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Opinions needed on Tradeshows

Debra Gorgos

Debra Gorgos

Active member
Now that the tradeshows are re-opening, are you excited to attend? Did the year off from them impact you or your business? If you are attending, which show are you going to (or went to already) and what is if you're looking for?
 
The car wash trade shows are nothing compared to the ones 10 -15 years ago. The ICA has pretty much abandoned the Self-Serve industry, it’s not where the money is. The last ICA convention we went to there was almost nothing for the Self-Serve industry. The only reason we go to the conventions is to see our friends and have dinner with those on the Forum. We used to get excited about going to the car wash conventions but now we’ve pretty much lost the flash in pan so to speak.
 
It is good to see the people, but in terms of viewing new equipment, you hear about things almost instantly on the internet. Then, you find an installation of the equipment or machine you are looking for and go visit it to see it working in-person and get the honest opinion of the owner. Yes - it is cool to see all the new stuff on one floor, but again, the info you can get online and then a real visit or two can take care of what you need in most cases. People are great though. Always fun to catch up.
 
I agree with Randy. The industry seems to equate the SS/IBA segment to the steerage passengers on the Titanic. I feel this express boom will come to a halt and come crashing down, sooner rather than later. Their predatory ways have already damaged the profitability and just overall devalued car washing in general. I would think that within ten years we will be seeing their sad empty hulls dotting the landscape. Although I hate to see people lose everything, I doubt that I will shed any more tears than they did when they pushed out the washes they built on top of. I'm retired now, but I plan to attend this convention, if for nothing else, to eat dinner on Randy's dime.
 
I wonder what percentage of newbies to the industry are in attendance to these shows. I'm guessing 30% or more. We will attend the ICA show again when it is more conveniently located to us.
 
I'm new and was thinking about going, but if there isn't much for SS/IBA then I really don't see the point. I have zero interest in the express side of the wash business. Like washshine said you can find most anything out on the web. I am kinda temped for the free food from Randy if he's known for buying.
 
We had a successful show in Ft. Worth this month and we look forward to being at the rest of the shows when they happen.
 
Trade shows are fun for a business trip. You can make a vacation out of it. Nashville is a fun town and if you're a music lover, like me, you will have a great time.

I get kind of overwhelmed by all the stuff/ people/ activity at the shows. After a few hours walking thru it all I need a break.

I think the networking and catching up with buddies is the best part.
 
I attended the Fort Worth show also. Definitely geared more towards tunnels. However, I was able to spend time talking to the team at cryptopay and bend their ear about reporting data. Also spent time chatting with Kleen-rite and a few others. The round table was pretty good as well. I live in Fort Worth area, so it was easy to attend. Not sure it would have made sense to travel out of town to attend this show.
 
We just attended the Southwest show and I am looking forward to the ICA show and NRCC this fall. You have to work a little harder to find the good self serve info among the flashing lights and bright colors of the tunnel stuff but it is there.
 
Very little for the SS operator any more. It used to be that the WCA was about 60% SS vs. tunnels. NOt sure about that now. It would be nice if the ICA would at least setup a meeting area and times for SS operators to meet and greet. I would like to see the old WCA Bootcamp for SS operators. Get 8 to 10 companies in a area with rotating classes on stuff from bill validators to pump repair. It was always well attended and a great learning experience. I will go to the ICA for the Networking with fellow operators.
 
As a new owner of a SS 6+1, I'm definitely looking forward to the Vegas show. Excited to learn more about the industry and network with other SS owners. If there's not an official meeting area and times for the SS crowd, let's just make something happen ourselves!
 
Those of us who go to the convention normally have dinner together one night duringthe convention.
 
have to agree ICA has Self Service on the back burner, This is where we look and Buy equipment. Like to see more hours of show time. but at least the show is scheduled
 
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