I’ve recently returned from Lyon, France, where I attended Piscine Global Europe for the second time. While both experiences were very positive, it’s interesting to compare the two editions.
The most apparent detail from 2016’s event was the French way of putting on a pool exhibition. Perhaps it’s less French and more of a European approach to expos, but booths are much more elaborate there. Exhibitors focus heavily on capturing attendee interest with sophisticated structures and design within their spaces. Sometimes this involves having fully functioning pools, spas, saunas or other backyard features brought inside, sometimes it means building inviting spaces for one-on-one meetings, and sometimes it means holding events with fancy hors d’oeuvres and wine. And with some manufacturers, it was all three. In any case, it seemed to work — at both 2016 and 2018 events, attendees flocked heavily to the booths like bees to honey.
This year, show organizers tweaked the layout of the show floor, making sure each of the three halls (the show occupied Halls 4-6) had its own demonstration area. Hall 4 showcased Water Tests, where attendees could see products perform in real-world, in-the-pool conditions. Hall 5 featured Aquafitness, where aquatic exercise equipment was shown off to good use. Hall 6 housed the new Pool Academy, where attendees could pick up the latest sales techniques in short, impactful sessions.
This is all well and good, but one of the things the show stresses is its importance in facilitating meetings and networking opportunities. One of the ways in which it does this is through its Pool Summit, a gathering where leaders of international pool associations and federations, along with the industry’s leading media groups, can meet. The 2016 expo showcased state-of-the-industry reports from each participating country. This year’s Summit focused on the importance of swimming pools in culture and architecture. But it was at the reception afterwards where I got a glimpse of what the future might hold for a global pool industry.
To backtrack a bit: At both expos, I was able to spend some time with the current APSP leader. Back in 2016, it was Rich Gottwald. This time around it was Larry Caniglia. It’s funny, but with all the running around we do at our U.S. shows, it turns out traveling halfway across the world to Piscine Global Europe is the best time to catch up.
Back in 2016, Gottwald was just laying down the foundation for what is now called the World Alliance of Pool and Spa Associations. In 2018, after watching Caniglia in action, I could see how he just might be the perfect person to make the fledgling group into a relevant and important organization, one that will serve the global needs of all its members.
The reason? Ultimately, Caniglia is a unifier. He has the unique ability to bring people together in service of a greater purpose. His amiable nature, infectious enthusiasm and years of industry experience will go far in helping to oversee the organization’s growth.
Of course, only time will tell. I’ll be sure to share further thoughts after Piscine Global Europe 2020!
