New venue makes a bigger SPLASH! in 2016

AUSTRALASIA – Australian pool and spa trade show SPLASH! will move to a larger venue in 2016, after organisers revealed the two-day trade show would co-locate with the International Swim Disability Conference. The trade show’s 2016 edition will be staged at Queensland’s Gold Coast Conference and Convention Centre on 17-18 August. Organisers expect the two-day event will attract about 2500 visitors and 120 exhibitors, including landscapers, retailers, pool builders, service technicians, wholesalers, architects, sports and aquatic centres. Simon Cooper, managing director of organiser Interpoint Events, said the new venue, which is about 30 per cent larger, would bring together exhibitors in one hall and had the added benefit of high ceilings for easy access. “For visitors it will also mean they can visit all the companies in one place and we are able to build meeting places on the show floor,” Cooper said. It is the first time the show will co-locate with the International Swim and Disability Conference. “People with disability should have the same opportunities to swim as everyone,” says Ross Gage, chief executive of water safety authority Swim Australia. “SPLASH! 2016 will have a special focus via an International Swim Disability Conference for swim schools and teachers and a display of swim disability equipment, to support swimmers to learn and improve,” he said. Previous editions of SPLASH! have welcomed visitors from China, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, UAE and the United States.