PHTA and POOLCORP Launch Women of Water
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and POOLCORP announced the launch of Women of Water. WOW is a new initiative developed to connect, empower and advocate for women in the pool, spa and hot tub industry through community, education and leadership development.
WOW will create a strong network of support and mentorship, recruit and retain women in every sector of the industry, share strategies for success and amplify the voices of women leaders at every level. From builders and service technicians to marketers and sales professionals, WOW is open to all.
“This movement reflects our belief that empowering women is key to elevating the entire pool and spa industry — and we’re proud to help create new pathways for connection, leadership and growth,” says Kendall Large, vice president of marketing at POOLCORP.
WOW will launch at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in October in Las Vegas, with a keynote address and an educational session. Both events will be led by Heather Whelpley, a nationally recognized speaker and award-winning author known for helping women lead.
- Keynote: The Power of Grounded Confidence: How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakeable — Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m.
- Educational session: Mastering Tough Talks: How to Communicate with Confidence, Clarity and Calm in Conflict and Beyond — Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.
Registration for the expo is now open at poolspapatio.com.
WOW events will continue throughout the winter, with Whelpley leading a virtual session in December 2025 titled “From Surviving to Thriving: Tools to Heal Burnout and Reclaim Calm.” Additional virtual and in-person sessions will be held in January 2026. Those interested in learning more can sign up for the WOW mailing list.
For more information about the Women of Water initiative, contact wow@phta.org or 703-838-0083.
