Hollywood in Houston: NSPI Region 3's Conference & Exhibition brings the glamour of Tinseltown to the heart of Texas

Pool & Spa News, Jan 30, 2004 by Margi Millunzi

While Houston is known as the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, there may be "star sightings" of a different kind during the 2004 NSPI Region 3 Conference & Exhibition, which will headline at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel Feb. 20-21.

In keeping with tradition, this year's festivities revolve around a theme. By choosing "Hooray for Hollywood: Putting on the Ritz, Bringing Back the Glitz," show organizers hope to make this a star-studded event.

Barring a repeat of last year's ice storm, which kept many attendees at bay, a strong turnout is expected. The two-day extravaganza could draw a crowd of 2,500 people, says Ellen Harvey, conference coordinator. In addition, approximately 150 companies have signed on to exhibit at the show, with more on a waiting list.

Proud of its self-professed title as the "biggest small show in America," organizers say they have no plans to expand the event's compressed schedule or dramatically increase its number of exhibitors. "Everyone says we should make the show larger, but we like the way it is," Harvey says. "We don't have to be the biggest show; we want to be top quality."

This marks the show's second year in Houston. The move from Dallas has been positive, according to Harvey. "It's always tough to move a show, but we've been fortunate," she notes. "We have tremendous support from the chapters. We survive because of our creativity and value."

On Friday, attendees can tee off on the golf course for a competitive round with their peers. Others can view some of the area's spectacular aquascapes during the Wow! Pool Tour through nearby The Woodlands, Texas.

That evening, designers of the region's top pool and spa projects will be treated like stars at the Design Awards Gala. An extra cash incentive for participants in the awards competition is planned; the Best in Show winner will take home $2,500, courtesy of Jandy.

New this year will be retailer award, with categories including best overall interior store design and best specialty promotion.

Saturday brings the exposition and a day of seminars that provide a range of instruction. Highlights from the 15 courses include an overview of outdoor kitchens, a roundtable discussion focusing on pool plaster problems and a look at the latest design trends affecting the market. For those with limited time, the show also provides a variety of miniseminars worth .5 CEU credits each.

Reflecting the show's theme, a keynote panel will discuss how the water industry can "bring back the glitz" to its clients. Fielding questions from the audience during this interactive session will be panelists Vance A. Gillette, vice president and general manager of pool products, Jandy; George Williams, vice president of sales, Hayward Pool Products; Manuel Perez de la Mesa, president, SCP Pool Corp.; and Dave Murray, vice president of sales, Pentair Pool Products.

Back by popular demand, attendees can test their mettle and win prizes during various pool- and spa-oriented competitions, such as the heater simulator, where participants are challenged to beat the clock.

Also returning is the "Backyard Bay" live radio program, which will broadcast from the show floor. During the two-hour, call-in program, the host will field calls from Houston-area listeners and interview industry professionals.

Such unexpected attractions make the show an event that attendees look forward to year after year, Harvey says. "Shows have a life of their own, but you need to make sure they have value," she says. "Many people say that this is a reward for their employees. They can relax, but they are also learning a lot."

For more information on the show, visit www.nspiregion3.org. For a comprehensive listing of Houston-area attractions and restaurants, visit www.houston-spacecityusa.com.

NSPI Region 3 Conference & Exhibition

Sheraton North Houston Hotel Houston

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tech VII Courses, Part I

FRIDAY, FEB. 20

8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tech I/II Courses, Part 2

9 a.m.

7th Annual Golf Tournament

Cypresswood Golf Course, Spring, Texas

Wow! Pool Tour

The Woodlands, Texas

6 p.m.

Design Awards Reception

7 p.m.

Design Awards Dinner/Presentation

9 p.m.

Post Design Awards Activities

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

8 a.m.

PPSO Course, Part 1

Tech I/II Courses, Part 3

8-9 a.m.

Celebrity Continental Breakfast

9-10 a.m.

Keynote Panel

10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Seminars

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Lunch

1:30-5 p.m.

Seminars

3:30-5 p.m.

Sneak Preview Competitions

5-9 p.m.

Exhibits open

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

8 a.m.

PPSO Course, Part 2

Tech I/II Courses, Part 4

Note: All events will take place at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel unless otherwise noted. The information provided is the latest available at press time.