This week, industry professionals visited Atlantic City to take in the sights, education, new products and more of the 2020 Pool & Spa Show. The show expected to draw in over 10,000 attendees and 400-plus exhibitors. Here are just a few highlights from the show floor:
1. A live podcast from The Pool Chasers featured new PHTA President Sabeena Hickman. The podcast was part of The Pool Chaser's Live Podcast Tour, with upcoming stops in Orlando, Fla. and Long Beach, Calif. If you want to catch them on the road, admission is free and details can be found here.
2. Hungarian spa manufacturer Wellis made an impressive splash with a sprawling booth right at the show's entrance. As one of Europe's largest manufacturers of spas, the company decided to break into the U.S. market after making its trade show debut at the 2018 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas. Wellis CEO Zsolt Czafik explains why he believes his company is poised for success in the highly competitive American hot water marketplace here.
3. Show-goers were treated to a live a cappella rendition of "God Bless America" to open the show on Tuesday.
4. Latham unveiled a bold, fresh rebranding, reflected in a new booth design. The new brand identity includes a completely redesigned website, logo, graphics and collateral. The company says it hopes to reinforce its position as the global swimming pool thought leader, creating a memorable presence that stands out in a visually uniform brand marketplace.
5. Industry pros took advantage of hands-on, learning opportunities on the show floor. Here, live demonstrations of tile and coping techniques were on display.
6. The PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network, open to industry professionals under the age of 40, event sold out. The seminar discussed how to create customer experiences that keep customers for life and amplify customer loyalty. Attendees learned how to give "wow!" customer service.
7. NESPA recognized top builders and service companies in its Outstanding Achievement Awards. For the first time ever, the winners were celebrated at the 2020 Welcome Party. After the event, winners stopped by the NESPA Membership Suite on the show floor to claim their award and see the award-winning projects up close.