The Western Pool & Spa Show celebrates its 45th anniversary. It has been held every year in Long Beach, CA since the beginning of 30 years. The Western Pool & Spa Show was attended by over 10,000 professionals in the spa and pool industry, making it one the most popular national shows.
2 Milestones Celebrated by the Western Pool & Spa Show
Eric Nielson (Director of the Western Pool & Spa Show) was our guest on the podcast. We were given some insights by him into the history of the annual event.
It started as a small tabletop, but has grown to become a community that has become our home in Long Beach. Nielson said that there are two significant milestones that we celebrate.
Nielson stated that years ago there was a small group made up of sales reps and manufacturers.
They put together a small event at Studio City, and it grew to be something much bigger. Ray Pak, or one of the heater company’s, said that they could put one of their products in the hall. That was what triggered the show floor. They started it, then brought in more products and it just kept growing. Then it moved to Pasadena’s convention center. We outgrew that. Nielson explained that there was some time in Anaheim, and then we moved to Long Beach.
The Western Show has evolved and offers something for everyone
The Western Show, as it is known in the trade, has seen a lot of changes over the years. It was once known as a Service Show but now includes more involvement in pool construction. It offers a variety of educational opportunities and seminars that attendees can take. This makes it an excellent value.
The show, which will run from to HTML35, is only open to pool trade. Register is required to attend workshops about how to become CPO, seminars in electrical and plumbing, and workshops that are offered in Spanish.
Nielson said, “We are all volunteers and our focus on education.” Nielson added that “everything we do is geared toward us being able provide that high-quality chance for educating industry.” We have many classes this year that are available for people to take advantage of at a very affordable price. You can come for $115. All three days are possible. You can take any of the 90 classes, including Spanish-speaking programs. This is a unique opportunity that you won’t find anywhere else.
Pentair and Hayward as well Watershape University, Pool Nation. Orenda Technologies. Taylor Technologies. PAL Lighting. These are the class schedules and exhibit hours for this event:
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Education: 1:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Hours of Exhibit: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 24, 2023
Education: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 pm
Exhibit Hours: 2 – 6 p.m.
Friday, March 24, 2023
Education: 8 a.m. – 1:45 pm
Hours of Exhibit: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Western Pool & Spa Show has hourly drawings and a huge giveaway at the conclusion of each event. Nielson said, “We’re giving away $20,000 in cash.” Last year, the event also gave away nearly $60,000 worth prizes. We won a Pentair pump, heater, filter and a complete equipment pad as our second prize last year. Hourly drawings are available. AquaCal Autopilot is our partner this year. The heat pump is donated by AquaCal Autopilot, which is worth approximately $9,000
The Western Show offers a great way to meet professionals, distributors and manufacturers, as well as learning about new products and innovations. It is one of the most accessible shows for those living on the West Coast and offers the greatest educational opportunities for pool professionals.
Pool Magazine will be there as well. Make sure you stop by our booth (#216), and grab the spring edition featuring Lucas Congdon. Lucas Congdon is the host of Insane Pools, and the owner of Lucas Lagoons.
Learn more about the Western Pool & Spa Show. Listen to Eric Nielson’s conversation on the Pool Magazine podcast.
The post Western Pool & Spa Show Celebrates 45th Anniversary originally appeared on PoolMagazine.com – Get the Latest Pool News.
