Each fall, NESPA leadership, and volunteers come together for our Congress of Committees.  For over two decades, NESPA leaders have met to review our strategic direction as an association and develop practical, actionable plans for the year ahead. 
By bringing together leaders from across our region, Congress is one of the most significant industry networking events.

Help Shape NESPA & Our Industry

The Congress of Committees is both a culmination of the previous year’s committee work and the development and launch of the following year’s objectives.  Our committees focus on core topics that drive our industry and association – Education, Membership, and Government Affairs.  These Super Committees meet at the Congress and throughout the year. 

Volunteers are matched to a committee that meets their interests and could most benefit from their skills.   There are additional short-term and project-based volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

When you get involved, you will

  • Work with leaders throughout the industry.
  • Create personal friendships and professional relationships that will build your business.
  • Use your unique talents in new ways to make the industry stronger
  • Have fun while giving back to the pool and spa industry

     

2022 Congress of Committees

Date: November 2-3, 2022
Location: NESPA Headquarters | Hamilton, NJ

 

Register to Attend

Committee Survey

For questions about Congress please contact NESPA Executive Director, Dominick Mondi, at dmondi@nespapool.org

View the Full Agenda Below
Tuesday, November 1
  • Rooms available, check in time 4:00pm
  • Chairs Dinner: Chapter and NESPA Presidents and Vice-Presidents, NESPA EC, Committee Chairs
Wednesday, November 2 | CONGRESS DAY 1
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: How to Run an Effective Meeting – Dominick Mondi
    • This meeting is for Chapter and NESPA Presidents and Vice-Presidents, as well as Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs.  Volunteer leaders will walk through the tools and best practices available to them to run effective, efficient, and productive meetings.  We will review key parts of Robert’s Rules, and how to use parliamentary procedure to your advantage as the leader of the meeting.  Also discussed will be strategies to help get the most out of your Board or Committee during meetings and beyond.
       
  • 10:00am – 10:30am: Welcome – Dominick Mondi and Julie Kazdin
    • NESPA President Julie Kazdin and NESPA Executive Director will welcome everyone to the annual Congress of Committees.  They will facilitate introduction and overview the goals for a productive and enjoyable event, including highlight all the committees and what they will be working towards to achieve NESPA’s goals.
       
  • 10:30am – 11:15am – Who does that? The Chapter, Region, National Model – Association Staff
    • A common question that Chapter leaders ask is, “who does that?”.  From signing up a new member to government relations questions, to organizing meetings and events, chapter leaders are better equipped to lead their associations when they understand the ins and outs of how the three parts work.
       
  • 11:15am – 12:00pm – Developing Diversity in Leadership TBD
    • Bringing together people of diverse opinions, experiences, and backgrounds enhances creativity, conversation, and conclusions. Going beyond a discussion on how to create inclusive environments to avoid liability issues, this session will focus on the benefits these principles provide to your chapter, NESPA, and our industry. This will be a facilitated discussion about creating a board environment that doesn’t just work for those in the room but serves to attract those who should be.
       
  • 12:00pm – 12:30pm – Finding Your Replacement: A Board Member's Top JobTBD
    • It might sound weird, but one of the key jobs a Board member has is identifying their replacement.  Put another way, the Board should always be replenishing itself with new volunteers and fresh ideas that represent the industry, and who better to recruit new Board members than those who already know what it takes to be successful?
       
  • 12:30pm – 1:00pm – LUNCH
     
  • 1:00pm – 4:00pm – COMMITTEE MEETINGS
    • Committees will meet to discuss their action items and goals for the year, discuss strategies to be successful, and set a plan and expectations for the year to come.
       
  • 4:00pm – 4:30pm – First day wrap up.
  • 5:30pm – 8:30pm – DINNER
  • 8:30pm - ? – Social time back at Homewood Suites
Thursday, November 3 | CONGRESS DAY 2
  • 9:30am – 12:00pm - NESPA Board of Directors Meeting
    • All Participants encouraged to attend. In addition to regular Board items, each Committee will have the opportunity to present on their work and discussions from the previous day and discuss their plans and perceived challenges for the year, and receive feedback from the Board and the rest of the Congress participants.
  • 12:00 – Lunch
     
  • 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Committee Meetings
    • Before departing for the day, committees will reconvene to review notes and feedback from the board meeting to firm up any details, expectations and next steps.
       
  • 1:30pm – 2:30pm – OPTIONAL – WALL Committee Meeting
    • For those individuals expressing interest and making the commitment to expanding the hands on opportunities in Atlantic City.  This meeting will take place in the hands on training facility at NESPA headquarters.