SPASA Australia consumer pool and spa expos still going ahead

SPASA Australia has committed to continue with plans to hold the upcoming consumer expos in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane. The SPASA New Zealand consumer expo is also expected to be held in Auckland.

CEO Lindsay McGrath says that continuing with the expos is by far the best choice considering the overwhelming consumer excitement and proven intention to buy, and in light of the robust covid-safe measures put in place.

“Consumer demand for pools and spas has never been higher,” says McGrath. “Consumers are desperate to get the products and services our industry in offering. There has never been a better time to lock in business, stock and required staffing levels for the next 18 months.”

He also warns that, while consumers are keen to spend now, if they cannot book in a purchase, they may look to other recreational and discretionary spends instead.

“In that case, our opportunity will be lost," he says.

“Foot traffic is looking positive with early ticket sale above prior years, and buyers are certain to be serious. Industry members who want to exhibit and are comfortable exhibiting should be able to take advantage of this opportunity, and we have the responsibility to support them if they do.”

He says SPASA is committed to the promotion of the industry, and the consumer expos are a key component of their consumer-orientated Pool & Spa brand.

“All decisions are made in line with the strategy to promote and grow the industry,” he says.

Where practical, some events have been moved or the dates have been shifted. This includes the New South Wales expo shifting to a May date, and the Adelaide expo moving one week earlier.

Upcoming consumer expos

Feb 4-6: Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo Victoria

Melbourne Showgrounds

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

Covid-safe measures

“Safety for exhibitors and guests is paramount,” says McGrath.

“We have covid-safe plans approved by each venue and each government authority. These include the requirement for attendees to be double-vaccinated, masks to be worn, sanitiser to be freely available and social distancing promoted, as well as other measures such as scanning into the venues.”

He says the Victorian expo has a new location at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with initial ticket sales exceeding all expectations.

“Fifty per cent of total estimated attendance has already been sold, and there is still another 10 days of advertising to go. I am very excited to see the Victorian public supporting the event. The exhibitors are likely to be rewarded with excellent levels of enquiry.”

WA postponement

Unfortunately SPASA WA’s March consumer expo had to be postponed due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Western Australia’s border closures. The expo will return to Claremont Showgrounds on September 10 and 11, with all existing bookings carrying over to the September show.

SPASA WA executive officer Sadie Davidson says that by September there should be less uncertainty around restrictions.

“That will give show organiser and participants a chance to navigate to those conditions, and everything will be ready come September.

“We will also be launching a virtual show in September,” she says. “This will give people another chance to visit the show in a covid-friendly way. We had considered this earlier, but you need to have the actual physical show set up to be able to host the virtual show.”

Once the September show is up and running, a production team will come through with 3D cameras, and virtual visitors will be able to “walk through” the show.

“It will also be great for people in the regions, FIFO workers and anyone else who can’t make the show,” she says.

Unfortunately, the MBPAA consumer expo was also cancelled.