Neda Simeonova, editor
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Another busy year has almost come to an end. With the holidays just around the corner, many are scrambling to finish what they’ve started in 2005 while making projections for marketing and budgets in 2006. As we wonder which way the economy will turn, or if this will be as favorable as it gets, now is the time to review some of the highlights of this past year. In 2005, the industry saw an increased consumer focus on water quality. A number of studies indicated that consumers are concerned about the safety of drinking water. They are staying educated by searching for information on water quality and current water treatment technologies. As a result, we have seen a shift in the way our industry conducts business. Dealers can no longer only focus on closing the sale; they have to assist consumers in reaching an educated decision about the quality of their water. It is a much more involved and mature consumer/dealer relationship that requires knowledgeable staff, new and improved sales techniques, and overall customer service.
Also in 2005, the industry took part in the new WQA Aquatech USA “Water Opportunity Show.” In Las Vegas, the show brought together close to 4,500 attendees encompassing the residential, commercial, and light and medium industrial markets. In addition to the large attendance and various new educational sessions, WQA’s partnership with Aquatech resulted in an increased number of international exhibitors at the show. Overall, the new WQA Aquatech USA 2005 show proved to be a long-awaited boost to the industry, with even better numbers expected at next year’s show in Chicago. 2005 was also a very busy year for Water Quality Products. As we celebrate our 10th year as an integral resource to the drinking water treatment market, Water Quality Products continues to grow—from the successful implementation of the publication redesign in January 2005, to the launch of various additional supplements focusing on “hot” market segments such as bottled water and membranes.
Water Quality Products’ Bottled Water Market and Membrane Filtration supplements are a direct response to the industry’s rising interest in these markets. These annual supplements provide readers with the most comprehensive and current bottled water- and membrane-related applications and technologies.
In February 2006, Water Quality Products will continue growing with the launch of a new supplement focusing on disinfection. Be sure to look for all three supplements in the upcoming year.
To complement the Membrane Filtration supplement, Water Quality Products also launched the Membrane Filtration Zone, an online informational zone covering the latest in membrane technologies, available at www.wqpmag.com. From the staff of Water Quality Products, we hope you had a successful 2005 and wish you an even better 2006. Happy holidays!
