After a decade in St. Charles, Ill., the Mid-America Pool & Spa Show will be at a new venue in 2012. On Jan. 16-20, the show moves to the Renaissance Schaumburg (Ill.) a Convention Center Hotel.
This is the result of feedback from exhibitors and attendees, who said a change was needed. Show Manager Jocelyn Young said Schaumburg was selected because it’s 10 minutes from O’Hare Airport and several major highways, and it has numerous restaurants and shopping spots.
“We’re excited about how quickly the show floor filled up,” Young said. “More exhibitors are coming forth [this year].” She said there will be 130 to 140 booths in the 36,000-square-foot exhibit space at the new convention center.
Show organizers hope attendance will increase 10 percent over last year’s 1,200. The event draws industry professionals from 24 states.
The 24 seminars will focus on business and technical topics, including new courses such as “Social Media Beginners Guide,” “Automation for Upgrades and Renovations,” “VGB Act: Update & Compliance” and “The Swimming Pool Stimulus Plan.” Plus, APSP will hold CBP and CSP exam prep courses and exams. And there will be all-day Manufacturer Training Courses, led by Pentair, PoolCorp and Zodiac.
The Leadership Breakfast on Wed., Jan. 18, 9-10:30 a.m., features speaker Bil Kennedy, president/CEO of research firm P.K. Data.
The welcome reception is on Wednesday, after the show floor closes at 5 p.m. Following complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, party-goers will board buses at 7 p.m. for a nearby casino. It is free to registered attendees and exhibitors. For more info, visit midamericashow.com.
