More than 9,500 pool, spa and aquatics industry members from all 50 states and 71 countries came together for this year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.
“We were thrilled to celebrate another year of the pool, spa and outdoor living industry last week in New Orleans,” said Tracy Garcia, PSP Expo Show Director, Informa Markets. “The event had palpable energy and a great vibe all week and we sincerely appreciate everyone who attended and participated in this year’s show.”
Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, the conference and expo featured approximately 400 exhibitors showing their pool and spa wares across 105,400 square feet.
Registration for the education program was among the highest, organizers said. This year's education selection included 25 sessions in the days leading up to the convention, then 44 sessions during the conference/convention, for a total of 58 hours of class time. For the first time in 10 years, the event opened with three Power Panels, which all had packed rooms. With one for builders, one for service and the other for retail, each consisted of three high-profile professionals in their respective sectors.
The Genesis program continued its strong performance, organizers said, despite recent departures of some key volunteers. Most of the multiday preconference courses sold out, and sessions at the Genesis Lifestyle booth showed high attendance, they said.
Show-floor sessions and demonstrations proved popular. PHTA University presented eight live demonstrations over the three days, covering topics that included vinyl liner pools, equipment and concrete placement, among others.
The event also included an on-the-floor commercial education section, which saw standing-room crowds, organizers said, for sessions covering topics ranging from automation to the effects of cyanuric acid.
The organizers rolled out some new features for this year's event, including a First-Time Attendees Reception. Held the night before the show, the event provided attendees an opportunity to network and learn what to expect at the show.
A new platform was also utilized for the first time. PSP Connect matched attendees with exhibitors to schedule meetings at the event in the PSP Connect lounge and exhibitor booths. Through the matchmaking platform, 381 meetings were arranged.
A new Pool and Spa School, located on the show floor, featured sessions on current technology trends and industry trends, as well as an update on the PHTA unification and a presentation of the PSN Top 50 Service Awards.
Next year's PSP Expo will take place Nov. 11-13, 2020 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Organizers have announced dates beyond next year: In 2021, the event will take place in Dallas. It will then go back to Vegas in 2022.
