http://aquamagazine.com/content/post/No-Pool-And-Spa-Pro-Left-Behind.aspx
No Pool And Spa Pro Left Behind
I
recently attended
a trade show for an
industry that's related to — and even
overlaps with — our industry. I saw a
lot of similarities in how business is done. The way dealers and manufacturers interact was similar. Retailers shopping the
trade show were looking for new or different products or just trying to balance quality and service with costs.
There was plenty of networking and socializing in the hotel bar after show hours, and numerous parties and receptions sponsored by major manufacturers. The hall was great, the hotels were top-notch. Overall, it was a fine trade show.
But there was something missing. To me, it was glaring — almost embarrassing — that such an otherwise professional and well-appointed industry gathering would have such a meager and sparsely attended offering of seminars.
As AQUA readers and AQUA Show attendees, many of us are aware that we have access to some of the most respected experts in their professions, but sometimes it takes a little side-by-side comparison to realize just how green the grass is on our side of the fence.
I had another reminder when I was working on this month's Design/Build article on glass tile. As part of my research I contacted the various trade associations that deal with tile. I was referred — by the trade association — to Greg Andrews of Andrews Tile and Scott Fleming of Oceanside Glass Tile, both of whom were presenters at the last AQUA Show Conference.
So while school will soon be letting out for summer, here's a little reminder that we never really take a vacation from learning, and that's what sets us apart.
Kirstin Pires, has been on the editorial staff of AQUA magazine since 2002. She has a B.A. in art from Carleton College and M.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., and currently lives in Madison, Wisc.
There was plenty of networking and socializing in the hotel bar after show hours, and numerous parties and receptions sponsored by major manufacturers. The hall was great, the hotels were top-notch. Overall, it was a fine trade show.
But there was something missing. To me, it was glaring — almost embarrassing — that such an otherwise professional and well-appointed industry gathering would have such a meager and sparsely attended offering of seminars.
As AQUA readers and AQUA Show attendees, many of us are aware that we have access to some of the most respected experts in their professions, but sometimes it takes a little side-by-side comparison to realize just how green the grass is on our side of the fence.
I had another reminder when I was working on this month's Design/Build article on glass tile. As part of my research I contacted the various trade associations that deal with tile. I was referred — by the trade association — to Greg Andrews of Andrews Tile and Scott Fleming of Oceanside Glass Tile, both of whom were presenters at the last AQUA Show Conference.
So while school will soon be letting out for summer, here's a little reminder that we never really take a vacation from learning, and that's what sets us apart.
Kirstin Pires, has been on the editorial staff of AQUA magazine since 2002. She has a B.A. in art from Carleton College and M.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., and currently lives in Madison, Wisc.
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