Pool & Spa News: Expo to break records

This year's International Pool & Spa Expo will cover the most exhibit space in the show's history, said show director Rick McConnell.

Organizers had to expand the show floor four times to accommodate exhibitors. As of press time, 239,865 square feet of exhibit space had been sold. McConnell expected that number to reach 247,000 square feet before the ribbon-cutting Dec. 1 in Las Vegas. Last year's exhibits in New Orleans covered 214,000 square feet.

The press-time tally included 650 exhibiting companies, compared with the 611 who showed their wares last year. "When all is said and done, there's going to be a good 10 percent growth in the number of companies," McConnell said. Held Dec. 1-3, the Expo will include more hot-tub and backyard-product exhibits, McConnell said. Approximately 50,400 square feet will be occupied by spa manufacturers.

As for attendees, it is too early to get a true picture. But the 26 percent increase in early registrants leaves organizers optimistic.

The educational conference will include 73 seminars, compared with last year's 59. The first-ever Advanced Pool Builder Program will occur all day Monday and Tuesday. Retailers Day is slated for Tuesday. Four technical courses geared toward service technicians will be held Tuesday morning, with encore sessions in the afternoon. Tuesday's schedule includes two business courses for service companies. A tour of local pools, organized by the National Spa & Pool Institute's Southern Nevada Chapter, is on tap as well.

On Wednesday morning Rudy Ruettiger, subject of the movie "Rudy," will give the Expo's keynote address. He will discuss how he overcame the odds to become a football player for University of Notre Dame. A '70s cover band will entertain at a Welcome Party Wednesday evening at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The International Pool & Spa Expo was named one of the 50 fastest-growing conventions in North America by the publication Trade Show Week.