The ‘Hot Topics—Hot Breakfast’ sessions was also a part of the 2014 show. This format provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to network and learn from their peers. Four topics were tabled for discussion, including the future of retail for the pool and spa industry, retail operations—how to compete and flourish in 2015, technical issues and construction concerns, and safety issues, including jobsite safety, liability, legislation, and waivers. Each discussion was led by an assigned moderator, including David Simek (Lawrason’s Pool Products); Warren (Total Tech Pools & Leisure); Emmett DeAngelis (Precision Pools by Triple A); Rodney Taylor (Sunshine Pool & Mechanical Contractors); Brent Winnitoy (Aquafun Family Pools & Spas Ltd.); and Steve Galbraith (G&G Pool ‘n’ Spa Contracting).“The course and seminar offerings addressed a broad range of technical, business, and safety-related topics and more than 300 individuals took advantage of these training and educational opportunities,” said Wood.
Special announcements
The industry awards evening, sponsored by BioLab Canada Inc., a KIK Custom Products Company, Latham Pool Products Inc., Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors Inc., Pentair Aquatic Systems, Rheem Canada Ltd., and SCP Distributors LLC, was held in the Toronto Congress Centre’s Cohen Ballroom and was again a popular social event.
During the plated dinner, members of the PHTCC took the time to announce two special initiatives for 2015. Simek, the council’s 2014 president, presented the PHTCC’s Industry Trade Certification Program, which aims to provide members the ability to become certified as ‘Specialists’ and ‘Experts’ after successfully completing a range of educational offerings. The second announcement was unveiled by Richard Gottwald, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), a special guest to the proceedings. Gottwald and Wood announced and signed a new partnership agreement that will see the two organizations work together on many fronts.
“We are delighted with the formalization of our close relationship with the APSP,” said Wood. “In addition to expanding the level of service offered to members, this agreement will help foster efforts to collaborate on policy development, and thereby serve to further advocacy efforts on key issues of mutual interest. This is a monumental step forward for the industry in North America.”
Winner takes all
According to the PHTCC, involvement in its 2014 Design & Construction Awards competition, sponsored by Pool & Spa Marketing and Pools, Spas & Patios, neared 300 entries and participants were widespread across Canada. Thirty-nine companies received gold, silver, and bronze awards for their exceptional work in more than 40 different categories. A pictorial of the gold-winning projects can be found starting on page 46.
The final announcement made by the PHTCC board of directors was the return of the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo to the Scotiabank Convention Centre (SCC) in Niagara Falls, Ont., where the show has had success in recent years. The 2015 show is scheduled to take place Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.
