Sister trade shows offer opportunity - Making News

Pool & Spa News, Jan 24, 2003 by Rebecca Robledo

Hoping to capitalize on the total backyard trend, more pool and spa professionals are attending trade shows aimed at related industries.

Here's a list of shows that you may find useful:

* Pondapalooza: This event focuses on the design and building of water gardens. Activities include the construction of an exhibit pond; a trade show featuring water-gardening products, an educational conference and water-garden tours.

Pondapalooza is scheduled for July 26-30 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta. Contact the organizer, Garden Pond Promotions Inc., publisher of Pond Keeper magazine, at (888) 356-9895 or log onto www.pondkeeper.com starting in February for more information.

* World of Concrete: This event showcases equipment, supplies and services for the construction industry. It features 85 seminars on topics ranging from concrete basics to specialty techniques.

It is slated for Feb. 3-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is organized by Pool & Spa News' parent company, Hanley-Wood, LLC. Contact Hanley-Wood at (800) 837-0870; WOC@Hanley-Wood.com or log on to www.WorldofConcrete.com.

* World of Masonry: Visitors can take in 50,000 square feet of exhibits devoted to masonry-related products. Seminar topics range from masonry estimating to repair and maintenance of masonry structures. The show runs in conjunction with World of Concrete. Visit www. WorldofMasonry.com.

* American Society of Landscape Architects' Annual Meeting & Expo: Find out the latest in landscape products, techniques and trends. Tours and seminars available, along with the chance to talk to numerous exhibitors.

Slated for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. Visit ASLA's Web site at www.asla.org.

* American Landscape Contractors Association's 2003 Green Industry Conference & Expo: Featuring products and educational seminars for the landscape industry. Scheduled for Nov. 6-9 in St. Louis. Contact ALCA at (800) 395-2522 or log onto www.alca.org.

* International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market: This annual event features more than 350 exhibits of casual indoor/outdoor furniture, garden accessories, and hearth products. Seminar topics include a look at the outdoor room, as well as staff hiring and training techniques.

The show is set for Sept. 10-14 at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. For fax-on-demand information, call (888) 738-8516 or log on at www.merchandisemart. com/casualmarket/.

* Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo 2003: See the newest hearth, barbecue, grill and patio products, and live demonstrations. Seminars cover business and technical issues. Child care is available.

The expo is slated for March 5-8 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. For fax-on-demand information, call the organizer, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, at (877) 730-4802 or log on at www.hpba.org.