The Sunshine State is set to welcome pool and spa professionals to the 2020 Everything Under the Sun Expo in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 14-15.
This year’s event will be held in Orange County Convention Center’s West Hall E., a space that will be able to easily accommodate the expected turnout of up to 4,000 attendees and approximately 170 exhibitors.
Attendees can expect a robust schedule of educational offerings as well as crowd-pleasing features, old and new.
For one, the Concierge Registration Service, which debuted last year, is back. “It was a great success, especially for companies who have numerous people attending and taking a variety of education courses,” says Wendy Parker Barsell, executive director of the Florida Swimming Pool Association. Those who don’t want to register for the show online, Parker Barsell explains, can simply call FSPA and the staff will answer questions and register them. But, she notes, they need to know what they want to take before calling.
New this year is a special program that honors the memory of past FSPA President Brian Kelly, who passed away last September. The Scholarship Stride, which is open to all, is a step counting competition and fundraiser for the FSPA Scholarship Fund. Participants compete for daily prizes and special contests throughout the show. The steps are tracked on a public leaderboard viewable on the show floor. To participate, simply register for the program during show registration, and receive a link to download an app that connects to your phone, FitBit, Garmin, etc.
Speaking of apps, the show’s mobile app is available again this year. Free to FSPA members, it allows users to locate exhibitors, peruse educational offerings, take notes, find specific speakers and more. It can be found at the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Attendees can register online. Visit underthesunexpo.com.
Educational pursuits
The education track boasts 75 sessions, and are divided into 9 categories: Builder, Codes & Standards/Required Classes, Spanish Language, Genesis, Learning Lab, Maintenance, Owner/Manager, Sales/Marketing, and Service. Also of note is 12 hours’ worth of education across two sessions for those seeking or renewing an LP Gas License. And, as in previous years: “Any employees sent to the show can get education for free,” says Parker Barsell.
That’s welcome news, especially in light of the state’s licensing requirements. FSPA is an approved course sponsor by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and the Board of Landscape Architects.
Some sessions are bound to be standouts. Genesis and required classes for licenses traditionally fill up quickly, Parker Barsell notes. The five Genesis courses run Wednesday through Saturday, and cover a wide range of pool construction techniques and issues, including engineering, service, and a business session.
Five classes taught in Spanish will cover pool/spa pumps and motors; salt chlorine generators; heat pumps; energy efficiency; and hydraulic principles.
This year, the show offers 11 Learning Labs on the show floor to offer product-specific sessions led by manufacturers.
The full schedule of education sessions can be found on the Expo’s website.
Here comes the fun
The 2020 Welcome and Awards Reception is Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the convention center’s Sunburst Room. This celebration of industry accomplishments features design and chapter awards, Person of the Year, and FSPA Hall of Fame inductees. Appetizers, cocktails and music round out the evening. RSVP to 941-952-9293 by Feb. 3 to attend for free; onsite check-in will be $20 per person.
B.B. King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando is the place to be during the Friday Night Party on Feb. 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is $35 and there will be food, libations and live music. Buy tickets during show registration or at the door ($40).
Show schedule
THURSDAY, FEB. 13
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Education Sessions
8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Show Registration Open
6:30 p.m.
Awards & Welcome Reception in Sunburst Room OCCC
FRIDAY, FEB. 14
6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Show Registration Open
8 a.m.- Noon
Education Sessions
10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
12:30-5 p.m.
Learning Lab courses inside exhibit hall
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Friday Night Private Party at B.B. King’s
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Show Registration Open
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Education Sessions
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Noon-3 p.m.
Learning Lab courses inside exhibit hall