2025 Show Schedule
Tuesday, February 4th
7:30am Power Up & Advance U Women’s Workshop with Pam Vinje Session I - Advanced 2025 SMART Goal Setting
10:00am Vendor Move in 11:30am Power Up & Advance U Women’s Workshop with Pam Vinje Session II - Discover Your Strengths & OWN Them!
1:00pm Registration Desk Opens - Foyer A
Wednesday, Feb 5th
7:30am Registration Opens, Coffee - Compliments of Raypak
9:00am Show Seminars
11:00am Show Floor Opens
2:00pm Happy Hour at Only Alpha Booth
4:00pm Show Floor Closes
4:30pm FREE Show Party on Broadway Downtown Nashville!
Thursday, Feb 6th
8:00am Registration Opens, Coffee - Compliments of Raypak Southern Breakfast Biscuits compliments of Thursday Pools!
9:00am Show Seminars
10:00am Show Floor Opens
2:00pm Show Floor Closes
The Show Floor is FREE to walk. Seminar passes are $60 per person and include all seminars. Purchase them online at SoutheastShow.com
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4
Women’s Workshops
Pam Vinje is the CEO of Small Screen Producer’s Pool Marketing Site. Pam is a long-standing frequent speaker at industry shows and is a content resource for industry publications. Since 2009 her firm has been a well-respected digital marketing presence in the pool and spa industry. Creative at the core and a tech geek at heart, she leads an innovative digital marketing team that enables her clients to stay ahead of the curve.
7:30am to 11:00am - $125.00
It’s time to Power Up and Advance You and your company in 2025. We’ll share “boots on the ground” best practices for sales and marketing and operations. Using the SMART goal setting framework, you will then learn how to create actionable plans that you can immediately put into place. If you are a business owner or run a department, this workshop is for you!
• Set practical and actionable goals for sales and marketing, operations, to help you save money and grow sales.
• Get equipped with insights and strategies to overcome challenges. Whether it’s setting clear goals, increasing sales, improving your communication skills, or building collaborative relationships, you’ll gain practical solutions to excel in your role.
• Discover communication techniques that you can immediately put into practice, enhancing your management effectiveness and thereby growing your company’s bottom line.
Session II: Discover Your Strengths and Own Them!
11:30am to 3:00pm - $125.00
We are typically taught to focus on our weaknesses - to fix them. But freedom, power, and confidence occurs when we focus on honing our core strengths. Using a proven 5 point personality strength assessment, you will clearly identify your top 5 core strengths, and learn how to harness them for life changing outcomes in all areas of your life. Once your strengths are identified, you will learn to stay at the top of your game, by discovering tools to help overcome imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs. These negative mindsets often arise when trying to move forward into new opportunities. This workshop will help you step into 2025 with confidence whether you want to become more empowered in the position you are in or step into a new opportunity. Assessment test and wine and cheese reception included.
Objectives:
• Discover and Own Your Core Strengths: Understand your top talents as we take a personalized assessment test and leverage it to enhance your life.
• Embrace your Toolbelt: Discover tools to help you combat self-doubt and limiting beliefs as you journey towards reaching your goals in new found confidence.
• Aim Your Strengths at Success: Learn how to work your personal roadmap and watch your potential unfold.
• Build Accountability: Maximize your success after the workshop with the accompanied peer buddy and Zoom group accountability check-ins.
Register online under the Courses section at SouthEastShow.com and invest in YOU!
Session I: Advanced 2025 SMART Goal Setting Workshop
INDUSTRY EDUCATION
Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 9:00am to 12:15pm Daily
For a current schedule of seminars go to SouthEastShow.com
and click on Education or scan this QR code:
Wednesday, February 5th
9:00am-10:30am
Fighting Stains and Scale:
Above and Below the Waterline
Jim Struck, Jacks Magic
This class will dive into how to identify the causes of staining and scaling in pools- and how to remove them. Participants will also discover the magic to preventing these stains in the future, without draining the pool or damaging your equipment! Ideal for industry professionals of all levels. This class will enhance your skill and help your customers to have a sparking pool all season long!
Water Chemistry - The Fundamentals
Paul Gillio, Solenis
Emphasis on sanitizer levels and ph monitoring is well-known by most operators and service people. What is less well understood is how dependent successful pool management is on proper operation of filters, circulation and other areas of chemical control. This seminar will demonstrate that proper control of all three factors: chemical, biological, and physical is needed to provide healthy clean water. At the conclusion of the seminar the service person or operator will understand how each of these key factors interrelates with and helps control the others. Additional knowledge will be gained in how to correct unbalanced water and utilize other tools such as algaecides and sequestering agents to improve overall water quality.
Automation:
Embracing the Future of Pool Management
Jack Zurich, Sr Regional Training Mgr, Fluidra
Contrary to popular belief, automating a pool doesn’t require advanced technical know-how. Most pool automation products are designed for user-friendliness and a simple connection process to a network. Sounds simple right? Not so fast! For all systems of the pool to work together they must first be properly installed and connected by the pool tech. Take the guessing and stress out of automating customers’ pools by thoroughly understanding the steps in automating any pool!
Effective Strategies for Finding and Fixing Leaks
Darren Merlob, LeakTronics
This course offers comprehensive training on the causes, detection, and repair of leaks in water systems, with a specific emphasis on swimming pools and related structures. Participants will learn about modern leak detection technologies, understand the common causes of leaks, and master effective repair techniques.
How to be Profitable with Auto-Cover Service
David Lowe, Coverstar Central Are servicing Auto Covers really worth it? If you know how to properly service them, they are! Learn how your company can be profitable from servicing auto-covers. We will review all the different wearable parts, cleaning, and maintenance. We will discuss how to sell, order, and install replacement fabrics. 5-10 minutes at the end for Q&A.
Maximize ROI with Google Ads: Proven Strategies for 2025
Kristan
Hart, The Get Smart Group
As digital advertising evolves, staying ahead with Google Ads strategies is more important than ever. Participants will gain insights into how to adapt their campaigns to the changing digital landscape. This session will provide actionable techniques to craft high-performing campaigns, optimize budgets, and measure success effectively in the year ahead. From understanding the impact of AI to leveraging data for precision targeting, attendees will leave equipped with tools to maximize their ad spend. The class begins with an overview of the 2025 advertising landscape, highlighting trends such as voice search, evolving algorithms, and the power of AI-driven automation. Participants will learn how to create compelling ad copy, use advanced audience segmentation, and implement innovative bidding strategies. The session also covers the integration of Performance Max campaigns and Google Analytics 4 to ensure campaigns are data-driven and impactful.
continued on next page....
10:45am-12:15pm
Hot Water Chemistry
Paul Gillio, Solenis
This course will cover the factors that affect hot water management including filtration, chemistry and disinfection. Emphasis will be placed on the stresses created by hot, turbulent water and its effects on bathers, bather comfort, chemistry and especially sanitizers. At the conclusion of the course the service person or operator will understand how each of these key factors interrelates with and helps control the others. Particular attention will be made to sanitizer selection and control of bather wastes.
Liner Measurement: From Tech to Pro
Lori Connolly, Tara Pool & Outdoor Products
This comprehensive class is designed for pool professionals aiming to perfect their liner measurement skills. Participants will delve into essential topics such as accurate depth measuring, determining corner radius and understanding A-B theory and triangulation. By attending, professionals will enhance their precision in liner installations, reduce errors and improve efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and ensure top-quality results in every liner installation.
Smart Gas Fired Pool & Spa Heaters
Jack Zurich, Fluidra
Everyone loves swimming in a heated pool with a range of pool heating systems. Gas heaters are the perfect choice for extending the swimming season and making the most of your pool, even in the colder months. However, they need to work correctly in order to be effective and efficient. This presentation will cover gas heater liability, heater types, best installation practices and basic troubleshooting.
Avoiding Algae: What you NEED to Know
John Weber, BioLab
Algae is an important part of our planet’s ecosystem, just don’t invite them over to your pool party. Understanding algae becomes increasingly more important in our attempts to eliminate it from our pools. We will explore how algae get into pools, examine whether our current classification system is appropriate, and look at ways in which we can prevent and mitigate the effects on our pools. We will show how new research in this area is uncovering surprising new details about what we thought we knew about algae in pools and in our approach to eliminate them.
Opening and Closing Pools with the LSI
Shaun Malhall, Orenda
Opening and closing a pool is much more than just installing a cover and adding chemicals. The balance of the LSI during the colder climate is critical to avoid deterioration of the finish and the different parts of the pool equipment. In contrast setting up the right chemistry for when it’s time to open the pool, and managing the proper chemicals will help having a successful season during the summer.
Objectives:
• Learn how and when is time to close and open a pool following an LSI focused strategy
• Identify possible problems or mistakes during the processes and learn how to navigate them
• Recognize the special importance of pool care during the winter
Mastering Fiberglass Pool Care: The 4 Pillars for Long-Lasting Performance and Protection
Jonathon Davis, Thursday Pools
This class is a comprehensive seminar that covers essential knowledge for maintaining a fiberglass pool’s finish and healthy water. Participants will learn tailored water chemistry management for fiberglass pools, proper cleaning and maintenance techniques, and strategies to prevent common issues like scaling and surface damage. This seminar equips pool builders and service professionals with the skills to ensure the durability and performance of fiberglass pools.
Thursday, February 6th
9:00am-12:00pm
Intermediate Water Chemistry
Paul Gillio, Solenis
Note: This is a three hour course.
Now that the student has learned the basics of water chemistry, it’s time to get down to the not so basic details. This class will dive into more detailed areas of filtration equipment, specialty chemicals, interrelationships of chemical readings, and more. Due to the significant amount of information to cover we have set aside three hours. A Double Time Slot! Lengthier discussions will be spent on: filters, their differences and advantages/disadvantages among them, types of enzymes and what they do and why they work well together, how to adjust water that is out of balance, how and when CYA affects total alkalinity readings, how chlorine works and the different types of combined chlorine, how to select the right algaecide, phosphates and their role in pool chemistry, good and bad.
9:00am-10:30am
How to be Profitable with Auto-Cover Service
Repeat from Wednesday
David Lowe, Coverstar Central
Are servicing Auto Covers worth it? If you know how to properly service them, they are! Learn how your company can be profitable from servicing auto-covers. We will review all the different wearable parts, cleaning, and maintenance. We will discuss how to sell, order, and install replacement fabrics. 5-10 minutes at the end for Q&A.
Liner Measurement: From Tech to Pro
Repeat from Wednesday
Lori Connolly, Tara Pool & Outdoor Products
This comprehensive class is designed for pool professionals aiming to perfect their liner measurement skills. Participants will delve into essential topics such as accurate depth measuring, determining corner radius and understanding A-B theory and triangulation. By attending, professionals will enhance their precision in liner installations, reduce errors and improve efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and ensure top-quality results in every liner installation.
Practical Application of UV Ozone
Michael Falzar, Aqua Company
What is UV Light and how does it disinfect? Learn how UV Light-Ozone can be added to the filtration system to help disinfect the pool water and how you can present it as a benefit to the pool owner. Is UV hard to install? Is it safe for people? Does UV-Ozone effect PH or other readings? What is the cost? Learn the answers along with other aspects of UV Light Disinfection and how it can save up to 50% of chlorine use without harmful side effects.
Understanding Hydraulics
Jack Zurich, Fluidra
The seminar introduces basic hydraulic factors and will teach the attendee critical calculations to apply to all swimming pools, new or existing. Attendees will discuss the physics of water including pressure, flow rate, capacity, turnover, and more. The effect of pipe sizing, fittings, and valves will be discussed. Total Dynamic Head, pump curves, and how to select the proper pump for a system will be covered. The effect of pipe sizing, fittings, and valves will also be reviewed. Whether a rookie or season expert, attendees will take away a better understanding of how hydraulics are key in proper circulation and attaining a sparkling clear pool!
10:45am-12:15pm
Chemical Safety in Aquatics
John Weber, BioLab & Karlee Barton, Solenis, PHTA
Recreational Water and Air Quality Committee
Attendees will discuss the reactions associated with incompatible chemicals and how to protect themselves from these hazards. Guidelines for safe storage, transportation and use of commonly used chemicals will be reviewed. Attendees will learn common sense tips for avoiding costly injuries and property damage. Attendees will see examples of improper chemical storage and the potential results of such conditions.
Developing a 12 Month Marketing Strategy
Kristan Hart, The Get Smart Group
The best marketing plans are proactive, rather than reactive. Too often, we see Pool & Spa retail stores reacting to market conditions or scrambling at the last minute to pull off a sale.
In this talk, we take a comprehensive look at all the
pieces of a marketing calendar, from planning tools to all of the content needed to pull off a successful campaign. While not an exhaustive list, we cover the following:
Identify seasonal product cycles – plan
Live and Die by the KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
What KPIs are important to gauge marketing effectiveness?
Timely offers vs. Evergreen offers
Example landing pages
Example email follow-up
Example ad campaigns
Example video campaigns
Let’s talk video
You need a professional photographer
Mastering Fiberglass Pool Care: The 4 Pillars for Long-Lasting Performance and Protection
Jonathon Davis, Thursday Pools
This class is a comprehensive seminar that covers essential knowledge for maintaining a fiberglass pool’s finish and healthy water. Participants will learn tailored water chemistry management for fiberglass pools, proper cleaning and maintenance techniques, and strategies to prevent common issues like scaling and surface damage. This seminar equips pool builders and service professionals with the skills to ensure the durability and performance of fiberglass pools.
Setting Up and Programming Variable Speed Pumps
Jack Zurich, Sr Regional Training Mgr, Fluidra
Variable Speed Pumps can have positive implications for a homeowner’s pool. Whether a new pool, renovation or pool pump replacement, learn how to choose the correct pump for the project. Choosing the correct pump for the pool will result in maximum energy efficiency as well as happy customers! Students will also learn about hydraulic horse power, weighted energy factor and total horsepower.
Providing Exceptional Water Quality
Melissa Bushey, API Water
Learn the various types of pool water contaminants and pathogens, the key differences between sanitization and oxidation and the negative impact of imbalanced chemistry. Review of the moderate to severe poor water conditions in salt and non-salt pools and the APi products that remedy them as well as prevent reoccurrence. Gain a broader understanding of fully burdened service call costs and how to reduce maintenance for techs and DIY pool owners, simplify inventory, minimize training and troubleshooting time and drive retail chemical sales growth.
