By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders highlight how hands-on learning and engagement continue to shape the pool and spa sector. 

Education and engagement continue to anchor progress in the pool and spa industry, a dynamic clearly on display at the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) show. Despite severe weather disrupting travel, manufacturers and professionals still converged on the event, reinforcing its role as a critical hub for connection, training and industry advancement. That emphasis on learning and collaboration was highlighted in a conversation between Karol Wyman of OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance at AquaStar Pool Products. At the center of their discussion was AquaStar’s role in supporting both product innovation and the standards that guide the industry forward. Steve described the company’s focus on core pool systems, explaining, “We manufacture everything that moves water in and out of the pool and almost everything on the pad, pumps, filters and we're young company.” 

From that foundation, the conversation moved naturally into the broader ecosystem surrounding product development, one shaped as much by education as by engineering. Steve pointed to AquaStar’s involvement in standards development and training, aligning those efforts with NESPA’s reputation as a leading educational platform. He noted, “NESPA I think is one of the greatest shows for education and just engagement with customers.” 

That reputation is reinforced through interactive learning opportunities designed to translate technical knowledge into practical skill. The show’s water wall concept, for example, allows attendees to work directly with equipment in a hands-on environment. Steve, who was involved in the initiative during its early years, emphasized its lasting impact, noting that the event sets the standard for combining real-world application with industry collaboration. 

Even external challenges demonstrated the show’s significance. As Karol observed, attendees traveled long distances and adjusted plans to ensure they could participate, reflecting a shared recognition of the value NESPA delivers to the industry. 

That forward momentum extends beyond the show floor. Looking ahead, AquaStar is preparing to expand its product offerings across multiple categories. While specifics remain limited, Steve expressed the pace and scope of development, saying, “We've got so many things coming out, but we have major additions to the equipment pad. We have stuff for public pools. We have some new fittings and things. We’re moving so fast I can't keep track of it.”  

Together, those developments point to an industry that continues to evolve through a combination of innovation, education and sustained collaboration, principles that remain at the core of the NESPA experience. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how education, hands-on training and innovation at NESPA are shaping the future of the pool and spa industry!

January 27-29, 2026 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

By Emma Peterson. 

NESPA will be hosting the much-anticipated 2026 Pool and Spa Show from January 27-29, 2026.  

Looking for a high-energy, curated experience that will help you grow your pool and/or spa business? Look no further than the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA)’s 2026 Pool and Spa Show! Hosted in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this show is “more than an event — it’s where knowledge becomes action and new connections drive real business results.” 

The show features unmatched opportunities whether you are just starting out in the industry or are a seasoned veteran. Not only is there a comprehensive education conference for you to expand your knowledge with, but there is also an extensive show floor full of innovative products, live trainings and networking opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about why this is a can’t-miss event for both exhibitors and attendees.  

Power your business’ growth as an exhibitor 

Every year, this show hosts thousands of professionals from the Northeast and beyond. This is a great way to position your company, innovations and services in front of motivated buyers and decision-makers. And you’re not doing it all alone! NESPA offers “strategic pre-show promotions, attention-grabbing onsite visibility and post-show support” to help you make the most of your time at the show!  

Whether you are looking to build momentum with existing customers or connect with new prospects, this show is your launchpad for growth in the new year.  

Reserve a booth now!

Attend the show where pros go to grow 

From sharpening your technical skills to discovering the latest products and rubbing shoulders with industry leaders, there are countless reasons to attend the 2026 Pool and Spa Show! This event is one of the biggest in the industry with:  

• 100+ education sessions led by top experts 
• 100s of exhibitors to meet on the show floor 
• 1000s of other professionals in attendance to network with 

Get your show passes today!

By Emma Peterson.

From registration to exploring day of, here are our suggestions for getting the best experience for your team at the 2026 Pool & Spa Show!

The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA)'s annual Pool & Spa Show is the perfect place to connect to the pool and spa industry. From flexible educational tracks to interactive training walls and fun networking events, there is something for everyone at this show, whether you are a builder, retailer, owner, consultant, architect, manufacturer or some other professional in the industry.

The next Pool & Spa Show will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center from January 27-29, 2026. As you plan your trip, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience!

Registration tips

There are a lot of choices that need to be made about education and training sessions as you register. Here are some tips to simplify the process for you and your team:

Classes

Give your employees the schedule ahead of time! NESPA has made a helpful worksheet for them to track sessions that interest them so you can coordinate all the moving parts. When it gets time to register, you must either choose a class to attend or select the “Not attending morning/afternoon” option to proceed (you cannot leave it blank).

If there is a class that you want to attend that is sold out, make sure to check the schedule to see if there’s an encore class on a different day. If you are specifically looking for opportunities to renew your industry certification, look for technical and business classes available Monday through Thursday. These are available to earn CEU credits.

The website

The registration process runs the smoothest on Google Chrome. You should also be careful not to leave the page idle for more than 45 minutes, otherwise it will time out.

If you need to update anything after you have registered, go back online and sign into your account. From there, use your email address and badge number from the confirmation email to access the registration. Once that information is input, you can update session/event information, just make sure to save your changes before logging out and closing the page.

Member information

If you’re a member, make sure that you know your member number to get the correct rates (call 609-689-9111 if you’re unsure). Also, if you are a NESPA or Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) member, make sure to register early to get a free technical pass for each employee and a free show floor pass.

Consider the Experience Pass

If you are a NESPA or PHTA member, this is a great opportunity to get the most out of the show. This pass gives you full access to technical and business tracks full of industry knowledge. It also gives you VIP treatment, such as priority lines, exclusive lounges and early access to the Welcome Party.  

Learn more about the pass or about becoming a member online!

Download the app

Take the show with you wherever you go with the official mobile app! This tool provides you with a variety of powerful tools including:  

• Search for exhibitors, tag your favorites, and view booth locations.
• Use the interactive floor plan to locate your favorite booths on the show floor.
• View the session schedule and tracks to select those you plan to attend.
• Click speaker list to find your favorite speakers and view their sessions.
• Check the local info to enhance your experience and explore Atlantic City.

Make sure to sign up for updates and follow NESPA on Facebook to keep up to date on the 2026 show.

By Emma Peterson.

Learn, network and explore at the show built by and for pool and spa professionals.  

The next Pool & Spa Show, hosted by the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center from January 27-29, 2026. If you are a part of the pool and spa industry, this is the best way to start the new year! At the show you will have the opportunity to engage with decision makers and leaders from around the industry. There’s a lot happening at the show, so we’ve made a quick guide for those looking to attend and those interested in exhibiting in 2026!

Get the best experience as an attendee

The 2026 show is full of incredible opportunities to learn and grow your business.  

Training opportunities

Elevate your team’s skills at over 100 sessions at the 2026 show! Looking for a boost to your business? The show’s business courses offer tailored insights from industry experts to address your unique challenges and needs. For your technical team, there are courses at every level (from beginner to advanced) that will give each member of your team a customized learning path. After attending either type of session, you can expect to have actionable strategies that will help elevate your pool and spa business.

In addition to the classroom-style learning opportunities, there are also the interactive Training Wall and opportunities to attend in-person certification courses. Led by renowned experts, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry, network and learn!

Fun events  

From the welcome party on the first day to the annual Heritage Cares Charity Concert, there are many opportunities to have fun with your fellow professionals. Tickets for these events sell fast, so make sure to keep up with the show news so you can get yours early!

Exhibitor hall

In between all the events and sessions you are attending, make sure you take some time to explore the exhibitor hall. This is your opportunity to explore hundreds of innovative products and services that can help you take your business to the next level in the new year. Check out the list of who exhibited in 2025 to get an idea of who might be there in 2026.

Find your place among the exhibitors

The Pool & Spa Show is a great opportunity for you to create a strong network with industry peers and customers in the energetic exhibit hall. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your brand and connect face-to-face with customers that are charged up and ready to buy. In fact, a survey of attendees found that “78% of attendees make or influence buying decisions.”

This is a great opportunity to expand your customer base by interacting with pool and spa professionals who are actively looking for bright ideas and innovation. Additionally, you can expect to fast-track your sales cycle and solidify customer loyalty. As an exhibitor, you will get the following resources at the show:  

• Exhibit space  
• Nightly booth cleaning  
• Booth number identification on carpet  
• Unlimited exhibitor personnel badges  
• 8’ back drape, 3’ side drapes (linear booths only)  
• Booth identification sign (for linear booths)
• Online ordering for all show needs from space reservation to electric and furniture orders
• Low-cost room rates at resorts located just minutes from the Convention Center
• Complimentary shuttle service to and from show-partner hotels
• The opportunity to create a custom company profile that is posted online and on the show app
• A pre-show list of all pre-registered attendees to assist you with marketing
• A post-show complete attendee and exhibitor roster to help with follow-up

Make sure to sign up for updates and follow NESPA on Facebook to be the first to know the latest info about the 2026 show.