Next week more than 2000 pool and spa professionals are expected to attend the 2015 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo, which takes place Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, for the opportunity to network with industry peers and colleagues.
According to the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC), organizers of the show, more than 1100 people have already pre-registered for the 35th expo, which is heading back to Niagara Falls, Ont., after returning to Toronto last year.
Once again, the conference will enable attendees to participate in the two-day Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) Certification program, which will be offered in English and French, on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. One noticeable change attendees will see this year is the refined seminar and short course educational program being offered at the conference, as it will allow delegates to achieve their ‘Aquatic Recreation Industry Specialist’ and/or ‘Aquatic Recreation Industry Expert’ designation through the PHTCC’s certification program. Further, representatives of builder/service member businesses can earn the required 200 educational credits to qualify their companies for free legal advice/coverage under the DAS Insurance Program.
On Dec. 3, the Hot Topics/Hot Breakfast Roundtable Discussions, which has proven to be an ideal method for peer-to-peer networking, will return for the fourth year. Topics such as ‘Retail Operations: How to Compete and Flourish’ and ‘Technical Issues and Construction Concerns for Builders and Service Personnel’ will be the focal point.
Another new feature this year will be a free ‘Pool School’ offered on the show floor where attendees will get the chance to hone their technical skills under the watchful eye of Steve Galbraith, ‘The Pool Guy.’
A complimentary lunch will be provided on both days of the expo at the on-site Bistro, while those who missed out on getting their caricature completed last year should make a point of visiting the PHTCC booth, as Cartoon Bob will be back. The PHTCC’s booth, located in the centre of the show floor, will also be hosting a variety of fun activities for attendee participation.
With regards to the 2015 Design and Construction Awards Ceremony, which is sponsored by Pool & Spa Marketing and Pools, Spas & Patios, the PHTCC has overhauled this year’s event considerably. The traditional awards banquet has been separated into two distinct functions on the evening of Dec. 2. The ‘Awards Ceremony’ will be held in the Fallsview theatre at the Scotiabank Convention Centre (free admission) with an ‘Industry Party’ taking place at the Dragonfly Nightclub (highly subsidized entry fee). The party will include a DJ, dance floor, food and host bar, and will be conveniently located across the street from the headquarters hotel. According to the association, more than 300 entry wristbands have already been sold for this event.
Exhibitors and attendees alike can also navigate all the conference and expo has to offer via the show’s new mobile app—from registration and hotel reservations to exhibitor lists and profiles, interactive show and conference floor plans, conference schedule, session details, and speaker profiles. It can be downloaded for free via Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching for ‘Canadian Pool and Spa Expo 2015.’
The December issue of Pool & Spa Marketing contains your official guide to the 2015 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo. To review the program schedule, awards banquet details, floor plan, and exhibitor listing, click here.
