Every year in January, the D&S and WashCard teams are hard at work.
Additionally, they focus on car wash trade shows presence for several months.
When Q1 begins, both our Missouri and Minnesota teams are booked, busy, and ready to represent!
But, when it comes to operator attendance, it can be hard to justify all it takes to get there. However, travel logistics, time, and cost may lead you to wonder what you’ll gain regarding car wash trade shows.
Luckily, we’re ready to share why you should attend a car wash trade show this year.
We also lay out what shows we’ll be at, in case you’d like to come say hi.
Reason 1: To Best Benefit Your Biz
It can be hard to actually book your travel.
However, trust us: it’s worth it to see what you need to level up your business live, in person.
Sometimes, seeing truly is believing — as well as understanding!
Car wash equipment isn’t always straightforward, especially when upgrading or integrating new technology with old.
Therefore, you should see the product(s) and services you’re researching in person.
Additionally, when you talk with vendors, you can gauge their knowledge.
You’ll also see the customer service you’ll receive if you sign the dotted line.
Additionally, many companies run “show specials” — who knows what kind of great deal you’ll dig up?
Reason 2: Picking the Brains of the Best and Brightest
Each trade show is different, but they share one purpose. Car wash trade shows exist to help you, the owner/operator, first and foremost.
Additionally, seminars and learning sessions offer valuable information. Keynote speakers and roundtables help you grow in new, exciting ways.
Moreover, marketing, human resources, and sales are also common topics.
Reason 3: Conversations and Community
Moreover, operators come together at car wash trade shows because they’re seeking unique solutions to their business needs.
You’ll get to know other operators, learn what is (or isn’t!) working for them, and discuss relevant experiences.
This community is invaluable and can lead to close ties in an industry where it helps to know your neighbors.
Where to find WashCard in 2026
We are excited to explore car wash trade shows. You can find the WashCard and D&S crews there. Additionally, we plan to be at several upcoming events throughout the rest of the year, with more potentially added. Here’s where you can find us! (Items with an asterisk signify a WashCard team member will be present.)
- National Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) Connect: February 24-26, 2026, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Southwest Car Wash Association (SCWA) Expo*: February 25-27, 2026, Fort Worth, Texas
- Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo: March 4-5, 2026, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Gulf Port Food & Fuel Expo: March 18-19, 2026, Biloxi, Mississippi
- Heartland Carwash Association (HCA) Product Show*: March 24-26, 2026, Bellevue, Nebraska
- Mid-America Trucking Show: March 26-28, 2026, Louisville, Kentucky
- International Car Wash Association (ICA) The Car Wash Show*: May 11-13, 2026, Nashville, Tennessee
- National Association of Convenience Stores Expo*: October 7-9, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada
