By Marcelle Dibrell
Winter generally marks the start of the pool and spa trade show season, but this year, with state restrictions and uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, show organizers are working overtime to create an experience to attend.
Some states are fully open and show organizers are planning in-person events with stringent cleanliness and social distancing protocols. Other locations are less clear on what the future may bring, so show organizers have pivoted to an online format to continue to provide industry members with the cutting-edge educational tracts that have drawn attendees from across the country for decades.
In a year of quarantines and physical distancing, the networking opportunities at these shows may not be as great as years prior, but that is no reason to stop the industry from increasing professionalism through education.
These shows provide a one stop-shop for nearly every kind of certification available in the pool industry, from CPO certification to new pool start-ups, providing service pros the credentials needed to rise above the competition.
Industry members who are already certified can take advantage of countless interesting seminars on everything pool related, from water chemistry to hydraulics.
For the mechanically inclined, there are classes on pumps, filters and heaters, salt, UV and Ozone systems and automatic cleaners.
For the small business owners, there are seminars on marketing, internet strategies, codes and regulations, sales tips, liability concerns and more.
To help run a successful pool and spa business, these shows can provide many of the necessary tools.
This special issue of Service Industry News features all the pertinent information currently available for the major regional pool and spa trade shows occurring this year.
These include four shows sponsored by affiliates of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance: The Mid-American Pool & Spa Show, from January 11-14 in Indianapolis, Indiana; The Pool & Spa Show, from January 26-28 (virtual, but this show calls Atlantic City, New Jersey home); the Everything Under the Sun Show, from February 19-20 in Orlando, Florida; and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show, from February 3-6 in Grapevine, TX.
Other major shows are also scheduled across the country, including the National Plasterers Council Conference, Feb 10-11 (virtual) and the National Water Safety Conference, March 29- April 1 (virtual).
This year, due to concerns or restrictions due to Covid-19 the following shows are likely cancelled: The Desert Pool & Spa Show, The Western Pool and Spa Show and IPSSA’s Region 7 Table-Top Show.
Later in the year, two additional shows may occur in-person or online, including the Pool Industry Expo in Monterey, California, and the International Pool, Spa, & Patio Expo, in Las Vegas, NV. Because these shows occur later in the year, they will not be covered in this issue. Watch for details on these shows as they approach.
