Spain ranks second in importance within the European swimming pool market
The next edition of the International Swimming Pool Show, Piscina BCN, to be held from October 17 to 20, 2007, at the Gran Via Exhibition Centre, will transform Barcelona into the world center of the swimming pool and wellness sector. More than 500 companies will be exhibiting directly, the show will occupy three pavilions – one more than last year – and will feature the most comprehensive program of activities in its history.
Piscina BCN will once again break participation records, reaching 520 direct exhibitors, 9% more than last year, representing a total of 650 companies. More than half of the exhibitors – 55% – are from 29 countries, primarily France, Italy, the USA, the UK, Belgium, China, and Germany.
These figures confirm the distinctly international character of the show, which in eight editions has established itself as the trade fair organized by Fira de Barcelona with the highest percentage of international participation. Furthermore, Piscina BCN has consolidated its position as one of the largest industry events in Europe and is a global benchmark.
The positive evolution of Piscina BCN since its first edition in 1994 (see Annex 1) demonstrates, on the one hand, the great dynamism of the Spanish swimming pool sector — Spain is the second most important sector in the European swimming pool market, after France — and on the other hand, the interest of the most relevant companies in the world in this sector event, which is a decisive center for the promotion of their products.
It is estimated that there are currently one million swimming pools in Spain, according to data from the Association of Manufacturers of Swimming Pool Equipment, Chemical Products and Construction (ASOFAP). This figure includes in-ground pools (800.000) and above-ground pools (200.000) with a minimum diameter of 3,5 meters. The number of in-ground pools is growing by 30.000 units annually.
Surface and sectors
The net exhibition space contracted for this edition amounts to 31.012 m2, representing a 9,5% increase compared to the 2005 edition. Piscina BCN's offerings are organized into 17 specialized sectors, the most prominent of which, in terms of the number of exhibiting companies, are swimming pools; physical and chemical water treatment; wellness, fitness, spas and hydrotherapy baths; pool enclosures; and water purification (filters and pumps). (see Annex 2)
To complement the exhibition and with the aim of offering professionals the maximum benefit from their visit, a comprehensive and engaging program of activities will be offered. Of particular note are the first-ever Piscina BCN Technical Conferences, where experts will analyze current issues and future trends in the sector, focusing on four key topics: sustainability, regulations, safety, and wellness. Complete information on the activities and conferences (speakers, schedules, rooms, etc.) can be found in the activities section of the website. http://www.salonpiscina.com/.
Nearly 20.000 people from about 100 countries will visit the show
This year, nearly 20.000 people from over 100 countries are expected to visit the exhibition, which will be located in Halls 1, 2, and 3 of the Gran Via Exhibition Centre. According to data from the last edition, the main visitor groups at Piscina BCN are: installers; managers of hotels, campsites, spas, and thalassotherapy centers; distributors; real estate developers, architects, and engineers; builders and manufacturers; as well as interior designers and landscape architects. 62% of visitors at the last edition indicated that learning about the latest market developments is one of the main objectives of their attendance at Piscina BCN. In this regard, under the coordination of the Institute of Construction Technology of Catalonia (ITeC), the exhibition will once again publish a detailed Guide to New Products.
Although Piscina BCN is a trade show, it will be open to the general public on its final day, as more and more individuals are interested in the care and maintenance of their swimming pools. Furthermore, private consumption of wellness-related products has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue growing.
Logistical improvements and new access to the hall
Among the main improvements for the upcoming edition is the connection to the Gran Via venue via the new Europa/Fira station on the Llobregat-Anoia line of the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC). This line originates at Plaça d'Espanya and the journey takes only six minutes. The new station is located a few meters from the main entrance hall to the venue, situated on Avinguda Joan Carles I (corner of Carrer de les Ciències), which becomes the new and only access point to the event.
On the other hand, the number of parking spaces for visitors traveling by private vehicle will be increased with the new parking lot located on Joan Carles I Avenue, and there will be a shuttle bus service connecting the Gran Via venue with the airport.
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