IDA opens nominations for 2026 detailing awards, deadline set for Nov. 8

The International Detailing Association (IDA) has opened nominations for its annual industry awards, which recognize individuals and businesses contributing to the professional detailing field. According to reporting from Professional Carwashing & Detailing, nominations must be submitted by Nov. 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

The awards span technicians, trainers, distributors, brands and detailing operations, and the IDA is asking industry professionals to put forward people and companies that demonstrate leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing the profession.

How the process works

There are eight award categories this cycle: Technician of the Year, Specialty Technician of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Operation of the Year, Distributor of the Year, Brand of the Year, Trainer of the Year, and the Outstanding Service Award.

Nominations are open to both IDA members and non-members unless a category specifies otherwise, but self-nominations are not accepted. After the nomination window closes, the detailing community votes on the nominees in December. Winners will be announced during the IDA Awards Gala and Annual Business Meeting held at Mobile Tech Expo.

Complete award descriptions, eligibility requirements and nomination instructions are available on the IDA Awards webpage.

Why it matters for operators

For car wash operators who run detailing departments or standalone detail operations, the IDA awards are a low-cost way to build credibility and recognize staff. A technician or trainer who earns a national nod gives a business a concrete marketing asset and a morale boost that can aid retention in a labor market where skilled detailers are hard to keep.

The nomination model is worth noting: because self-nominations are not allowed, operators who want their team or their shop considered need someone else, a customer, distributor or peer, to submit on their behalf. That makes it worth reaching out to business partners before the Nov. 8 deadline rather than waiting.

Beyond individual recognition, the Operation of the Year and Brand of the Year categories signal what the broader industry considers best practice. Operators tracking the eventual winners can use them as benchmarks for service quality, training programs and customer experience. With voting opening in December and the ceremony tied to Mobile Tech Expo, the awards also offer a reason to engage with the detailing community and stay visible among suppliers and fellow operators.