THE EAST COAST'S PREMIER SHOW
OCTOBER 5-7, 2026
ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
DON'T MISS WHAT'S
NEXT IN CARWASHING
Be where the industry moves forward—and see what’s actually working at East Coast carwashes right now.
CONNECT
Carwash Con East (NRCC) is built to bring people together. From the Simoniz Celebration to the show floor Welcome Reception, it’s all about real conversations and lasting connections. No matter your role, you’re part of the same community.
“What a great event,” said Will Gorra. “We look forward to it every year.”
NETWORKING
Carwash Con East (NRCC) is known for something a lot of shows promise but rarely deliver: real, open, accessible networking. This isn’t a “stand in your booth and hope someone walks by” kind of event. It’s built so that operators, vendors, and industry leaders are naturally brought together through shared experiences, conversations, and moments that actually matter.
From the moment the event kicks off, you’re surrounded by opportunities to connect. Monday starts with a Virtual Carwash Tour, where attendees explore innovative sites across the country together, sparking ideas and conversation before the show even officially ramps up. That energy carries straight into the Simoniz Celebration, a relaxed evening of cocktails, food, and conversation in the Hollywood Ballroom. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the week, and it sets the tone: everyone is welcome, and everyone is there to connect.
Tuesday keeps that momentum going with a full day of education and interaction. The Early Bird Seminar is a fan-favorite for a reason. It’s candid, unscripted, and packed with real operators sharing real answers. From there, breakout sessions and panels create smaller, more focused environments where conversations happen naturally. Whether you're learning about AI, unlimited plans, or leadership, you're doing it alongside people facing the same challenges.
The Keynote and Awards Luncheon bring everyone back together, creating shared moments and recognition that strengthen the sense of community. Then the show floor opens, and networking shifts into high gear. The Welcome Reception, now hosted directly on the show floor, is one of the most valuable connection points of the entire event. With drinks, local flavor, and a high-energy atmosphere, it’s where introductions turn into partnerships and ideas turn into action.
Wednesday continues with more breakout sessions and workshops, giving attendees even more chances to connect in smaller, interactive settings. By the end of the event, you’re not just leaving with notes, you’re leaving with relationships.
That’s what makes Carwash Con East different. The schedule isn’t just a lineup of sessions. It’s intentionally designed to create connection at every step.
EDUCATION
Always striving for a better and more comprehensive show drives the Carwash Con East board to push the envelope annually, said Co-Chair Dave DuGoff of College Park Carwash and the MCA, this year's host. “We strive every year to improve not only the exhibit floor, but our world-class education and this year we have continued that mission,” said DuGoff. Last year, the group teamed up with self-service experts Kleen-Rite Corporation to put together two seminars that would appeal to that market. “We wanted to expand our footprint and make sure to provide our self-service and inbay attendees with cutting-edge education,” said Education Chair Suzanne Stansbury. “The programs our partners help us put together are non-promotional and really address the current concerns facing the market, while spotlighting the innovation available to build volume and profits. The collaboration was a home run and we have expanded upon that this year,” she said. "We have also added to our manager-track programming to give that segment of the market comprehensive education," she said.
The 2026 education track is nearly complete so keep checking back to see the 2026 lineup. There will be something for every operator, big or small, so don't miss out!
EXPERIENCE
Carwash Con East is designed to be more than a schedule of sessions, it’s a full experience from start to finish. From the energy of the exhibit floor to the buzz of after-hours events, every part of the show is built to keep you engaged. You’re not just sitting in presentations, you’re seeing new technology up close, having real conversations, and being part of moments that stick with you long after the event ends. It’s a mix of ideas, people, and atmosphere that makes the entire week feel purposeful, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable.
CARWASH CON EAST
AWARDS CEREMONY
Each year, Carwash Con East honors the operators, innovators, and emerging leaders who are raising the bar for the entire industry. Nominations are open for an Emerging Leader until September 7.
BECOME A SHOW SPONSOR
2026 BOOTH REGISTRATION
OPEN
This is where the carwash industry shows up. See what’s working, meet the right people, and leave with ideas you’ll actually use. Lock in your spot.
NETWORKING EVENTS
SIMONIZ CELEBRATION OCT 5
AWARDS LUNCHEON
OCT 6
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN OCT 6, OCT 7
WELCOME RECEPTION OCT 6
2027 BOOTH SIGN-UP OCT 7
OCT. 5
CARWASH CON BEGINS
OCT. 7
CARWASH CON'S LAST DAY
417+
EXHIBIT BOOTHS
CARWASH CON EARLY BIRD PRICING
ENDS 9/15
Attendance is mandatory for any carwash on the East Coast... Just kidding, but you should come.
Carwash Con East started in 1988 as a small gathering of operators looking to share ideas and learn from each other. Today, it’s the East Coast’s leading carwash event — bringing together education, innovation, and a show floor built for real conversations.
WHAT IS CARWASH CON EAST?
Carwash Con East (formerly NRCC) is one of the leading carwash events on the East Coast, hosted by a coalition of five regional carwash associations. Held annually in Atlantic City, the show brings together operators, vendors, and industry leaders for education, innovation, and connection.
With hundreds of exhibitors, top-tier seminars, and a strong focus on community, Carwash Con East continues to grow as a go-to event for carwash professionals looking to move their business forward.
2026
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Ready for the next big carwash show? We welcome anyone who wishes to register for Carwash Con East to do so now. Don't miss out. Register by September 15 and SAVE!
Snapshots from the 2025 NRCC.
Practical, real-world sessions led by operators and experts—covering operations, sales, training, and tech. Walk away with ideas you can use immediately.
2026 Schedule
OCT. 5
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 3:00-5:00 pm | Virtual Carwash Tour — Hosted by Tom Hoffman, Jr. (Sponsored by AVW) |
| 6:00–8:00 pm | Simoniz Celebration — Hollywood Ballroom, Hard Rock (Sponsored by Simoniz USA) |
OCT. 6
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Buffet Breakfast |
| 7:15–8:15 am | Early Bird Seminar — Moderated by John Shalbey, Jr. (Sponsored by Micrologic) |
| 8:30–9:30 am | Understanding AI & How to Use It at Your Wash — Mel Ohlinger, OhmCo |
| 9:45–10:45 am | Concurrent Breakouts: Tunnel · Self-Serve · Manager Track |
| 9:45–10:45 am | Concurrent Breakouts: Tunnel · Self-Serve · Manager Track |
| 11:00–11:50 am | Keynote: Ken Schmidt, Harley-Davidson (Sponsored by Micrologic & innovateIT) |
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Awards Luncheon (Sponsored by Welcomemat) |
| 1:00–6:00 pm | Exhibit Hall Open |
| 4:00–5:30 pm | Welcome Reception on the Show Floor — NEW (Sponsored by OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions) |
OCT. 7
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Buffet Breakfast |
| 8:45–9:45 am | Breakout Session: Self-Serve/IBA |
| 8:45–9:45 am | Breakout Session: Tunnel Panel |
| 8:45–9:45 am | Breakout Session: Manager Track (Coaching to Success) |
| During show | Sign Up for Your 2027 Booth |
Sign up for your 2027 Booth at this year's show on 10/7.

Joey Plude
SIMONIZ USA
Bolton, CT
"At Simoniz, we look forward to NRCC every year. With our headquarters here in the Northeast, it is a great way to get a large representation of our company to a tradeshow and have a profound presence. Thanks to our partnership with the NRCC we are able to put on the Simoniz Celebration for everyone at the show to reinforce the family feeling this event provides, which is extremely important to us being a 3rd generation, privately-owned family business."

evan baright
FOAM & WASH CAR WASH
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
“The Northeast Regional Carwash Convention brings small and large operators together in an easy-to-access location like Atlantic City. The show size feels just right, and the speakers and sessions are consistently strong. One highlight is the Virtual Carwash Tour with Tom Hoffman Jr.—a simple, engaging look at washes across the country. We’ve been attending for decades and always look forward to it.”

MIGUEL GONZALEZ
micrologic associates
parsippany, nj
“There is simply no other trade show that garners more bang for our buck than the NRCC. Not only is it a smart business decision for us, but its intimate setting lends itself to forging long-term relationships that we will have for life.”









