The second edition of Car Wash Show Europe took place between 25 and 27 September, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. With 30 percent larger exhibition space, over 90 exhibitors and 23 percent more visitors than in 2015, Car Wash Show Europe was, according to participants: ‘’Much better than two years ago. The educational sessions taking place on the trade show floor were very well attended and the overall experience was better for networking.’’
The European show was completely focused on presenting opportunities and addressing challenges facing the European market. The show also offered the possibilities for exclusive car wash tours (which brought 30 percent more participants compared to 2015), an attractive social program and plenty of informal networking opportunities.
In 2015, Car Wash Show Europe introduced a new concept to the European market. Operators and suppliers were accustomed to searching out carwash products at events that were primarily for the automotive aftermarket or petroleum retailing industries. As a result, the exhibitors who were present in 2015 have increased their space — and the addition of the world’s largest carwash company, WashTec, has certainly been a substantial addition to the event.
From the survey results collected after the show, exhibitors praised the quality of visitors (96 percent mentioned the quality of visitors was high or very high). The relevance of visitors was very high according to 91 percent of visitors, whilst 82 percent mentioned that the visitors were unique compared to other trade shows with a car wash component.
In terms of visitors, the 2017 edition added 23 percent more visitors compared to the 2015 show. Of these, all mentioned that the quality of conversations they had were high or very high.
To quote some of the visitors: ‘‘The car wash visits were excellent and the owners need to be congratulated for their cooperation and openness in allowing us to experience their car wash operations.’’ Similarly, “the reception of the trade show was very efficient and helpful.’’ Overall visitors found that Car Wash Show Europe ‘’was a very good event, with quality exhibitors and like-minded professionals.’’
CAR WASH SHOW EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
This year, all seminars took place in the center of the hall, and they were open to all visitors. The seminars, including exclusive access to the unveiling of ICA’s first pan-European study of car wash consumer preferences and habits, primarily focused on New Car Wash Concepts, Emerging Automotive Technologies and Impact, or Car Wash Trends on Three Continents.
CAR WASH HALL OF FAME
The owners of ANAC Carwash, Lex, Renè and their late brother Ton Peters, were inducted into the Car Wash Hall of Fame. ANAC recently celebrated its 75th year of business, having been founded in 1940 as a seed and flour trading business. Today, ANAC Groep consists of 13 car washes in Belgium and the Netherlands, 3 petrol stations, a self-storage business and an indoor kart track, and a staff of more than 200 employees.
THE INNOVATION CENTRE
This year Car Wash Show Europe introduced the Innovation Centre, a place where car wash experts came together to showcase the industry’s cutting edge products. The Innovation Centre was a shared space on the trade show floor, where exhibitors presented their most pioneering products. The visitors of the centre had the opportunity to see the latest developments; anticipate where the industry is going, and get a glimpse of the future. Based on visitors’ votes, the most innovative product – The Car Wash App – was awarded with the Innovation Award.
BEST BOOTH AWARD
With a totally different look and feel compared to other trade shows in Europe, the Best Booth Award was introduced to the show. This year two stands won the award, Brushcom/SONAX and Kenotek. They were awarded for their outstanding efforts in creating the perfect mix between technology, unique products and stand design.
