Relationships drive the value of Deck Expo

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry connections, matchmaking and shared priorities are shaping experiences at this year's event. 

On a recent episode of From the Ground Up™, host Karol Weyman sat down with Megan McKenna, show manager for the International Pool, Spa, Patio Expo, to discuss what attendees can expect when the industry gathers in New Orleans this November. 

While new products and emerging technologies will draw attention on the show floor, Megan emphasized that relationships remain the foundation of the event. “This is definitely an industry that is built on relationships: who you work with, who you buy from, who you know,” Megan said. “I always like being in the room when all those reunions are happening, those deals are happening and those relationships are being built and formed.” 

That focus on connection is reflected in the show's data. According to Megan, exhibitors indicate the products they plan to showcase when registering, while attendees identify the products and solutions they want to explore. This year, both groups of responses heavily center around decking materials, railing and lighting. “There's this really strong alignment between what our manufacturers are bringing and what our attendees are saying that they want,” Megan said. “We're literally matching the supply with the demand.” 

The event's matchmaking platform is designed to strengthen those connections even further. Exhibitors can identify attendees based on product interests and location, while attendees can search for manufacturers and suppliers that fit their business needs. 

Karol highlighted the practical value of the tool, noting that OutdoorCoffeeShop™ successfully used the platform during a previous show to schedule interviews and networking opportunities. 

Beyond business meetings, Megan believes the growing overlap between pools, decking, patios and outdoor living spaces is creating new opportunities for contractors and builders. “I think the power comes from how these industries naturally complement each other and naturally integrate with each other,” she said. 

As homeowners continue looking for comprehensive outdoor living environments, professionals who understand multiple segments of the market can provide greater value to clients while expanding their business opportunities. For Megan, that collaborative mindset is what makes the event stand out. “It's just that integration and knowing that you're going to have a community to lean on,” she said. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Deck Expo networking opportunities and industry connections.