On the first day, walking into the Piscina and Wellness Show (see full story on page 102), it felt very different from walking into an expo in the United States. It was great to discover that many of the booths looked like cafes and tapas bars, especially when I was jet-lagged. Travel guides will tell you that cafes and bars in Barcelona are a must. The exhibitors of the pool and wellbeing show wanted to showcase this essential part of the city.
In order to achieve this, the booths were large and had multiple ‘cafe style’ tables, barista coffee bars, and wine bars. As the aroma of coffee and red wine wafted through the trade show aisles, bartenders poured out their drinks. There were also tapas.
Piscina Barcelona offers a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
The booths were filled with so many tables that you didn’t need to visit the famous tapas bars in downtown Barcelona. Instead, servers offered jamon serrano and croquetas as well as jamon iberico and homemade crepes.
Like dancers carrying trays of delicious savories. You were welcomed with croissants, coffee, fresh fruit, and cheese in the morning. The food court was not missed at all.
The “Wellness Experience”, an area of the show, is a true experience.
There were always people at the tables and booths, sitting down, drinking, chatting, and of course, doing business. When I entered a booth, I was asked, “Can I bring you anything to drink or eat?” The importance of a booth is always felt
Before getting down to the business, take care of your guests.
The brands were familiar and there were also some I had never heard of. The products were similar to those sold in the United States, but there were also some new ones that are not available here. There were 30+ hours of show floor time — from 10-7 every day over four days, and on the third night, exhibitors could host ‘pool parties.’ The booths were set up to make you feel like you’re in a bar, with music and videos on big screens.
The wellness side of the show offered unique experiences not usually found in the United States, from thermal yoga to sonotherapy and breathing and mindfulness as well as facial treatment!
This show is distinguished by its stylish booths and layouts.
Over 14,000 people from more than 100 countries visited the booths, and they all spoke English as well as other European languages.
Piscina and Wellness Barcelona could be a good option for you if you want to experience a new spa and pool show or you would like to see how it is on the other side. The big international show alternates between Barcelona and Lyon every year, so it will be in France next year. This is an experience that will give you new insights into our industry and products, and make you love Barcelona’s cafes and tapas bars.
