Sunny outlook for Florida show - Making News

Pool & Spa News, Jan 30, 2004 by Bob Dumas

The Florida Pool & Spa Show on March 4-6 is expected to be the biggest one in the event's history. In fact, organizers needed to expand the show floor to include two additional halls.

As of early January, 220 manufacturers and distributors had signed on to exhibit at the show, already besting last year's 219 and prompting the need for the additional space.

"We have 220 exhibitors that are taking on 35 more booths than last year," said Wendy Parker, communications director at the Florida Swimming Pool Association. "And we have 30 brand-new exhibitors that have never been here before. So, we are on track to blow last year's numbers out of the water."

Parker said she is expecting a record number of attendees as well. "Each year, we've gone up about 20 to 30 percent," she said. "We should break the 5,000 mark this year."

The reason organizers think the show will do so well this year is the increased promotion they've given it. "We have promoted it better than ever before," Parker said. "We've taken out more ads in the trade magazines, as well as used the NSPI national mailing list."

An array of educational opportunities and a full slate of entertainment are planned for the show coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

FSPA also has nearly doubled the number of seminars. Fifty classes will provide 83 hours of continuing education courses, including those requited for Florida license renewals, such as workers' compensation and workplace safety.

The Genesis 3 Design Group will hold a one-day workshop, plus a series of seminars taught by some the top industry experts. Topics will include landscape architecture and structural engineering for those looking to create cutting-edge pools and waterscapes.

The "Rock the Industry" Party is set for the House of Blues March 5. The night will include dinner, transportation and a live concert. Cost is $25 to the first 1,300 who make reservations.

The show would not be complete without its annual golf tournament. This year, the Pod Pro Classic Golf Tournament will be held March 4 at the North Shore Golf Club in southeast Orlando. A four-person scramble format will be used and the cost is $105 per person, which includes lunch and drink tickets.

A ceremony honoring FSPA's 2004 Design Award winners is scheduled for March 4, during the show's opening day Kick-Off Reception at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. Builders from around the state will be recognized for their quality workmanship. The reception is free of charge.

To receive a registration packet by mail, call FSPA at (941) 952-9293, or send an e-mail request to FloridaShow@FSPAonline.org. Registration for every aspect of the show also can be done by visiting www.FSPAonline.org. To receive the packet in advance, register by Feb. 18. After that date, attendees can pick up badges on-site.