 2023 event discusses the show.

Other Posts

NRCC 2023 exhibitor list and floor plan

Here’s who will be exhibiting at the event and where attendees can find them.

NRCC 2023 Schedule of Events

All the Northeast Regional Carwash Convention’s educational and social events taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center Oct. 2-4.

33rd annual NRCC bound to be the best

This year’s show boasts a record-breaking sold-out trade show floor, thought-provoking speakers to get you motivated to improve your business, networking and educational events included for all guests, giveaways and much more.

Separating from the crowd

Use these strategies to thrive in saturated markets.