Bright Reflections In Orlando

photo of Orlando skyline

The Everything Under the Sun Expo

February 13-14 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida

For many in the pool and spa industry, the best reason to head for Orlando this winter is the Everything Under The Sun Expo at the Orange County Convention Center starting February 13.

This year’s event (formerly known as the Orlando Pool and Spa Show) is brimmingwith new products, networking opportunities, lively events, demonstrations and educational seminars.

“It promises to be an excellent show,” says Wendy Barsell, show manager and executive director of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, “and we have some changes in store.”

Among the differences attendees will find at this year’s Expo is a new venue for the annual show gala — now to be held at Café Tu Tu Tango. “For the last five years it’s been at Howl At The Moon,” Barsell says, “and we thought it was time for a change. This will be more of an outdoor venue, which is nice at this time of year when the weather is so beautiful.”

This private party for Expo attendees, located just a few blocks north of the convention center, features free food, an open bar, live music and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at registration or at the FSPA booth during the show.

“Another change,” Barsell adds, “is our host hotel, which is the Hyatt this year instead of the Rosen — and that means the Hyatt will host our awards ceremony, and that event will be outside as well.”

One thing that hasn’t changed, Barsell says, is the practical educational program, which draws pool and spa professionals every year. Show organizers work to ensure the lineup of classes reflects the most current issues and technologies pool and spa professionals are facing in the field.

The entire educational program is built, not just to keep professionals up to date and competitive in their fields, but also to work with the state’s requirements to keep licensing current.

“In Florida, to do anything besides water treatment, you need a license. In order to keep your license, you need 14 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, and those CE classes have to be approved by the state of Florida. It’s easy to get these credits at the show because every class we offer is approved by the state of Florida for CE credit,” Barsell says.

“And these classes are free to FSPA members and any employee of a member company. That means that if you’re a member company, and your employees aren’t licensed, you can still get great education for them at no charge. So you can bring your entire company to our show and everybody can learn how to do their jobs better, and everybody can get into the exhibit hall, and all it’s costing you is travel expenses.”

Hopefully, it’s not all business. For many attendees, once the show is concluded, the opportunity to enjoy Orlando’s world-class entertainment awaits. Whether you like beaches, theme parks or the scientific wonders of the Kennedy Space Center, the Orlando area offers something for just about everyone.

With a full slate of education, industry events and exhibitions, and the warm Orlando sun, this year’s Expo promises to draw another burgeoning crowd of pool and spa professionals. For more information, visit underthesunexpo.com.

Wednesday, February 11

8:30 a.m.

  • USDOT Hazardous Materials Certification Training Seminar

Thursday, February 12

8:30 a.m.

  • 15 Things All Successful Companies Have in Common Workshop

9 a.m.

  • Workplace Safety

10:15 a.m.

  • Workers’ Compensation for the Swimming Pool Industry

12:00 noon

  • Chapter 489 – An Overview of Contractors Responsibilities

1:30 p.m.

  • FBC Advanced Module: Swimming Pool Updates

3:00 p.m.

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

Friday, February 13

8:00 a.m.

  • Combining the Power of UV & Ozone Technology in Today’s Leisure Water Industry
  • Construction Quality and Contractual Liability
  • Phosphate Control & Enzyme Efficiency
  • Retail in the Age of Technology
  • Convert Existing Pools to Multiple Speed Pumps and Controls
  • Dive Into Solar Pool Heating
  • Effective Collections Techniques
  • Energy Efficient Pool Audit
  • Heat Pump Troubleshooting
  • Oxidation Reduction Potential
  • Problem Solving Test Interferences

9:00 a.m.

  • DBPR-CILB Laws and Rules
  • Glass Tile Installation in Pool Applications
  • Stain Discoloration Prevention and Removal
  • Store Layout and Design, a Plan for Success

1:30 p.m.

  • Coaching to Win
  • Maintenance / Service Agreements

2:30 p.m.

  • Maximizing Tax Deductions through Customized Retirement Plans
  • Pumps and Motors

Saturday, February 14

8:00 a.m.

  • Cost Reduction of Workers’ Compensation Claims & Premiums
  • General Liability Basics for Pool and Spa Service; VGB and Beyond
  • Retail Store Basics for Success
  • Construction Contracts
  • Basic Pool/Spa Water Chemistry and Testing
  • Customer Loyalty is Priceless
  • FBC Advanced Module: Entrapment Protection
  • How to Handle Salt Chlorine Generator Issues for your Staff
  • Hydraulics for Service Contractors
  • Is Flat Rate Pricing Right for your Company?

9:15 a.m.

  • 4 Keys to Building a Top Performing Team
  • Site Specific Safety Plans

10:20 a.m.

  • Advanced Pool Chemistry and Troubleshooting
  • Basic Electricity for Pool Contractors
  • Discover the Truth About Metal Staining
  • DOT Regulations for the Pool Industry
  • Florida Construction Lien Law
  • Managing for Profitability
  • Motor Troubleshooting and Replacement
  • Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

*Courses, course times/days are subject to change

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