A new host city, new educational opportunities and pavilions, and a welcome party at B.B. King’s Blues Club — the 2014 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo & Conference has all that and much more.
The Orange County Convention Center is the place to be Nov. 2-7. “We haven’t been in Orlando, Fla., since 2007,” says show director Tracy Garcia, CEM. She says the move from the Las Vegas venue will attract new attendees, with more hailing from the East Coast. And, no doubt, the event’s international flavor will continue. Last year, for example, some traveled to the Expo from as far away as Egypt, China, Italy, Norway and Vietnam, to name just a few.
Organizers expect total attendance of around 10,000 during this year’s PSP Expo, which runs Nov. 5-7. Over 500 exhibitors will fill the 140,000-square-foot exhibit space with more than 1,400 booths, Garcia says. The Expo also is co-locating with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers’ Conference (see Highlights).
The Treasure Quest is back this year and the prize is $3,500 cash. To enter, pick up a game card at on-site registration, or download the mobile app. When you visit a treasure map exhibitor on the show floor, you’ll receive a jewel stamp, or mobile app code. Complete the map, and you’re entered to win. While out on your quest, be sure to swing by the Product Showcase for a first look at new industry products.
As for the PSP Conference, it will run Nov. 2-7. The 68 classes are divided into specific tracks and programs, including offerings by Genesis 3, plus certification courses by APSP, NPC, NSPF, ASA and FPSIE. Seminar topics run the gamut, from “Fire and Water: A Custom Builder’s Tips and Tricks” and “Intermediate Chemistry” to “Hire Winners, Not Whiners” and “25 Tips to Improve Your Retail Store.”
Many seminars are approved for continuing education units (CEUs) through Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation, which will help Florida industry professionals meet the state’s educational requirements.
Clearly, there’s something for everyone at the event. “I’m very excited about this year’s show,” Garcia says. “Attendees will get immediate ROI, insights and education from the thought leaders in the industry.”
Find complete details, fees and online registration at www.poolspapatio.com.
Highlights
Activities
Welcome Party: B.B. King’s Blues Club in Pointe Orlando charms with its Memphis-style barbecue appetizers, hosted bar and live music. Relax and reconnect with industry friends on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Additionally, the APSP International Awards of Excellence reception will be held in a VIP area. Shuttle buses will take party-goers from the convention center to the club, and back to hotels afterward. Advance registration is required.
Hot Spot: Outside the show floor, just past the Backyard Living Pavilion, is the popular Hot Spot. It will feature a barbecue cook-off and lunch on Nov. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. On Nov. 6, Saber Grills and Strong Spas sponsor the BBQ Bash, 4:30-6:30 p.m. A People’s Choice Award will be given for the exhibitor sample getting the most attendee votes, so be sure to stop by, sample the fare and vote.
Rec Room: At this booth is everything needed for a game room, and you can try your hand at, say, billiards. Indeed, you’re encouraged to pick up a game card and play at least three games here between Wednesday and Friday. Your scores will be entered into the playoffs, with daily winners, and a grand prize winner on Friday. Prizes are donated by makers of outdoor living products
Pavilions
Commercial Pavilion: New for 2014, this pavilion includes booths displaying commercial products and services. An adjacent classroom will host free daily seminars of interest to commercial industry members Wednesday-Friday.
Backyard Living Pavilion: The latest backyard and outdoor products to help you diversify your offerings and boost sales year ’round can be found at booths comprising the Backyard Living Pavilion.
Genesis 3 Pavilion: Engage in one-on-one discussions with top industry designers and Genesis 3 members through the G3 Lifestyle Program’s educational sessions, and events such as a wine tasting, book signing and more.
APSP Pavilion: The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals will have a networking members’ lounge.
APLD Pavilion: This 1,000-square-foot designer landscape pavilion is the work of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and their sponsors. The APLD Conference is co-locating with our event, and pool and spa pros can catch the keynote address by award-winning landscape architect Ray Jungles on Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Floor Education
Splash Talk Lounges: Here you’ll find quick, 10- to 15-minute facilitated discussions. The backyard living lounge will be in — natch! — the Backyard Living Pavilion. The social media lounge is by the press room. You’re also welcome to stop by and network with colleagues, or relax while charging your mobile device.
Houzz: This online resource, where homeowners interested in remodeling projects for house and yard connect with design professionals, is offering in-booth seminars. Also, experts will be on hand to assist with Houzz’s free business tools.
Hayward Business School: If you want to boost the productivity and effectiveness of your company, check out the small-group business sessions led by Hayward Pool Products.
