Silver Jubilee: the Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & expo commemorates its 25th anniversary

Pool & Spa News, Nov 28, 2003 by Margi Millunzi

Celebrating a quarter-century of influence on the pool and spa industry, the Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & Expo is slated for Dec. 6-9 in Toronto.

Approximately 2,000 attendees will converge on the Toronto Congress Centre to view the latest products from 120 exhibiting companies, brush up on their technical and business knowledge, and network with their peers, according to Ken Tomihiro, executive director and show manager for the National Spa & Pool Institute of Canada.

The Canadian pool and spa market increased by more than 20 percent last year, making this a vital time for the industry. "We are caught up in a wave of growth," Tomihiro says. "The Canadian economy has been extremely strong."

As a result, show organizers expect to see more American exhibitors at this year's event. "It's an opportune time for U.S. manufacturers to get involved in the Canadian marketplace," Tomihiro says. "With the dollar getting closer in value, American products are becoming more competitive here ... and we're seeing that reflected in the exhibitors we have."

Michael "Pinball" Clemons, a former running back for the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, will present the keynote address. Clemons is the CFL's leader in all-time, all-purpose yardage. Today, he serves as the president and head coach for his former team.

Clemons will share his past experiences to illustrate how people can overcome obstacles and achieve success. "Being just 5 feet, 6 inches tall and becoming a football superstar is pretty exceptional," Tumihiro explains. "He will speak about personal perseverance and the importance of teamwork, which is relevant in any industry."

In addition, the show's educational offerings include 17 courses. Topics range from safety standards and equipment repair to sales training.

NSPI of Canada continues its outreach to the public health industry with "Anti-Virus Programs for Pools & Spas," a course discussing recreational water illnesses. Organizers anticipate that the session will attract more than 100 attendees, many from the public health field.

"Last year, we started reaching out to the public health sector with a course on hot tub safety and entrapment issues," Tomihiro says. "It's in everybody's best interest to work together to better understand and deal with these issues. The last thing we need is for people to get sick in pools and spas."

Networking and social opportunities also abound at the show. On Monday, organizers will host an Industry Awards Evening at the nearby International Plaza Hotel. In honor of its 25th anniversary, NSPI of Canada will pay tribute to 12 companies that have exhibited at the show every year since its inception.

That night, winners of the show's design awards competition will be recognized. In addition, the organization will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Ted Ryan, an influential industry member.

For more information on the show, contact the National Spa & Pool Institute of Canada at (905) 761-7920 or visit www.nspi.ca. For information on Toronto-area attractions and dining suggestions, visit www.torontotourism.com.

Show schedule

Canadian Pool and Spa Conference & Expo Dec. 6-9 Toronto Congress Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Course

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Seminars

MONDAY, DEC. 8

7:30-9 a.m. NSPI of Canada Annual General Meeting

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Seminars

10-11 a.m. Keynote Address by Michael "Pinball" Clemons

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibits open

7-10 p.m. Industry Awards Evening

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration

9 a.m.-l:30 p.m. Seminars

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibits open

Note: All events will occur at the Toronto Congress Centre, unless otherwise noted. The information provided is the latest available at press time.