Women of Water inspires confidence and community

By Dani Sheehan. 

Women from across the pool, spa and hot tub industry came together in Las Vegas to launch a new initiative empowering women to lead confidently, connect deeply and thrive together. 

The inaugural Women of Water (WOW) event made a powerful splash at this year’s International Pool, Spa, Patio and Decking Expo (PSP/Deck Expo). Hosted by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and PoolCorp®, the show’s day-three keynote presentation, “The Power of Grounded Confidence: How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable,” featured award-winning author and coach Heather Whelpley, who guided us through an immersive experience designed to break free from the unwritten rules that often hold women back. 

This wasn’t your typical keynote. Over breakfast, we explored how perfectionism, people-pleasing and over-responsibility can quietly chip away at confidence and joy. Heather encouraged us to “stop proving, pleasing and perfecting” and instead embrace grounded confidence – the kind that allows you to lead boldly, make mistakes and stand firm in your purpose. 

Everyone who attended left with a sense of empowerment and community, as well as practical strategies to silence our inner critic, clarify our direction and build meaningful connections within our industry.  

Empowering women. Uplifting the industry. 

The Women of Water initiative unites women across every segment of the pool, spa and hot tub industry, from builders and service professionals to marketers, executives and entrepreneurs. Founded with the mission to connect, empower and advocate for women in the industry, WOW provides a space for shared learning, mentorship and growth. 

Their vision is simple but powerful: an inclusive, inspired industry where women lead confidently and thrive personally and professionally. By creating a strong network of support and amplifying women’s voices at every level, WOW is helping to shape our future. 

Join the next virtual event! 

If you missed the keynote session at the PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas, there’s another opportunity to be part of the movement. On December 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET, WOW is hosting its next event, “From Surviving to Thriving: Tools to Heal Burnout and Reclaim Calm.” 

In this virtual session, Heather Whelpley returns to dive into the realities of burnout: why it happens, how to release stress and how to set boundaries that create space for what truly matters. You’ll leave with actionable tools to reignite your sense of joy and purpose. 

Register now to join the conversation, connect with peers and continue building confidence and community through Women of Water.