E-264 Pool Nation Podcast - The Pool Pro’s Playbook: Education, Networking & Innovation PSP Expo 2025

The pool and spa industry's biggest annual gathering is just around the corner, and this year's PSP Expo promises to be bigger and better than ever. With innovative competitions, world-class education, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the 2025 event is shaping up to be a game-changer for pool professionals across the nation. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or just starting your pool service career, understanding what this expo offers—and how to maximize your experience—could be the key to taking your business to the next level.

Mark Your Calendars: PSP Expo 2025 Details You Need to Know

If you're used to attending the PSP Expo in November, listen up—this year is different. The 2025 PSP Expo will take place October 22-24 in Las Vegas, marking an earlier timeline than industry professionals are accustomed to. As Edgar De Jesus emphasized on the podcast:

This year, the show is October 22nd to the 24th. So pool pros, don't lift your heads in November and go, I'm going to the show. What happened? The show already passed. Yes, it is in October this year. So get out there today, not tomorrow, today. Get out there, book your tickets, book your plane tickets.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This timing change means pool professionals need to adjust their annual planning and ensure they don't miss out on what's considered the industry's most important networking and education event. The earlier date also means better weather in Las Vegas and potentially lower hotel rates, as many of the traditional resort fees are being eliminated by major hotel chains.

For accommodations, PSP Expo secures hotel room blocks at discounted rates well in advance. As show manager Megan Magana explains, these pre-negotiated rates are typically the lowest available, making it financially beneficial to book through the official expo channels rather than going directly through hotels or third-party booking sites.

The Three Pillars of PSP Expo Success

According to Megan Magana, the PSP Expo experience is built on three fundamental pillars that create value for every attendee, regardless of their role in the industry.

I like to think that there are three main pillars. There's the education. There's the networking. And there's the products. So you can come for a bunch of education. You can come to the show floor and see all these products and all this new technology. And you can do all this networking and see your friends and your colleagues.

— Megan Magana, PSP Expo Show Manager

Education: The expo features comprehensive educational sessions covering everything from basic pool maintenance techniques to advanced business management strategies. These sessions are designed for professionals at every level, from new technicians learning the ropes to seasoned business owners looking to scale their operations.

Networking: Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the expo is the opportunity to connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders. These connections often lead to new business partnerships, job opportunities, and collaborative relationships that extend far beyond the three-day event.

Products and Innovation: The show floor showcases the latest in pool and spa technology, chemicals, equipment, and tools. This is where pool professionals discover new products that can improve their efficiency, reduce costs, or offer new services to their customers.

The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge: Competition Meets Recognition

One of the most exciting new additions to PSP Expo 2025 is the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, a competition that promises to bring a new level of excitement and recognition to the industry. Taking place on October 22nd in booth #1353, this event will test pool professionals' skills in a competitive format.

The winner of this challenge doesn't just walk away with $10,000—they also receive additional recognition including appearing on the cover of Pool Nation Spotlights, participating in a podcast interview, and taking home a championship belt. This competition represents a significant investment in celebrating the technical skills and expertise that pool professionals bring to their work every day.

Registration for the challenge is limited, and organizers are personally contacting registered participants to confirm attendance. This personal touch ensures that spots don't go unused and that the most committed professionals get the opportunity to compete.

Strategic Networking: Making Connections That Count

While the products and education are valuable, many industry veterans consider networking to be the most important aspect of attending PSP Expo. The event serves as what Megan Magana calls "your family and industry reunion" and "the Instagram Live come to life with all the people there in person commenting and shaking hands in person."

Effective networking at the expo goes beyond casual conversations. It involves:

• Preparing a clear elevator pitch about your business and services
• Setting specific goals for connections you want to make
• Following up with new contacts within 48 hours of the event
• Participating in organized networking events and after-hours gatherings
• Using social media to connect with people you meet at the show

The relationships formed at PSP Expo often become the foundation for business growth, whether through referral partnerships, supplier relationships, or mentoring connections that help professionals advance their careers.

Maximizing Your Expo Experience: Planning for Success

As Zach Nicholas pointed out during the podcast, going into the show with a plan is crucial for maximizing the return on your investment of time and money. Too many attendees wander the show floor aimlessly or attend sessions randomly without a clear strategy for what they want to accomplish.

I think that most people who know who Megan is knows what we're here to discuss and talk about the show. And there's a lot of things that I don't think a lot of people realize they can take advantage of when they go to the show. I think this is a good opportunity to talk about some of those things.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

Successful expo attendees typically:

• Review the education schedule in advance and prioritize must-attend sessions
• Research exhibitors and create a priority list of booths to visit
• Set up meetings with key suppliers or potential partners before arriving
• Bring plenty of business cards and have a system for organizing contacts collected
• Plan for follow-up activities and dedicate time after the show to act on new connections

The expo also features special events like the Pool Nation Awards, which recognize excellence across various categories in the pool and spa industry. These events provide additional networking opportunities and celebrate the achievements of industry professionals.

Industry Evolution and Future Opportunities

The pool and spa industry continues to evolve rapidly, with new technologies, changing customer expectations, and shifting market dynamics creating both challenges and opportunities for professionals. PSP Expo serves as a crucial venue for staying current with these changes and positioning businesses for future success.

Recent trends visible at the expo include:

• Smart pool technology and automation systems
• Environmentally sustainable products and practices
• Enhanced safety equipment and protocols
• Digital tools for business management and customer communication
• New service models and revenue streams

For pool service professionals, staying ahead of these trends isn't just about remaining competitive—it's about providing the best possible service to customers and building a sustainable, profitable business. The education and product showcases at PSP Expo provide insights into where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt and thrive.

The success stories shared at events like the Pool Nation Women's Summit demonstrate that the industry offers tremendous opportunities for growth and success for those who are willing to invest in their education and professional development. PSP Expo amplifies these opportunities by bringing together the entire industry ecosystem in one location.

Your Next Steps: Preparing for PSP Expo 2025

With just six and a half weeks until PSP Expo 2025, now is the time to finalize your plans and ensure you're positioned to get maximum value from the event. The pool and spa industry's premier gathering offers unmatched opportunities for education, networking, and business development, but only for those who come prepared.

The combination of the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, comprehensive educational programming, extensive product showcases, and networking opportunities makes this year's expo particularly compelling. Whether you're looking to advance your technical skills, grow your business, or simply connect with others who share your passion for the pool and spa industry, PSP Expo 2025 delivers.

Remember, this isn't just a trade show—it's an investment in your professional future. The connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the innovations you discover can have lasting impacts on your business and career. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, those who stay connected to the community and committed to continuous learning will be the ones who thrive.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Register today, book your travel arrangements, and start planning your strategy for making the most of your time in Las Vegas. Your future self—and your business—will thank you for it.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
• 02:30 PSP Expo 2025 Overview and Date Change
• 08:15 Meet Megan Magana - PSP Expo Show Manager
• 12:45 The Three Pillars of PSP Expo Success
• 18:20 $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge Details
• 22:10 Strategic Planning for Maximum Expo Value
• 28:30 Networking and Industry Connections