Car wash owners, operators and suppliers meet in Las Vegas, 3–5 May 2027, for equipment, chemistry, technology and practical operator education.
Dates
3 May 2027
City / country
Las Vegas, United States
Venue
Las Vegas Convention Center
Time
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
The Car Wash Show™ returns to Las Vegas from 3–5 May 2027, bringing the professional car wash industry to the Las Vegas Convention Center's North Hall. Owners, operators, multi-site executives and suppliers use three days to compare tunnel and in-bay systems, chemistry, payment and membership software, water reclaim and detailing equipment, then test ideas in more than 60 hours of education.
The 2026 edition in Nashville drew more than 9,000 attendees and a record 455 exhibitors, and the show remains the sector's largest North American marketplace. Expect a focused floor, practical operator-led sessions and heavy buyer intent rather than broad automotive spectacle.
TL;DR
See tunnel, in-bay and self-serve systems side by side, compare chemistry and water-reclaim options, and pressure-test membership and payment software. Education is organised around operator problems, so a team can leave with a shortlist, a budget range and a clearer view of throughput and labour trade-offs.
The audience is concentrated: owners, operators and multi-site decision-makers who specify equipment, chemistry and technology. A focused three-day floor and an established New Company Pavilion give new brands a route to qualified buyers, while the 2026 record of 455 exhibitors shows the depth of competition.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
13150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
On-site convention centre garages serve the North Hall; expect event-day pricing and queues.
The convention centre provides accessible entrances, lifts and restrooms; contact the venue in advance for scooter or interpreter support.
Food options
North Hall concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the convention centre parking garages off Paradise Road and Convention Center Drive; arrive early on show mornings and keep the North Hall entrance as the walking target.
Gate: North Hall is the primary access point for The Car Wash Show; follow show signage from the Paradise Road side.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Full-show pass (2025 published rate)
Reference rate from the prior cycle; the 2027 price is not yet published.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring photo ID matching the registration name; badges are collected at the North Hall registration counters.
Ticket notes
Registration for 2027 opens in December 2026. No 2027 attendee ticket price has been published; the last public one-pass rate shown for the 2025 edition was USD 289.
What's on
2
Education
3
Exhibition
4
Event days
08:30–19:00
Typical time
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Car Wash Tours – Express
Car Wash Tours – Self-Serve / IBA
The Preview Party – New Company Pavilion
Monday, May 3, 2027
Education Sessions
Trade Show
The Big Bash
Tuesday, May 4, 2027
Education Sessions
Trade Show
Wednesday, May 5, 2027
Trade Show
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 9,000Verify before booking
Exhibitors: 455
This edition
2027
Visitors: 10,000
Exhibitors: 475
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2026 edition in Nashville welcomed more than 9,000 attendees and a record 455 exhibitors across three days of equipment demos, education and networking. More than 60 hours of content covered automation, marketing, customer experience, staffing and operations.
New this edition
Impact
The show matters because it puts capital equipment, chemistry and software in front of operators who can commit multi-site budgets. A three-day format compresses supplier comparisons and education into one trip, and the Las Vegas location draws national chains plus international distributors. The practical impact is a shorter shortlist cycle and a clearer read on throughput, labour and water costs.
Audience quality
The audience is commercially concentrated: owners and operators who specify equipment, plus managers responsible for marketing, operations and maintenance. The organiser reports that 86% are decision-makers and more than 90% of the top 100 washes attend. Those are organiser claims, not an independent audit, but they describe a buyer mix that is more qualified than a general automotive show.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on matching the booth to the buying process. Equipment and chemical suppliers can demo directly to owners, while software and service vendors should book meetings before the floor opens and use the New Company Pavilion for first-year visibility. No rebooking rate or audited return figure is published, so budgets should be modelled from expected qualified conversations and a realistic close rate.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Car wash demand is steady but operating costs, water rules and consolidation are reshaping who wins. The show concentrates equipment, chemical and software buying power in one hall, which makes it a useful benchmark for pricing, throughput and membership economics rather than a general automotive outing.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Express tunnel and membership consolidation
Multi-site operators keep adding express tunnels and recurring memberships, shifting bargaining power toward vendors that can prove throughput and retention.
What it changes: Buyers are comparing total cost per car and member lifetime value, not just equipment price.
Automation and labour substitution
Robotics, automated payment and remote monitoring are being pitched as answers to persistent staffing gaps.
What it changes: Operators want uptime and lower labour hours per wash; software integration is now part of the equipment decision.
Water reuse and compliance pressure
Reclaim, filtration and chemistry choices are increasingly judged against local water and discharge rules.
What it changes: A wash that cannot document water performance faces higher operating risk in drought-sensitive markets.
The US flagship alternates between Las Vegas and Nashville, with regional and adjacent convenience-retail events filling the rest of the calendar.
The Car Wash Show 2026
Nashville, United States
Music City Center; reported more than 9,000 attendees and 455 exhibitors.
websiteThe Car Wash Show Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Circuit dates are indicative; confirm the published calendar before booking.
websiteNACS Show 2027
Las Vegas, United States
Adjacent buyer channel for fuel and convenience operators; exact 2027 dates to confirm.
websiteSEMA Show 2027
Las Vegas, United States
Automotive aftermarket and detailing adjacency; exact 2027 dates to confirm.
websiteUS flagship
Early May, Las Vegas or Nashville on an alternating pattern.
Adjacent retail and aftermarket
Autumn Las Vegas window for convenience-retail and automotive buyers.
Flagship dates and counts are sourced; circuit dates for sister and adjacent shows are planning estimates and should be confirmed against each organiser site.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International Airport
Closest airport; taxi, rideshare and shuttle transfers are all available.
About 5 km
to venue
15–25 minutes
by car
North Las Vegas Airport
General-aviation alternative north of the city; limited commercial service.
About 18 km
to venue
25–35 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 70–120 / night
Older Strip rooms; budget for resort fees and a 10–15 minute rideshare to the North Hall.
USD 140–240 / night
Walkable or short monorail/rideshare access; best balance of rate and show-week convenience.
USD 350–600 / night
Largest suites and easiest networking; rates rise sharply during convention weeks.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Las Vegas Monorail
Use the Convention Center station, then walk to the North Hall; check current hours during show week.
Taxi / rideshare
Rideshare pickup zones are signed at the airport and convention centre; allow extra time on opening morning.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from VWP countries | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Some travellers may enter under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA rather than a visa; eligibility depends on nationality and travel history.
The US accepts ATA Carnets for qualifying temporary exhibits and professional equipment; confirm the goods and customs broker before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
Early May is hot and dry: highs around 32–35°C and lows around 18–21°C, with strong air-conditioning indoors and intense sun outdoors.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The convention centre and major hotels provide Wi-Fi; a US eSIM or local SIM is useful for rideshare and email between venues.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tip table service around 18–20% and allow a dollar or two per drink at bars; rideshare tips are customary in the app.
Dress and pacing
Business casual works on the floor; temperatures swing between hot outdoors and cold meeting rooms, so bring a light layer. Casinos and showrooms are open late, but keep show mornings clear.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LAS
Book 6–10 weeks out for early May; Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals are usually cheaper than Sunday.
Book flightsMost international business visitors need either an approved ESTA or a B-1 visitor visa; check eligibility before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 40 ESTA or USD 185 B-1 application fee (planning estimate)
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 can take weeks to months
Carry registration confirmation, hotel booking and a short invitation letter. Admission is decided at the border.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi or rideshare from LAS takes 15–25 minutes; allow 30–45 minutes at peak.
Hotel → venue: Walk from Paradise Road hotels or take the Monorail to the Convention Center station.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate from signed airport and venue zones; expect surge pricing during show close.
Public transit: The Las Vegas Monorail connects the Strip to the Convention Center station; local buses are slower.
Parking: Convention centre garages fill early; hotel parking is usually cheaper than event-day garage rates.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 18–35°C
Seasonality: Very dry with intense sun; occasional windy afternoons.
Packing: Light business casual, a jacket for cold meeting rooms, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2027-05-04
Tuesday combines a full 11:00–17:00 trade floor with morning education and the Exhibitor Booth Crawl in the late afternoon, so a one-day visitor gets the widest mix of suppliers and sessions. Monday is stronger for the opening energy and The Big Bash; Wednesday closes at noon.
Register and book a refundable hotel in the Paradise Road corridor. — Check the registration portal when it opens in December 2026.
Build a target exhibitor list and request meetings with equipment and software vendors. — Group by tunnel, chemistry, payment and water reclaim.
Download the show app and block the education sessions that match your operating gaps. — Leave one open block for the Solutions Theater.
Print or save badge confirmation, ID and hotel documents. — Pack a light layer for cold meeting rooms.
Arrive in Las Vegas, collect credentials if open and confirm Monday meeting times. — Allow extra time for airport transfers on Sunday.
Badge collection and coffee
North Hall registrationEducation session on throughput and labour
North Hall education roomsSupplier meetings on tunnel equipment, chemistry and payment software
Show floorThe Big Bash networking reception
North HallRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Outdoor Half-Day
About 30–40 minutes west of the Strip
Easy desert scenery and a short scenic drive when the show ends at midday on Wednesday.
Hoover Dam
Engineering Day Trip
About 45–60 minutes southeast
A classic half-day trip for teams staying through Thursday; book a tour or drive yourself.
The Big Bash
Official reception
Monday 17:00–19:00 in the North Hall with open bar, food and entertainment.
TalkCarWash After Dark
Industry networking
Separate-registration evening events on 2 and 4 May; check the schedule for venues.
The 48-hour follow-up window matters because owners leave with several competing quotes. A clear next step and a complete cost comparison keep the show conversation from fading.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 300–420 / m²
Raw space
USD 180–260 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
The official 2027 portal states booth space starts at USD 3,700, but no full per-sqm tariff or exhibitor manual was published. Per-sqm bands are planning estimates.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth space
exhibitor · 9 sqm shell
USD 2700–3780 / stand
Booth space
exhibitor · 36 sqm raw
USD 6480–9360 / stand
Hotel
both · mid
USD 140–240 / room-night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / person-day
Visa / ESTA
visitor · standard
USD 40–185 / traveller
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth space | exhibitor | 9 sqm shell | USD 2700–3780 / stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Booth space | exhibitor | 36 sqm raw | USD 6480–9360 / stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 140–240 / room-night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / person-day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Visa / ESTA | visitor | standard | USD 40–185 / traveller | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip The Car Wash Show 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a shortlist to compare and can attend at least one full day.
Best for
Owners and operators sourcing equipment, chemistry or software with a live project.
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks
Risks
Crowded floor without pre-booked meetings
Las Vegas resort fees and surge pricing
exhibit
You can staff the stand for three days and follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Equipment, chemical, software and service brands selling to multi-site operators.
Min. budget
$7,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months
Risks
Booth and freight costs exceed plan
Lead follow-up slips after the show
skip
The 2027 dates clash or the buyer profile does not match your offer.
Best for
Teams with no wash capex, no US channel and no near-term learning goal.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing competitor and pricing signals
Book with
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Official destination body for Las Vegas visitor and convention information.
Public destination authority; not a named show sponsor.
Las Vegas Convention Center
Venue operator for the North Hall and convention campus.
Venue operator; not a named show sponsor.
International Carwash Association
Owner and organiser of The Car Wash Show.
Named organiser on the official registration page.
Western Carwash Association
Partner association named on the official 2027 exhibitor portal.
Named partner on the official registration page.
Recommended providers
Official visa information; ESTA applications go through CBP.
Filter for Paradise Road and Westgate; check resort fees.
Compare fares into LAS; book 6–10 weeks out.
Trade-show logistics provider; confirm the official 2027 handler in the exhibitor manual.
Compare business-travel and exhibition-property cover.
Book Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam tours for the Wednesday afternoon.
Badge-scan and lead-retrieval option if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
5
Date checked
International Carwash Association
Cleaner Times
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
