Fifteen aquatic-related organizations recently convened in Dallas, Texas, for the ‘All Association Forum,’ to gain an understanding about each organization’s mission and goals.
The event, which allowed association representatives to discuss issues facing the industry, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, was organized and hosted by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP).
Facilitated by Paul Meyer of Tecker International, representatives from the following organizations attended: Aquatic Professionals Education Council (APEC); Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP); APSP; California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA); Foundation for Pool and Spa Industry Education (FPSIE); Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA); International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA); Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA); National Environmental Health Association (NEHA); Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA); National Plasterers Council (NPC); National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF); Association for Swimming Ponds and Natural Swimming Pools (ASPNSP); Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC); and World Waterpark Association (WWA).
One outcome of the meeting is the organizations agreed to create a strategy to monitor and share federal, state and local legislative and regulatory information among the participating organizations with APSP to chair.
“Getting together the heads of organizations that represent the aquatic leisure industry was a significant step forward,” says Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC) executive director, Robert Wood, who attended the event. “Not surprisingly, there is a great deal of common interest among the associations on many issues, so it was relatively easy to identify areas of possible future collaboration—the tough part will be setting the priorities.
“Solid progress was made at the first session, however. The North American industry definitely stands to benefit in the long run, as the combined resources of this group will be capable of developing better services in more economical ways.”
APSP president and CEO, Rich Gottwald says the ‘All Association Forum’ was a positive first step in building trust and collaboration between organizations that serve the aquatic industry.
“By choosing common ground, we’ll work on issues that are meaningful to all and that advance the industry,” he adds.
Future meetings are envisioned, although no specific timeline has been agreed upon. For more information on the event, contact Gottwald via e-mail at rgottwald@apsp.org.
