Pour & Explore: Women Making Waves in the Pool and Spa Industry
We are excited to announce Women In Swim will be hosting their first-ever event at our conference —a fantastic opportunity for networking and connection in a relaxed atmosphere with dynamic speakers. This is a unique event for women in the Pool & Spa industry to connect, learn, and grow together.
- 📅 Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
- 📍Location: Beanfield Centre | 105 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- 🕕 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This women-only event will feature:
- 💬 Inspiring Thoughts: Experience powerful insights from leading women in the Pool & Spa industry through an engaging format. Each speaker shares impactful ideas in just five minutes, delivering an exciting, dynamic, and unforgettable experience.
- 🍷 Wine & Cheese Reception: Celebrate the inspiration in a welcoming atmosphere filled with delicious wine and artisanal cheeses. Connect with fellow attendees, share your thoughts, and toast to the powerful ideas that will spark your creativity and passion!
Event Flow:
- 5:30 PM: Open meet and greet with wine and cheese
- 6:00 PM: Presentations begin—quick, powerful, and inspiring!
- 7:00 PM: Networking and discussion with more refreshments
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
- PHTCC Member Price: $22.60 (includes HST)
- Non-Member Price: $28.25 (includes HST)
Don’t miss this empowering and insightful event, designed to inspire and elevate women in our industry!
You must register before November 25, 2024!! (Space is limited—secure your spot today!) We look forward to seeing you there for this special event!
You must register before November 25, 2024!! (Space is limited—secure your spot today!)
We look forward to seeing you there for this special event!
Nous sommes ravis d’annoncer que Women In Swim organisera son tout premier événement lors de notre conférence — une excellente occasion de réseautage et de connexion dans une atmosphère détendue avec des intervenantes dynamiques. Cet événement unique permet aux femmes del’industrie des piscines et des spas de se connecter, d’apprendre et de grandir ensemble.
- 📅 Date: Mardi 3 décembre 2024
- 📍 Lieu: Beanfield Centre | 105 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- 🕕 Heure: 17h30 – 19h30
Cet événement réservé aux femmes comprendra:
- 💬 Pensées inspirantes: Découvrez des idées puissantes de femmes leaders dans l’industrie des piscines et des spas à travers un format captivant. Chaque intervenante partage des idées percutantes en seulement cinq minutes, offrantune expérience passionnante, dynamique et inoubliable.
- 🍷 Réception Vins et Fromages: Célébrez l’inspiration dans une atmosphère accueillante remplie de délicieux vins et fromages artisanaux. Connectez-vousavec d’autres participantes, partagez vos idées et portez un toast aux concepts puissants qui stimuleront votre créativité et votre passion!
Déroulement de l’événement:
- 17h30: Accueil avec vins etfromages
- 18h00: Début des présentations —rapides, puissantes et inspirantes!
- 19h00: Réseautage et discussions avecplus de rafraîchissements
🎟️ Prix des Billets:
- Prix Membre PHTCC: 22.60$ (taxes incluses)
- Prix Non-Membre: 28.25$ (taxes incluses)
Ne manquez pas cet événement inspirant etéclairant, conçu pour encourager et mettre en valeur les femmes de notre industrie!
Vous devez vous inscrire avant le 25 novembre 2024!! (Les places sont limitées — réservez votre place dès aujourd’hui!) Nous avons hâte de vous y voir pour cet événement spécial!
Learn more about the speakers
Alicia Stevens
BioLab
In her 24 years at Biolab, Alicia began her career with the Customer Care Group before moving on to the Technical Services Team to focus on new product support integration and technical product support, including customer training and education. In 2006, Alicia transitioned to the role of Education Manager for Biolab and has focused her efforts on the education and training of both internal and external employees. You may have read one of the many articles Alicia has had published or attended one of her talks at an industry event. Now, as Director of Training and Education, Alicia leads all education and training initiatives for the Biolab Pro Dealer division and is based out of Lawrenceville, Georgia
Jamie Novak
BioLab
Jamie Novak is the Director of Pro Brands Marketing at BioLab, a division of KIK Consumer Products. With over 19 years of experience in the pool industry, Jamie has held multiple positions in sales & marketing for major manufacturers including Zodiac Pool Systems and AquaStar Pool Products. Prior to the pool industry, Jamie worked for Newell Rubbermaid in the Washington DC metro area. She holds an MBA with concentrations in Marketing and Leading Organizations from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. A storyteller by nature, Jamie is passionate about branding and the customer experience.
Susan McPhie
Silk Balance
Susan brings over 20 years of expertise in global sales, marketing, brand development, operations, and manufacturing. As Director of Global Sales and Marketing for her family company, Silk Water Solutions, she oversees business performance, develops innovative strategies, and ensures alignment with the brand’s voice to drive growth. Susan leads marketing efforts, designs training programs, manages product launches, and oversees financial efficiency for both U.S. and Canadian entities.
Originally from Montreal and now based in Vancouver, Susan is a regular speaker at trade events, conferences, and industry podcasts, where she shares her insights and expertise, establishing herself as a thought leader in the industry. She collaborates with distributors and sales teams to build strong relationships, expand opportunities, and maintain brand integrity.
Passionate about “Wellness through Water” and eco-conscious products, Susan champions sustainable solutions that align with her personal and professional values.
As a vocal advocate for Women in Business, she is dedicated to fostering leadership, inclusivity, and growth, and changing the narrative of our traditionally male dominated industry.
Lindsey Antonopoulos
Backyard Brands
Lindsey Antonopoulos is a Dealer Development Specialist at Backyard Brands, dedicated to fostering growth and success for dealers in the pool and hot tub industry. She focuses on supporting new and existing accounts, building strong dealer relationships, and helping partners thrive with innovative solutions centered on “New, Better, Different” products. Passionate about mentorship and education, Lindsey organizes events and learning sessions to empower dealers and enhance customer experiences. She also runs a book club for Women of Water Care, providing a space for professional development and connection.
Orna Murphy
Backyard Brands
Orna Murphy is the Director of Marketing & Regulatory at Backyard Brands Inc. She is passionate about working with small businesses to support their growth and profitability. Orna is also the project leader for Backyard Brands’ Women of Water Care initiative and loves to be part of a group of women that support and raise each other up.
Julie Wishart
SCP
Julie Wishart, Zone manger at SCP Distributors with over 24 years in the industry. Passionate about supporting and leading the team along with building strong customer relationships. Has held various positions within SCP from Inside sales associate, Operations manager and Sales center manager.
Proud mother and partner of a blended family of 6 boys with a grandson on the way.
Melissa Brown
Bonavista
A Lifelong Passion for Pools
Melissa Brown, co-owner and President of BonaVista Pools Limited, has been immersed in the world of water since childhood. From the age of eight, Melissa knew she would follow in her father Bob Brown’s footsteps to become an engineer. Her passion for learning and innovation has fueled her 40-year career, inspiring her team and setting a high standard for client care.
Melissa’s journey in the pool business began early, helping her mother with payroll at the kitchen table in her pre-teen years. By 13, she was working summers cleaning pools—including many that BonaVista still services today. Throughout her university years, Melissa and her sister Stephanie excelled in keeping clients’ pools sparkling clean.
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa. Under her father’s mentorship, she became a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) just two years later. Her leadership skills were evident early on as she took charge of BonaVista’s service department, supported product sourcing, and mastered all facets of the business.
In her drive to deepen her knowledge, Melissa completed the Ivey Executive MBA program in 2000. Following Bob’s untimely passing in 2002, Melissa and her brother Peter successfully transitioned the business to the second generation, continuing the family legacy.
Melissa believes that continuous education is key to growth. She regularly attends pool industry conferences and shows across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, always seeking innovative products and practices. She also ensures her team stays ahead by enrolling them in annual training courses.
As Melissa looks to the future, she is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with her team, helping them grow and thrive. Her current focus is on the design and development of thermal spas in Ontario, an area she’s passionate about exploring further.
Melissa’s confidence in her team is unwavering. She directs clients to the right team members, ensuring they receive expert guidance in creating their dream oasis.
Jennifer Gannon
Bonavista Leisurescapes
Jennifer Gannon, Owner of BonaVista LeisureScapes, a retail store in Leaside, Toronto focuses on Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas, water care and helping her clients create the perfect space to enjoy time relaxing in their backyard, condo terrace or cottage.
She started working in her family business over forty years ago as a student maintaining pools for clients during the summer. Following her graduation from the University of Western, she managed the service department and marketing for BonaVista Pools.
She stepped away from the business to explore a career in public relations and advertising working for ad agencies in Toronto and Winnipeg. When she returned to Toronto in 2006, she joined the family business again and opened their Outdoor Living showroom in Leaside.
Jennifer and her husband have three strong and helpful sons who all work in the business. They’ve lived in Don Mills for over 18 years. In her free time, she enjoys travel, hiking, yoga, gardening, wine tasting and soaking in her beautiful backyard hot tub.
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