The IDA Has a Full Event Schedule This Year…

By Erin Reyes, IDA Communications Coordinator

Summer may just be starting, but it’s already been a hot year for the International Detailing Association (IDA) – at least when it comes to trade show and event participation.

Following a strong year of growth in 2018, the IDA is looking to build on its momentum by continuing to partake of some of the detailing industry’s largest and most well-known tradeshows, such as Mobile Tech Expo and SEMA Show. However, the association is also branching out and adding new events to its itinerary this year.

As has become tradition, the IDA started the year at Mobile Tech Expo (MTE) in January, which took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The IDA’s popular exhibit booth served as the hub for IDA activity, attracting current members looking to catch up with old friends, along with plenty of attendees eager to join.

The association also hosted a complete Certification Event – Phase I & II (CD-SV), 10 Education Day seminars taught by IDA members, and the IDA Annual Business Meeting and Awards Presentation, the latter of which had the biggest turnout ever with more than 175 attendees. The trade show also brought in more 20 new members, 23 new Certified Detailers and 23 new Skills Validated designees for the IDA.

The IDA also made an appearance at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, held in January in San Francisco, California, with former IDA Tradeshow & Education Committee Chair Prentice St. Clair, CD-SV, RT, giving a presentation titled “Lost in the Details? How to Detail Faster and Better.” His inclusion in the show plus his timely topic comes at an important time for the IDA, which is currently looking to expand membership to auto dealers and their detailing employees.

In February, the IDA headed south(west) for the winter, with a booth and educational seminars at the Southwest Carwash Association (SCWA) Convention & Expo in Arlington, Texas. IDA members presented on everything from young entrepreneurship to carpet cleaning and creating detailing menus. A new feature for the IDA this year was a “Quick Talk” session, which focused on the importance of creating standard operating procedures for a successful business. The trade show was once again paired with an IDA Meet & Greet, which was well-attended by detailers who traveled in from across the region to connect with their fellow members and detailing professionals.

After a one-year hiatus, the IDA will once again be represented at Waxstock, the largest specialist car-care event in Europe. The annual event will again be hosted at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, United Kingdom, this summer.

This year, IDA participation was coordinated by the UK Chapter. At the show, the organization will offer an IDA Certification Event – Phase I (CD) on Sunday, July 21, led by Chapter Board member, Alan Medcraf, CD-SV, RT. Current IDA President Jonathan Munsell, CD, is planning to make a special appearance at the show, as part of his anticipated European IDA Chapter tour. With so many detailing professionals and enthusiasts from across the continent packed into one place, Waxstock is an ideal opportunity to spread the word about the association, and the IDA is excited to make its return to the event.

Join IDA at MTE in Las Vegas

The IDA booth at MTE in Orlando was a beehive of activity.

Later this summer, the IDA will also participate in the first-ever Mobile Tech Expo – Las Vegas, September 5 – 7. The IDA has been involved with the original MTE since holding its first board meeting at the show in 2009. The IDA’s presence at MTE has grown tremendously over the years, so the association is looking forward to being part of this new era and connecting with a new circle of detailers who may not have been able to attend previous shows in Orlando.

At the inaugural event, the IDA will have an exhibit booth, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for networking and learning more about the association through one-on-one conversations with IDA leaders and volunteers. There will also be a complete Certification Event – Phase I & II (CD-SV). Registration for the certification event is now open, and it is recommended to save your spot early as space is limited.

Education Day will be held on Thursday, September 5, which includes seminars presented by three IDA members: Jim Lafeber, CD-SV, RT, Jonathan Munsell, CD, and Prentice St. Clair, CD-SV, RT. Topics will range from technical to business-oriented. While the IDA will not have as many offerings at this show as at prior shows in Orlando, it is still sure to be a can’t-miss event.

If you cannot make it to Las Vegas for MTE in September, consider heading to the city for the SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, November 5 – 8. Last year marked another great showing for the IDA at this event, with a Meet & Greet that saw its highest attendance yet, filling the room with more than 140 detailers and their guests. This annual gathering of IDA members and colleagues has been growing continuously every year.

In fact, IDA Board member Jim Goguen, CD-SV, recalls one of the early Meet & Greets at SEMA, when there were only about 20-30 attendees. To maintain last year’s momentum, the IDA will once again host a Meet & Greet, open to all. The IDA will also offer an IDA Certification Event – Phase I (CD), for which registration is now open on the IDA website.

Finally, the IDA is currently in the planning stages for Mobile Tech Expo 2020 in Orlando, Florida, January 30 – February 1. Although this may seem like a long time away, the IDA is already actively recruiting educational session speakers. The application to present a topic on behalf of the IDA at the show is open to all IDA members and Certified Detailers through July 15. MTE attendees can expect a wide array of offerings from the IDA as usual, so stay tuned for further details. One thing is certain: this event gets bigger and better every year, so save the date and start planning your trip now!

For more information on IDA events and happenings, visit www.the-ida.com/events.