Like a well-oiled machine, the Everything Under the Sun Expo is revving up for another run in Orlando, Fla. Set for Feb. 22-23, this show for pool and spa professionals is packed with proven crowd-pleasing features as well as some interesting twists.
For one, Genesis returns after a five-year hiatus, and their sessions may bring in even more people, says Wendy Parker Barsell, executive director of the Florida Swimming Pool Association. Also, it’s the second year for Hayward University’s pre-show classes.
Another development: The national show isn’t coming back to Orlando for a while, Parker Barsell says. This agreement between the two show organizers is expected to have a positive effect on the Everything Under the Sun Expo’s attendance.
Debuting this year, the Concierge Registration Service is for those who don’t want to register for the show online. As Parker Barsell explains, they can simply call FSPA and the staff will answer questions and register them. But, she notes, they need to know what they want to take before calling.
The 2019 event will be in Orange County Convention Center’s West Hall A2-A3. The 35,000-net-square-foot exhibit space is slightly larger than last year and will be able to easily accommodate the expected turnout of up to 4,000 attendees and approximately 225 exhibitors.
While there’s no overarching show theme this year, red, white and blue form an underlying theme, Parker Barsell says, noting that the parties have themes: “Red, White & Pools” (Welcome and Awards Reception) and “Red, White and Blues” (Friday Night Party).
Education is always a key part of the event because pool and spa professionals need to meet the state’s educational requirements for licensing. Also, attendees are looking for new technology and products.
It should be noted that the show’s mobile app will be available again this year. Free to FSPA members, it allows them to locate exhibitors, take class notes and more. It can be found at iTunes or Google Play; just be sure to download the 2019 app!
Attendees can register online. Visit underthesunexpo.com.
Classroom Capers
The education track boasts 85 sessions, half of which are brand-new, says Parker Barsell. That includes eight hours’ worth of education for those seeking an LP Gas License. Another benefit: “Any employees sent to the show can get education for free!”
That’s welcome news, especially in light of the state’s licensing requirements. FSPA is an approved course sponsor by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and the Board of Landscape Architects.
Some sessions are bound to be standouts. “Electrical stuff is always popular,” Parker Barsell says, noting that there are three electrical classes this year. “Genesis and required classes [for licenses] are filling up very quickly,” she adds. The Genesis courses run Thursday through Saturday, covering a wide range of pool construction techniques and issues.
Hayward University is all day Thursday, offering four hands-on learning sessions for Hayward pool products.
Four classes taught in Spanish will cover pool/spa pumps and motors; salt chlorine generators; heat pumps; and electricity.
Learning Labs on the show floor will offer product-specific sessions led by manufacturers.
‘Red, White and Pools’
The 2019 Welcome and Awards Reception is Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the convention center’s Exhibit Hall Pre-Function Area. This celebration of industry accomplishments features design and chapter awards, Person of the Year, and FSPA Hall of Fame inductees. Appetizers, cocktails and music round out the evening.
‘Red, White and Blues’
B.B. King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando will be hoppin’ during the Friday Night Party on Feb. 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is $35 and there will be food, libations and live music. Buy tickets during show registration, at the FSPA membership booth at the show, or at the door ($40).
Show schedule
THURSDAY, FEB. 21
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Education Sessions
8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Show Registration Open
6:30 p.m.
Awards & Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall Pre-Function Area
FRIDAY, FEB. 22
6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Show Registration Open
8 a.m.- Noon
Education Sessions
10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
12:30-5 p.m.
Learning Lab courses inside exhibit hall
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Friday Night Private Party at BB Kings
SATURDAY, FEB. 23
6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Show Registration Open
8-11:30 a.m.
Education Sessions
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Noon-3 p.m.
Learning Lab courses inside exhibit hall