SPATEX 2026 IS DECLARED A RECORD-BREAKER!
The water leisure industry is alive and well! Registering a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor attendance for the recent 30thanniversary edition of SPATEX – the UK’s only dedicated water leisure exhibition recorded its highest number of exhibitors and visitors at its Coventry Building Society venue.
Drawing visitors from 25 countries, including 114 from Europe, and exhibitors from 13 nations, illustrates SPATEX’s impressive journey in being recognised as the gateway to the lucrative UK market for Europe and the rest of the world.
The stands were busy with visitors viewing the vast array of latest ‘must-have’ innovations for swimming pools, ice baths, spas, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, enclosures and swim spas (many of the displays were water-filled and in operation). Indeed, the diversity of the exhibits was as great as their number.
“This show proved to be the highlight of my career, not just in terms of the impressive number of visitors and exhibitors it attracted, but also the buzz and the feel good factor that it generated and which promises to carry the industry through the forthcoming pool and spa season.”
“The vibrant 2026 edition demonstrates just how integral water leisure has become to 21st century life, and its influence and importance are ever-expanding in this increasingly health-conscious world we live in.”
“The exhibition hall looked stunning! The exhibitors set the bar high regarding the quality of their stands – I am grateful for all their hard work which contributed to making the show so full of energy and colour. As an exhibition organiser, when twelve months of preparation comes down to just three show days, it is gratifying to see the industry’s overwhelmingly positive response and be rewarded with such a fantastic turnout of 1,742 unique visitors.”
Not just a showcase, SPATEX’s seminar programme, with leading industry speakers addressing current issues and giving vital health and safety guidance, also recorded an impressive increase in attendance figures – up 23% to 737. This included a highly informative Pool Plant Theatre for commercial pool operators plus the ever-popular CPD accredited ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) technical workshops.
New for 2026, the Industry Hub saw a constant footfall throughout the three days of the show. Conveniently situated on one stand, visitors were able to receive a bounty of free and impartial advice from the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation) representing SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association), RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society UK), IOS (Institute of Swimming), PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) and STA (Swimming Teachers Association).
The LCA (Legionella Control Association) and WMSoc (Water Management Society) also brought their expertise to the table, giving keynote talks in the seminar arenas. And in addition, SPATEX hosted a joint LCA and WMSoc all-day seminar and a STA and IOS Tutor CPD morning.
With the who’s who of water leisure gathered under one roof, networking was to the fore. The BSPF hosted an entertaining WetLeisure Industry Gala Evening & Awards, highlighting exemplary projects and honouring winners who continue to raise industry standards and deliver exceptional results. This year’s ceremony was made even more special by the presence of the Guest of Honour, Anna Hopkin MBE, Olympic champion and one of Great Britain’s most accomplished sprint swimmers.
The following evening, SPATEX hosted a special anniversary edition of the now famous SPATEX Networking Party. Visitors and exhibitors enjoyed challenging and cheering on colleagues with a variety of interactive games and fantastic prizes. With the night still young, the fun continued with a Bandeoke Curry Night, with many taking to the stage, complete with a lively audience providing an exuberant support act.
Here’s just a few of the many glowing visitor and exhibitor testimonials SPATEX received:
Visitor Pwlltec – “We thought it was a fantastic event…So many great companies to network with and innovations to discover.”
Visitor Antony Jackson – “Good to get the lads out to SPATEX for the day. Always worth stepping away from site to see what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s coming next in the pool & spa world. Plenty of good chats, new ideas, and a few sore feet by the end of it.Cracking day with a solid team. Back at it today, a bit wiser than yesterday!”
Visitor National Pool Company – “It was great to see familiar faces, new ideas in the industry and so much passion for where the sector is heading. A brilliant event and a huge congratulations to the whole team on 30 fantastic years.”
Visitor David Page – “Really good to get out at SPATEX 2026, catch up with a few familiar faces, and meet some new ones too. The wellness space is flying right now — loads of seriously impressive products hitting the market.”
Visitor Greg David ‘The Hot Tub Guy ‘– “It’s been a great day at SPATEX meeting all the industry leaders and seeing all the new products, next year we will have to do two full days so we can get to every stall, there are so many people to talk to and amazing innovators in our industry. Highly recommended going.”
Exhibitor Mark Osman, Heatstar – “It’s great for networking and keeping up to date with the latest industry news and is not a show to be missed.”
Exhibitor Paul Webb, Fairlocks – “The quality of visitors this year was really high, and we are delighted with the comments and feedback received. Once again a big thank you must go to you all for the smooth operation of the whole event, you guys certainly have got it cracked, so well done.”
Exhibitor Chris Green, Certikin – “SPATEX once again proved why it’s such a key date in our calendar. As always, the event was exceptionally well organised, creating the perfect environment for productive conversations and giving us the opportunity to showcase our products to both existing and new customers.”
Exhibitor Ellie Parker Stoneworld – “It remains one of the most well-organised and worthwhile trade events we attend, and we value being part of it year on year.”
Exhibitor Chris Brady, 1 Stop Spas – “Congratulations to SPATEX for their 30th anniversary and without a doubt, the best edition of SPATEX I've had the pleasure of visiting and exhibiting at.”
SAVE THE DATE
Emboldened by the success of the 30th anniversary show, the 31st edition of SPATEX will be back bigger and even better in 2027 – Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th February. Coventry Building Society Arena.
Watch this space!