Consumers pour into expos

It seems the gloom of the water crisis, rising interest rates and a cool eastern summer have not deterred all homeowners from wanting a swimming pool. Recent consumer trade shows in two states have broken attendance records, and both reportedly had very high levels of enquiry and conversion.

In Victoria, more than 16,000 visitors swept through Melbourne’s Summer Pool and Spa Expo; while in Perth, nearly 12,000-plus consumers strolled through the Pool Spa and Outdoor Living Expo.

 

Noel Gray, organiser of the Melbourne event, said there was more than a 30 per cent increase in visitor attendance compared with the previous year.

 

“In the lead up to the show, we had been told by exhibitors that they were experiencing a high level of enquiries for pools and spas,” he said. “This was reflected in the attendance at the show. More than 100 companies were represented at this year’s expo which was also an increase on the previous event.”

 

Brendan Watkins, SPASA Victoria GM, said that SPASA invested in an ongoing campaign to reassure potential buyers of pools and spas that alternative water sources were now readily available. A visitor survey revealed the strength of the Victorian industry with over 72 per cent of visitors interested in purchasing a pool and 42 per cent of visitors interested in purchasing a spa.

 

In Perth, visitors were drawn by the good weather, the booming economy and the high quality of exhibitors. As well, an extensive marketing campaign highlighted the event for several weeks prior to show. This included advertisements on Channel Seven and Channel Nine at peak 6pm to 7pm slots the week before the show. Additionally, the expo sponsored the Perth Telethon, which provided even more exposure on Channel Seven.

 

Roger LeFort, organiser of the expo, said the IKEA-style layout helped ensure all exhibitors were seen. “The exhibitors are all happy, the customers are happy, everyone’s happy,” he said. “The exhibitors particularly are over the moon, and I’ve already had so many requests for more space next year.”

 

By prior arrangement, three trains per hour arrived at the showground rail station at the expo site, on the Perth to Freemantle line. Free parking was provided and children were also allowed in for free.