This year, all roads lead to Orlando. The popular vacation destination is home to not one, but two industry trade shows this year, starting with the Orlando Pool and Spa Show this month followed by the 2014 PSP Expo in November.
First up is the mainstay show of the sunshine state: the Orlando Pool and Spa Show. This year’s show will also include the Solar Energy Show, and show organizers are embracing the addition with a new name.
“The FSPA board of directors has expressed interest in the annual trade show expanding beyond just swimming pool and spa products,” says Wendy Parker Barsell, executive director of the Florida Swimming Pool Association. “In 2013, the association began managing the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association on a contract basis. They were looking for ways to increase their presence and ways to raise funds for their association. As a result of both, we made the decision to expand the show and rename it the ‘Everything Under the Sun Expo.’”
The expo will feature more than 225 exhibitors across the pool, spa, outdoor living and solar industries, and more than 75 education courses — 80 percent of which are brand new offerings.
“Our education coordinator is always working to be sure that the courses address the most current issues and technologies for our industry,” Parker Barsell says.
Classes are free to FSPA members and any employee of member companies.
As for events, the fun kicks off Thursday, February 20 with the FlaSEIA Solar Power Open Golf Tournament at Orange County National. The tournament includes 18 holes of golf with cart, range balls and a breakfast and hot lunch for $125 per person — and it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy the sun.
If you enjoyed last year’s tour of the Wet n’ Wild waterpark, you might want to look into this year’s tour of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. And like last year, a Sustainability Tour of the Orange County Convention Center will offer attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the second-largest solar array in the United States.
On Thursday, February 20, mark your calendar for the Awards and Welcome Reception at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The reception, free to show exhibitors and registered attendees, will showcase the exceptional pools, spas and water features being built in Florida.
Finally, the annual industry party will be held Friday night at Howl at the Moon, a gathering that attracts nearly 1,000 people, according to Parker Barsell. With free food, an open bar, entertainment and time with fellow pool pros, it’s easy to see why.
With all of the education, events and exhibitors, it’s clear to see the Orlando Pool and Spa Show (and Solar Energy Show) really does have everything under the sun. For more information on the show, visit underthesunexpo.com.
Wednesday, February 19
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- LP Gas Exam Prep Course
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Genesis 3 courses: Design 202: Sketch Up, Design 211: Elements of Design
Thursday, February 20
8 a.m.
- Solar Power Open Golf Tournament
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Exhibitor Move-in
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Genesis 3 courses: Design 202: Sketch Up, Design 211: Elements of Design
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Education Sessions (See full education lineup for more)
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Show Registration Open
1 p.m.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon behind the scenes
2 p.m.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon behind the scenes
2:30 p.m.
- Sustainability Tour of Orange County Convention Center (including rooftop solar array)
3 p.m.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon behind the scenes
6 p.m.
- Welcome Reception/ Design Awards - Rosen Plaza Hotel
Friday, February 21
Exhibit Hall Open: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Show Registration Open
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Education Sessions (See full education lineup for more)
12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Hands-on courses inside exhibit hall (See full education lineup for more)
6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
- Private Industry Party - Howl at the Moon
Saturday, February 22
Exhibit Hall Open: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Show Registration Open
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Education Sessions (See full education lineup for more)
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Hands-on courses inside exhibit hall (See full education lineup for more)
3:30 p.m.
- Exhibitor Move-out
EDUCATION SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 20
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Swimming Pool and Spa Start-Up Course
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- LP Gas Exam
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 15 Things All Successful Companies Have in Common Workshop
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Workplace Safety
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
- Workers’ Compensation Update
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- FBC Advanced Module: Swimming Pool Updates
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Salt Chlorinator Service Calls - Breaking it Down
3:15 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Friday, February 21
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
- ADA Regulations for Pools and Spas
- ENERGY STAR - Pump Qualification Criteria and Retail Partner Certification
- Motion is Money
- Pool Popping Accidents and Prevention
- Solar Contractor Licensing in Florida
- Solar Water Heating Basics
- Technology for the Small Business Owner: From Chaos to Control
- Understanding and Using the NPC’s New Plaster Start-Up Method
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Business 331: Job Costing for Profit vs. Existence
- Coaching to Win
- Design 181: Major Renovation of Pools - Design and Construction Considerations
- Energy Efficient Swimming Pool and Spa Hydraulic Design
- Fifteen Things Successful Companies have in Common
- Florida Construction Lien Law
- Hot Water Chemistry
- Water Features and Effects
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
- Convert Existing Pools to Multiple Speed Pumps and Controls
- Ozone and Germicidal UV: A Synergistic Approach
- Solar Water Heating System Inspection
10:20 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
- Basic Business Planning: Taking Your Business to the Next Level
- Business 106: Design and Construction Agreements
- FBC Advanced Module: ANSI-15 and ANSI-7 Flow Requirements and TDH
- Gas Heaters: Demystified and Simplified
- How to Achieve Efficient Water Chemistry
- Hydraulics for Service Contractors
- Manage a Pool Company
- OSHA Training for Service Technicians
- Salt Pools 101
- Secrets to Earning More by Selling Less
- Swimming Pool Energy Audits
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
- Construction 104: Waterproofing
- Construction Quality and Contractual Liability
- Glass Tile Installation in Pool Applications
- Photovoltaic System Basics
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Hands-on course: Installation, Operation and Troubleshooting of the new Jxi Gas Heater, presented by Zodiac Pool Systems
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- DBPR-CILB Laws and Rules
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Hands-on course: Installation and Operation of the new Z4 Control System with iAquaLink and Jandy Nicheless Light, presented by Zodiac Pool Systems
Saturday, February 22
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
- Construction 323: Outdoor Kitchen Construction
- FBC Advanced Module: Energy Efficiency Regulations for Pools/Spas
- Insurance Basics for Business
- Oxidation Tools for Pools in Florida’s Tough Climate
- Risk Transfer Mechanisms for Contractors
- The Art and Science of Plaster
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Basic Pool/Spa Water Chemistry and Testing
- Motor Troubleshooting and Replacement
- Motors and Pumps
- Product and Service Pricing for Profit
- Proven Green Technologies for Commercial Pools
- Understanding Solar Technology
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
- An Overview of Contractor’s Responsibilities
- Construction Contracts
- Site Specific Safety Plans
- Solar Pool Heating Basics
- The Water in Your Pool/Spa: Have You Considered the Source
10:20 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
- Cost Cutting to Increase Profits
- Design and Repair of a Solar Pool Heating System
- Discover the Truth About Metal Staining
- DOT Regulations for the Pool Industry
- Engineering 181: Major Renovations of Pools - Structural and Hydraulic Considerations
- Improving Company Visibility and Income
- Pool Surface Forensics 101
- Public Pools: Navigating FBC and DOH Requirements
- Variable Frequency Drive and SVRS Pumps
- Water Testing and Treatment Myths
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Advanced Automation (Sizing and Retrofit)
- In-Floor Cleaning and Circulation Systems
- Managing the Cost of Risk
- Reducing the Cost of Workers’ Compensation
- Solar Heating Pool Inspection
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Hands-on course: VGreen165 - One Motor, Limitless Applications, presented by Century Electric Motors
