New directions for Sydney consumer show

In April, Darling Harbour was once again the venue for SPASA NSW’s consumer Pool & Spa Expo.

More than 2500 people came to see the exhibitions and sign up for new swimming pool, spas and pool equipment. This figure was only slightly down on 2007, but is considerably lower than the boom events of 2005 and 2006.

“Not as many people came through the door as last year,” says Brian Hardiman, General Manager of SPASA NSW. “But all the pool builders commented that the quality of enquiry was high and they had plenty of time to talk to the prospects.”

There were a few changes this year, with April being earlier than the May timing of the previous year, but later than 2006’s March event. Another change was turning the Friday into a free event, and restricting it to the afternoon and evening. The aim of this was to encourage networking as well as consumer traffic. Complementary drinks were provided for consumers and exhibitors, and the evening was considered a success. Unfortunately, there was some rain around on the weekend, which may have had an adverse affect on getting huge numbers of mums and dads through the door.

SPASA is currently undertaking a review into the future direction of the Sydney pool show. This will involve getting feedback from builder members and suppliers, and will look at such questions as who should organise the next show, whether Darling Harbour is the right venue, whether it should be held every second year, or even if it should become a combined trade and consumer show.