For many, Pool Industry Expo kicks off the annual trade show season, and it’s certainly a beautiful way to start.
The host city, Monterey, Calif., is a coastal community with spectacular views of the Pacific, and unique dining and entertainment, including world-class golf courses nearby.
Nevertheless, it’s still PIE that will bring pool and spa professionals to the Monterey Conference Center and the adjacent Monterey Marriott Hotel on Sept. 27-29. Coming off its 25th anniversary celebration last year, the show has nearly 50 seminars that are heavy on technical and business sessions for service technicians and builders.
The 2012 education track took into account participant input, says Bill Hoy, PIE co-director. Indeed, it was their feedback that led to the inclusion of “Taxes, More Taxes and Quick Books for the Pool Professional.”
Other business sessions will include everything from “Growing Your Business in Today’s Economy” to “How to Succeed in Customer Service.”
On the technical side, organizers expect the session on shotcrete/concrete, led by Neil O. Anderson & Associates, to draw a crowd. “What’s cool is, you learn the basics and principles,” says Hoy, who is also president of Skyline Pool & Spa Inc. in Menlo Park, Calif. He adds that additional attendee interest has resulted in seminars devoted to salt chlorinators, and “green” products.
Plus, the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association will sponsor a water chemistry exam on Saturday, Sept. 29, 1-2 p.m. Upon successful completion, each technician will receive an IPSSA Certificate and decal.
Showtime
Of course, there’s more to the event than classes. The 28,000-square-foot exhibit space can hold 150 booths displaying many pool and spa products, and Hoy says it sells out every year. Also in the hall, there will be giveaways, with a total of $2,000 in cash prizes awarded every day; entrants must be present to win. In addition, a random drawing on the last day of the show will result in someone getting a week-long Hawaiian vacation for two, including airfare and accommodations.
Want to see how things were “back in the day”? Then head to the Antique Equipment Museum, also on the show floor, to view a collection of unusual tools and relics from the pool industry’s past.
Other activities will include the pre-show Poppy Hills Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 26. This challenging course was ranked one of California’s top 20 by Golf Digest. The event starts with a 10 a.m. scramble, and the $175 fee includes the awards dinner at 6 p.m. in the Monterey Marriott Sports Bar & Grill.
Then there’s the ever-popular Pool Tech Olympics. Competitors will go head to head in the hose-coiling challenge, float toss, vac head race and pump-basket cleaning — culminating in the obstacle course, which they must run loaded down with tech gear. The winner will be “crowned” Pool Man of the Year.
Overall, Hoy says PIE promises lots of education, fun activities — and maybe even a sneak peek at some new products coming next year.
Editor’s note: For fees and more show info, visit www.poolindustryexpo.com; for city attractions, go to www.seemonterey.com.
SHOW SCHEDULE Pool Industry Expo
Monterey, Calif. • Sept. 27-29, 2012
EXHIBITS
Thurs., Sept. 27, 5-8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 28, 2-6 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
SEMINARS
Thurs., Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 28, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
PIE will be held in the Monterey Conference Center and the adjacent Monterey Marriott Hotel.
