May 2026 has a notable cluster of car wash conferences worth tracking.
This page covers nine events across the industry, from regional association meetups to international trade shows. The International Carwash Association's annual show lands in Nashville May 11 through 13, drawing operators, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers in one place. UNITI Expo in Stuttgart runs May 19 through 21 and is worth the trip if you're sourcing European suppliers or watching fuel and wash market trends abroad. Several of the Nashville events overlap in dates, which makes that window useful for back-to-back meetings without extra travel. Whether you're evaluating new equipment, building distributor relationships, or looking for continuing education, knowing which events are actually happening in May helps you plan your calendar and budget well in advance.
Ranked list
9 conferences
1
PlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 11–13, 2026·Nashville, TN·5k–10k attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Based on 5k–10k annual attendees, Professional Car Wash Association Events ranks solidly as a flagship conference within the Car Wash sector. Entry at $$ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, which is why Orbital rates it at Platinum reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Sales teams working the Car Wash market, this conference belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
2
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 11–13, 2026·Nashville, TN·5k–10k attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Based on 5k–10k annual attendees, International Carwash Association Events ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Car Wash sector. Entry at $$ signals a serious operator audience, which is why Orbital rates it at Gold using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Car Wash industry, this show merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
3
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Simple Wash Solutions Events has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Car Wash industry. Attendance pricing of $$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Car Wash category, this gathering should be on your shortlist.
4
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Tennessee Car Wash Association sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Car Wash space. Ticket pricing at $$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and our team places it among Gold events informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Car Wash space, this conference belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
5
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 19–21, 2026·Stuttgart, DE·10k+ attendees·$ ticket
Our take
Based on 10k+ annual attendees, UNITI Expo ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Car Wash sector. Entry at $ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, which is why Orbital rates it at Gold using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Car Wash industry, this show is worth a serious look.
6
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 11–14, 2026·Atlanta, GA·500–1k attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Based on 500–1k annual attendees, Auto Care Connect ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Car Wash sector. Entry at $$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, which is why Orbital rates it at Gold informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Car Wash vertical, the show is worth a serious look.
7
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 11–13, 2026·Nashville, TN·5k–10k attendees·$ ticket
Our take
With 5k–10k industry professionals on the floor, Professional Carwashing & Detailing Events sits firmly as a solid mid-tier show across the Car Wash space. Ticket pricing at $ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and our team places it among Silver events based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Car Wash vertical, this show deserves a line item in your event budget.
8
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
May 11–13, 2026·Nashville, TN·5k–10k attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Considering 5k–10k registered participants, The Car Wash Show stands as a Silver-rated gathering for the Car Wash vertical. Registration at $$ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, leading Orbital to rate it as a Silver event using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Car Wash space, this gathering is worth a serious look.
9
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
WashConnect ICS Events sits firmly as a solid mid-tier show across the Car Wash space. Operators building pipeline in the Car Wash category, this event deserves a line item in your event budget.
PlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Frequently asked questions
How many Car Wash conferences are happening in 2026?
This guide covers 9 Car Wash conferences for 2026. Scroll up to see dates, locations, and details for each event.
When is the biggest Car Wash event?
Professional Car Wash Association Events is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 5k–10k attendees. It takes place May 11–13, 2026. Location: Nashville, TN.
What's the cheapest Car Wash conference to attend?
Professional Carwashing & Detailing Events has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in Nashville, TN. Expected attendance: approximately 5k–10k.
Further reading
More Orbital conference guides in related industries
Orbital's verified directory covers 1,924 trade events across 12 industries — with attendee counts, ticket pricing, exhibitor costs, and tier ratings for every listing.
