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Review of The International Pool & Spa Expo (Nov. 16-18)

While no one disagreed with the fact the the recent IPSE trade show was smaller than previous shows, there was a definite degree of optimism across the convention floor that was not evident at last years' show.  While attendance and booth size were down, the attendees present were there to do business and plan for the 2010 season with a positive outlook.

Poolandspa.com chose a rather appropriate location in November to unveil its own unique form of stimulus package.  Rather than hunker down in the face of a depressed market, we chose to introduce many new innovative marketing concepts for the pool & spa industry at the International Pool & Spa Expo in Las Vegas.  In the process, we gained numerous new advertisers from our industry who showed the willingness to expand into new, previously untapped markets.

Reckless spending?  Or a shot of much needed adrenaline for our industry? Like the "other" stimulus package that came from Washington in recent months, only time will tell.  However, while no one can say with certainty when this recession will end, we all know that it WILL eventually end.  And the companies that will survive, and emerge as the "new" industry leads, will be those who continued to innovate, promote and expand during the coming 12 months.

To learn more about increasing market share, read this report, Marketing Pools & Spas in a Slow Economy

Of special note from the IPSE show, were these companies, whose new products for 2010 and their forward thinking attitude deserve recognition.

Cal Spas	Managed by Shiva Noble, Cal Spas continued to innovate through the 2009 season and has expansion plans for 2010.  With their new licensing and production agreement with Coleman Spas, and their new mini I-Spa product, they are poised to stay an industry leader throughout the coming years.
Premium Leisure	Brian Wiley has transformed Premium Leisure into one of the most expanding and active spa brands here in the US, and now also in Europe.  The new line of Leisure's Edge hot tubs mark a distinctly different and unique design for spas.  Their plans for expansion in 2010 should be rewarded by increased market share for their units. which now include Premium Leisure, Gulf Coast Spas, Pilates H20 Spas and Pinnacle Spas, among others
Doughboy Pools	While other above ground pool companies are closing down nationwide, Doughboy pools displayed their new pools for 2010 and they have plans of continuing to be a leader in the above ground industry, even though that industry has been severely hit in recent years due to bad weather and a bad economy.  They should be commended for their continuing efforts.
Viking Pools	We all know that the inground swimming pool industry has taken a huge hit over the last 18 months, but Viking Pools continues to be a leader in the fiberglass pool category.  The new pools they displayed at the trade show prove that they are still the best at what they do.  Their continued marketing of their products will put them up front in consumer's minds for 2010.
Coast Spas	With the addition of their new spa line Tublicious, Coast Spas is continuing to innovate in a slow spa economy.  Their Tublicious spas have an innovative one piece "all-acrylic" shell AND cabinet, and are small in size...being geared to empty nesters and folks with small yards.  Kudos to Stacey McGee and here entire team for their innovative efforts in the spa industry.
Sea Clear	With the pool & spa industry in the doldrums, many chemical manufacturers have seen their sales slip.  Not true for Sea Clear - their innovative line of pool and spa clarifiers continue to gain market share throughout the recession.  These clarifiers are nothing like anything else on the market and will surely be a hit with consumers nationwide.
Dynasty Spas	Dynasty Spas probably "stole the show" with their huge, modern, high-tech booth featuring their new 2010 spa models.  Of particular note was their new spa, which was shown in a bright red acrylic color, prominently placed in the center of their booth.  Their focus on "what's under the hood" was also very innovative.  Backlit spa pack and equipment lighting made their spa equipment look like a high-tech gaming computer.  They also showcased their huge mobile showroom which was covered in a very bright and colorful "photo-wrap", which surely would gain attention in any spa dealer's parking lot. Congratulations to Sam Natter and his team for their marketing efforts!