By Emma Peterson. 

Take professional development, education and networking further at this leading outdoor professional event. 

In 2018, backyards and outdoor spaces began to rise as a selling point for homeowners across the country. In response, Informa and North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) created the Deck Expo! This show creates a space for decking and other professionals to come together and learn about the latest products, trends and strategies in the outdoor living industry.  

This year’s show will be held from Tuesday, November 17, 2026, to Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is co-located with the Pool Spa Patio Expo (PSP) and boasts a variety of events and opportunities for professionals, such as: 

• An exhibit hall full of innovations: The Deck Expo exhibit hall is where attendees can meet vendors from across the industry as they showcase their different products, programs and tools! The OutdoorCoffeeShop™ crew will be in the hall, specifically at booth #2440, so make sure to say hi!  
• A variety of education sessions: This year’s show has everything from hands-on demos and certification opportunities to classroom learning and seminars. In fact, the show is so packed full of learning opportunities; they have divided some of the sessions into two tracks. Track one focuses on business management, marketing and leadership while the other track focuses on landscaping tools and products that help you make client’s structural dreams come true.  
• Spaces to make connections: And you can’t forget about the benefits of simply being in the same place as a wide variety of industry experts and leaders. The Deck Expo is a great way for you to make connections with peers and mentors that can help you take your business to the next level.  

Overall, this show is the perfect way to set yourself up for success in the new year’s buying cycle and operation season. And if you use the code INVITES2392 at checkout, you can get a FREE expo pass or a 20% discount on conference passes.  

Learn more and register!

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. 

By Emma Peterson. 

A conversation with Heritage Pool Supply's Chris Hill highlights why in-person events remain essential for learning, relationship-building and business growth. 

In the outdoor contracting industry, there are countless tradeshows ranging from market specific (like the Irrigation Association’s Show) to more all encompassing (such as the Pool Spa Patio/Deck Expo). With so many shows throughout the year, it can be easy to dismiss them or tell yourself you’ll attend the next one. But it’s important to not forget how valuable these shows are.  

For example, the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s Everything Under the Sun Expo offers contractors a great way to network with their peers, level up their careers with learning opportunities and explore the newest technology on an extensive expo floor. We got the chance to attend this show back in March 2026 and had a great time.  

As Chris Hill, the regional vice president at Heritage Pool Supply put it, “We love attending shows like this. It’s a great way to connect with our customers, get our team together, see new products and more!” He went on, “It's really cool to have everyone all in one place. At these shows, you can just go take a two-minute walk down to someone’s booth, they can show you what's new and you get to learn about what’ve happening in the industry.”  

We couldn’t agree more with Chris’ sentiments – we love attending as many expos and shows as possible so we get to see our community in person!  

Hear more from Chris about the value of trade shows in our Everything Under the Sun Expo interview with him. 

Por Jessica Bravo.  

Una colaboración icónica: OutdoorCoffeeShop y Heritage Para Latinos 

En una entrevista en vivo desde la PSP + Deck Expo con Heritage Para Latinos, Julissa Chavez compartió los avances del programa, el cual fue lanzado durante el mismo evento el año anterior. Durante la conversación, destacó la positiva respuesta que recibió la iniciativa en su primer año.  

Julissa compartió el feedback que escuchó durante el primer año del programa,“El año pasado nos fue súper bien. Recibimos mucho feedback de la gente latina que decía: ‘Ay, qué padre que hay un espacio para nosotros. Nunca habíamos visto algo así.’ Ese tipo de comentarios sirve como un gran motivador para seguir adelante y continuar expandiendo los recursos.” 

Pero Heritage va más allá. El sitio web de Heritage ofrece una experiencia completamente en español. Todos los segmentos del mercado y el contenido de esta sección están disponibles en este idioma, lo que facilita el acceso a información clave para los hispanohablantes de la industria. 

La página también cuenta con una sección dedicada a Heritage Para Latinos, donde se presenta la misión del programa y el propósito de esta comunidad. 

A continuación, algunos de los elementos principales que se encuentran dentro de esta sección: 

Para Latinos 

“Nuestra visión es ser el distribuidor y empleador preferido para los latinos en la industria del paisajismo. Inspirándonos en el exitoso enfoque de SRS, proporcionamos herramientas esenciales, desarrollo profesional continuo y conexiones vitales con la industria.” 

Para el contratista latino 

El programa ofrece servicio especializado, recursos y mejores prácticas de negocio a través de su serie de talleres titulada, “El sueño americano vive aquí”, diseñada para apoyar el crecimiento profesional de contratistas latinos en la industria. 

Recursos en español 

Heritage también ha puesto en marcha una línea telefónica de atención en español y participa en ferias nacionales y regionales para conectar con profesionales latinos del sector del paisajismo. 

Línea de servicio en español: 

866-YARDAS5 

Horario: lunes a viernes, de 7:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. (EST) 

Comunicaciones 

El programa Heritage Family of Companies Para Latinos continuará creciendo y evolucionando a medida que se desarrollen nuevas formas de apoyar y celebrar las contribuciones de la comunidad latina dentro de la industria del paisajismo. 

Facebook y Instagram 

Talento latino 

Heritage Family of Companies Para Latinos busca posicionarse como el empleador preferido para los profesionales latinos dentro del sector del paisajismo, fomentando oportunidades laborales, capacitación y desarrollo profesional. 

Se invita a la comunidad a mantenerse atenta a las próximas actualizaciones y eventos del programa, los cuales brindan oportunidades para establecer contactos, compartir experiencias y ampliar conocimientos dentro de la industria. 

Escuche la entrevista completa para conocer más sobre cómo formar parte de esta iniciativa.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how IPSSA supports pool and spa professionals through education, networking and more. 

While at the 2025 Pool Spa Patio (PSP) Expo, our team had the chance to talk to Marc Cannon, the regional director for the Nevada and Arizona operations of the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA). Marc has been a member of IPSSA for over three decades, making him the perfect person to talk to about their mission and work.  

IPSSA was founded in 1988 as an industry nonprofit dedicated to community education and support. Today, they have approximately 104 chapters across the country. Marc shared, “We do monthly chapter meetings that are great for community-building and networking. Education is another huge pillar for us. In this industry, there’s so much to stay on top of it constantly and we have a lot of opportunities to do that.”  

These opportunities include classes led by IPSSA members, guest vendor visits, trade show sessions and more. Marc elaborated, “We're the facilitator to get classes together. We do some classes, but in general we try to bring the professionals in to present classes. Even in our meetings, we always will have different manufacturers and vendors that come in and we give them time to talk to our members and then our members to ask some questions.” As for what topics are covered in these different education sessions, IPSSA has learning opportunities for every level of pool professional. Whether you’re learning how to use a test strip or wanting an update on the newest technologies that have hit the market, IPSSA can help you stay up to speed.  

Watch the full interview to learn more about IPSSA.

[Add IPSSA about in the backend] 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Highlighting robotics, installation and service as revenue-driving opportunities for independent pool retailers. 

At the Pool Spa Patio and Decking Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, MAMMOTION used its booth and media presence to speak directly to independent pool retailers about long-term opportunities in a changing market. During a live From the Ground Up interview, James Lauria outlined how the company is thinking beyond products and toward helping dealers build more resilient, service-driven businesses. 

James said his primary goal at the show was gaining perspective on where the pool industry is headed and how retailers can prepare. “What I want to get out of the show is getting a better understanding of where the pool industry is going to be in the next five or six years.” That forward-looking view sets the stage for how MAMMOTION is approaching expansion and dealer support beyond its established product lines. 

Best known for its robotic lawnmowers, MAMMOTION entered the pool space with its first pool robot, but James was quick to move the conversation away from technical specifications. Rather than focusing on features, he emphasized how robotics can open new revenue channels for pool retailers, particularly at the independent level. He noted, “The reason why we came to the show is because I wanted to show pool retailers, especially the independent level, another revenue stream.” 

That need is often shaped by geography and seasonality. Pool retailers in colder climates may see business slow during winter months, making diversification increasingly important. James pointed to installation and service as key opportunities, expressing that customers purchasing high-end robotic equipment often expect professional setup. “The installation is where they can make money on,” he said, comparing the model to consumer electronics where expert installation is part of the value proposition. 

Trust is already in place, James added. Independent pool retailers have existing relationships with homeowners and ongoing access to their properties, positioning them well to introduce additional product lines and services. He shared, “These pool retailers already have a connection to the customer.” 

To support that shift, MAMMOTION provides training, regional support and education aimed squarely at independent dealers. James described those smaller retailers as the company’s foundation and stressed the importance of matching customers with the right equipment. “I’m not going to overcharge you, sell you an overkill robot,” he said. “I’m going to show you the appropriate robot for what you need.” 

Learn more about MAMMOTION and how its dealer-focused approach supports new revenue opportunities!

By Jenny Yu.  

At the 2025 PSP Deck Expo, Builder Prime leaders shared how AI, automation and integrated systems are reshaping contractor operations. 

The International Pool Spa Patio + Deck Expo brought steady traffic and strong engagement for Builder Prime as the company showcased its all-in-one business management platform for contractors. Host Karol Weyman sat down with Lindsey Hulet, vice president of operations, and Jess Ourand, senior product manager, to discuss their solutions for customers and what the company has planned for 2026. 

Builder Prime offers a single platform that supports contractors from the first incoming lead through production, invoicing and payment. “We’re an all-in-one business management tool for specialty and replacement contractors,” Lindsey said. “From the very beginning of the project when that lead comes in all the way through production, invoicing, payments and hopefully that satisfied customer referral, we do it all.” 

The Builder Prime team also emphasized how valuable the show has been for meeting customers and understanding emerging challenges. “We’ve connected with a couple of our existing customers, so it’s nice to build those relationships,” Jess said. He added that the team has been learning more about the specific needs of deck and pool builders, which will help guide product decisions. One prospect even confirmed an upcoming purchase after several demos. “They told us in person, ‘You’re it. We’re going to purchase,’” Lindsey added. 

Looking toward 2026, Builder Prime is preparing significant upgrades centered on AI, automation and data accessibility. “Our whole business is built on the power of our data,” Lindsey said. “2026 is the year we put the power of data into the hands of our customers. We are on the cusp of cutting-edge innovation with AI reporting, like the ability for our customers to ask questions in our product, pull the information out and immediately make changes in their business that will drive revenue.” 

Both leaders stressed that consolidation remains a central industry need. Jess said many contractors juggle multiple tools that do not integrate well. “The beauty of Builder Prime is it’s all in one central location,” he said. Eliminating double entry and reducing time spent on administrative work are major benefits. “Nobody wants to spend their whole day on a tool,” Lindsey added. “They want to be in front of customers. They want to build that beautiful deck or fence and get a referral from it. We try to be the system that enables people to do exactly what they love.” 

Watch the full webinar to learn more about how Builder Prime is engaging with the industry’s ongoing trends.

By Jenny Yu.  

Heritage and Noble Tile leaders discuss product innovation, strategic growth and family-oriented culture. 

At the 2025 International Pool Spa Patio and Decking Expo in Las Vegas, Karol Weyman sat down with Dan Shevitski, territory manager for Heritage Pool Supply in Mohave County, and Shane Fry, director of Noble Tile Supply, to discuss how brands are preparing for a strong year ahead. 

Noble Tile, a pool industry distributor since 1987, was acquired by Heritage in 2021 as part of a move to expand its footprint across the United States. “The pool industry is always evolving, right? It’s an exciting future,” Shane shared. “We've got a lot of plans to build the brand, expand across the country, bring innovative products to the consumer and stay on top of the latest trends.” 

One trend Shane pointed to is the rise of consumers transforming backyard spaces into cohesive, indoor-outdoor designs. “We are constantly looking for new products, bringing them to market and just trying to create that outdoor environment that people can enjoy,” Shane said. “As a gathering space for families to spend time, it should be a fun environment.” 

Dan shared Shane’s enthusiasm when discussing what 2026 has in store for his territory. “The communities that I do sales in are growing rapidly,” he said. “We’ve taken on a lot of new customers, and it excites me.” 

Both leaders credited Heritage’s culture for fueling that excitement. “We just want to be seen as the go-to for everything outdoors,” Shane said. “We have great teams. We have great support at the top, and they make it fun. We look forward to a great 2026 and beyond.” 

Dan echoed the sentiment. “They’re bringing a lot of energy to the company, which excites me because I bring a lot of energy,” he said. “It’s fun to work with people that have the same kind of goals. Heritage is a great company to work with and very supportive. It's very family-oriented, which I really enjoy.” 

Watch the full webinar to learn more about what's next for Heritage and Noble Tile.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how eBility’s team uses their time tracking software to set you and your business up for success.  

While at the 2025 Pool Spa Patio Expo, The Coffee Shops™ crew hosted a live soundstage sponsored by Heritage. At the soundstage we got the chance to talk to professionals from across the outdoors industry about the innovative products and trends they are seeing. One such professional was Nick Young, the director of business development at eBility.  

Originally founded in 2009, eBility’s time tracking technology has now been integrated across the business management market. Nick gave some examples of where you can find eBility, saying, “We integrate with 24 different companies. Some big names include QuickBooks, Sage and Xero.” So what has made eBility the go-to partner for these big name accounting programs? One of their strengths is their consultative approach. Nick explained, “Everything we do is about your process. We take a consultative approach when working with a new client. Our team is trained to figure out where people are and where they want to be.” 

Once the eBility team has an idea of their client’s goal. They can jump into the set-up period. This is another strength of eBility, as the initial set up takes an hour or less! Nick shared some about that process: 

“We've been doing this for a while and that initial setup meeting with us will take about an hour. In it, we will set up your settings and get everything connected. You can invite as many people as you want to that and we’ll get them established and into an account in that hour. After that hour meeting, you’ll be given an account manager who will answer any questions that come up as your team integrated eBility into their processes.” 

The result of this client-focused take on business management software? A powerful time tracking solution that does everything from track expenses to clear up timecards  

Watch the full interview to learn more about eBility and how it can help your business.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Syllent is helping people save on lower stress and maintenance while saving money.  

While at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo last month, The Coffee Shops™ crew got the chance to host a soundstage in the show’s brand-new media village! With that soundstage, we got to meet and interview a variety of outdoor professionals, from manufacturers to contractors and beyond. One such interview we held was with Luiz Schmidt of Syllent. 

Syllent is a part of the larger Brazilian company Mundial, which is over 120 years old. They produce water pumps for bathtubs, spas and swimming pools. Luiz shared a bit about what sets their pumps apart from the competition, saying, “We had an engineer who developed a new pump technology – magnetic motors. These don’t use the mechanical bearings, seals or shafts that traditional pumps use. In fact, no metallic part touches the water, meaning that the corrosion is prevented and the pump lasts far longer with less maintenance.”  

Additionally, these pumps actually manage water better! Luiz explained, “As a bonus, since the rotor of this motor is floating in the water that's being pumped, it does not make any noise, hence the name Syllent. And another advantage of our pump, especially for spas and bathtubs, is that it helps to maintain the water temperature. Basically, when the water goes through the pump it cools the electric motor, which naturally heats the water. This doesn’t replace a water heater at all, but it does make a difference!” 

Ultimately, Syllent’s water pumps are leading the way into the future of bath, spa and pool management. Their longer lifespan means less money spent on maintenance and less stress related to replacing products.  

Learn more about Syllent’s pumps by watching the entire interview with Luiz from PSP 2026.