INT’L POOL | SPA | PATIO, LAS VEGAS, USA
ShowReview FEB 2011 SPN
95
LAS VEGAS SHOW URGES INDUSTRY WORLDWIDE TO ‘STEP UP QUALITY’
tough years of recession. P
“It’s no coincidence that the companies which have survived the hard times are beginning to see better trading results in 2010,” Paul Mascarat told delegates to one of the successful seminars at the 2010 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo exhibition at Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas.
“But now when we can see some improvements is the very time we have to improve our marketing, our quality of service and become active within trade associations.” He said that decline in the number of pools being built, the dramatic drop in sales of hot tubs and failure to be proactive enough on reducing energy costs had brought businesses collapses within the industry all over Europe and the US. “We have lost some good companies, some of them unfair victims of poor trading conditions. The companies which have traded through the last three years now have to show the industry to be better prepared to commit to the highest quality standards when it comes to service and not stand alone. Trade associations have become vital and I would urge you to become active in whatever trade association is relevant to you.” Paul Mascarat was speaking during a review of 2010 on behalf of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) the international trade association representing the pool, spa and hot tub industry. The review seminar heard that 2010 was now being seen as a turnaround year for the industry. The decline which has seen hot tub sales slump by up to 45% has been halted and APSP has reported several states are showing ‘positive’ new pool building figures for the first time since 2007’. There’s some cause for optimism said Steve Ast of Shasta Pools & Spas: “Before the economic crash, I’d have thought the pool industry would dry up completely without any financing. But while this has indeed proved to be a huge problem, there are consumers out there who want pools now and can afford them without bank assistance. We just have to tap into that market.
“Currently, there is pent-up demand for pools among certain demographics. One group to
ool and spa specialist companies in the United States and Europe must work even harder now there are signs that the industry is over the worst of three
consider is those who have substantial savings. “In this era of price slashing, we have to keep the balance between offering deals and being taken advantage of. If the buyer shows his or her cards, it’s much easier to strike an agreement that benefits everyone.”
In addition to the show floor’s buying and selling activity, the show’s conference programme addressed a myriad of industry issues through 74 seminars designed especially for residential and commercial builders/contractors, retailers, service companies and landscape architects/designers. A series of four one-hour Power Panels were held simultaneously prior to the opening of the show on 3 November, providing thought- provoking, spirited discussions with panellists sharing their opinions and recommendations on what they are doing to ensure business success. Olympic Gold medallist Michael Phelps conducted the official ribbon-cutting duties to open the show which ran from 3 to 5 November, dates specially selected to avoid the clash with the Piscine show in Lyon. Phelps then spent two hours in the Master Spas booth signing autographs, visiting with attendees and promoting his new signature line of swim spas by Master Spas.
Total attendance was 9,255, an increase over the 2009 show.
“There was a positive buzz amongst our members all three days of the show,” said Bill Weber, President and CEO of APSP, the show’s official sponsor, who had a 2,000 square foot booth at the show. “The success of the show solidified the Expo as the most cost-effective and efficient way to do business, find new products and stay on the cutting-edge of technology.” The product showcase, sponsored by AQUASALT, offered the latest new, cool and green products. From a selection of 72 products, a panel of industry experts awarded Fusion Pool Products with the “Best New Product” for its Smart LED Lite G-4 auto-fill system. Overall, people reported a more optimistic mood at this year’s event. “There was a good energy about this show, and it seemed a little more positive, enthusiastic and hopeful than last year,” said Lindsay Roberts, IPSPE director at Hanley Wood Exhibitions.
Next year’s International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo will take place on 3 to 4 November at the same venue. The conference will begin on 30 October 2011. spn
US POOL INDUSTRY ANNOUNCES NEW ’TRADE LED‘ SAFETY CAMPAIGN
A new swimming pool safety strategy called Simple Steps Save Lives has been launched in the United States – aimed at tackling pool drowning and accidents from within the specialist trade. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has formed a partnership with the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals to become more aggressive on safety issues. Announced at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas, the partnership has the two organisations promoting the Pool Safely campaign to the pool and spa industry. This is expected to include working with customers to become compliant with entrapment legislation, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act and education priorities. APSP will provide pool safely materials at industry events, in publications, on industry videos, on its website, and through social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter. In addition, APSP will develop a specific Pool Safely page within the “safety” section of its website, where visitors can find information on the campaign and order campaign materials. Finally, APSP is to work on new safety videos for its industry members. “The safe use of pools and spas is a priority for everyone, from companies that build and service pools, to facility management, to parents and individuals who enjoy the benefits of swimming,” said Bill Weber, President and Chief Executive of APSP. “We’re hope the combined efforts will serve to focus attention on the importance of water safety to all.” “The industry will be an important partner in delivering the campaign’s safety message through its network of pool and spa professionals,” said Kathleen Reilly, CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign leader.
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