
As organizers of the International Pool | Spa | Patio/Deck Expo work to draw in younger generations, attendees can expect to see a larger focus on experiences designed to help attendees get the most out of the show.
Show Director Kris Osterbusch says the event has evolved with feedback from attendees. As Millennials and Gen Z attend in larger numbers, more offerings have been planned with them in mind. These groups tend to seek out high-quality technology, as well as authentic communication, more entertainment, and a schedule that isn’t so packed, Osterbusch says, and the show team intends to deliver. However, she adds, all generations stand to benefit.
Vital Stats
IPSPE, co-located with Deck Expo, comes to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas Nov. 12-14.
Organized by Informa, the event is expected to attract 10,000 attendees who can explore 136,800 square feet of showroom exhibits.
To develop a plan of attack for the event, attendees can use the mobile app My Show Planner. Users can find session descriptions and schedules, a floor plan and exhibitor lists. The app even features a themed scavenger hunt. To sign up and create a show plan, attendees can visit ge24psp.mapyourshow.com.
This year, the My Show Planner app will provide suggestions for what to see or do based on an attendee’s registration profile. For example, it might prompt a pool service professional to check out events, education, networking opportunities and exhibitors related to their business.
Assistance also will come in human form. Attendees can find help navigating the show floor from personnel wearing vests that say, “Ask me.” On-site signage and a digital show guide also will help.
To kick off the Expo, organizers are taking a different approach to the keynote, with headliners presenting both Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
“‘Raise Your Game’ is our conference program theme, so the Day One keynote (Alan Stein, Jr.) is somebody who is a basketball performance coach, and he can apply those same strategies to help with your business,” Osterbusch explains. Stein Jr. also wrote the book, Raise Your Game, to help organizations boost productivity and success.
For Day Two’s keynote slot, organizers have assembled a panel to discuss industry trends and challenges, to be moderated by PHTA President/CEO Sabeena Hickman and Scott Hackworth, president of Industry Insights, a research firm based in Dublin, Ohio.
Experiences for Everyone
Expo networking events and floor activities are scheduled to provide something for builders, retailers and service businesses, with even more specialized zones and stages.
The Welcome Party will give attendees the chance to experience the Dallas skyline and network under the stars. It takes place Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Omni Hotel Lawn Courtyard.
Also returning for its second year is the Blossom and Lead Women’s education and networking area.
A new retail area will debut this year. The Retail Innovation Zone will expand to include The Veranda, a stage and networking area catering to this industry segment. Show planners designed the space for relaxing and learning the latest trends in store design, technology, programs and big-ticket item sales, Osterbusch says. This year, it houses two full days of programming and networking.
Service professionals also will find new programming for them. On Monday afternoon, Nov.11, Pool Nation will host a Pool Pro Appreciation Event and Business Summit sponsored by Heritage Pool Supply Group.
An established highlight, the Outdoor Living Stage, also will expand, with the stage hosting a variety of sessions, including one featuring influencers.
On the show floor, the winner of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge will be revealed. This takes place in a special session Wednesday, Nov. 13. Five finalists will present renderings of their ultimate backyards designs, after which attendees will vote on the winners. The top p8rize is $10,000.
Lean into Learning
Including pre-conference, conference and show-floor sessions, the PSP/Deck Expo will offer approximately 100 courses.
“We’ve got the most extensive certification and advanced-level, hands-on instruction in our pre-conference program that is delivered through our partners,” Osterbusch says.
Pre-conference courses take place Nov. 9 to 11, held by PHTA, Genesis, North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA), American Shotcrete Association, National Plasterers Council, Pool Nation and Watershape University. In-depth courses include a comprehensive concrete construction school and Certified Maintenance Specialist course from Genesis; Hands-on Pump Installation from Pool Nation; and multi-day courses on fluid hydraulics and commercial pool construction from Watershape University, among others.
This year’s curriculum will be divided into five educational tracks: business, design/construction, retail, outdoor living, and service to help attendees find what they’re looking for more easily.