International Pool |Spa | Patio Expo Wins Big in Las Vegas
On November 19, 2018, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
LAS VEGAS - The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™ (PSP Expo), sponsored by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), was a big winner in Las Vegas, NV, October 31-November 2, 2018, bringing an impressive sampling of more products, more education and more engagement.
The entire industry was represented at the 2018 PSP Expo, with 10,082 pool, spa, and outdoor living professionals from across the country and around the world. The exposition spanned 133,080 sq. ft., and was packed with brand new product launches, innovative show floor features, and an unmatched line-up of education. The PSP Expo’s conference program, New Product Introductions program, celebrity appearances and many other new show features added to the additional success of this year’s event.
The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo continues to set itself apart from other North American industry shows with an expansive international and domestic draw. This year, attendees represented 49 of the 50 United States and 70 countries.
“It was a pleasure to host the professionals who attended from around the country and globe,” says Tracy Garcia, CEM, Show Director. “Thank you to our partners, sponsors, the exhibitors and to all participants for making 2018 another incredible showing for the industry.”
Not only were attendees geographically diverse, the PSP Expo represented all segments of the pool and spa, and outdoor living industry. Residential and commercial pool builders, pool and spa retailers/dealers, service technicians/operators, distributors, pool and landscape designers/architects, and other outdoor living professionals could all be found walking the aisles of the PSP Expo.
“The thing that distinguishes the PSP Expo (from other shows) is the education, there is a lot of education, there is the opportunity to really expand you knowledge base to really be able to expand what you are trying to do in the industry” said Kyle Peek, of Pool Kings, who brought his son with him to the PSP Expo to attend the conference program.
Attendees of this year’s PSP Expo had an unparalleled opportunity for learning, through over 45 new sessions within builder, retail, outdoor living, general business, and service tracks. New this year, courses were ranked based on experience level, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Pre-conference programs were offered by APSP, GENESIS®, National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), American Shotcrete Association, and the National Plasterers Council.
The PSP Expo continually creates new programs to ensure the show remans relevant and this year was no exception. One example is the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge, created by pool designers Mike Farley and Reid Schindler, which is based on a real site with fictitious clients that have a long list of demands and a million-dollar budget. Forty participants submitted designs for the ultimate outdoor oasis and 5 finalists were selected; one of which was a student sponsored by the APSP Wave Network. During the Wednesday session, Mike and Read discussed how top pool designers deal with complex projects, work with the client and balance function and feature. At the end of the session the finalists presented their renderings and attendees voted live for the winning design. Tanr Ross of Poolscapes LLC was named the 2018 winner.
Also, at this year’s PSP Expo, APSP University their live demos and with education on system integrations, hydraulics, and tile application. For each presentation the attendance grew and spilled into the aisle.
“APSP is proud to sponsor the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™ (PSP Expo)”, said APSP President & CEO, Lawrence Caniglia. “The PSP Expo is a great place to connect with the industry’s top leaders. As we work together to move the industry forward, we will continue to work with our volunteer leadership and partners to offer quality in-demand programming and events.”
Another new addition was the Spa Retailer Academy, sponsored by Bullfrog Spas. The leading spa manufacturers presented sessions that addressed hot topics and challenges facing spa retailers today including consumer financing, mobile retail, marketing and water care.
The 2018 PSP Expo did not fall short on fun and networking opportunities either. The Welcome Party was held at ATM Headquarters, home of the hit show TANKED. Guests toured the facility, met the stars and enjoyed delicious grilled bites provided by Summerset Professional Grills. Attendees were also able to relax, recharge and connect with other attendees within three networking areas on the show floor.
With so many new features, the 2018 PSP Expo was not the same show that the industry has always known. It had a renewed energy and excitement that reached attendees and exhibitors alike. This energy is expected to continue as industry feedback is used to develop new features and propel the show forward.
Next year, the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo will be held November 5 – 7, 2019, with pre-conference programs beginning November 2, 2019.
