Int'l Pool | Spa | Patio Expo Grows Third Year in a Row
December 3, 2012
From barbecue grills to solar filtration pumps and holiday decor, the newest products in outdoor living stole the spotlight at the Int’l Pool | Spa | Patio Expo that took place Nov. 6-8 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
The show drew 10,202 attendees, a 5-percent increase, compared with 2011, marking the third consecutive year of attendance increase.
Some 548 exhibitors spread over the 155,500 net square feet of exhibit space, a 26-percent increase, compared with 2011. Ranked #178 on the 2011 TSNN 250 US Trade Shows list, the show is owned and produced by Hanley Wood Exhibitions.
“We are very pleased with the number of attendees and with the enthusiasm they brought to the buying and selling activity on the show floor,” said Lindsay Roberts, director of the show.
Shee added, “New Orleans was a real draw for attendees as exhibitors enjoyed steady traffic as they introduced hundreds of new and innovative products to high-caliber decision-makers.”
Exhibitors were pleased with the number of leads and inquiries that were generated.
"We were overwhelmed with the amount of international attendees who were interested not only in our services, but the possibility of purchasing a franchise,” said Adam Gray, marketing director at American Leak Detection. “No other show offers such an eclectic mix of people in one space."
In addition to the showfloor’s buying and selling activity, the show’s conference program offered 74 business and technical seminars designed to improve skills through best practices and the latest technologies.
Industry pros could also get their hands on the newest products at the Product Showcase and participate in live workshops at the APSP Live Zone offered hands-on live workshops before mingling peers at Saber Grill BBQ and Jazz Fest.
"It is very exciting to see the Industry coming back so strong,” said Ross Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at the Outdoor GreatRoom Company.
He added, “The quality of the leads we’ve obtained were strong and buying; we have written several orders already since getting back.”
The 2013 Int’l Pool | Spa | Patio Expo will be held Nov. 12-14 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The educational conference will be held Nov. 9-14.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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