Taking place just prior to the 2009 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals® (APSP) will offer two advanced educational programs designed especially for pool/spa builders and service company professionals. Making up the APSP Career Institute, these programs add an important component to the Expo’s already stellar line-up of educational offerings.

Leaders of the APSP Builders Council and Service Council have created powerful programs to develop technical and business insights for pool/spa builders and service company professionals," said Bill WEBER, President and CEO of APSP, the show’s official sponsor. “Both programs provide attendees with the knowledge, skills and abilities to create safer, higher-quality aquatic environments for consumers.”

The APSP Builders Institute, presented by the APSP Builders Council, is a rigorous, two-day program of high-level seminars that give pool and spa builders the tools to compete on a higher level within the industry. Classes on Saturday, November 14, include “Innovative Repair Techniques for Cracked and Leaking Pools,” “Innovative Marketing and Advertising in Changing Economic Times,” and “Vanishing Edge and Perimeter Overflow Pools - Design, Engineering and
Construction.”

Sunday’s classes include “Concrete Pool Decking - Improved Quality, Fewer Problems, Better Profit,” “How to Sell Waterfalls and Ponds to Your Customers,” “Secrets to Successful Pool Tile Installation (From Simple Waterlines to all Glass Tile Pools),” and “Startups - The $64,000 Answer!”

Builders Institute speakers include Ron LACHER, Brett ABBOTT, George W. SEEGEBRECHT, Greg WITTSTOCK, Greg ANDREWS, John SOTHERN and Randy DUKES.

Presented by APSP Service Council, the APSP Technical Service Institute is a full day program featuring management-level presentations for owners, supervisors and managers of service companies. Held on Sunday, November 15, the program includes five classes, lunch, a quiz by the APSP Service Council, door prizes and a behind the scenes tour of the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef.

Held Sunday, November 15, classes include, “Variable Drive Pumps and Hydraulics,” “Diagnosing New Pool Plaster Problems,” Microbiology - a Look at What’s Bugging You!,” “Advanced Chemistry - What They Don’t Tell You in the Beginning Class,” and “VGB Compliance Requirements, Risks, and Opportunities for Service Professionals.”

Technical Service Institute speakers include Michael ORR, Kim SKINNER, Dr. Charles GERBA, Que HALES and Steve BARNES.

"These programs were designed to build core skills and share best practices and innovations,” said Donna BELLANTONE, Director of the Expo. "Registrants will receive the most relevant and useful educational tools to enrich their professional development and success.

Registration Packages

Conference seminars are ticketed events and seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged to ensure access to their preferred classes.

The Builders Institute Saturday/Sunday Pass includes admission [with lunch] to the two-day program, as well as admission to the Expo, one of the three Power Panels, the Welcome Party at House of Blues and the APSP Live Workshops. Advance prices are $455 for APSP members and $555 for non-members. Beginning October 7, the price increases to $555 for APSP members and $655 for non-members.

The Builders Institute Sunday Pass includes admission [with lunch] to the one-day program, as well as admission to the Expo, one of the three Power Panels, the Welcome Party at House of Blues and the APSP Live Workshops. Advance prices are $265 for APSP members and $315 for non-members. Prices increase to $315 for members and $365 for non-members on October 7.

The Technical Service Institute Sunday Pass includes admission [with lunch] to the one-day program, as well as admission to the Expo, one of the three Power Panels, the Welcome Party at House of Blues and the APSP Live Workshops. Advance prices are $195 for APSP members and $245 for non-members. Beginning October 7, the price increases to $245 for APSP members and $295 for non-members.