The 33rd Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 2-4, at the Atlantic City Convention Center surpassed its 2022 booth count with 386 exhibits and beat its highest attendee number set in 2019 with 1921 combined attendees and exhibitors, according to Heather Courtney, NRCC Show Coordinator. “To say I’m thrilled would be an understatement,” said Courtney, who is in her seventh year managing the event. “We spent more money promoting the show and have elevated our educational track significantly over the last several years. The NRCC had outstanding education, a huge show floor and is cost-effective for operators as well as vendors and all of that combined is a great value to all.”
And according to Bob Rossini, Show Chairman representing the Connecticut Carwash Association (CCA), the event’s host, “This show had extremely high energy,” he said. “Attendees have seen the changes we’ve made to the show and it’s paying off. Everyone I spoke with was impressed and energized to learn and bring fresh, new ideas back to their washes.”
Show Highlights
A wide range of educational options elevated the 33rd NRCC, with something for everyone, according to Education Chair Suzanne Stansbury. “It’s always a challenge to select a topic that will appeal to all types of operators with varying backgrounds, but I think we were able to find presenters with lots of charisma and diversity who were also relatable. I was really happy with our educational offerings.”
The lineup included the annual “Virtual Carwash Tour” facilitated by Tom Hoffman, Jr. of Hoffman Car Washes and InnovateIT. The sites shown virtually included RoJo Car Wash in Norwood and Walpole, MA, operated by John Shalbey, Jr., Gleam and Gleam 2 Car Washes out of Denver, CO, operated by Emilie Baratta, Chesapeake Car Wash in Chesapeake, MD, operated by Tom Morris and Quick Clean Car Wash out of Lee’s Summit, MO, operated by Bob Brown. “I try to compile a diverse grouping of washes and this year I think I was able to hit all wash models, including sites with detailing,” said Stansbury. “I have also added in some out-of-market sites to give attendees a more broad look at what operators in different parts of the country are doing.” This event was sponsored by Sergeant Sudz.
Simoniz Celebration Expansion
After the Virtual Tour concluded Simoniz USA, a long-time supporter of the NRCC, held its annual event, the Simoniz Celebration, at the Hard Rock’s Hollywood Ballroom. This gathering helps get everyone fired up for the show’s first day of exhibits and additional education. This year, the company opened the evening event up to every single attendee, no matter their level of registration. “Simoniz calls the Northeast our back yard with our headquarters located in Bolton, CT,” said Joey Plude, Marketing Manager. “Therefore, a partnership and association with the NRCC and the Northeast community as a whole is very important to us.”
The annual event drew a massive crowd, according to Plude. “We are so proud to have strengthened this relationship with the NRCC and the Northeast carwash family by opening up our Simoniz Celebration to the entire show,” he said. “We feel it was a massive success having almost 600 attendees and we are committed to making it even bigger next year!”
Chairman Rossini couldn’t agree more. “Our thanks go out to the entire Simoniz team, and Joey, for coordinating this incredible offering,” said Rossini. “Next year’s event on Monday, October 7th, should be amazing!”
Exceptional Keynote Experience
International award-winning leadership expert and celebrated speaker, Mark Denton, shared his expertise on navigating turbulent waters in life and business with more than 300 in attendance. Denton has competed in countless races and sailed more than 80,000 miles across the worlds’ most hostile oceans. In doing so, he has learned a bit about motivating his team and being able to adjust his leadership skills to meet all challenges; skills that can be taken back to your wash when motivating your staff to work smarter and better as a team. “His shear courage and will to overcome incredible odds, while working in a team environment, is nothing short of inspiring,” said Chairman Rossini.
The Keynote was sponsored by Micrologic Associates and InnovateIT.
For more information visit https://nrccshow.com/, or Email info@nrccshow.com.
The 34th NRCC is slated for October 7-9 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the host hotel. Make sure to visit nrccshow.com in the coming months for registration and seminar information. The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) is the host association with CWONJ Past President Doug Rieck serving as Chairman.
