Boardwalk Bound
The Pool & Spa Show guide
The Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, will once again play host to the Pool & Spa Show, Jan. 24 – 26.
After the pandemic forced the annual event to shut down its in-person gathering in 2021 and then led to a substantial reduction in numbers last year, organizers hope for a welcome return to normalcy.
The nonprofit convention, which is hosted by the Northeast Spa and Pool Association, regularly attracts between 11,000 and 12,000 industry professionals to take part in educational courses, conferences, networking opportunities, product exhibits and more.
To help make social distancing easier in 2022, organizers decided to schedule educational courses, conferences and exhibitions to run concurrently and in doing so, discovered that this change had become a preference among exhibitors.
“Our exhibitors said, ‘Wow, that was really neat how the owners and the decision makers and the buyers didn’t all just come in at one time and overrun my booth,’ ” says Trish McCormick, who has served as event show manager for the past 26 years. “We had a steady flow all day, because we still had the conferences going on upstairs at the same time.”
New this year will be a special Pool & Spa Show Experience Pass, which is only available to NESPA/PHTA members. The pass allows for full access to both the technical and business passes, the show’s welcome party event, a new VIP reception and other VIP exclusives on the show floor. Additionally, Experience Pass owners will be given 30-day access to NESPA’s online On Demand Show Experience, which will feature content from show partners and speakers.
“We want to pack in everything that our customers need to make them successful into that week,” McCormick says. “This is the kickoff of their 2023 season, and we want them to succeed.”
The following is a schedule for the events created with pool service companies in mind. Those who wish to learn more about specific pricing options, should visit thepoolspashow.com.
The Pool & Spa Show
Jan. 24 – 26 2023
The Atlantic City Convention Center
Events
The Welcome Party
Jan. 23, 7 – 10 p.m.
The Saloon Bar at the Wild Wild West Casino, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, New Jersey
Ticket Cost: $25
Kick off the 2023 Pool & Spa Show with what organizers describe as “the biggest and best party of the year,” The party will include live music, BBQ treats and plenty of socializing.
Organizers warn that this event is likely to sell out, so they advise acting fast. To attend one must be 21 or older and have a valid I.D.
Women In the Industry Leadership Development: Staying Afloat Together
Jan. 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Facilitator: Anne Obarski
Back by popular demand, this workshop is a collaborative look at strategies and methods to keep women in leadership roles. Attendees will learn directly from women who work in all aspects of the industry.
This year’s workshop will include leadership training and industry learning focused on preparing attendees for the future.
The day’s schedule will Include:
Caffeine and Connections
Gather for coffee (or juice) and a chance to reconnect and meet other women participating in the workshop.
Like a Duck to Water
In today’s world, everything is happening fast. You often must adapt quickly. Get ahead of the curve as women from all aspects of the industry share lessons they’ve learned in the last six months. Learn from their mistakes and successes. This interactive segment is a great chance to connect with women in the field and learn about what’s happening in other industry areas. Possible topics include HR/conflict management, customer conflicts, marketing/sales trends and more.
Lightning Learning
These round-table discussions are your chance to explore the topics covered in the lessons learned. Not only will you hear more from the presenters, but you’ll learn how other women have tackled similar situations.
Leadership Luncheon: Showcasing Your Worth and Ruffling Some Feathers
Over lunch, facilitator Anne Obarski will share practical strategies to gain recognition for your contributions to your company. Learn to sing your own praises and become your own biggest cheerleader.
Deeper Dives
Blending technical information with business management to ensure everyone can learn something new. Possible topics include water chemistry, communication skills and team building.
What’s Next Recap
At the end of the day, attendees will come back together to share what they’ve learned, how to stay connected and how to build on the workshop’s ideas.
PHTA WAVE Event: Young Pool and Hot Tub Professionals Thriving in an Unknown Future
Jan. 23, 5 – 6 p.m.
Hear the stories of fellow young pool and hot tub professionals. A great way connect with other current and future industry leaders.
Educational Courses
Monday, Jan. 23, 2023
8:30 A.M. – 1 P.M.
POOL INSPECTIONS AND THE REAL ESTATE MARKET: NEW OPPORTUNITIES
8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
COMPREHENSIVE WATER CHEMISTRY FOR RESIDENTIAL POOLS
9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
TRAINING FOR NEW TRAINERS: HOW TO DEVELOP, DESIGN AND DELIVER YOUR IN-HOUSE EDUCATION
WHAT’S NEXT? CREATING CERTAINTY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
12:30 – 5 P.M.
FROM ROOKIE TO ALL-STAR: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF POOL SERVICE POOL OPENING ESSENTIALS
1:30 – 3 P.M.
SPANISH – PENTAIR AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (INCLUDING INTELLICENTERS AND EASYTOUCH)
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023
8:30 – 11:45 A.M.
GAS FIRED HEATERS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW DELIVERING SERVICE THAT MAKES THE COMPETITION WEEP
9 – 10:30 A.M.
SALT CHLORINE GENERATORS FOR THE BEGINNER
SPANISH – BASIC HYDRAULICS & CIRCULATION SYSTEMS
BE READY FOR ANYTHING: THE PROACTIVE WAY TO OPEN POOLS IN THE SPRING
DETAILED OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK AND IMPORTANCE OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
RECREATIONAL WATER BALANCE
1 – 4:15 P.M.
CONFRONTING 2023’S CRITICAL ISSUES: STRATEGIES & TACTICS FOR GETTING WORK, RETAINING EMPLOYEES AND KEEPING PROFITS
POOL WATER CHEMISTRY BASICS FOR SERVICE TECHS
1:30 – 3 P.M.
CYA SMART: A MOVEMENT TOWARD BETTER, HEALTHIER WATER
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2023
8:30 – 11:45 A.M.
ELECTRICITY FOR THE POOL & SPA SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
9 – 10:30 A.M.
WATER BALANCE FROM A CAUSE & EFFECT PERSPECTIVE
SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS FOR SMARTER, MORE EFFICIENT POOL CARE
SPANISH – PUMPS/MOTORS & DOE COMPLIANCY
ADVANCED WATER CHEMISTRY: KEEPING YOUR POOL WATER SAFE
1:30 – 3 P.M.
HOW (AND WHY) STANDARDIZING POOL CHEMISTRY SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY IN A POOL SERVICE BUSINESS
POOL CHLORINE MYSTERIES: WHERE IS ALL MY CHLORINE GOING?
HYDRAULICS FOR POOL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS (INTERMEDIATE)
MAINTAINING THE WATER IN SALT-CHLORINE GENERATOR POOLS — THE CASE FOR BORATES
OPTIMIZE STAFF & INVENTORY IN YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT
SPANISH – FLUIDRA SUPPLEMENTAL SANITIZING WITH AOP SYSTEMS
SALTWATER POOL TROUBLESHOOTING: BEYOND THE EQUIPMENT
ADVANCED POOL ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR BUILDERS & SERVICE TECHNICIANS
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023
8:30 – 10 A.M.
SYSTEM LEVEL HYDRAULIC DESIGN FOR POOLS & SPAS
WHAT’S THAT ON THE POOL SURFACE
SPANISH – BE READY FOR ANYTHING: THE PROACTIVE WAY TO OPEN POOLS IN THE SPRING
Association Courses
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
PHTA | CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST (THREE DAY COURSE)
JAN. 22, JAN 23, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
JAN. 24, 8 A.M. – 12 P.M.
PHTA | CERTIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN (THREE DAY COURSE)
JAN. 22, JAN. 23, JAN. 24, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
PHTA | CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR 2 DAYS (TWO DAY COURSE)
JAN. 22, JAN 23, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
PHTA/ICC PRESENT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL & SPA CODE
JAN. 23, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
PHTA CERTIFICATION EXAM DAY
JAN. 22, JAN 23, 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Watershape University
OSHA 10-HOUR GENERAL INDUSTRY TRAINING (TWO DAY COURSE)
JAN. 22, 1 – 5 P.M., JAN 23, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
HVAC & INDOOR POOLS
JAN. 24, 9 – 10:30 A.M.
MARKETING RENOVATION SALES
JAN. 24, 9 – 10:30 A.M.
National Plasterers Council
POOL START-UP CERTIFICATION
JAN 23, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
