The numbers are impressive and so is the quality of the education offered at the 2017 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. The conference side of the event occurs at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 29 to Nov. 3. Taking into account pre-conference courses, some of which have multi-day sessions; the core conference program; and the various show-floor educational offerings, and there are 99 sessions. There’s truly something for every trade education need.
There will be 45 all-new sessions as part of the core conference program this year, notes Tracy Garcia, CEM. Also, knowing that Florida’s licensing requirements make continuing education a must, organizers have been careful to include 16 sessions that have been approved for Florida DBPR/CILB CEU’s, plus two pre-conference programs by Genesis, says Garcia, who is show director at Informa Exhibitions U.S. in Irving, Texas.
As always, organizers have been careful to assemble an educational slate that appeals to the different trade sectors. For instance, here’s a sampling of sessions on tap: “The Basic Principles of a Winning Showroom Layout” for retailers, led by Brian Dyches on Nov. 2. “Builder’s Bloopers and Blunders: Lessons Learned from the Mistakes of Others,” presented by Scott Cohen on Nov. 3. And “Staining, Scaling and Discoloration: Identification, Prevention and Removal” is a service-oriented session presented by Jack Beane on Nov. 3.
Of course, some sessions sparked early interest among registrants, leading to speculation that they will be stand-outs. According to organizers, they are: “Business 162: Building a High-Performance Team from Scratch,” presented by Bill Kent, Ph.D., on Nov. 1. Also attracting attention is Matt Gohlke and Nick Day’s “Three Hot Topics for Service Departments — How to Compensate Staff, Pricing Strategies and Competing with the Internet” on Nov. 1. And John Murphy’s Nov. 2 session, “Scaling a Pool Care Company for Higher Profitability,” also has created some buzz.
Speaking of things people are talking about, this year’s new seminar hours — deliberately chosen to avoid overlap with exhibit hall hours — mean more attendees should be able to take classes. A good chunk of the morning, 7:30-10:30 a.m., is devoted to seminars, Wednesday-Friday. The show floor then opens at 10:30 a.m. daily, closing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday-Thursday and 2:30 p.m., Friday.
Now let’s check out some seminars specially crafted for builders, service technicians and retailers, from beginners to industry veterans.
Focus: Pool and Waterfeature Design and Construction
Construction 201: Basic Pool Construction (3 Days)
Sun., Oct. 29; Mon., Oct. 30; and Tues., Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
This Genesis program aims to take each student through all the phases of basic pool construction in great detail. It’s presented in several modules by experts in each trade. Day 1 focuses on engineering subjects such as basic plumbing and geotechnical, structural and electrical design. Day 2 covers layout, forming and coordination of utilities, safety barriers and other related infrastructure. It also looks at shotcrete, waterproofing, tile and coping. Day 3 goes over concrete decking, plaster and start-up details. It includes an interactive walkthrough of a sample project from beginning to end. This program is a requirement for Genesis’ SWDCM Associate Certification.
Presenters are Terry Brannon, PE, The Brannon Corp., Tyler, Texas; Greg Andrews, National Tile and Stone Authority, Agoura Hills, Calif.; Paolo Benedetti, SWD Master, Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, Morgan Hill, Calif.; William Drakeley Jr., SWD Master, Drakeley Pool Co. and Drakeley Industries, Bethlehem, Conn.; Randy Dukes, Aquavations Corp., Miami; David Peterson, PE, SWD Master, Genesis Education and Watershape Consulting, Solana Beach, Calif.; Leslie Reed, Geotechnical Exploration Inc., San Diego.
Soils Engineering: Geotechnical Considerations for Successful Swimming Pool Construction
Thurs., Nov. 2, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
It’s essential that pool builders understand the impact even the slightest soil movement can have on a pool, leading to anything from shifting to cracking and more. Rob Holmer, PE, at Terracon Consultants Inc. in Sacramento, Calif., will focus on issues relating to compressible soils, expansive soils, engineered fill and construction on sloping sites. Several case histories will be examined. Learn how to identify the dangers of building on loose or undocumented fill, proper techniques for compaction and placement of engineered fills for pool construction, evaluating the pool’s impact on slope stability, and more.
Construction 404: Waterproofing and Finishes Panel Discussion
Thurs., Nov. 2, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
It’s never been more important — or more challenging — to ensure that today’s complex pools are watertight. In this panel discussion, waterproofing and finishes experts will share their challenges, concerns and solutions. The session is not meant to promote any particular products or discuss specific problems from the past. Rather, it will be interactive, with everyone sharing what’s working and what isn’t, in a general sense. There will 90 minutes’ discussion and 90 minutes’ Q&A.
Key learning objectives for the session include (1) Listing of applicable codes, standards, guidelines and best practices for the waterproofing and finishes industry. (2) Identifying specific items guaranteed to create failures with the waterproofing or the finishes. (3) Defining liabilities, warranties and risks, and what support can be expected for various installation types.
Panelists are David Peterson, PE, SWD Master, Genesis Education and Watershape Consulting, Solana Beach, Calif.; Bob Haning, Pebble Technology Intl., Scottsdale, Ariz.; Arthur Mintie, Laticrete Intl., Bethany, Conn.; Ken Milbery, Lunada Bay Tile, Harbor City, Calif.; Trevor Foster, Miracote Products, Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
U.S. Residential Pool Markets Report
Wed., Nov. 1, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Once again Metrostudy offers its latest residential pool industry research. Presenter Katie Welch will point out the best pool markets in the nation and their performance so far this year — as well as offer a forecast of the U.S. housing, replacement and pool markets. Welch, who is strategic account manager at Metrostudy, also will provide a consumer profile of households most likely to own or install pools. Attendees may download a free local market report ($500 retail value) with information on how their local markets are expected to perform, and which ZIP codes and consumer groups have the most potential in 2018. Metrostudy is owned by Hanley Wood of Washington, D.C., which also owns PSN.
Focus: Pool and Spa Service Business
Applied Hydraulics — Best Practices for Top Equipment and Circulation System Performance, Highest Water Clarity, Energy Efficiency and Swimmer Safety
Wed., Nov. 1, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
As you might guess from that lengthy course name, this session promises much valuable information for service professionals. Presenter Steve Barnes will teach a logical, three-step process for designing, installing and operating successful, fully compliant recirculation systems and waterfeatures, including vanishing edges that are very energy efficient.
There will be a focus on the key hydraulics design and operating principles that apply to residential and public pools, says Barnes, director of science and compliance at AquaStar Pool Products in Maricopa, Ariz. Topics will include creating custom hydraulics plans for customers; ways to select, size and locate key circulation, sanitation and safety equipment to maximize performance, efficiency and safety; installation management; and system operation.
Troubleshooting Portable Hot Tubs: Tips on What to Look For
Thurs., Nov. 2, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Students will gain lots of practical knowledge about hot tub servicing and troubleshooting in this session. Topics will include electrical and electronic principles, safety issues, hydraulic configuration, spa pack components, troubleshooting techniques, and applicable industry standards and codes. Presenter John Schaedler, vice president of operations/facilities at Aqua Quip in Renton, Wash., also will offer tips and tricks for basic repairs to interior hot tub surfaces.
Variable-Speed Pumps — How to Install and Demonstrate Savings to Grow Sales and Comply with New Federal Regulations
Fri., Nov. 3, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Soon variable-speed pumps will be required on most pools by the Department of Energy, and presenter Jeff Farlow wants to make sure students have the skills needed to comply with those federal regulations. Farlow is program manager of energy initiatives at Pentair Water Pool & Spa in Sanford, N.C., and in this session, he’ll cover topics such as energy conservation principles; proper installation of VS pumps for top performance and savings; how to boost sales by explaining pump savings and benefits to homeowners; and more.
Advanced Water Chemistry
Thurs., Nov. 2, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Designed for those who already have basic knowledge and understanding of pool and spa water chemistry, this in-depth seminar will cover the parameters involved with proper chemistry and water balance in pools and spas. It is led by Wayne Ivusich, director of education at Taylor Technologies in Sparks, Md., and will explore water balance, testing techniques, sanitation and oxidation, treatment applications, and more.
Focus: Retail Store Management, Marketing
Store Design on a Shoestring Budget: Design or Renovate — Great Store Design Tips from Start to Finish
Wed., Nov. 1, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Bursting with ideas on how to design your store so it provides an excellent customer experience, this seminar is for those renovating their locations as well as those opening new stores. Linda Cahan, principal at Cahan & Co. in West Linn, Ore., goes over topics such as how to incorporate your image into your store design; materials that work — or not — and why; how to create a floor plan that results in customers exploring your entire store; and determining what will work for your budget and make you stand out from the competition.
How to Get More 5-Star Testimonials and Eliminate Bad Reviews for Your Store
Wed., Nov.1, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Online reviews of companies have become so popular that it is said the majority of consumers now read and trust online reviews to help them decide where they’re going to take their business. That’s why David Carleton, president of Spa Pool Marketing Success in Portland, Ore., is leading this session. He will share the best online and offline referral marketing strategies, six ways to get more reviews, how to create an automated review process that works 24/7, and more.
Building Your PoolPro Empire — How to Build Your Business from Routine Route to a Multi-Unit Retail and Service Business
Fri., Nov.3, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
If you’re serious about growing your business in a big way, John O’Brien is ready with some tools to help you start on that adventure. In this session the founder/CEO of Poolwerx, which began in Australia and also has locations in the U.S., discusses various ways to achieve your dream of transforming your business into a multi-unit retail and service firm.
He’ll cover developing a solid business plan and vision for your company; preparing your firm for growth; handling the new dynamic of your business from single operator to leading a team; how to go through four tiers of business growth/development to build your empire in less than five years; and more.
‘What’s Your Pink Pig’ — Your Competitive Advantage
Fri., Nov. 3, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
In this class, Anne Obarski zeroes in on what it is that really sets your business apart from your competitors. Students will learn ways to cement their brands in customers’ minds. They’ll also consider how their employees are part of the brand, and how they can make an impression that lasts and grows. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the president of Merchandise Concepts in Dublin, Ohio, will give participants ideas for creating and marketing a “Contagious Experience” for customers — one that will propel consumers to visit their business and then encourage return trips, spreading the word about the brand along the way.
