Pool buyers pack consumer shows in Perth and Sydney

If the recent Perth consumer Pool, Spa and Outdoor Living Expo at Claremont was anything to go by, the western industry will be enjoying a prosperous 2011. There was an increased number of interstate exhibitors this year, displaying the latest in swimming pools, spas, pool products, accessories and outdoor furniture.

The warm weather encouraged families to come out, with just under 10,000 attending over the two days. The exhibitors put a huge amount of time and effort into their displays which were very creative and attractive, all of which further contributed to the success of the show.

It also helped that Channel 7 mentioned the expo during the weather segment on their popular 6pm nightly news bulletin.

The continued success of the autumn show in Perth has prompted the rise of a spring show to bookend the season.

Roger LeFort, organiser of the show, says that the “Get Ready For Summer” Expo will be held on the weekend of September 3 and 4, 2011, also at Claremont Showgrounds.

“The response has been nothing short of overwhelming, so much so that all space in the Robinson Pavilion has been sold already,” he says. “However, there is still space available at the adjacent Webster pavilion, which will provide exhibitors with an extra 1000 square metres.”

Meanwhile in New South Wales, nearly 5000 attended the Pool & Spa Expo at Rosehill. The expo featured 90 exhibitors and included 12 consumer seminars. More than 3500 Pool and Spa Essentials magazines were distributed over the two days.

Rosehill was packed full of feature displays, special show offers and new releases from leading suppliers, plus many of Sydney’s award-winning pool, spa and landscape designers. Also on display were the latest shade systems, gazebos, pool and spa heating systems, barbecues, outdoor furniture, outdoor tiles and pool/spa finishes and much more.

The introduction of a “roving reporter” on the expo floor provided exhibitors with another forum to showcase their products and services. These video clips have already been provided to participating exhibitors.

“SPASA NSW spent an enormous amount of resources coordinating and promoting the 2011 expo and I am happy to report that 4900 consumers attended the expo – a 10 per cent increase over the previous year,” says Spiros Dassakis.

“The general consensus, after talking with many exhibitors, was that the level of genuine inquiry had surpassed expectations and that they were very satisfied with the leads generated.”