This year, in-person tradeshows seemed back in full swing, a trend enjoyed by the organizers of the International Pool | Spa | Patio, co-located with Deck Expo.
“We’re still crunching numbers and verifying attendance, but are confident in saying we had more attendees in 2022 than there were in 2019 or 2021,” said Show Director Kris Osterbusch.
The event, which took place Nov. 10-15 in Las Vegas, saw at least 89% of those who preregistered attend. The New Product Showcase doubled its traffic, with approximately 1,300 viewing the latest and greatest offerings.
Exhibitors reported brisk activity through most of the show, with slowdowns seen at the traditional times — the end of the day and the very last day.
Approximately 350 attended pre-convention education sessions offered by organizations such as PHTA, Watershape University, Genesis and NADRA, according to Conference Manager Krissy Adams. Approximately 4,200 seats were filled throughout the entire conference program.
A winner and runners-up were determined for the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge, in which professions and students design a backyard, based on the profile of a fictitious homeowner. Rance Schindler of Complete Exterior Solutions in Flower Mound, Texas took the top prize of $10,000.
The Expo will come back to Las Vegas next year — this time running from Monday through Wednesday, rather than the traditional Tuesday-through-Thursday slot. This makes room for the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place immediately after. The 2024 show will take place in Dallas, then back to Las Vegas in 2025.
