The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
November 5-7, 2019 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans
Mingle and Strategize
Networking with other professionals in our industry provides the opportunity for bouncing ideas off each other, learning from others’ successes (and mishaps) and bringing together a wealth of knowledge to brainstorm ideas for the future.
First-Time Attendees Reception
Monday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 280-282
The First-Time Attendees Reception was created for professionals who have never attended the PSP Expo so they can make the most of all the networking events, education, exhibits and resources at the show. Hear from the industry — PHTA, other attendees, manufacturers, and the PSP Expo show organizers — so you know what to expect when the doors open.
Welcome Party
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.
The Sugar Mill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans
It’s a celebratory kick-off event that checks off the ‘mingle’ box. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks and a live DJ. Registration is required.
PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network Event
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.
$10/$20 (Member/Nonmember)
Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton St., New Orleans
For pool and hot tub professionals under age 40, WAVE checks off both the ‘mingle’ and ‘strategize’ boxes for the up-and-coming pool and hot tub generation. Admission includes select alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and appetizers. Space is limited, so registration is recommended.
Get Certified
Certifications and continuing education courses are a viable way to add value to the services your team provides.
PHTA Certified Hot Tub Technician (CHTT)
Sunday, Nov. 3, through Monday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Member – $755
Nonmember – $955
16 CEU Credits
Spa Retailer Academy
Booth #1111
Tuesday, Nov. 5
- 11:45 a.m. – 3 Critical Aspects of a Tried and True Ad Plan to Grow Your Retail Business
- 1:45 p.m. – Above-Ground Pool and Spa Consumer Financing: The Benefits and How to Offer
- 3:15 p.m. – TBD*
Wednesday, Nov. 6
- 11:45 a.m. – Current Spa Retail Trends and 5 Best Practices
to Keep Up - 1:45 p.m. – Social Media for the Pool & Spa Industry
- 3:15 p.m. – TBD*
*Seminar topics unavailable at time of press
Broaden Your Horizons
Education is a powerful tool in your arsenal for success. There are courses offered throughout the week on the topics of retail management, team development and more. Here are a few that top our list:
Empowering Your Leadership Team
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
You will learn how to engage your leadership team, so they have the information necessary to make timely and accurate decisions. This will provide your organization the bench strength to grow and not be solely dependent on you. Scot Hunsaker, CEO at Ardent Group, presents this session at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Power Merchandising and Store Design
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
Learn how to revitalize a retail pool and spa store from a store design and merchandising standpoint. Benefits that will be discussed: Traffic Flow is the lifeblood to sales, 10 commandments of merchandising, creative store signage — signs that sell, effective layers of light, and space saving ideas to create more selling space. Chris Miller, president at Pacific Store Designs, Inc, will present this intermediate-level session.
How Retail 3.0 Will Transform the Pool and Spa Business
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 9 to 10 a.m.
A customer-focused mixture of online, on-demand and on-premise is transforming retail trends. The pool and spa business is no different. The only way to survive and thrive in the Retail 3.0 ecosystem is to embrace the store as a destination, a fulfillment center, a source of data and catered neighborhood experience. Ravi Kurani, CEO of Sutro Smart Monitor, presents this session at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Retail Power Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
During this fast-paced, interactive session, retailers will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear the panel offer real solutions for tackling today’s toughest issues. A valuable opportunity for your entire team to engage and to strengthen your business operation.
Hiring, Training and Procedure Manuals: A Systematic Approach to Duplicating your Retail Success
Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Presented by Mallory Bjekich-Wachowski, retail operations manager for DesRochers Backyard Pools and Spas, which has created nearly 200 detailed systems with its business so that teams can effectively manage operations per standards each and every time. Through these systems DesRochers is able to hire, train and manage all its locations effectively. This session will cover the DesRochers strategy and is presented at an intermediate and advanced level.
Current Spa Retail Trends and 5 Best Practices to Keep Up
Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What is happening in the retail landscape today? What are today’s customers expecting? This session answers these questions and looks at five best practices that will help you address emerging trends and create more happy customers than ever. Presented by Carrie Hamilton of Bullfrog Spas.
The Five Senses of the Backyard
Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Review and profitability of the products in the backyard from the outdoor kitchen, sound systems, lighting and heating and more. This session is presented at all levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced — by Rick Hagan, national sales manager of outdoor living products for PoolCorp.
Mastering the Millennial Mindset: How to Attract and Retain Emerging Leaders
Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
It’s more important than ever to attract the best employees you can hire while dealing with ever-shrinking sources to find qualified talent. Even more critical is keeping your new hires from leaving after spending substantial time, money and human resources to get them onboard. By learning these critical communication and engagement strategies now, you will prepare your company to not only survive, but thrive in the future. Lisa Ryan, chief appreciation strategist at Grategy, presents this session at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Quick Reference: Must Visit Booths
Support our partners and companies talked about this issue (and us!).
- Allied Innovations – Booth #1501
- Aqua Comb / Mi-Way – Booth #1340
- Artesian Spas – Booth #1801
- Bullfrog Spas – Booth #901
- Custom Molded Products – Booth #923
- Dream Maker Spas – Booth #201
- Leisure Concepts – Booth #711
- Lucite Spas / Plaskolite – Booth #1923
- King Technology – Booth #1717
- NC Brands – Booth #617
- Outdoor GreatRoom Company – Booth #1559
- Pleatco – Booth #1328
- RB Retail & Service Solutions – Booth #744
- Serum – Booth #2423
- Strong Spas – Booth #717
- Ultralift – Booth #1117
- Watkins Wellness – Booth #963
- Wellis Spas – Booth #1423
- SpaRetailer Magazine – Booth #309