How Carwash Con/ NRCC got started:

The Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC) was initiated by a group of carwash operators from Connecticut who in 1988 coordinated a meeting at a New Haven, CT, restaurant adjacent to Yale University inviting the participation of several other East Coast carwash associations. From that meeting an alliance was formed and a vision was unleashed. The participating associations included: the Connecticut Carwash Association (CCA), New England Carwash Association (NECA), New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA), the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ). The Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association (MCA) was added in 2010.

The NRCC was then formed and held its first Convention and Trade Show in 1989 in Newport, RI. The show was devised for the benefit of Northeast carwash owner/operators who could not attend the national trade show, and to allow for managers and/or staff to attend as well. The first show provided a forum for education, table top exhibits and an exchange of ideas and camaraderie among Northeast operators and exhibitors. Today, the NRCC is an alliance of board members from four carwash associations: the NECA, NYSCWA, CWONJ and MCA. The three-day event is put on annually each Fall.

The original intent of the show was to move it around various Northeast locations and the first shows were in Saratoga, NY, the Catskills, Boston, Providence, Foxwoods and Atlantic City. After a few years, however, it was determined that Atlantic City drew the largest attendance and was the most successful venue. Since then, the majority of the shows have been held in Atlantic City. Due to the show’s current size, and to keep it an affordable event for vendors and attendees, this venue has made the most sense to the board.

Depending on the venue, attendance (including exhibitors) has ranged from 500 (in the early years) to as many as 1921 in 2023. The show floor space has expanded over the years, as well, to a height of 417 booths in 2025. Educational seminars and keynote speakers are first rate and feature professional presenters. The board continues to emphasize the importance of exceptional education for its attendees and has been growing that aspect of the event.

In 2026, the NRCC rebranded to Carwash Con East. The new branding and expansion of its geographic region opens up the show to a larger market of owner/operators but its purpose remains the same — to provide comprehensive education, an innovative show floor and intimate networking to its vendors and attendees without breaking the bank.

The governing documents, Conflict of Interest Policy and financial statements are available upon request. Inquiries should sent to: info@carwashconeast.com