November 11–13, 2020
Poolspapatio.com
As Las Vegas remains a pandemic hot spot, the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo is going virtual for 2020. Pool professionals have mixed feelings: While they understand the need to avoid large crowds, they say they’ll miss connecting with fellow dealers and manufacturers.
As the industry does its best to embrace the future, a virtual expo allows attendance at a larger number of seminars for personal and business development. Here’s a mock-up webinar schedule to help you get the most out of this year’s virtual event.
Day 1: Wednesday, November 11
10-11:15 a.m. EST (Live)
Power Panel: Retail
Presented by Matt Gohlke, president at Gohlke Pools; Mallory Bjekich-Wachowski, retail operations manager at DesRochers Backyard Pools and Spas; Jane Merritt, owner at Anchor Pools & Spas Inc.
Designed especially for pool, spa and backyard retailers, this live Power Panel will bring together the best forward-thinking minds in the industry. During this fast-paced, interactive session, ask questions and hear real solutions to today’s toughest issues, including:
The Pandemic
- How has your year been?
- How was your area impacted?
- Did you ever close your retail store?
- Did you do anything differently (free delivery/curbside service etc.)?
Business Operation
- What software do you use?
- What KPIs (if any) do you use?
Staffing
- How do you hire your retail store staff? Where do you find them?
- What is your training process?
- Do they have a procedural manual? Checklists?
- Plus more in marketing, inventory management, competition and the future of retail.
On Demand
Winning Customer Satisfaction — How to Win Your Clients’ Hearts, Minds and Wallets*
Presented by Brett Abbott, strategic and tactical marketing systems, Pool Builders
This session will show you how to create a culture within your company that encourages all employees to maximize customer satisfaction without “giving away the farm.” It includes specific tips on:
- Dealing with angry customers
- Dealing with negative reviews
- Getting employees to take ownership of problems
- Becoming memorable in the minds of your clients
“I think virtual is the best choice. I know in our corner of the world we’re having a huge spike, and if they had it in person, I probably would not go anyway.”
Audra Johnson
Partner, Johnson’s Pools & Spas
Owego, New York
On Demand
Cash Flow and Cash Flow Budgeting*
Presented by Tom Grandy, president at Grandy & Associates
This session walks the contractor through the process of developing a month-by-month, department-by-department cash flow budget. During this session, we will also discuss payables, receivables and a formal collection policy. Numerous cash flow tips will be covered, including a discussion on the benefits, and potential pitfalls, of having a line of credit.
Learning Objectives
- How to create a month-by-month, department-by-department, cash flow budget to project future cash flow needs
- Find out if one department is subsidizing another department
- How a formal collections policy will help ensure improved cash flow
- The pros and cons of a line of credit
On Demand
Managing Effectively Through Effective Leadership*
Presented by Mario Rossetti, president at Rossetti Enterprises, LLC
Management may be the most misunderstood sector in the company structure. It seems as if every year there is a new management style promoted to business owners. This seminar cuts through the hype and centers on the key to great management: Leadership.
Learning Objectives
- Prepare to become a successful manager
- Discover what leadership is really all about
- Uncover the best attributes of the successful manager
- Determine how to measure success in management
4–5 p.m. EST (Live)
Master Pools Guild Make a Splash Reception
Presented by Master Pools Guild
Join your fellow attendees and virtually toast to a successful Day 1. Reunite with old friends, make a new connection or two and get to know the Master Pools Guild. We’ll have fun conversation and a few games with great prizes. Everyone is invited as we make a splash and make history uniting participants in the first virtual happy hour hosted at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
Day 2: Thursday, November 12
10–11:15 a.m. EST (Live)
Power Panel: Builder
Presented by Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance at AquaStar Pool Products; Scott Cohen, president at The Green Scene; Charlie Claffey, president/CEO at Claffey Pools; Buzz Ghiz, self-employed
During this fast-paced, interactive session, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear the panel’s solutions to today’s toughest issues. Bring your entire team to really strengthen your operation.
On Demand
Adding Leak Detection to Your Services*
Presented by Darren Merlob, owner at LeakTronics
This session will discuss how to provide complete leak-detection services to your customer without having to refer them to a third party.
You’ll learn how to:
- Perform a thorough non-invasive leak detection
- Turn leak detections into repair bids
- Use non-invasive leak detection equipment
- Use new technology to make leak detection easier
On Demand
Water Balance Basics — The LSI is Your Friend*
Presented by Wayne Ivusich, BA, MS, CPO, CPI, PHTA CPO instructor; manager of education and technical services at Taylor Technologies, Inc.
An interactive seminar discussing the parameters of water balance and how they interrelate, and how maintaining proper water balance can increase your profit margins. The class will troubleshoot specific water-balance scenarios as they relate to unusual conditions and circumstances.
Learning Objectives
- Improve understanding of water balance parameters with a systematic presentation/review
- Evaluate the relationship between these parameters
- Learn to teach and review the recommended guidelines for pool/spa water balance parameters
- Initiate group problem-solving activities.
On Demand
Outdoor Living: How to Create Beautiful and Comfortable Outdoor Rooms** | D423
0.1 IACET CEUs
Presented by Kate Wiseman, MLA, principal landscape designer at Sage Outdoor Designs, GENESIS design faculty advisor
What does it take to design a beautiful and comfortable outdoor room? We will discuss these elements with plenty of designer tips and tricks to get your clients living alfresco. Discussion on methods and practices will help you determine the layout and location of site improvements, tie outdoor living spaces with water elements, and learn aesthetics and style for outdoor living. We will also discuss up-and-coming trends in outdoor living.
Learning Objectives
- Define a design method for comfortable and beautiful outdoor living spaces
- Discuss outdoor living trends and common elements of outdoor rooms
- Better integrate outdoor living spaces with onsite water elements
- Apply these concepts to an outdoor living case study
“We were very disappointed to hear of the decision to make the conference virtual this year. The past several years, we have attended and placed several thousands of dollars worth of orders with various companies. Sometimes a product is better received when seen in person versus a static picture in an email. We are also missing out on a ton of educational and networking opportunities. I know courses will be available online, but it is from the interactions in classes between peers that I have learned the most. While I can understand the decision not to have the event, our industry would have been better served to have the event while taking proper precautions and allowing participants who do not feel comfortable not to attend instead of forcing that decision on everyone.”
Ken Thompson
Owner, Clarity Pool & Patio
Auburn, Indiana
Day 3: Friday, November 13
10–11:15 a.m. EST (Live)
Power Panel: Service
Presented by Javier Payan, president and CEO at Payan Pools; Julie Kazdin Boucher, vice president and partner at Kazdin Pools; Steve DeCook, owner at Ekonomy Pool Service; Dan Lenz, vice president at All Seasons Pools & Spas, Inc.; Mitch Donald, owner at Superior Pool Service
Topics will include alternative sanitizers; cyanuric acid levels; specialty products like enzymes, phosphate remover and clarifiers; plus speed pumps and what the upcoming pool season will look like.
On Demand
How to Prepare for Federal Pool Pump Regulations That Will Impact Your Business and Boost Sales**
0.1 IACET CEUs
Presented by Jeff Farlow, program manager of energy initiatives at Pentair Aquatic Systems; Scott Petty, global product manager: pumps and filters at Hayward Pool Products
In July 2021, new federal regulation for energy-efficient pool pumps go into effect and will eliminate the poorest-performing pool pumps from the market. Many homeowners wish to save energy and reduce their energy expenses. By purchasing energy-efficient products including pool pumps, consumers can benefit from ENERGY STAR rebates and long-term energy savings. Attendees will gain understanding of future U.S. Department of Energy pool pump regulations and how to address this issue with their customers.
Learning Objectives:
- Properly design a plumbing system to greatly reduce pool operating costs
- Discuss why energy-efficient and eco-friendly equipment saves power
On Demand
Analysis and Understanding of Source Water**
0.1 IACET CEUs
Presented by James Egan, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at LaMotte Company; Terry Arko, independent contractor for recreational water at HASA Chemical
This discussion will include the problems associated with using chlorinated water to fill pools; common problems encountered with fill water such as high total dissolved solids (TDS) and metal concentration; and information on testing interferences. The panel will discuss how to anticipate, prevent and/or address many of these challenges with the latest technologies.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the different types of source water
- Discuss how these sources are managed
- Evaluate what effects your source water can have on the operation of your pool
- Discuss how to test your pool water and overcome common testing problems
On Demand
Dos and Don’ts of Pool Engineering** | E151
0.1 IACET CEUs
Presented by Terry Brannon, P.E., founder emeritus at The Brannon Corporation, GENESIS Engineering faculty advisor
This session breaks down the engineering portions of a project with a checklist detailed from years of in-the-field experience. From plans and soils reporting to waterproofing and compressive strengths, students will leave with high-level information to easily relay these tips to your team.
Learning Objectives:
- Review areas of engineering on a job site, including plans, soils reports and waterproofing
- Examine potential failures
- Identify ways to rectify problems
“I think it is a great idea to ensure the safety of employees during the pandemic. We typically do not attend due to [seasonal] timing, however having it virtual and not needing to travel will allow us to attend different things when we are able. More and more things are going virtual, and people are getting accustomed to not being face-to-face and comfortable with this sort of interaction. [However, we will miss] giveaways and networking opportunities.”
Tracy Bond
Owner, Great Valley Pool
Frazer Pennsylvania
*These on-demand classes were chosen from the 2020 education lineup, and are being made available for free to all attendees. Starting November 11 and running until 30 days post-show, you can explore the education at your leisure. It is highly recommended, however, to login during the show days of November 11 to 13, when select instructors will be available for a Q&A.
**GENESIS classes with CEU credits. With the PHTA/GENESIS Bundle, you’re still getting cutting edge education, just with the bonus of credit hours. All 10 courses, plus the free courses, and a pass to the virtual expo hall, are available for $199. These classes are also available starting November 11 until 30 days post-show, with select instructors available during show days for Q&A.
