The Car Wash Show 2027, the car wash industry’s largest annual gathering, is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from May 3–5, 2027. The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
đź“… 2026 Event Recap
The 2026 edition was held at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, from May 11–13, 2026. It featured a record-breaking 455 exhibitors and drew over 9,000 attendees, filling more than 205,000 square feet of exhibit space with the latest products, technologies, and innovations. The show offered over 60 hours of educational programming across six tracks, including a new Maintenance and Equipment track, and featured keynote speakers such as former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph.
đź“ť What to Expect in 2027
The 2027 show returns to Las Vegas and is expected to continue the industry’s premier tradition of education, networking, and showcasing innovation. The 2026 show highlighted key industry trends that are likely to remain central in 2027:
- Membership Model Expansion: The membership model continues to grow, with operators adopting family plans and strategies to increase customer retention.
- Site Selection Evolution: There is a shift from a “land grab” to a more analytical “sniper’s approach,” focusing on demographic analysis and long-term viability. New locations are increasingly utilizing modular systems for retrofitting and mini-tunnels for urban areas.
- Technology & AI Integration: The show heavily featured AI-powered management systems, advanced sensor technology, and license plate recognition for optimizing workflows and customer experience.
- Focus on Equipment & Maintenance: The 2026 show introduced a dedicated track on maintenance, reflecting a growing industry focus on reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.