our history
OCTOBER 5-7, 2026
ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY
CARWASH CON:
ABOUT NRCC
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
We're powered by the following carwash industry organizations:
Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association
Our goal is to provide pertinent industry education and timely information; monitor legislative activity and protect the best interests of our members; facilitate business between vendors and operators; and improve the image of our industry by increasing consumer knowledge of our professionalism.
New England Carwash Association
The New England Car Wash Association (NECA), founded in 1973, is a not-for-profit trade association that provides networking and educational opportunities, business services and representation, to enhance the professionalism of the car washing industry in New England. We represent the industry in the states of MA, NH, VT, ME and RI.
New York State Car Wash Association
The New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA), Inc. is a not-for-profit trade association serving the needs of professional vehicle wash operators, manufacturers and suppliers throughout New York State. It also has members in some neighboring states as well as manufacturer/supplier members.
Car Wash Operators of New Jersey
The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey was founded in 1951 in Newark, New Jersey. The logo on the association’s seal has Excellence, Professional, Quality, Service. This sums up the purpose of our association. As a nonprofit organization, we exist to serve the professional carwash operators in New Jersey and to promote the use of an environmental friendly professional carwash instead of home driveway washing.
WHAT WE DO:
Bring Awareness to Carwash TECH
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, the NRCC was 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, equipment exhibits and an exchange of ideas and camaraderie among operators and exhibitors.
EVENT DEALS & EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Attendance is mandatory for any carwash on the east coast... Just kidding, but you should come.
