The global pandemic has caused another industry event to pivot.
With the numbers of COVID-19 cases continuing to climb, organizers of the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo and DeckExpo, originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, have decided to deliver the event online.
While the decision was difficult, it came after Informa, which owns and organizes the event, surveyed its clients. “We just really wanted to do what was right for the pool, decking, and outdoor living community,” said Ray Giovine, group director for Informa Marketing and PSP/DeckExpo.
The event will still take place on its original dates, Nov. 11-13.
Educational sessions will be presented during that time period. The pre-conference program, including one- to three-day programs from Genesis and the Pool & Hot Tub Association (PHTA), will take place, though more will be determined as to exactly how these sessions are delivered. Among the entire educational slate, organizers expect some sessions to be streamed live and available later, while others will be presented on-demand only.
“We’re planning to have the same robust education and sessions that we had before,” Giovine said.
Vendors and attendees will have opportunities to connect, such as through a Virtual Expo Hall and a matchmaking platform, where show organizers coordinate meetings between manufacturers and attendees.
The event's virtual iteration also will include the popular Power Panels, where highly regarded professionals field questions pertaining to their segments – either building, service or retail.
“It’s still evolving, but we’re seeing that there is a lot of positive feedback from some of the other Informa events that are switching,” Giovine said of the whole event.
Last month, Informa announced it would hold PSP in collaboratation with DeckExpo, an event catering to the custom builders, dealers, contractors and other construction professionals and firms involved in the making of decks, docks and railings. That partnership, known as a co-location, will continue in the virtual version.
“Like the in-person event, it will connect pool, spa, patio, decking, and outdoor living professionals from across North America,” organizers said in a press release. “This revised format allows participants to hear from industry leaders, discover new technology and product launches, and engage with new and existing connections.”
While this decision comes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers and allies plan to take advantage of what has turned out to be an extremely busy year.
Obviously we’re disappointed not to meet with people in person, but we’re excited to bring a robust platform to the pool industry," Giovine said. "Just speaking with the industry, we know that they’re having a great year, that the pool business is on fire, and we hope this event will take the momentum and carry it forward as we look forward to 2021 and to Dallas next November [2021]."
Registration is expected to open in the fall. For updated information, consult the PSP/DeckExpo website.
