The new year brings a big event for pool and spa professionals. The Pool & Spa Show returns to Atlantic City, New Jersey, from January 26 to 28, 2027. Thousands of builders, retailers, service techs, and suppliers will gather under one roof. They will see new products, join classes, and make useful business contacts.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. You will find dates, venue details, ticket tips, exhibitor categories, a sample schedule, and travel advice. Additionally, you will get practical tips that help you save time and money.
Quick Facts at a Glance
First, here is a simple snapshot of the event.
| Detail | Information |
| Exhibit dates | Tuesday, January 26 to Thursday, January 28, 2027 |
| Education conference | January 25 to 28, 2027 |
| Venue | Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Organizer | Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) |
| Audience | Pool and spa industry professionals |
| Registration | Online through the official show website |
Please note that organizers may update details. Therefore, confirm the final information on the official website before you book travel.
What Is the Event?
The show is the largest trade event for the pool and spa industry in the Northeast. NESPA created it for pool and spa people, and industry professionals shape much of the program. The event focuses on three things: the exhibit floor, hands-on education, and networking.
Visitors come from many fields. Some own retail stores. Others build pools, service equipment, sell hot tubs, or manage resort properties. Because the audience is so varied, the show offers something useful for almost every role.
In recent years, the show has drawn more than 400 exhibitors and thousands of attendees. However, the real value lies in the mix of learning and shopping. You can attend a class in the morning and test a new product in the afternoon.
Dates and Venue
Show Dates
The exhibit hall opens on Tuesday, January 26, 2027. It closes on Thursday, January 28. The education conference starts earlier, on Monday, January 25, so you can arrive early and join classes before the floor opens.
Venue Details
The event takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The hall sits close to the Boardwalk, hotels, restaurants, and the rail terminal. As a result, many visitors can walk between the venue and their hotel.
Expected Floor Hours
Organizers had not posted final floor hours at the time of writing. However, recent shows followed a steady pattern. The floor opened at 10 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, it closed at 2 p.m. so visitors could travel home. Expect a similar plan in 2027, but check the official schedule first.
Tickets and Registration
Who Can Attend
The show serves the trade. Therefore, it does not welcome the general public. Pool builders, retailers, service companies, suppliers, and other industry workers can register. Consumers who want to shop for a backyard pool should look at local home shows instead.
How to Register
Registration happens online through the official show website. Follow these steps:
- Create an account on the registration page.
- Choose your badge type.
- Pick your education passes and classes, if you want them.
- Add any social events.
- Pay any fees and save your confirmation.
In past years, the show asked attendees to choose classes during registration. This rule helped organizers manage seating. Consequently, popular sessions filled fast. Register early to keep your first-choice classes.
Pass Types
The show has offered several kinds of passes. Names and prices can change each year, so treat the table below as a general guide.
| Pass Type | What It Covers | Best For |
| Show floor badge | Entry to the exhibit hall | Buyers who want to browse products |
| Technical pass | Multi-day classes on equipment and service | Technicians and installers |
| Business pass | Classes on sales, marketing, and management | Owners and managers |
| Certification courses | Industry credentials and exams | Staff who want formal training |
| Women in the Industry workshop | Leadership and career topics | Women across all roles |
| Experience pass | A flexible mix of events and sessions | First-time visitors |
Additionally, buying an education pass often includes access to the show floor. Check the official site for current rates and early-bird deadlines.
Exhibitors and Products
The exhibit floor is the heart of the show. More than 400 companies have exhibited in recent years. They range from global brands to small startups with fresh ideas.
You can expect to see the following product groups:
| Category | Examples |
| Pool equipment | Pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems |
| Water care | Chemicals, test kits, sanitizers, and salt systems |
| Cleaning gear | Robotic cleaners, vacuums, and brushes |
| Spas and hot tubs | Portable spas, swim spas, and spa covers |
| Safety products | Covers, alarms, fences, and safety gear |
| Surfaces and finishes | Plaster, tile, coping, and liners |
| Lighting and features | LED lights, waterfalls, and fire features |
| Software and services | Route software, payment tools, and insurance |
However, the exhibitor list changes every year. New companies join, and some brands skip a season. Therefore, review the official exhibitor directory once it goes live. Then mark the booths you want to visit.
In the past, the show has also included hands-on demo areas. These spaces let visitors see new technology in action. They work well for comparing products side by side.
Show Schedule
NESPA had not posted a final 2027 schedule at the time of writing. Nevertheless, the show has followed a clear weekly rhythm for years. The table below shows a likely layout based on that pattern.
| Day | Date | Likely Activities |
| Monday | January 25 | Education classes, specialty sessions, and the evening Welcome Party |
| Tuesday | January 26 | Exhibit hall opens, classes, and partner events |
| Wednesday | January 27 | Full show floor day, classes, and networking |
| Thursday | January 28 | Shorter floor day, final classes, and show close |
Please treat these entries as a planning aid only. The official program will list exact times and rooms.
Education and Training
Education sets this show apart. Classes run in the morning and the afternoon, and attendees can earn more than six hours of learning each day.
The program usually covers these areas:
- Technical training for service, repair, and installation
- Business training for sales, hiring, and marketing
- Industry certifications
- Women in the Industry workshop
- Specialty sessions on focused topics
The organizers also want fresh ideas. They opened a call for presentations for 2027 and asked speakers to share technical knowledge, business strategies, and new ideas. As a result, the 2027 lineup should include new topics and new teachers.
Technical classes often fit all levels. A new hire can start with basics, while a veteran can pick an advanced course. Similarly, owners can choose sessions on pricing, staffing, and growth.
Networking and Social Events
Business happens on the show floor, but relationships grow after hours. The show usually hosts a Welcome Party on the Monday night before the floor opens. In recent years, the party took place at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Partner companies also host their own gatherings.
These events give you a relaxed way to meet peers. You can swap stories with competitors, thank suppliers, or find a new partner. Moreover, many visitors say the casual chats teach them as much as the classes do.
Travel and Hotel Guide
Getting There
Atlantic City is easy to reach from major Northeast cities. Visitors can choose from several options:
- By car: Drive on the Atlantic City Expressway or the Garden State Parkway.
- By air: Fly into Atlantic City International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport.
- By train: Take the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line from Philadelphia.
- By bus: Several coach lines serve the city daily.
In January, expect cold weather. Therefore, pack a warm coat, gloves, and comfortable shoes.
Where to Stay
Many attendees book rooms at Harrah’s Resort, because it hosts popular show events. Other nearby casino hotels also offer good rates in winter. Book early, since rooms near the venue sell out as the show approaches. Additionally, compare group rates on the official site, because organizers sometimes negotiate discounts.
Eating and Entertainment
The city has plenty of restaurants, from quick cafes to steakhouses. After a long day, you can walk the Boardwalk or relax at a hotel spa. Furthermore, the casinos offer live shows and late-night food.
Why This Event Matters for Your Business
Trade shows cost time and money. Therefore, smart owners ask what they will gain. First, you can compare many brands in one place. This saves weeks of calls and emails. Second, you can speak with product experts and ask hard questions. Third, you can spot trends before your customers ask about them.
Furthermore, the show helps you build your team. Sending staff to classes raises skills and boosts morale. Employees who learn new methods often return with fresh ideas. In turn, your customers receive better service. Many owners also use the event to meet lenders, insurers, and software providers who support daily operations.
How to Plan Your Budget
A clear budget prevents stress. Start with the main costs: registration, hotel, travel, and food. Next, add the cost of lost work time if you close your shop. Finally, set aside money for samples, supplies, or deposits that you may want to buy on site.
Many exhibitors offer special show pricing. However, you should compare those offers with your normal supplier rates before you sign. Ask for written quotes, and take photos of price sheets. Consequently, you can review each deal calmly at home.
Smart Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little planning makes a big difference. Use these tips to get more from your trip:
- Register early to lock in classes and lower prices.
- Study the floor map before you arrive.
- Make a short list of must-see booths.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the hall is large.
- Bring business cards and a phone charger.
- Download the show app, if the organizers offer one.
- Set aside time for at least one class each day.
- Schedule meetings with key suppliers ahead of time.
- Take notes and photos of products you like.
- Follow up with new contacts within one week.
Also, plan for the winter weather and the short Thursday floor day. If you must catch a flight, finish your top priorities on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Other January and February Trade Shows
Pool season planning does not stop in Atlantic City. Several regional events surround the show, so you may want to combine trips.
| Event | Location | Dates |
| Southeast regional show | Nashville, Tennessee | January 21 to 23, 2027 |
| Western regional show | Long Beach, California | February 18 to 20, 2027 |
| Everything Under the Sun | Orlando, Florida | February 26 to 27, 2027 |
Because dates can shift, confirm each event on its own website.
Conclusion
The Pool & Spa Show 2027 offers a rare mix of products, learning, and networking. It runs from January 26 to 28 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, with classes starting on January 25. Industry professionals can browse more than 400 exhibitors, join hands-on classes, and meet peers at social events.
To get ready, register early, choose your classes, and book your hotel soon. In addition, check the official website for final hours, prices, and schedules. With a good plan, you will return home with new products, new skills, and new contacts for a strong season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 2027 event?
The exhibit hall runs from January 26 to 28, 2027. The education conference runs from January 25 to 28.
2. Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
3. Who organizes the event?
The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) organizes it.
4. Can the public attend?
No. The show serves pool and spa industry professionals. Consumers should visit local home and garden shows.
5. How do I buy tickets?
Register online on the official show website. Choose your badge, classes, and any social events during checkout.
6. How much does registration cost?
Prices vary by pass type and date. Early registration usually costs less. Check the official site for current rates.
7. What are the show floor hours?
Organizers have not posted final hours yet. Recent shows opened at 10 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. on the first two days, with an earlier 2 p.m. close on the last day.
8. Do I need to choose classes in advance?
In recent years, yes. Organizers asked attendees to pick classes during registration, and popular sessions filled quickly.
9. What products will exhibitors show?
Expect pool equipment, water care products, cleaners, spas, safety items, surfaces, lighting, software, and services.
10. Where should I stay?
Many visitors choose Harrah’s Resort or another nearby hotel. Book early because rooms near the venue fill up fast.
