18th NRCC Boasts Near-Record Attendance!
The 18th Annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 15-17 at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ, came in just 15 shy of the event’s record attendance of 1735 in 2003, said Julie Stanton, show facilitator. tured an array of valuable seminars, a world-class keynote speaker and an opening night event that was ex“I couldn’t have been happier with this year’s show,” she said. “The quality of our seminars and show floor, coupled with near-record breaking attendance made it one of our best shows!”
The annual event featremely impressive,” said Dan Petrelle, this year’s chairperson and President of the Connecticut Carwash Association, the 2007 host association.
JoAnna Brandi of JoAnna Brandi & Company, keynoted the show in her dynamic and entertaining fashion. Her keynote, “Dealing With The Tough Times,” fit well with this year’s theme, “The Comeback.” In light of unpredictable weather patterns that can adversely affect your business, it’s important to have a set of business and life skills that factor in adversity, according to Brandi. Her keynote taught attendees how to:
- Plan for the tough times
- Build more resilience
- Avoid “thinking traps”
- Keep yourself and your team optimistic and
- Beat the stress that comes with tough times.
She also did a breakout session titled, “How to Face the Competitive Realities of Today’s Operating Climate Head On.” The material she presented can be implemented in your daily life and work at the wash to motivate your staff.
Petrelle presented Bill Gorra, of Simoniz USA, with the 2007 Most Distinguished Person award and Sonny’s with the 2007 Best Exhibitor Display after the keynote address. International Carwash Association President, Frank Lash, also spoke to the group.
Another great seminar this year, “How to Make Money in Challenging Times,” attracted many attendees on the last day of the show. This panel discussion included the expertise of East Coast operators who have come out of the last two years in the black and optimistic for the future.
An “Energy Summit” also spotlighted a variety of ways operators can save on their utility costs. And, of course, there were two Early Birds to provide attendees with a venue to ask questions of a panel of industry experts (in an informal setting) on everything from marketing to maintenance.
Another exciting element to this year’s show was the opening night event at Luke Palladino’s restaurant Specchio. The event lent itself to an intimate venue to catch up with friends and acquaintances.
