In the first year of the partnership between International Carwash Association and Australian Carwash Association the hard work by both groups is already paying dividends.

“This is an important partnership as we continue to work toward connecting the global car wash community,” said ICA CEO Eric Wulf. “This partnership builds on the success we’ve achieved with the Automotive Oil Change Association, BOVAG (the Dutch car wash association) and Western Carwash Association.”

The 2018 show at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne was a departure from the normal show schedule by running back to back years, but the change in schedule didn’t seem to impact results.

According to ACWA, the Exhibit Hall space was sold out, which means the show has now officially outgrown Etihad Stadium.

“We’ve never had so many new exhibitors or international exhibitors,” said Fiona Tointon, Events & Membership Manager for ACWA. “We’ve heard nothing but great things from exhibitors about the quality of attendees who were actively looking to buy and invest in their sites.”

Part of that attendee quality could be attributed to new events at this year’s show, like the New Investor Seminar. An annual event at The Car Wash Show in the United States, the New Investor Seminar provided an opportunity to capitalize on an attractive industry.

“We have had continued growth and success with our Australian expo for a couple of decades now,” said ACWA President Craig Campbell. “We’ve taken it to the next level, adding global attendance, experience, and educational content whilst maintaining a local Aussie flavor.”

This year’s show also featured, for the first time, bus tours to local car wash sites. As was the trend for the show, tours were sold out.

“One of the best things an Association can do is get people of like minds together get people new to industry together with education opportunities,” Campbell said. “You get to pick everyone’s brain and really we’re looking for just one thing to come across and for our attendees to come away with and make their own.”

“This show was a great opportunity for us to see what’s possible, and what the market needs as it relates to events in the industry,” said ICA Vice President of Events Kim Vinciguerra. “We’re excited about what we’re going to do as we look forward to 2020 in the Gold Coast.”