Registering a 14 per cent year- on-year increase in visitor attendance for the recent 30th anniversary 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 and exhibitors from 13 nations, SPATEX this year added a significant milestone to its journey as the gateway to the UK market for Europe and the rest of the world continues.
SPATEX Organiser, Michele Bridle, who has worked for 26 years of the events 30 year history commented: “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 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.”
SPATEX’s seminar programme featured many leading industry speakers who addressed current issues and delivered vital health and safety guidance. Attendance figures for the presentations were up by 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.
Another positive move was the new Industry Hub conveniently brought together a wealth of free 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.
SPATEX hosted a special anniversary edition of the now famous SPATEX Networking Party. Visitors and exhibitors cheered on colleagues with a variety of interactive games and fantastic prizes. The fun continued with a Bandeoke Curry Night, with many taking to the stage, complete with a lively audience providing an exuberant support act. “SPATEX once again proved why it’s such a key date in our calendar,”
Chris Green, Marketing Manager for Certikin. “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.”
Antony Jackson of Panache Pools summed up the visitor response: “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.”
*The 31st edition of SPATEX will be back from Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th February at Coventry Building Society Arena
