POOL & SPA INDUSTRY
Preparations For SPATEX Hit The Ground Running Hot off the back of a record-breaking show in February, companies have flocked to exhibit at SPATEX 2025 which returns to Coventry Building Society Arena from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 February. In fact, such is the unprecedented demand, there’s just a few stands remaining!
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njoying an almost 20% increase in visitors, SPATEX 2024 has raised the bar higher than ever, but that doesn’t deter show Organiser, Michele Bridle: “It was undeniably one of the best editions to date, but we hold with the motto that what is good can always be made better, so we are busy redoubling our efforts and making fresh plans for the 29th edition. This starts with our brandnew website, launched last month. Featuring new graphics, industry events, exhibitors’ news and the latest product launches, there’s no better place to keep your finger on the pulse. “SPATEX 2025 is still some six months away, but we have already sold well over 85% exhibition space, and we are looking at an early sell-out. Given that these are difficult times for everyone, it’s particularly heartening to see how much SPATEX continues to hold such value and importance, both as a business-boosting event and its ability to bring together, under one roof, everyone from all sectors for three days of unparalleled networking. It’s totally unique in the UK for ticking both those boxes.” A great success at this year’s event, and one that SPATEX is looking to repeat in 2025, is the show’s closer collaboration with the industry’s key associations, such as PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group), RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society), WMSoc (Water Management Society), IOS, (Institute of Swimming), LCA (Legionella Control Association). This is in addition to reinforcing the long-established relationships that the exhibition holds dear with ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) and, of course, those industry bodies under the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation) umbrella – SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association), BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association) and PIP (Pool Industry Promotions). Michele said: “With industry stalwart, and long-time friend of SPATEX, Ross Alcock, passing the baton of ISPE General Manager to Luke Griffiths, we look forward to further cementing those ties. Luke is, of course, no stranger to SPATEX, having worked closely with the show in his previous role of Technical Manager for Pool Plant at the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA). Luke commented: “SPATEX holds a special place in the hearts of ISPE members
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and pool and spa professionals alike, as it provides a platform to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies and best practice in the pool and spa industry. The free educational presentations and workshops offered at the show allow members to earn valuable CPD points. ISPE will be out in force in Arena 1 in 2025 with a packed three-day programme of informative and engaging workshops. As both organisations continue to work together, they will undoubtedly drive positive change, foster industry growth and elevate standards of professionalism within the pool and spa community.” “Now entering the eleventh year of staging the show at Coventry Building Society Arena, SPATEX is delighted that the venue has recently won the Operations Team of the Year Award at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2024,” advised Michele, who in 2025, celebrates 25 years of working for SPATEX. “This prestigious award is in addition to the many other accolades that the Arena has received over the years. It is a world-class venue with excellent transport links.” Could The SPATEX Foundation Help You? To date, £1.86m has been raised by SPATEX and re-invested into the industry. The main beneficiaries have been ISPE (to support some of their education initiatives),
BSPF, SPATA, BISHTA and PIP, to assist them with their respective roles in the industry. The Foundation also exists to help wider initiatives. For instance, vital financial support was given to the Water Babies charity during the pandemic to test how chlorinated swimming pool water inactivated SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrated that water, that adheres to UK swimming pool guidelines, is sufficient to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectious titre by at least 3 orders of magnitude. Alex Blackwell (Group Head of Facilities and Operations) at Water Babies said: “I would encourage any individual or organisation, looking to carry out any research or a project that supports the water leisure industry, to apply to the Foundation for funding. The process is easy to complete, with support and dialogue provided throughout.” The directors are keen to receive applications for other worthwhile initiatives that fall into one of the following four categories: Training, Education, Research or Other support. Further information and the application form can be downloaded from the SPATEX website. SPATEX 01264 358558 www.spatex.co.uk
Luke Griffiths and his two children sporting SPATEX caps for the ‘If the Cap Fits, Wear It’ competition that SPATEX is running this summer. Don your SPATEX cap and send to helen@spatex.co.uk for the chance of winning three great prizes. The funnier the better! Lost your cap? Email Helen and she will send out more.
A great success at this year’s event, and one that SPATEX is looking to repeat in 2025, is the show’s closer collaboration with the industry’s key associations” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 23/08/2024 16:59