education and events

GENESIS® Goes to Italy

Say CIAO with GENESIS®

American Pool Design Meets Italian Innovation

Experience the Best of Both Worlds in Bologna, Sirmione, and Montegrotto Terme

Join us on an exclusive journey to Italy, designed specifically for pool professionals. This unique program offers a blend of cultural immersion, industry insights, and networking opportunities, all set against the backdrop of stunning Italian landscapes.

GENESIS® co-founders Skip Phillips, Master CBP, and Brian Van Bower, along with Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) President & CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE, will join you as you travel across the pond to join new GENESIS® faculty member Maria Moscato on an incredible adventure combining professional development with an unforgettable Italian vacation.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

REGISTER HERE

Cost:

  • Individuals: $3,750 (includes single room supplement)
  • Couples: $2,900 per person ($5,800 total)

Schedule at a Glance

*Schedule subject to change.

Monday, February 10

  • Individual departures from home airports

Tuesday, February 11

  • Arrive in Bologna, Italy and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
  • Check in to the Zanhotel Tre Vecchi (or similar) and savor a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant (beverages not included).

Wednesday, February 12

  • Visit ForumPiscine, where attendees will engage in a 90-minute thought-provoking roundtable intercultural exchange, Present and Future of Sustainable Pool Facility Design: Critical Issues and Opportunities, between Italian designers and GENESIS® faculty. Attendance in other selected sessions or workshops to be confirmed when the program is completed. Participants will be guests at an organized lunch. 
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Bologna with a fascinating cooking class.

Thursday, February 13

  • Attend ForumPiscine and explore the exhibit hall, attend live demonstrations of new pool technology, and participate in additional educational sessions.
  • Spend the afternoon enjoying a memorable wine-tasting tour at a local vineyard in the Bologna or Modena region.

Friday, February 14

  • Prepare to be awestruck by a 2.5-hour visit to Myrtha Pools, a leading innovator in pool construction, where you will be welcomed with refreshments and have the opportunity to explore both the production facility and the showroom.
  • Travel to the picturesque town of Sirmione on Lake Garda via private transfer.
  • Check in to your luxurious accommodations at the Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi (or similar).

Saturday, February 15

  • Dedicate the entire day to pampering yourself at the renowned Sirmione Spa.

Sunday, February 16

  • Depart from Sirmione and travel to Montegrotto Terme.
  • Check in to your elegant hotel, Millepini Hotel Terme & Y-40® (or similar), boasting its own private park and thermal pools.

Monday, February 17

  • Gain exclusive access to Culligan Italy, witnessing their advanced filtration technology used for the Y-40® pool.
  • Return to Bologna for your final overnight stay at the Zanhotel Tre Vecchi (or similar).

Tuesday, February 18

  • Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your private transfer back to Bologna Airport.

Details

Click here to see our list of registered attendees and find out who you will be traveling with!

Included:

  • 7 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels with daily breakfast
  • Welcome dinner at the arrival hotel (beverages not included); dinners with wine included the other 6 nights
  • Entrance to ForumPiscine
  • Cooking class in Bologna
  • Winery tour in Bologna or Modena
  • Coach transportation throughout the itinerary (airport transfers, transportation to itinerary events, transfers between cities)
  • Gratuities for the driver
  • Check point and parking lot costs
  • City tax

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • 6 out of 8 lunches
  • Spa day
  • Entrance to ancillary events not on the itinerary
  • Anything done on down time

Important Notes:

  • A valid passport with validity until August 16, 2025, is required.
  • Full payment is due at time of registration, which includes a $400 non-refundable deposit.
  • Trip is subject to minimum number of participants. If PHTA does not receive 16 registrations by December 9, 2024, we will need to cancel the tour and we will notify you by email and a refund of $2,500 will be sent to you. A non-refundable fee of $400 will be retained for the administrative fees that were incurred to make the tentative arrangements for the trip.
  • Cancellation Policy: After the December 9 deadline, there will be no refunds for cancellations. If your plans change and you need to cancel your participation in the trip prior to the December 9 deadline, the below schedule will apply:
    • If cancellation received October 12-November 11, 2024: initial deposit + $800

    • If cancellation received November 12-December 11, 2024: initial deposit + $1,200

    Travel Masters recommends trip insurance to protect against cancellation penalties. To discover your options for trip insurance, please reach out to our contact at Travel Masters:
    Sharon Kay Howell
    903-581-8111
    sharonh@travelmasters.travel 

  • Please note that the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and GENESIS® are not liable or responsible for any tour logistics. All arrangements and responsibilities related to travel, accommodations, and related services are managed solely by the designated travel agent, Travel Masters.

Meet Your Instructors

Maria Moscato
Maria Moscato, GENESIS® International Design & Wellness Faculty Advisor

 

Skip Phillips
Skip Phillips, Master CBP, GENESIS® Co-founder

 

Brian Van Bower
Brian Van Bower, GENESIS® Co-founder

 

Sabeena Hickman, CAE
Sabeena Hickman, CAE, PHTA President & CEO

 

 

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Strategic Partners:

  • Biolab
  • Fluidra
  • Hayward
  • Heritage Pool Supply Group
  • Lou
  • Lyon Financial
  • Pentair
  • Solenis
  • WatkinsWellness
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