Discover the highlights of the conference programme at Piscine Global 2026, the international swimming pool show. From 17 to 20 November, a wide range of topics will be addressed by industry experts.
Key issues facing the pool industry discussed by experts
Piscine Global 2026 will give visitors four days to explore and understand the transformations shaping the industry.
TUESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2026: MARKET & INDUSTRY VISION
- 10:00>10:45 - Opening ceremony and official launch of Piscine Global, hosted by Stéphane Figueroa, President of the FPP, and Alexandra Moncorgé, Director of Piscine Global.
- 11:00>12:45 - Press conference of the French Federation of Pool and Spa Professionals (FPP).
An opportunity to recognise outstanding projects with the presentation of the Pool and Spa Trophies, a prestigious competition highlighting excellence in pool and spa design, development and innovation. - 15:00>15:30 - EMAUX Pitch
Experience and expertise in action: smarter pool pumps, energy savings and connected control. Speaker: Xavier Vidal - EMAUX. - 15:45>16:30 - WAPSA - The importance of collaboration in obtaining market data (EN).
This conference will examine some of the relevant data collected each year by WAPSA through national associations in order to gain a better understanding of the market and emerging trends. Speakers: Anne-Claire Marquet - General Delegate of the French Federation of Pool and Spa Professionals (FPP), Chris Hayes - Managing Director of the British Swimming Pool Federation (BSPF). - 16:45>17:30 - EUSA AWARDS prize-giving ceremony (EN).
A showcase of Europe’s finest achievements through the EUSA Awards. These prestigious awards recognise the most outstanding pools in Europe and are organised by the European Union of Swimming Pool and Spa Associations (EUSA). Speaker: Agustí Ferrer - Managing Director of the Asociación Española de Profesionales del Sector de la Piscina (ASOFAP).
WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2026: INNOVATION & NEW BUSINESS MODELS
- 10:00>12:15 - Pool Innovation Awards Pitch Battle: 5 minutes to make your case.
10 innovations, 5 minutes each, one expert jury.
On the Pool Arena stage, project leaders will take turns in an intense and decisive format to defend their solutions. In just a few minutes, they will need to capture attention, get straight to the point and demonstrate the strength of their innovation. A major highlight of the programme where bold ideas, impact and vision take centre stage, showcasing the innovations shaping the future of the pool and aquatic sectors. - 13:15>14:00 - Pools in the age of marketing, communication and influence: how brands stand out.
Today, marketing, communication and influence are central to business performance and have become essential tools for standing out and accelerating growth. Through the perspectives of three experts, discover how to activate these tools, build an effective strategy and understand why they are now essential to business development. A practical opportunity to step back, strengthen visibility and increase impact. And after that, it will be difficult to say: “I don’t have time.” Speakers: Margot Bertrand - Public Relations and Influencer Management Strategist, White Mirror; Pauline Kara Mikinda - Marketing Manager, Motema Conseils; Lisa Sergent - Social Media Manager, LS Communication. - 14:15>15:00 - AI for pool professionals: moving from curiosity to strategy.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept, but an everyday tool. In practical terms, why and how should a business owner in the pool industry use it to save time and improve profitability? This 45-minute conference offers an ultra-practical approach to demystifying AI and applying it directly to the profession. Topics will include the fundamentals of AI explained simply, use cases dedicated to the pool industry and ready to implement, and live demonstrations of simple, practical AI agents already deployed for small, medium-sized and large pool companies. The watchword: pragmatism and efficiency. Discover how to turn AI into a genuine performance driver for your business.
Speaker: Yannick Socquet - Founder, Sociaty.io. - 15:15>16:00 - How can pool water be managed in the face of climate change?
Heat, heatwaves and water restrictions: the new challenges facing pool professionals.
Speaker: Mathias Werner - Wfe Piscine. - 16:00>17:00 - Pool Horizons Session.
The Pool Horizons session at Piscine Global 2026 will begin with a brief update on the Pool Horizons initiative, followed by the presentation of preliminary results from the pilot study on the Global Aquatic Social Impact Framework, carried out in collaboration with representatives of three participating pool industry associations from France, Spain and the United States. This will be followed by a round table on the challenges facing the pool industry and its future outlook, with executives from CF Group, Fluidra, Hayward and Pentair.
Speakers: Anne-Claire Marquet - General Delegate, French Federation of Pool and Spa Professionals (FPP); Ricard Madurell - Managing Director, Pool Horizons; Christopher Pound - Pool Horizons Coordinator; Agustí Ferrer - Managing Director, Asociación Española de Profesionales del Sector de la Piscina (ASOFAP); Sabeena Hickman - President and CEO, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA); Cedrik Mayer-Klenk - Managing Director, CF Group; Jaime Ramírez - CEO, Fluidra; Kevin Holleran - President and CEO, Hayward Holdings, Inc.; Gregory Claffey - President and Chief Revenue Officer, Pentair Pool. - 17:15>17:45 - Pool Innovation Awards ceremony: the innovations set to transform tomorrow’s market.
Attend the decisive moment of the Pool Innovation Awards. After a morning of intense pitches, during which the 10 shortlisted companies will have given their all to convince the jury, the time will come to reveal the winners. Who will make the podium? Which innovations will leave a lasting mark on the industry? The suspense will continue until the final announcement. Five distinctions will reward the best innovations: 1st Prize, 2nd Prize, 3rd Prize, Sustainable Innovation Award and Public Choice Award. A major show highlight, followed by a cocktail reception.
THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2026: TRENDS & TRANSFORMATION
- 10:00>10:45 - Can water become a new space for social connection?
What if water could also help create social connections, foster inclusion and improve well-being? Drawing on its experience, the Refaire Surface association will present the social and societal benefits of water and the practical initiatives it develops for vulnerable groups, including people undergoing treatment or living with long-term conditions, carers, isolated individuals and those with very limited access to sport.
Speaker: Malaika Roussier - Association Refaire Surface. - 11:00>12:00 - Understanding and managing younger generations.
Generation Y transformed our relationship with work. Generation Z is reshaping it even further. As expectations change, managers, HR professionals and business leaders are asking themselves how to encourage younger employees to remain committed over the long term and how to integrate them into teams where different world views coexist. This conference offers a lively, stereotype-free look at their expectations, contradictions and the factors that genuinely make a difference in encouraging them to stay. A practical and inspiring session for both experienced managers and younger supervisors looking for guidance.
Speaker: Julien Estier - Speaker, Link's. - 12:15>13:00 - When the pool shapes the garden.
How can the pool be integrated from the earliest stages of a project? What are the key issues surrounding positioning, aesthetics and consistency with the surrounding environment? This conference will explore the keys to successfully integrating pools into architectural and landscaping projects in order to create harmonious and sustainable outdoor spaces. An inspiring session looking at the pool as a genuine design feature.
Speakers: Elodie Wehrlen - Landscape Architect, Côté Outdoor; Anne Cabrol - Landscape Designer, winner of the 2017 Carré des Jardiniers, Ateliers Anne Cabrol. - 14:00>14:45 - Why is there a growing need for pool expertise?
As needs and technologies evolve, pool professions are becoming increasingly specialised. This session will explore the new areas of expertise transforming the industry and responding to tomorrow’s challenges.
Speakers: Eric Dujardin - President of the CNEPS (French National Association of Pool and Spa Experts), court-appointed expert approved by the Court of Cassation; Yannick Courbin - Vice-President, independent pool expert; Mathias Werner - Wfe Piscine, pool expertise training. - 16:00>16:45 - Trends 27/28: new horizons for the pool industry.
An exclusive overview of the major changes expected in the pool market for 2027-28. A rapid look at new consumer aspirations through three major themes: living well with heat, living well with nature and living well within one’s means. This concise conference will provide deeper insight into forward-looking work on the materials, shapes and functions that will shape tomorrow’s pool market.
Speaker: Manuel RUCAR - Trend Forecaster, CHLOROSPHERE.
THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2026: A DAY DEDICATED TO PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL POOLS
Aqualie 2026: a day dedicated to supporting the transformation of commercial pools. With more than 4,000 public pools across over 3,000 municipalities, France has a particularly extensive network of public aquatic facilities. These are complemented by nearly 30 major water parks, more than 110 thermal establishments and several thousand private-sector facilities for collective use, including private aquatic centres, campsites and outdoor hospitality facilities, holiday residences, leisure parks and wellness sites, all subject to similar technical, health and energy requirements.
At a time when many facilities are entering a phase of renovation or transformation, decision-makers need reliable, proven and directly actionable solutions to reduce water and energy consumption, manage increasingly constrained budgets, meet stricter regulatory requirements and remain attractive, accessible and safe.
As part of PISCINE GLOBAL, AQUALIE will provide a platform for accelerating dialogue between decision-makers and manufacturers, sharing practical feedback, creating connections with new partners and suppliers, and providing direct access to public-sector buyers, operators, facility managers and aquatic project leaders. A highly targeted event for industry professionals.
FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2026: CELEBRATING THE POOL INDUSTRY WITH THE POOL FESTIVAL
On its final day, Piscine Global switches to festival mode! For one day, conviviality and good humour take centre stage with a programme of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 edition right through to the final moments.
Whether you are an exhibitor or a visitor, the Pool Festival is the perfect opportunity to continue discussions, enjoy one last moment with fellow professionals and make the most of the unique atmosphere of Piscine Global. A festive day featuring meetings, food, music and everything needed to bring the 2026 edition to a memorable close!
09:00>11:00 - An authentic Lyonnais mâchon to start the day - Place des Lumières.
12:00>14:00 - Pool Festival Cocktail at the Pool Arena. Discover the Piscine Global soundtrack.
Meet the EuroSpaPoolNews team on stand G6B24, together with its Pool Studio and the EuroSpaPoolNews “Special Lyon” magazine, featuring its three booklets, News, New Products and Spas, distributed throughout the show.
