AQUA, the Midwest Chapter of PHTA, and the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort are planning a fun event, AQUA Live, to be held March 11-15 in 2024 at Oak Brook, Illinois.
This five-day event will focus on education, training, networking, and fun as industry professionals gather to solve the unique challenges facing the Midwestern pool & spa market.
Dan Lenz is the PHTA Midwest Chapter President and owner of All Seasons Pools & Spas. He offers a unique perspective on Spring Training. From its origins to what attendees should expect this year, he gives a glimpse into Spring Training. Haley Grace Harris, AQUA’s Haley Grace Harris answers his questions.
What is the history behind Spring Training?
Dan Lenz from All Seasons Pools & Spas, “The first event took place in March 2019. The Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, Wis. hosted the event, which was great fun. Our Chapter organized this event when they realized that the Midwest region was lacking in high-quality and affordable education. In the past, professionals from our area had to travel long distances to national shows to receive this kind of training. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead of waiting for someone else to fill the Midwest education gap, our Chapter decided that it would do the job itself and enter the trade show industry. Spring Training will be held for the fourth time.
After two years of not having the event due to the pandemic we had more attendees than ever before. Our dealer training classes attracted pool and spa professionals from as far away as Colorado and Nebraska. Many vendors asked for more space and, before the event in 2023, the Chapter questioned whether the venue we had booked was big enough to accommodate everyone. We lost two years due to the Coronavirus but came back with a bang in 2023, setting the scene for future Spring Training successes. “We’re more than ever excited for this year’s Spring Training.”
AQUA – How did AQUA become involved?
DL We spend a lot of time on these events, which we would otherwise spend with our families or businesses. This event was always envisioned as a partnership, to help maintain and grow the event. AQUA Magazine has been a friend of mine for many years. AQUA even sits on the board of directors of the Midwest Chapter. So, it was only natural that everything came together.
“The aim is to create a regional event which takes place every single year in Milwaukee or Chicago so that people can rely on it for affordable education and networking – these are the AQUA Live goals.” AQUA Live believes that the Midwest is unique when it comes to winterization. Bringing northern states together would be much easier with AQUA’s support to share our challenges and to build relationships.
Last year’s Spring Training: Scenes
What type of education is planned for the AQUA?
DL “We will definitely be offering the Certified Maintenance Specialist, Certified Service Technician, Certified Pool Operator and Certified Hot Tub technician courses from PHTA. I’m sure our national association is also bringing GENESIS in to offer some courses.
“Pentair is going to be there and they are actually starting our event off with their Academy, which runs for two days. The week will include dealer trainings and, in conjunction with them, seminars and sessions at the expo. We are also in contact with other major manufacturers, as well as the PHTA, to coordinate additional events. This event will be fun and educational, so if you are a pool or spa pro in the Midwest, you won’t miss it.”
What fun and unique events will there be for the attendees?
DL “Yes some are still planning, but my vision would be to mix the end of the expo hours with cocktail parties so that people can wander around the showfloor with a beverage in their hand. This browsing approach would create a laid-back atmosphere at the end of day one and allow people to network in a relaxed manner.
“Then the next night we’d have a completely different reception format, while still mixing exhibitors and attendees. Nighttime events can be a great way for us to create something less formal and more welcoming.
“The WAVE section of our chapter is important to us. It gives the younger generation in the pool and spa industry the chance to meet, network, and have fun together. This is crucial to the growth and maintenance of our industry and they bring a lot of energy.
“We will definitely have a Wave event and at least one cocktail reception. We’re going to do something different this year, which I can’t reveal yet. But I’m sure it will be interesting to both the attendees and the exhibitors. You’ll have to wait and see what happens at the Spring Training event.
AQUA What is the value of networking to the Midwest Chapter, and the WAVE group at an event such as Spring Training?
DL “In all the years I have worked in the industry, it is through networking that I have learned the most to help me grow my business. Networking is vital for our industry because it allows us to hear what other pool andspa professionals are doing and adapt those ideas to fit into what we do. The more information that is shared through networking, and the better it becomes for the industry. In a classroom, you can learn about heaters, pumps and filters. But networking with others, especially those who share similar interests, will give you much more.
They’re afraid they’ll say something stupid or silly, so the more they talk to each other without us old folks hovering over them, the more they will open up and learn from each other. They are afraid to say something stupid, or even silly. The more young people can interact with each other, without older folks hovering around them, the better they will open up.
For more information and to register, visit: www.aquaspringtraining.com.
