In the mid-1970s, a group of visionary members of two trade associations in Southern California had an idea to create an educational program for pool and spa service technicians. The first Swimming Pool Symposium was held in 1975. It was a one-day affair with a handful of classes and no exhibits. The pool technicians' hunger for knowledge was evident immediately as classes were filled to capacity. The symposium continued for three years, growing in size and popularity each year. Tremendous interest and support from attendees and manufacturers alike led organizers to the next logical step: an actual trade show with exhibitors and an extended seminar package. Thus, in 1978, the Western Pool & Spa Show was born and continues to this day as a non-profit mutual benefit corporation run entirely by volunteers.With attendance topping 10,000, the Western Pool & Spa Show has become one of the premier pool and spa industry trade shows in the United States while remaining faithful to its original purpose - educating and training pool and spa service and construction professionals. Combining an educational program unmatched in the country with the opportunity for industry professionals to meet and talk to manufacturers and distributors, the Western Pool & Spa Show continues to provide significant benefits for exhibitors and attendees alike. Celebrating its 45th year and 30 years in its present home of the Long Beach Convention Center, The Western Pool and Spa Show continues to be considered by many the best show in the industry.