FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2021
Media Contact:
Janay Rickwalder, CAE
Vice President, PR and Communications
703-357-3918 | jrickwalder@phta.org
(Dallas, Tx.) - The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s participation in the Pool | Spa | Patio Expo that was held last week in Dallas, Texas, was an overwhelming success. PHTA President & CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE, noted, “It was great to have the industry together after two long years. The attendees were engaged, the energy was at an all-time high, and our educational sessions and booths were flooded throughout the week.”
“People come to the PSP Expo to see what the industry has to offer,” said PHTA Chairman of the Board Andy Levinson of PoolCorp. “It’s a once-a-year opportunity to kick the tires on new technologies, network with colleagues, and attend educational programs that can improve business. This year, PHTA strived to provide an experience for our members. I think it’s safe to say that we hit the ball out of the park.”
PHTA launched several new initiatives for the industry, such as a Mentoring Program, Safety Program, and Resource Center that are free to members and offer tremendous resources to grow their business. In addition, the PHTA Apprenticeship Program for service and maintenance professionals was well received and met with tremendous enthusiasm.
“Our members have experienced so much in recent years, with the significant increase in business coupled with product and labor shortages,” said Hickman. “As an association, our job is to provide solutions that support our members’ needs. I was pleased to see the keynote session come back and enjoyed how Wallace J. Nichols and Rowdy Gaines set the tone for the event.”
PHTA also showcased new education initiatives, including new certification pathways and a CEO Forum with Cornell University that addressed business management in volatile and uncertain times. Additionally, PHTA launched a complete rebrand for GENESIS®, its education program. PHTA educated 1,000 industry professionals through the various sessions offered throughout the event, which included pre-conference workshops, education programs within the EXPO and on the show floor.
The GENESIS® program is the premier education platform for pool professionals,” said GENESIS® Ambassador Brian Van Bower. “And, because the world has changed, so have we. We have expanded our program to deliver education every day in every way, and our new brand represents our future. Our education, as well as the annual Winemaker’s Dinner, were sold out and the momentum for this program continues to build.”
Next year’s event will take place in Las Vegas from November 15-17, 2022.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with nearly 3,500 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.