The SPASA Spa & Pool Show was held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre August 8 & 9 and although attendance was slightly lower than the previous year, exhibitors reported a high number of genuine  leads and renewed optimism from consumers.

Feedback received from our newer members was very encouraging:

Susan Martin, Sales Manager, SatelliteSolar – “Great show –Very positive response from consumers, I feel our product generated some excitement throughout the expo, which was encouraging to see.  The show generated a good mix of quality people including consumers and trade. Looking forward to exhibiting at the Pool and Spa Show in February 2016.”

Dallas Webb, Director, Melbourne Balustrades and Pool Fences - “We didn’t know what to expect being our first year exhibiting, however we found that everyone involved was extremely helpful.  The show was a fantastic experience for us with a lot of enquiries about our pool fencing and services. Very happy with the responses and enquiries received, consumers seemed genuinely interested in our stand and what we were doing.”

Exit survey statistics show that:
-    68% of visitors do not own a pool or spa with 51% actively seeking to make a purchase of a pool or spa within the next 6 months, with a budget of up to $50,000
- Approximately 70% of visitors had not attended other related shows
- Attendance from regional visitors increased to 30% - meaning lots of opportunities for country members at our consumer events
- Age group was predominately 31+
- Interest in Fibreglass pools increased to 37% this year with concrete pools at 32%

Regardless of whether a member participates in the consumer events, the substantial advertising campaign to promote the Expo sees all SPASA members benefit - the SPASA brand and value of pool and spa ownership is widely promoted to all Victorians via TV, print, radio and digital mediums.

We have identified that more needs to be done to compete against other lifestyle options and are positive that the recently announced $100,000 spend will assist us in achieving our goal.

Thank-you to all exhibitors involved in the Winter Show and we look forward to seeing you for the SPASA Pool, Spa & Outdoor Living Expo being held 5-7 February, 2016. Interested parties are invited to contact AEE on 9676 2133.