Just a brief post show report: Overall, I enjoyed attending and it was good to see some folks. Even our site host Jackson was there peddling
SSCWN. The
SECWA show has been heavily geared towards express format since about 2005 and that trend continues. There was a lightly attended SS round table discussion that was still enjoyable. There was also a seminar on converted sites that was interesting. There were a few operators who have converted either IBAs to small tunnels, added a tunnel to existing SS/IBA site or a complete removal of SS bays to convert the entire building to an express format. Several operators are now looking at acquiring SSs on large lots for site conversions. Marcus Kittrell of Birmingham spoke briefly about his successful site conversion as well as his POP (pay one price) SS conversion. The Car wash tour had nine washes. Only one had an IBA. It was a C store site that had the new water wizard fast track machine. The rest were express or some sort of flex service conveyors. Lava Foam type arches enhanced with LED light bars and LED projectors were obviously a hot item as most of the tunnels on the tour had them. I think I'm going to attempt to retrofit my IBA with them. Anyway, it's good to be around enthusiastic operators as I find their attitude contagious.