Soon it will be time to head for the beach — Long Beach, Calif. that is. The 45th Western Pool & Spa Show returns to the seaside city on March 23-25, 2023.
True, the coronavirus hasn’t disappeared and organizers were still working on show details at press time, but it looks as if things are returning to a more normal state for the upcoming event.
As participants will remember, last year at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, there were sanitizing stations throughout the facility, separate entrance and exits, and attendees needed to wear masks and show proof of vaccination. As for 2023, organizers were working out the many details of the event when PSN caught up with Show President Peter Haverlation. But he was able to report that WPSS will not have the same look as it did earlier in the pandemic.
Of course, organizers hope this year’s show enjoys another good turnout. Haverlation notes that the event will return to the 78,000-square-foot Hall C. There’s no admission fee for people registering online; those who wait to register at the venue will be charged a $10 admission fee.
The exhibit hall hours will vary: On opening day, Thursday, the show floor will be accessible from 6 to 9 p.m. On Friday, the doors are open 2 to 6 p.m. And on Saturday, the hall will be open for business from 1 to 6 p.m.
Show details such as the Exhibitors Mixer, which has kicked things off in the past, were still being developed at press time. But it can be reported that product giveaways will return this year. Door prizes will be awarded all three days of the show. And, yes, the highly anticipated $20,000 giveaway will end the event on a high note.
Golf, anyone?
Speaking of giveaways, the popular putting contest on a 9-hole course on the show floor is returning. The goal is to raise money for the California Pool & Spa Association and, as Haverlation notes, the show has been able to give CPSA $10,000 for a number of years. “We hope to do so again,” he says. “They do so much for the industry.”
He also points out that attendees often bring their children to the show and the 9-hole course gives the kids something to do.” And, let’s face it, the grownups get a kick out of the putting green too.
But that’s not the only thing golf enthusiasts have to look forward to. The CPSA golf tournament for pool and spa professionals returns to Skylinks at Long Beach Golf Course on the Wednesday before the show, March 22. It will include a buffet lunch beforehand, and prize contests at certain holes.
Knowledge is Power
A major part of the show is the educational program, and once again, organizers have put together a comprehensive schedule. With 84 sessions, many of which also are taught in Spanish, pool and spa professionals should have no trouble brushing up on basics — and exploring new topics of interest.
Even a quick look at the lineup for Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows the variety of topics to be covered. From water chemistry, algae, hydraulics, filtration, plaster issues and stains to marketing, billing and more, the lineup has something for industry newcomers and veterans alike. And, yes, Haverlation will be an instructor again, leading a class titled “There’s More to Know Than Pushing a Pole,” on Friday at 11 a.m.
As for the array of classes, he says chemistry is a topic that “everyone wants to know about.” Besides various industry professionals and companies leading classes in their specialties, there also will be sessions by the Pool, Spa & Aquatics Alliance and GENESIS.
Last year there was a two-day virtual CPO class and, reports Haverlation, “Some learned better online — a benefit of the pandemic.” As of this writing, it looks as if the virtual class will be returning.
The Product Showcase is coming back this year, giving attendees a look at new and useful industry items. Indeed, last year 18 companies were represented.
Finally, reflecting on the upcoming show, Haverlation says, “One hopes that the more people know, the more they can learn. I’m 53 years in the business and have been teaching classes; I’m trying to pass on information so we can be even better than last year.”
To register and for more details, visit westernshow.com.
