Piscine Global Europe, the world's leading exhibition in the pool and spa sector, will take place as planned from 17 to 20 November 2020, at Lyon - Eurexpo.

Divisional Director Florence Mompo outlines the main features of the 2020 show.

GL events has confirmed that Piscine Global Europe will go ahead as planned in Lyon next November. Why did you make that decision?

« Piscine Global Europe has been the leading event on the international pool market for many years. It has become a major gathering for all players in the pool and spa sector that they cannot afford to miss. Our duties as a fellow player on this market include helping it get back to business, and showcasing the innovations that will shape the future. Our expertise in event organisation and the changing economic conditions strengthened our conviction that the exhibition had to go ahead. It will continue serving all the players in the swimming pool world - that is the very reason why it exists, and the primary motivation behind what we are doing today! »

How do you see the current - and future - situation on the pool and spa market?

« We are staying closely tuned to the sector, and all the signs indicate strong growth to come on the private market. The domestic pool sector is booming, with French consumers keen to invest in their homes and gardens... I am also delighted to see similar trends across the European market. International companies - especially manufacturers - have a positive outlook on the French market, and many of them have already confirmed that they will be attending the exhibition with high expectations. They are eager to get back in the field and back to business. It is clear that the economy is picking up, and the stakes are high!

It is important to bear in mind that the French pool market is the second largest in the world. So it is perfectly logical for THE global leading exhibition in the sector to take place in France. Piscine Global Europe will bring together the people who are building the future and keen to join this new community and take it forward. As far as we are concerned there is no doubt about it: that is how we have always supported the profession and we will continue doing so. »

Florence Mompo, Divisional Director (©Alexandre Moulard)

We will pull together with the dynamic businesses that are looking ahead, believe in the future and are willing to join us in rising to the challenge of making the 2020 exhibition a success!

Do you think the national and international visitors will be there?

« The borders of the Schengen area have now reopened, so EU visitors will be able to travel to the exhibition. More than 90% of those who came in 2018 confirmed that they intended to return even before governments announced that they were opening their borders. The same goes for our domestic visitors, who have told us they plan to attend. We are also going to offer them a range of new dedicated services to simplify their trip (travel, accommodation, hospitality, etc.). We will step up and strengthen our communications with visitors: helping them build their business will be our entire team's sole priority and key focus for the coming months. »

Will the 2020 show be on the same scale and of the same calibre as the previous ones?

« Piscine Global Europe is adapting to exceptional circumstances. This year's exhibition will obviously be very different from the previous ones, but the world has changed too and the onus is on us to adapt, be flexible and break new ground. As the leading exhibition, Piscine Global Europe is and will remain a forum for doing business, building relationships and showcasing innovation. We are committed to that, and the vision is shared by the entire GL events group. Our teams have been hard at work for several weeks, rethinking solutions and coming up with new ones geared more closely to the current context. To date more than 440 exhibitors are registered. »