The Pool & Spa Show Offers Something for All

NESPA marks its diamond anniversary at The Pool & Spa Show. Here's what's in store for attendees.

By Linda G. Green

This is a very special year for the Northeast Spa & Pool Association: It turns 60 years old! “We’re celebrating all year, culminating at the show,” says Trish McCormick, show manager of The Pool & Spa Show, powered by NESPA.

Details about those festivities have yet to be revealed, but attendees are invited to visit the Membership Suite on the show floor in Aisle 1300 next to The Wall.

One thing that isn’t a surprise? The 2019 event returns to its longtime venue, the Atlantic City (N.J.) Convention Center. The conference runs Jan. 28-31 and the exhibit hall is open Jan. 29-31. Expected attendance is 10,842 industry professionals, and more than 400 companies will exhibit in an space of 100,000+ square feet.

“There are a million new things — the newest, brightest ideas, and always something new in education,” McCormick says. “People are most excited about our shotcrete program on the show floor at The Wall.” Titled “Shotcrete Uncovered,” the two-hour session on Tuesday, Jan. 29, features experts teaching the right and wrong ways to prepare, shoot and finish a shotcrete pool shell. According to McCormick, there will be shooting of concrete off-site, then “massive pieces” will be trucked into the convention center for the training session.

Speaking of The Wall, that 2,500-square-foot learning space also will offer hands-on sessions on automation innovations, heater repairs and pressure testing, tile repair/renovation, and lighting design.

Admission to the exhibit hall is free for industry members. To register for a show badge, buy education passes and download the free mobile show app, visit thepoolspashow.com.

Education

As always, learning opportunities at the show are impressive: With 85 seminars, including six taught in Spanish, those thirsting for trade knowledge surely will be satisfied.

Once again, industry certification classes are offered by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, National Swimming Pool Foundation and National Plasterers Council.

Among the classes expected to draw students are two Specialty Sessions on Monday, Jan. 28, running all day. “From Rookie to All Star: The Fundamentals of Pool & Spa Service” debuted last year and looks to pack the classroom again. It offers a well-rounded education and would be good for office and marketing personnel, too, says McCormick. Meanwhile, “Diagnosing Plaster Finish Dilemmas” also has piqued interest.

Other standouts based on early registration interest: “Preparing for the 2019 Work Force: Are You Ready?” on Monday. And two much-anticipated Wednesday sessions are “Winterization Panel: Research into Challenges Facing the Northeast Pool Industry” and “Tile & Coping 2.0: Repairs & Renovations with Hands-On Workshop.” The latter is a two-hour interactive experience that includes an additional hour of tile/coping installation training at The Wall.

Party Time

Release your inner cowboy (or girl) at the Welcome Party on Monday, 7-10 p.m. in the Saloon Bar at Wild Wild West (Bally’s Casino). Enjoy live music, edibles and beverages, and try your hand at beer pong and/or the mechanical bull. Tickets are $20 and you must be 21 or older with valid I.D. to enter.

Two days later, it will be time to celebrate again. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., NESPA hosts its Outstanding Achievement Awards Celebration at Haven Nightclub in the Golden Nugget. Additional registration is required for this event. The $40 fee includes open bar, food and music. You must be 21 or older with valid I.D. to enter.