Back in 1957, pool and spa professionals launched the industry’s first trade show. It was exciting to gather with industry colleagues from all over, learn about the latest developments in their craft and make new friends.
Some things never change.
Here we are, 65 years later, and when the Pool | Spa | Patio | Deck Expo comes to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Nov. 12-17, excitement and anticipation are sure to be in the air once again.
The numbers are looking good, says Megan Magana, senior marketing manager at Informa PLC, the show’s organizer. In the past, in-person Expos drew around 10,000+ attendees and 500+ exhibitors. This year, she expects attendance to be up 25% and many more new exhibitors in the 120,000-net-square-foot exhibit hall. She notes that it’s larger than last year and was “still growing” at press time.
Nevertheless, there’s no getting around the fact that the coronavirus pandemic is still with us. But thanks to the fact that so many people have taken advantage of vaccines and boosters, life has returned to a more normal state — making an in-person trade show possible again.
In fact, the health protocols for the 2022 Expo are strikingly different than in the past two years. The show floor will look more like pre-pandemic times, with masks and social distancing not required indoors.
With a nod to the in-person nature of the show, Magana suggests that attendees take advantage of the “My Show Planner,” a free tool that can be used when registering. It will help you organize your show-related activities. To find it, visit the show’s website and create a My Show Planner account. With it you can compile a list of exhibitors you want to see, create a calendar of sessions you’ve registered for and events you want to catch. A map of the show floor that marks the booths you’d like to visit also can be printed. It also synchs with the show’s mobile app to make the on-site experience easier.“It’s like going to the grocery store weekly,” Magana notes. “You can do it on the fly, but that’s not the best approach. Set yourself up for more success. Go in with a goal.”
A handy show feature, Deck Plus, makes meet-ups between manufacturers and buyers at the convention center easy. They can set up meetings beforehand and then at the show, gather in the lounge. It’s free to registered attendees and, Magana notes, meetings can be scheduled two weeks prior to the Expo.
Another popular feature returning to the show floor: the New Product Showcase. “It’s a fun show feature,” Magana notes. “I recommend checking it out prior to 2023.”
In the recent past, the show has featured “power panels” for retailers, builders and service technicians. But this year there will be keynote speakers sharing industry tips via the CEO Panel. It’s slated for Nov. 15, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the convention center. They’ll be discussing industry trends and expectations heading into 2023.
Panel participants include: Rick Roetken, president, North America, Hayward Holdings; Dave Jackson, CEO, Jacuzzi Group Worldwide; Ardy Arani, CEO/managing director, Big Green Egg; Matt McDermott, president, Heritage Div./SRS; and Landon Tarvin, vice president, Deckorators. The moderator is Manuel Perez de la Mesa, former CEO of PoolCorp.
When it comes to the Expo, Magana says it’s truly the place to prepare for 2023 and kick off the selling cycle for next year. “Products, education and networking are important — and it’s all there. Don’t wait to see new products (until they come on the market),” she urges. “Where better than at the Expo? It’s the place to celebrate how far we’ve come and to look at new horizons.”
Party time!
The Welcome Party is an attendee favorite, notes Megan Magana, senior marketing manager at Informa PLC. This much-anticipated networking event is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Held in the West Hall Terrace at the convention center, it will feature food, drinks and live music. Note: Registration is required; tickets are purchased separately.
The PHTA WAVE Network invites professionals under age 40 in the pool, spa and outdoor living sectors to a special event, also on Tuesday, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event will occur in the West Hall Terrace of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Admission is free, but registration is required due to space limitations. Appetizers and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available. Afterward, young professionals are encouraged to check out the Welcome Party.
Another fun event occurs the following day, Nov. 16. The BBQ Bash kicks off after the expo hall closes, and runs from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Held right outside the convention center, it features refreshments; grilled, roasted and poached edibles; and more. Attendance is included with all registration types.
Hungry for Knowledge
Industry-specific classes are always a big draw for the Expo, and knowledge seekers won’t be disappointed this year either. Sessions for pool and spa builders, service technicians, retailers and deck professionals cover a lot of ground throughout the week.
With more than 100 classes on the schedule, it’s not easy to name just a few expected stand-outs, but Magana takes on the challenge. She points out “10 Secrets to a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy,” set for Nov. 16, 10-11 a.m. This session will impart information that students need to know so they can enhance their digital footprints. Speaker: Bruce Porter, SWAT Marketing Solutions Inc.
Another session expected to draw ‘em in is “Consolidation of the Pool Service Industry: From the Experts.” Set for Nov. 17, 9:15-11:30 a.m., it will be led by the CEOs of two of the largest pool service consolidators, National Pool Partners and Smart Pool Services. The session will cover the consolidation trend and what it means for the service sector.
What to See and Do in Vegas
Sure, you could spend your “off” time walking along the Strip, popping into casinos here and there. But there’s so much more to do in Las Vegas. Here are 10 options for when you’re not busy at the convention center.
A famous “show” you can view for free as you stroll along the Strip can be found outside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. More than 1,000 fountains sway in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light, with water shooting as high at 460 feet periodically. This recurring free show captivates pedestrians day and night.
To simply describe the High Roller as a giant Ferris wheel would be doing it a disservice. The 550-foot-tall, 520-foot diameter ride is air-conditioned and has a pod capacity of 40 people — compared with a typical Ferris wheel that fits two per seat. Located at 3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, it offers great views of the city.
The Mob Museum, as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement is commonly known, is a popular stop for visitors. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, it’s not your typical museum. Guests can use forensic evidence to solve crimes in the Crime Lab, test their shooting skills in the Firearm Training Simulator and more. Located at 300 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas 89101; (702) 229-2734; [email protected].
Want to “see it all”? Then hop on the Big Bus Open Top Night Tour. This evening tour cruises key spots downtown and on the strip — and it includes a guided walking tour along historic Fremont Street. Lasting 2 to 3 hours, the tour costs from $49.99 per adult.
Folks aren’t kidding when they say the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas offers a breath-taking view of the city. Rising 46 stories above the street, this replica of the Paris, France landmark might be at half-scale, but it’s full-on fun. Paris Las Vegas Casino Hotel, 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.;(877) 796-2096.
The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall and downtown attraction. The FSE takes up the westernmost five blocks of Fremont Street, and is bursting with activity, such as zip-lines, street performers, casinos, music and entertainment venues. 425 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.
The Linq Promenade is the place to go for great restaurants and stores. Located at 3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd. in Las Vegas, it leads you straight to the Link High Roller Observation Wheel. Access to the Vegas strip Monorail is nearby.
There are shows galore in Vegas, and most folks would agree that Cirque du Soleil’s “O” Show at Bellagio Las Vegas is a must-see. It was inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water, and it features acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers. Running Wednesday-Sunday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $79. Phone: (888) 488-7111.
Want some R&R? Check out the gondola rides at the Venetian Resort. A singing gondolier pilots each boat down the Grand Canal. Indoor and outdoor rides are available, depending on seasonal and weather conditions. Tickets are $34 per person Thursday-Sunday. Call (877) 691-1997 for more information.
The Ghosts of Las Vegas Tour runs nightly, starting at 8 p.m. The 90-minute walking tour takes you to some of the most haunted locations in Las Vegas. Tickets must be purchased in advance, online or by phone. Visit ghostcitytours.com for more details.
