Organizers of the International Pool | Spa | Patio/Deck Expo are gearing up for a larger and more comprehensive event this year that’s designed to serve each segment of the industry. The show, which returns to Las Vegas in October, will feature expanded education, a larger expo floor, high-profile keynote speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities.
While the official attendance numbers won’t be announced until after the event, organizers expect a strong showing, much like the 2023 Vegas show. Megan Magaña, show manager for PSP/Deck Expo, says there are encouraging trends for 2025, and attendance is already tracking ahead of last year with people from all over the United States planning to come.
The Floor Sets the Stage
The PSP Expo, co-located with Deck Expo, will be at the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas from Oct. 22-24.
The 2025 event, organized by Informa, is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees who will have around 147,000 square feet of space to explore in the Expo Hall. Magaña says the show’s footprint is not the only way it has expanded. “It’s also about the depth and breadth of what attendees will see outside of the Expo Hall,” she says.
To make sure attendees get the most out of the show, Krissy Adams, conference manager for the PSP/Deck Expo, recommends having a solid plan before arrival. The free mobile app My Show Planner will be available with updated booth numbers and ways to organize a daily schedule. Users can also find session descriptions and schedules. “The PSP/Deck Expo+ matchmaking tool lets you book one-on-one meetings with vendors either in their booths or at the dedicated lounge right on the show floor,” says Magaña.
The app will again feature a scavenger hunt designed to help attendees explore the show floor and discover things they might otherwise miss. As the app takes people through the different areas, they’ll be given challenges to complete and destinations to check off. “Winners of the scavenger hunt will receive gift cards as prizes,” says Magaña.
In addition to the product showcase, there will be a lunch and learn for retailers to learn the latest about the hot tub retail industry.
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PSP Expo to Present Daily Keynotes
The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo will kick off each morning with a keynote presentation.
Speaking to Everyone
For the first time, this year’s show will feature three keynotes instead of one main speaker as organizers aim to adapt the show to fit the needs of different segments of the industry. Adams says this is the most robust keynote program ever. Each keynote will be the headliner of that day and will address a different aspect of the business. Attendees can expect speakers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The first keynote will be an industry insights panel. “What makes this session particularly valuable is the interactive component,” says Adams. “Attendees will participate in real-time surveys that let you benchmark your business against others in the industry.”
Day Two’s speaker will be Dallas Cowboys legend Darren Woodson. Woodson’s topic is creating cultures of excellence, which Adams says will draw parallels between championship sports teams and successful businesses.
On Day Three, the keynote will feature a session dedicated to “Women of Water” by PHTA and PoolCorp. Adams says the talk will go beyond professional development and dive into ways to clarify purpose and build authentic confidence.
Parties and Programs
The Welcome Party returns to AYU Dayclub at Resorts World, a location that proved popular in 2023. The party, which is designed to kick off the show, will offer attendees the chance to mingle and network.
Pool Nation Awards also return for a fifth edition. The black-tie event will see awards presented for best truck wrap, sales rep of the year, products, and the pool guy and pool gal of the year.
A new addition for 2025, Pool Nation will host its Pool Nation Conference on Friday and Saturday. The conference will offer sessions with speakers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., focusing on various aspects of the business side of the pool industry.
The much-anticipated Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge will return with a $10,000 prize. “Year after year, this challenge serves as a celebration of what makes our industry special — the blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and collaborative spirit that transforms ordinary backyards into extraordinary outdoor living spaces,” says Magaña.
Classes in Session
Education at the PSP/Deck Expo is designed to go beyond classroom lectures, creating an environment where ideas cross between disciplines. “It’s not just about sitting in classrooms – it’s this amazing exchange of ideas where a pool builder might pick up something from a retail session, or a service tech shares a trick that helps a designer solve a problem they’ve been stuck on,” says Adams.
Class offerings get an update each year. This year, including the pre-conference program, conference and show-floor sessions, the PSP/Deck Expo will offer over 100 sessions.
Pre-conference courses and certification programs take place from Oct. 19 to 21 and are held by PHTA and Genesis. Some of the in-depth sessions include construction for concrete pools and Elements of Design from Genesis, and a Certified Pool & Spa Inspector, Certified Maintenance Specialist, and Certified Pool & Spa Operator from PHTA.
Classroom sessions will take place in the mornings from Oct. 22 to 24. There are focused classes for different segments of the industry. For instance, Adams says service pros will see industry superstars, like Alicia Stephens and Terry Arko, who will offer classes on chemistry basics, algae, saltwater pools, and even a course inspired by the late Bob Lowry. Builders can expect to see courses on different aspects of design and construction, and retailers can learn more about merchandising.
After courses let out, attendees can head to the Expo Hall for show floor education. The organizers say these sessions are demo-focused and short, with things like live deck-building demonstrations.
Registration for the PSP/Deck Expo is open now at poolspapatio.com. Magaña says readers of Pool & Spa News can get a complimentary Expo pass by using the promo code PSNEWSEXPO.
