Deck Expo Events
Meet new friends, connect with colleagues, and rub shoulders with industry experts and vendors at Deck Expo. Thanks to an incredible lineup of networking events, powerful speakers, and other association-led activities, there's never a dull moment. Keep reading to learn how you can connect with the decking and outdoor living industry with networking that feels effortless and enjoyable.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Day One Keynote: Data-Driven, Builder-Proven: Strategies for the New Economy
- Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time: 9:15 AM to 10:20 AM
- This event is immediately preceding the Expo Hall opening at 10:30 AM.
- Admission: Keynote panel admission is included with a Super Pass, Expo Pass, or Wednesday Day Pass.
- Moderator: Sabeena Hickman (President & CEO, PHTA)
- Featured Speaker: Scott Hackworth (President of Industry Insights, PHTA)
- Panelists: Joshua Buzzell (Master CBP, Regal Pool and Design, LLC), Ed Gibbs (Gib-San Pool and Landscape Creations), Michael Moore (Morehead Pools), and Bruce Mungiguerra (Riverbend Sandler Pools)
- Description: Join our panelists as they share their thought leadership with a compelling discussion on economic trends, their approaches to sustained peak performance, and today’s biggest business challenges — including rising costs, increasing efficiency, harnessing new technology, and evolving customer expectations. Whether you're looking to benchmark your performance, identify emerging opportunities, or make more informed business decisions, don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to learn how to future-proof your bottom line.
Welcome Party
- Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: AYU Dayclub at Resorts World (part of this year's hotel block)
- Admission: Tickets may be purchased during registration.
- Description: An attendee favorite! This networking event is the kick-off for Deck Expo. Freshen up after the show floor closes and start your night at the Welcome Party, where attendees and vendors can mingle, grab food and drinks, and enjoy high-quality entertainment. This event is an excellent opportunity to forge meaningful connections with decking and outdoor living industry professionals and suppliers.
Sponsored By
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Day Two Keynote: Creating Cultures of Excellence
- Date/Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 9:15 AM to 10:20 AM (immediately preceding the Expo Hall opening at 10:30 AM)
- This event is immediately preceding the Expo Hall opening at 10:30 AM.
- Admission: Keynote admission is included with a Super Pass, Expo Pass, or Thursday Day Pass.
- Speaker: Darren Woodson
- Description: What are the cultural differences between mediocre teams and winning teams, whether they are in sports or business? In this speech, Darren Woodson (5 time Pro Bowl safety and 3 time NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys) describes what leaders must embrace in order to build a culture of excellence with their teams. Learn how to embrace change, competition, and confrontation within your organization.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Day Three Keynote: The Power of Grounded Confidence - How to Unleash Your Authenticity and Become Unshakable
- Presented By: Women of Water powered by PHTA and PoolCorp.
- Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
- Time:8:00 AM to 10:15 AM
- Breakfast is included, and the session is to be followed by a book signing by Heather Whelpley at PHTA’s booth.
- Admission: Keynote admission is included with a Super Pass, Expo Pass, or Friday Day Pass.
- Speaker: Heather Whelpley
- Description: Over time, these rules chip away at your confidence. They push you to prove, please, and perfect. They hold you back from the career, life, and impact you want to create. It’s time to stop. It’s time to break the rules. This is more than a typical presentation - it’s an experience of reclaiming yourself. You’ll leave the session with a greater sense of purpose, self-assurance, and knowing you are truly unshakable.
Join Us in New Orleans!
Be among the first to hear about updates for Deck Expo 2026, including educational sessions, speakers, pre-conference offerings, suppliers/manufacturers, networking opportunities, and more.
