The Everything Under the Sunsm Expo drew a crowd to Orlando February 11-13 for another great industry trade show. More than 230 exhibitors, and preliminary numbers show, more than 4,000 people mingled for two days in the exhibit hall. The aisles were full of people, information, new products and friendly faces. The Welcome and Awards Reception on Thursday evening drew a record crowd. Design Awards were presented to winning pool companies as industry professionals applauded their work. John Garner was recognized as Person of the Year and Tony Caruso was inducted into the FSPA Hall of Fame. Chapter Directors of the Year were thanked and some new awards were presented. The East Central Florida Chapter Service Professional of the Year is Larry Drumb, Cool Pools by Larry. The Manasota Chapter Service Professional of the year is Kirk Bradley, On-Time Pool Service. The Palm Beach Chapter Service Professional of the year is Jerry Bell, Blue Pools, Inc. Coast to Coast Pools of Sarasota took home the Tops-In-Trucks Award. Friday, after a busy day in education and the exhibit hall, everyone made their way to Lafayette’s at Pointe Orlando for the P4 Pool Industry Private Party. Live music, open bar, dinner buffet and desserts made for an exciting evening. Thank you to Pentair, Gorman and Proline for sponsoring the event. Education courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday were popular. Numbers are still being finalized but more than 900 pool industry professionals registered for classes. FSPA members were able to take classes for free. More than 630 FSPA members took education at no charge. The FSPA membership booth received more than 20 new member applications and fielded questions about membership, licensing and how to win the cash drawings. Among other cash winners, one attendee took home $600 in cash! The new Splash Zone gave away 100’s of prizes. The Product Showcase display showed some great products and the ballots showed Kover Kritters was chosen as the Best Showcased Product.
