Pool Industry Expo, an event tailored predominantly to the pool/spa service industry in the western U.S., will not take place this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers of the event, scheduled for Sept. 24-26 in Monterey, Calif., announced the decision today, as COVID-19 statistics continued to spike in California and other states.
"Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt it was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented situation," organizers said in a communication. "We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our exhibitors, attendees and industry supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the current information available."
The Golden state registered its highest number of COVID-19 cases in July 7, with 11,694 on July 7. The latest date recorded, Saturday, saw 8,460 new cases in California.
PIE usually kicks off the industry's convention season each year, with a slate of seminars and a three-day expo with exhibitors. It is the only pool/spa industry event so far to cancel for 2020.
Organizers are exploring options to hold the next PIE event in mid-September of 2021, they added.
