5 Things We Learned at IPSPE 2013

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

A trade show is kind of like a family reunion — you get to see all the people you don't see often and enjoy a few days of conversation, food and fun. And we at AQUA have been enjoying every minute of it. In case you couldn't make it to Vegas for this year's IPSPE (or if you came and can't get enough), we gathered together a quick list of just some of what we've learned here so far, along with a few photos of the sights along the way. 

So what did we learn this year?

1. “This is not your grandfather’s APSP.” At Monday's APSP Town Hall Meeting, outgoing Chairman Steve Gorlin, current Chairman April Nielsen and President/CEO Rich Gottwald shared the new vision of APSP. The main message of the meeting: dealers, service pros and builders need to stop seeing each other as competition and band together for success across the industry. 

2. The new generation is here. As a way to directly address the succession issue in the industry, APSP has created the Wave network, a group for young professionals to connect and share their experiences in the industry. IPSPE marked the first gathering of the Wave with drinks and networking at The Border Grill at Mandalay Bay — and it was packed. 

3. Pleatco has crowned new winners for its annual competition. Pleatco’s Perfect Pool Guy and Gal competition has always been a title eagerly sought after by the industry’s best service technicians. This year, not only have a Pool Guy and Gal been named — Tommy Rayburn and Amanda Colwell respectively, both from Texas — but a third winner was crowned in a new category dedicated to spa care professionals. The 2013 Pleatco Perfect Spa Guy: Dan Stebner. 

4. The little guy can make it big. We’ve written before about Cameron Parker, the man behind the Sip-N-Oodle. While his Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for production and a booth at IPSPE failed to meet its goal, Parker nevertheless found backers to carry his product to production — and his team to IPSPE. It just goes to show anyone can overcome the challenges of getting a product to the masses.

5. We’re already getting geared up for next year. Next year's show will move to Orlando — mark your calendars for Nov. 5-7, 2014.