Photos courtesy Piscine Lyon

Noemi Petit, Piscine Lyon fair director

Piscine Lyon has long been considered one of the world's premier pool and spa shows. As event organizers prepare to open their doors to the international pool community November 16-19, 2010 in Lyon, France, Pool & Spa Marketing sat down with fair director Noemi Petit to learn how the show is helping spur industry growth around the globe and why she considers it a must-attend event.

PSM: Describe the major features/changes to Piscine 2010.
NP: As sustainable development becomes increasingly important, we created the 'Pool eco attitude' to help professionals interested in sustainable products and services easily find exhibitors offering energy-saving or sustainably manufactured products. There is also the Pool Vision showroom, featuring pool showroom designs of the future. Our spa concept area will offer professionals the chance to discover the latest trends in aquatic leisure and wellness facilities via life-size settings, all while getting expert advice. In addition, every morning there will be mini-seminars on topics such as pool design and the health benefits of spas, including tips on proper maintenance.

There is also the Wellgreen Piscine by Night Village, which offers ideas on how to transform pool surrounds at night, complete with an information centre on where professionals can learn more about the latest trends.

PSM: Why is it important for Canadian pool/spa professionals to attend the show?
NP: The show provides a wide range of products and solutions corresponding to [industry] demand. Visitors come with different needs. For example, if an attendee is looking for 'sustainable' equipment, they will be guided through the 'Pool eco attitude area;' if they are searching for information in general, we have more than 50 experts speaking at all three shows. (Piscine 2010 is also home to the Wellgreen Design and Pool Surroundings Show and Aqualie, the Aquatic and Wellness Centres Exhibition.)

If one is looking to revamp his or her store, then a visit to the Pool Vision showroom is a must, as students from the Créapole interior design school show off their showroom designs.

Of course, no show is complete without the opportunity to network. Each evening, attendees can do just that at the Piscine Party, which will feature what we are calling the Piscine Story—the best pool scenes from some of the most famous movies.

PSM: How do you feel pool trends in the European market influence those in North America. How will the show reflect these trends?
NP: I think influences are not unilateral. Europe's market started with imported U.S. and Canadian products, although today, Europe is home to many product innovations.

Apart from Canadian and American companies, exhibitors come from all over Europe. This diversity gives Piscine, Wellgreen and Aqualie a special touch and an enormous choice for any project.

PSM: What would you say are the hottest trends currently in the European pool/spa industry and how can North American show attendees learn more about them?
NP: One major trend in pool design relates to shape and the notion that wider is better. As I mentioned previously, there is a growing concern for the environment and a need for products and solutions that address these issues. Automation, maintenance solutions and wellness round out some of the other trends and visitors can see products and services that reflect these new realities first-hand.

For more information on the show, including how to book your trip, visit www.piscine-expo.com.

Piscine Lyon provides a wide range of products and solutions corresponding to industry demand.