Outstanding success of Melbourne Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo proves consumers are ready to buy
SPASA Australia’s Melbourne Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo was held over the weekend of February 4-6 at the Melbourne Showgrounds with thousands of eager buyers attending over the three days.
Exhibitors say they were run off their feet and that the expo clearly exceeded expectations.
This is a boon for the industry, as it shows despite covid still affecting parts of the country, consumers are keen to get out when it is safe to do so and were eager to buy swimming pools, spas and associated equipment.
The Showgrounds proved an ideal venue, with easy access, ample parking and plenty of space for exhibitors and attendees.
SPASA Australia CEO Lindsay McGrath says that they were celebrating the courageous commitment by the exhibitors who supported the event.
“They were rewarded with an incredible volume and quality attendees who came with the clear intent to purchase a pool and spa,” he says.
Melbourne-based SPASA business development officer, Daena Bougoure-Latchford, says that the expo exceeded all expectations.
“I haven’t spoken to an exhibitor yet who doesn’t have at least a year’s work in front of them,” she says.
“The only problem was there wasn’t enough industry at the expo to meet the consumer demand. It was very clear that these qualified consumers knew exactly what they were looking for and were looking to connect with every trade, product and service that relates to buying a pool or spa.”
Janina Geraghty, trade marketing manager of Fluidra agrees, saying the local Fluidra team members were run off their feet.
“They were busy the entire three days of the event answering questions from enthusiastic pool and spa consumers who came to visit our stand. Despite the expectation that covid could affect attendance, our stand has never been busier!”
Geraghty says it was clear that many attendees had been doing their research online and were keen to engage with pool and spa builders and suppliers in person, under one roof, before making a final decision on their investment.
A new exhibitor app was used to capture details of leads, aid reporting and even help manage staff numbers during peak times.
Some exhibitor comments
Wow, it’s been amazing! Beyond our expectations, we started on Friday and just thought there’d be a small crowd, but we were run off our feet! - Heavenly Saunas
It’s been fantastic, more than we expected, Friday turned out to be really very good and (Saturday) we were inundated, I could’ve done with another salesperson! - Just Spas
So pleased we just got involved and everyone’s really really busy and it was a really good decision to stick at it and the crowds have been sensational - Supreme Heating
We’ve been flat out for three days…haven’t come up for air…pool owners, new pool prospective owners its been a great time…well worth it, well worth it - Boss Solar
We’ve had really good traffic through…and the buyers, probably compared to other things we’ve been at, really keen to go and no tyre-kickers - Summertime Pools
The team's put in a huge effort and they’ve blown my expectations away, the numbers through the door have blown everyone’s expectations away, been an absolute enormous success - Sunbather
We have had lines waiting up for us to experience our knowledge, find out about the product, and buy - it's just been an amazing, mind blowing weekend - Hot Spring Spas
Next expos
Mar 19-20: Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo SA
Wayville Pavilion, Royal Adelaide Showgrounds
Apr 29-May 1: Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo NZ
Auckland Showgrounds
May 14-15: Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo NSW
Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
May 28-29: Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo Queensland
Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds
Sep 10-11: SPASA WA Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living Expo
Claremont Showgrounds
