Major exhibition praises transition to new ownership at Coventry Building Society Arena and heads toward 10th year at venue
A major show for the water leisure industry has praised the smooth transition to new ownership at Coventry Building Society Arena after a hugely successful event.
SPATEX is the UK’s only dedicated pool and spa show and is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary of being held at Coventry Building Society Arena in 2024.
The event attracted 1,400 visitors over two days this year and has committed its future to the Coventry venue until 2026.
SPATEX 2023 saw a focus on the water leisure industry’s sustainability drive, with energy efficient products such as heat pumps or heat-saving covers the focus of the show.
The show in Coventry attracts the world’s leading suppliers and manufacturers, with over 100 exhibitors and this year also saw the launch of a major fundraising drive by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) and British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Swim to the Beat fundraising campaign.
The event takes advantage of the 6,000 square foot exhibition halls at the venue and sees more than 40 hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools displayed on the exhibition floor.
Coventry Building Society Arena was acquired by Frasers Group last year and SPATEX was among the first major events to be held at the venue under new ownership.
Michele Bridle, event organiser at SPATEX, said there were had some initial nerves about hosting the event following the takeover, but that the show ran smoothly and now they are excited for the future plans at the venue.
"There will always be some nerves when a venue goes through a takeover, you never know if the same staff will be there and whether the delivery will be the same. However, on arrival we immediately met with familiar faces and the whole event ran really smoothly,” she said.
“The team went above and beyond, as they have done since we first hosted an event here, and it continues to be the most brilliant venue for us.
“We had a lot of international delegates and exhibitors join us this year and they were able to stay on site and take advantage of the other facilities at the venue, for example The Anecdote which was a huge hit.
“Keeping exhibitors on site during the show is really important to us and helps to generate a sense of community in the industry. We’re able to have our awards evening upstairs, our exhibition downstairs and then enjoy networking opportunities throughout the event in other spaces.
“We’re excited to hear about the future plans for the venue too and the improvements to what is already an excellent venue.”
Paul Michael, Commercial Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that the transition to new ownership has been a seamless one for our partners.
“SPATEX is a staple of our event calendar at the venue and one of the real highlights. The event is unique and completely transforms the versatile exhibition space we have at Coventry Building Society Arena.
“It is fantastic that next year we will be celebrating our 10th year hosting SPATEX and we are looking forward to supporting their event for many years to come.”
