APSP Sets Agenda For Industry Summit

by Barrett Kilmer May 10, 2012 11:15 AM

APSP logoThe Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) will unveil the results of a year’s worth of consumer research during its 2012 Industry Summit, scheduled for Aug. 14-15 in Chicago’s Hilton Rosemont Hotel. 

The event, which the association hosts every two years, will focus on research done for the industry by the Harrison Group, a company that’s worked with clients such as Microsoft, Motorola and American Express.

“APSP is pleased to offer the pool, spa and hot tub industry decision makers a place to hear and learn about the latest consumer research and how to apply best practices in a practical, economic way,” said Bill Weber, president and CEO of the association. “Traditionally, the Industry Summit attendees represent over 75 percent of the industry buying power and this year’s Summit is on track to exceed that.”

Highlighted speakers will include:

• Doug Harrison, of the Harrison Group, who will provide insight into who the industry’s key consumers are and how the industry can best position itself to meet their needs and priorities;

• Robert Tucker, of the Innovation Resource Consulting Group, who will discuss growing through innovation;

• Gene Marks, Marks Group PC, who will discuss technology trends that can help the industry gain a competitive advantage;

• Alan Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research, who will discuss economic megatrends and how they affect business; and

• Bob Czechowicz, Masco, who will provide commentary on trends in home construction and how they impact the spa and pool industry.

Space for the Industry Summit is limited to 250 attendees. Visit www.apsp.org/summit for more information or to register.

 



Barrett Kilmer, has been on the editorial staff of AQUA magazine since 2000. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and currently lives in Madison, Wisc.

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Permalink | Comments (4)

Comments (4) -

5/10/2012 12:11:06 PM #

Is this event going to be available through webcasting.

Peter Langevin

5/15/2012 1:27:33 PM #

@peter - My guess is...probably not. They are charging $1,000 to all non-member for attending and $500 for all members. Also, the APSP is not very web-savvy. I believe it's one of the talking points at the event. If it isn't, it should be!

I was invited to go this year, but just do not have the funds to attend :-(

Matt Giovanisci

5/17/2012 1:42:08 PM #

Matt/Peter and others. Yes it has been a tough 3 yrs or more. Yes we have seen our business's and

Profits erroded and have had t make many sacrifices. Find new ways to cut down overhead, by shuting off the lights when a room is not in use, lowering the number of hours your employees work. Paying more attention to inventory levels and on and on.

If there ever was a time to attend this industry event it is now. Cut somewhere else, I and others I know (all builders) are taking the time and the expense to participate. I know that I will come away with a better understanding of what is happening and how to cure it in the limits of our own abilities and some fresh ideas thru networking with such a presiges group.

Calling it a Summitt is very appropriate, we will meet and collectivley work towards solutions to our industry's issues in this economic climate. Hope to see you there.

John C. Romano

5/17/2012 2:05:07 PM #

I appreciate your comments, John.  I agree that if there is one event for quality dealers to attend to better their business, it's the 2012 Summit.  Regarding video, we did record the seminars in 2010 and had them available for viewing post-Summit.  The work was done in-house and on a shoe-string budget.  Since we do not have the same inhouse capabilities, we are seeking outside quotes at present.  We will record the sessions if financially feasible to do so.  The expense of this year's Summit is much higher due to the quality of speakers we have booked. All that being said, video WILL NEVER capture the true spirit of the Summit and the wealth of information that is exchanged among participants during workshops and networking times -- meals, cocktail hour, etc.  

Lauren Stack

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