The Pool Industry Expo held its 22nd edition in Monterey, Calif., Oct. 2-4.
The show, which caters primarily to the service sector, drew more than 100 exhibitors — and attendance peaked just above 6,500 at the Monterey Convention Center.
Floor traffic slowed at times, but exhibitors’ comments were largely positive, said Don Koss, the event’s co-executive producer.
“I don’t think [attendance] was as much as last year, but we were happy with it,” Koss noted. “The classrooms were packed the whole weekend.”
PIE’s educational track included nearly 50 seminars, with 12 hours of targeted builder seminars. Some of the more popular classes covered upcoming legislation on drain covers and energy-efficient pumps.
“Lights went off throughout the [seminar],” said Ron Schroader, aquatic safety consultant for New Water Solutions in Palm Springs, Fla. "My phone rang off the hook after PIE with people wanting to know more.”
The threat of rain forced organizers to relocate the show’s Friday night attractions — Pool Tech Olympics and the Pool Man Band’s performance — indoors. However, the rain never materialized, and plenty of attendees took to the streets and boardwalks to enjoy the off-hours.
“People always have fun. Monterey is just a great place to do a show,” Koss observed.
