Bolstered by mild weather, an expanded show floor and a cautiously optimistic local industry, the Pool & Spa Show — Powered by the Northeast Spa & Pool Association saw brisk crowds.
Two aisles were added to the gradually expanding event, with some on-floor sessions forced to take place behind the all that normally borders the show.
“It was a combination of more exhibitors and exhibitors taking up more space,” said Dominick Mondi, executive director of NESPA, which organizes the trade show.
More than 400 exhibitors occupied approximately 125,000 square feet of space.
The show also saw an increase in partnerships and special programs before the main event. The World Aquatic Health Conference took place at the venue for the first time, while Pool Horizons held its company event at the same time, and Hayward celebrated its 100th anniversary there.
“That’s meaningful to our organization,” Mondi said. “I think the industry that we serve is changing. It’s evolving into the next, best version of itself. It’s more than just growing — it’s evolving. The show is a reflection of that.”
The NESPA team projected a hike in attendance of about 7%. Part of this was attributed to the extra classes and programs taking place before the start of the show.
“For the first time we had more than 400 people signed up for the Sunday classes,” Mondi said.
To accommodate the more than 120 classes, the team had to move some sessions to the hotel across the street and build two classrooms on the show floor.
Heritage Pool Supplies held a fundraising concert that generated $200,000 to be donated to PHTA’s Step Into Swim program.
In the future, Mondi expects the commercial side of the industry to have a bigger presence at the show.
The 2026 Pool & Spa Show: Powered by NESPA will take place Jan. 27 to 29, with pre-conference programs beginning two days before.
