WU Rocks the Jersey Shore

The Wolfpack starts off ’22 with a successful campaign in Atlantic city, where despite concerns about weather and the pandemic, managed to draw an eager crowd that filled exhibit aisles and seminar rooms. With a full slate of upcoming events Watershape University and fresh classes in development is poised to deliver top-shelf education to a waiting industry.

Watershape University (WU) was thrilled to be part of the educational offerings and the scene of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association’s (NESPA) show in Atlantic City, NJ, January 23-27, 2022.  COVID-19 played a role in reducing overall attendance; but, NESPA amazingly delayed the historic “Nor’easter” that hit the region the day after the show closed!

WU held three classes in the pre-conference period:  CON 2711 Major Renovations, BUS 3451 Cost Estimating, and CON 3341 Essential Plumbing Installation.  The latter course, which debuted at the show, was “blended” – consisting of 4 hours online and 8 hours live instruction.  The class, which included hands-on pipe gluing training by Weld-On®, was especially created and promoted for plumbing subcontractors.  When coupled with WU’s CON 2111 Essential Pool Construction, CON 3341 leads to a new credential “Verified Watershape Plumber.” 

Another new WU credential, “Verified Watershape Renovator” is achievable by successfully completing CON 2711 and BUS 3451.  This professional designation is perfect for service professionals who wish to expand their horizons and improve their bottom line by taking on pool renovations.

Three short courses rounded out the WU educational offering during the actual show conference:  CON 3251 Pier and Beam Construction, CON 3281 Building Watershapes for Moveable Floors and CON 3685 New Plaster Remediation & Responsibility.  All classes were well-attended, with students satisfactorily accommodated in socially distanced settings.

While the formal training is vital, informal exchanges – whether on the show floor or over dinner / drinks – make memories, friendships, and partnerships.  All three were in abundance across the five days spent in the company of our students, sponsors, fellow vendors and show attendees.

Our hats are off to the NESPA team of staff and volunteers for making the venue as safe as it could be, and the show as profitable as it could be, for those who braved the times to exhibit and attend.  A special callout to the 2022 Show Chair and NESPA Board Vice President, Julie Kazdin of Kazdin Pools & Spas, a student of Watershape University and an ardent supporter of the role WU plays in the industry.