By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
The 35th annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC) has confirmed a dynamic speaker lineup and expanded programming, including a global virtual carwash tour.
The convention is set for Oct. 6-8 and will be held at the Atlantic City (N.J.) Convention Center. This year’s event features 54,000-plus square feet of exhibits, car wash education sessions, and more opportunities to network and connect than ever before.
Kicking off the educational lineup, the “Virtual Carwash Tour” hosted by Tom Hoffman Jr. will take attendees inside some of the most innovative and forward-thinking car washes from across the globe – without leaving the convention center.
This year’s featured sites include standout locations in the Netherlands, Canada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
“I go out of my way to find truly unique and inspiring washes from around the world to bring back to our Northeast operators,” said Suzanne Stansbury, NRCC Education Chair. “It’s always a crowd favorite – people genuinely look forward to it, and the room is packed.
“You hardly see a single car washer on their phone during the whole thing.”
In response to attendee feedback, the 2025 NRCC will place an even greater emphasis on networking.
From casual meetups and focused roundtables to lively mixers and evening receptions, this year’s event offers more ways than ever for operators, vendors, and industry leaders to connect and collaborate.
Attendees can also look forward to an elevated hospitality experience. From hot buffet breakfasts to the beloved Simoniz Celebration and Welcome Reception, the NRCC continues to deliver great food, regional flavor, and plenty of opportunities to unwind and engage.
“This is more than a trade show – it’s where car wash professionals come to learn, connect, and move the industry forward,” said NRCC Show Chairman Doug Rieck. “Everything we’ve planned for 2025 – the sessions, the speakers, the receptions – it’s all designed to help operators build stronger businesses and relationships.”
Among the convention’s featured speakers:
Keynote Spotlight: Garry Ridge, Former CEO of WD-40
Ridge brings his globally recognized leadership style to NRCC with “The Power of a Learning Moment Culture.” Ridge will share practical insights on creating a culture built on belonging, trust, and continuous improvement.
Leadership with Impact: Col. Pilar McDermott, Thayer Leadership
In a standout addition to this year’s Manager Track, retired U.S. Army Col. Pilar McDermott will lead “How to Have Difficult Conversations with Customers and Staff.” Drawing on her military experience, she’ll equip attendees with tools to build trust, foster accountability, and lead with clarity – even in the toughest moments.
Among the non-sponsored education sessions available this year:
- Early Bird Operator Panel
Moderator: John Shalbey, Jr. – Ask real operators anything, with special guest Rich DiPaolo (Professional Carwashing & Detailing). - Why Your Website Is Costing You Customers
Mel Olinger, OhmCo – Learn how to turn your website into a 24/7 selling machine. - What 3 Million Sales Conversations Reveal About Success
Kyle Doyle, IgniteWash/Rinsed – AI-backed insights into building high-performing sales teams. - Self-Serve Success Seminar
Real-world strategies for profitable, efficient self-serve and in-bay operations. - Wednesday Executive Panel: Keys to Scaling
Featuring leaders from Whistle Express, Splash Car Wash, Express Wash Concepts, and more. - Self-Serve Power Panel
Moderator: John Tobias – A candid, early-bird discussion on trends, tools, and growth in the self-serve space.
