SAN DIEGO – Industry professionals, including carwash operators and owners as well as manufacturers and suppliers gathered here for the Western Carwash Association’s (WCA) 31st annual convention and tradeshow, and PC&D’s Editorial Director Rich DiPaolo is in attendance to capture the thoughts and feelings of attendees.
“The show is now open,” exclaimed the announcer to open the exhibit floor yesterday, which was also packed earlier in the day with other educational and networking opportunities and seminars for industry pros.
“Connect. Inspire. Thrive.” are the association’s messages to attendees this year and yesterday’s program included seminars on such topics as site selection, cost of development, financing, employer challenges and more. The day concluded with a Party by the Bay Opening Reception where guests were treated to food, drink, music and even magic.
Providing a unique chance to visit and get a hands-on feel of exhibitors’ products, technology, visions and goals are primary reasons why many carwash owners, operators and suppliers are in attendance for the tradeshow, which continues today at 12 pm local time.
“We strongly support the regional shows,” noted Vince MacNeil, CEO of MacNeil Wash Systems Limited. “And, customers really enjoy the whole program and they want to see what new technology is available.”
MacNeil adds that WCA does an outstanding job putting together an attractive program for attendees. “And, because the show is of good quality, operators make the effort and investment to come so all credit goes to WCA,” he said.
For Marcus McLaughlin, a member of Belanger’s marketing team, this show provides insight for his company into customers’ thinking and field experiences.
“The nice thing about the regional shows, including Western, is it gives us the face time with operators in the local market to get their perspectives,” noted McLaughlin, who added that there is a lot of operator interest this year in reloading in new construction and they are looking for innovation to separate themselves from the competition, which is a key reason they attend these regional shows.
