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SPN FEB 2011 ShowPreview
SPATEX 2011, BRIGHTON, UK
Show organisers say there is more confidence about the trade industry show than for many years with the sell-out three day event attracting new and returning visitors and offering an expanded lecture programme
Organisers of the sell-out show at the Hilton Brighton Metropole from Saturday 5 February to Monday 7 February believe there is more confidence about the event than at any time over the past tough three years of financial downturn. Significant effort has been invested in broadening the scope of visitors for 2011, as well as expanding content areas for the technical programme. SPATEX has attracted back a number of specialist companies as exhibitors, has invested in urging more trade and consumer visitors to attend and put a lot of hard work into innovation. The lecture programme has also been expanded. The three days of workshops and demonstrations has been organised by the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers on behalf of SPATEX Ltd with the aim of covering key industry issues such as energy conservation, water testing and pool construction. Eleven new workshops and seminars have been added into the programme. Workshops are also including looking at key market areas such as heat pumps and the fast growing sauna and steam market.
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PATEX 2011 is set to reflect a more buoyant and recovering specialist pool and spa business.
The event, in its 15th year, will showcase the latest trends in pools, spas, hot tubs and saunas. Industry experts will be on hand throughout the three-day show to give impartial advice. Although some in the trade are still critical of the exhibition being held on the south coast the 2011 event is certainly bigger and better promoted than for many years.
There are a record number of new products and more emphasis on the needs of commercial pools and wet facility operators. This year’s show will be the 15th in the series and one which looks certain to reflect a more upbeat industry than over the past few years.
Show organiser Michele Bridle said: “There is certainly a great up-beat feel about the show which I am sure reflects that there is more confidence in the market. It is a must visit event for people in the trade. We are delighted to be able to welcome back exhibitors and in particular we have new exhibitors to bring some new life into the event. We have worked particularly hard on visitor attendance and making it a show which the people who come will find rewarding and helpful. The weekend theme of the show opening again on Saturday was a success last year and will again help us.”
Whilst retaining its essential trade show nature, as the UK’s only dedicated convention for pool and professionals, SPATEX has continued to add elements over the years to cater for the needs of commercial pools and wet facility operators and by rebranding itself as the Pool, Spa and Lifestyle Show has put out an invitation to private pool owners, hot tub buyers and would-be pool owners to come to the show to see what is on offer to the consumer.
The ‘Pool and Spa Buyers’ Guide to Everything’ will feature a walk-through in a designated area, graphically illustrated by photographs and other exhibits. Potential or existing pool and spa owner will have the opportunity to compare products and prices from the entire range starting with a basic pool kit through to the £100,000 plus indoor pool.
As in trade shows all over the world the conference programme remains a vital part of any industry event. All the SPATEX workshops are free. The SPATA awards will again be a big focal point of the weekend celebrating the 35th year of the competition and is expected to be one of the most competitive of them all.
The ‘commercial centre’, the information hub for visitors attending SPATEX, is to be developed – after achieving a huge success at last year’s event. The hub idea is now used at trade shows throughout Europe – a focal point where information is supplied by exhibitors. The centre is manned by representatives from stands who help and advise visitors on what will be of most interest to them which in turn makes it easier for visitors to find their way around the exhibition halls. The walkway will be further developed to be more user friendly to consumers and will continue on the theme of price comparison!
A consumer competition is offering readers of Good Homes magazine the opportunity to win a hot tub worth £7,000. The winner will receive a six-seater MMX-5 spa in Oyster Pearl, with an attractive handmade mocha mahogany cabinet. The model comes with a CD/radio with iPod adapter, LED lighting, water fountains and a safety insulation cover. spn
By Alan Lewis
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