38-41 SPATEX REVIEW:SPN Master pages 11/3/09 15:25 Page 5
SPATEX – 1-3 FEBRUARY 2009, BRIGHTON, UK spnshows
Looking down on Catalina’s impressive spas display
‘Switch show opening day to Saturday’
SPN finds the trade is staying loyal to SPATEX
even after two tougher years for the industry
owned Brighton exhibition – but the demand
for change in 2010 is growing
SPATEX organisers have been almost Sunday was good and worthwhile but it’s
guaranteed the support of the industry given some rope to the moaners. I will
for the 2010 trade show in Brighton – as support the show but I’d like to see some
long as there are some significant changes. The Tuesday is a difficult day
changes made before next February. anyway and I would support any effort to
That’s the result of a survey by open the show on a Saturday. The dinner
Swimming Pool News into exhibitors at can still be on the Sunday but I am sure it
this year’s event. would be a chance to get people down
The key message is that the show, from around the country for the Saturday
badly affected by snow storm conditions and Sunday and be back at work on
on the second and third days of the Monday. From my point of view I think I
Sales Director Ian MacMath presenting Dripool’s Cover
event should still be making some pro- need to be seen there.”
of the Year award to Graham Steele and Martin
Stevens of Aquascape Swimming Pools Ltd of Stroud
active moves for the next show. One pool manufacturer told us: “The
There were fears that after this year’s question of letting the public in has never
event – already a smaller show that in really been dealt with. I think it’s worth
AQUASCAPE PICK UP
2008 and with a tough year facing giving it a go. They are after all the end
DRIPOOL’S COVER AWARD
companies that there could be more users and final customers. It needs to be
drops outs next year. made very clear that SPATEX isn’t a
Dripool’s prestigious ‘Cover of the Year’ And while a number of companies glamour show. There isn’t a lot to see for
award with Sales Director Ian MacMath were still saying they needed to think customers who want to take a casual look
went to, Aquascape Swimming Pools Ltd. hard about the decision to exhibit or not but for the committed person it could be
Dripool have collaborated with Aquascape there were some common themes – and worth a trip.“
on numerous projects over the years. Ian original ideas. Another comment was; “I have written
said he found their attention to detail and The key themes were: to SPATA to ask what is happening with
workmanship second to none. Opening the show on Saturday, Sunday the profits from the show. I will support it
“It is this first class work ethic and personal and Monday in a bid to get more and I think despite the costs I need to be
service that has ensured the team at people travelling down for the weekend there but in these tougher times I think it’s
Aquascape remain one of the most respected Adopting a definite policy on opening right that SPATA come under a lot more
and successful companies in our industry.” to the public – with most agreeing it pressure to tell members where the money
The winning pool is a 16 x 5 metre was worth the effort to do so is going. I want to know if there has been
mosaic tiled pool, constructed with More razzmatazz about the show proper concern for things like PR and the
reinforced, concrete block work and Better incentives to encourage people value we are getting as an industry.”
finished with a bespoke DRIGLIDE under to travel from further afield Another said: “We know the show will
coping safety cover in black with all Developing and refining the marketing be in Brighton for the next two years until
stonework supplied by Cranbourne Stone. idea of matching visitors with exhibitors 2011. And it’s right. Brighton is a very
sociable venue but we must make more
Pool manufactures and distributors were of it. As an exhibitor I am not as
much more positive about the show than complacent as I was three years ago when
their spa and hot tub counterparts. I was happy to go along with the show
The survey which contacted exhibitors almost irrespective of who I saw there. I
and non-exhibitors about the 2009 show am sure I will get some pressure to attend
found there was still support for the event. and I think I need to be seen but this year
But the demand for change was strong. if I hadn’t paid my deposit I think I would
One typical view from a major have pulled out. I need to see some
manufacture and SPATA member was: “No- evidence that more is being done.”
one is saying that 2010 is a last chance but Responses to the Swimming Pool
there is clearly a lot of murmuring. It was News website about the show have
another disappointing and expensive show been more aggressive. Said one spa
and I know a lot of companies will be dealer: “It is about time the people who
sitting down and wondering if it is the right organise SPATEX wake up and smell the
way to spend money. coffee. Is it a trade or retail show? Even
“Of course the major players will sit up if there was no snow there would have
and support the show. That’s their role been very low visitor numbers from the
and understandable. There’s a wider trade and public. The industry is not
picture here in terms of the industry but I only based in the south – it is all over
think SPATA itself needs to be worried – the UK and the sooner people see this
and should be worried.” the better. The industry I think will end
The stylish looking display from
Another comment was; “The bad up being catered for by visiting the
Cheshire Wellness
weather was no-one’s fault and the larger European shows.”
Visit our website at
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk APRIL 09 swimming pool news 41
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