Presentedby & A N D E X P O S I T I O N
FEBRUARY 16 - 19,2026
PRE- AND POST- HOSTED AT CONFERENCE EVENTS
FEBRUARY 14 - 21, 2026 THE BROADMOOR COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
WELCOME note
Dear Colleagues,
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 15th Annual Association of Aquatic Professionals Conference and Exposition February 16 - 19, 2026, at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Over the past 15 years, the Annual Conference and Exposition has become the premier gathering for aquatic professionals to showcase their success stories, network with peers, develop organizational partnerships, and hear from speakers willing to share their tips, techniques, and experiences for the benefit of our profession
Through the Annual Conference and Exposition, the Conference-Educational Committee aims to provide attendees with practical, hands-on experiences so that they can return home with relevant, actionable plans to improve their drowning prevention, programming, leadership, risk management, technical operations, and overall facility management efforts Speakers will present topics that have real-world applications for aquatics professionals that will help all of us address the challenges and shape the future of the aquatics profession
In addition to dynamic general sessions, the conference offers concurrent session tracks that will allow attendees the opportunity to customize their learning experience, and various networking opportunities are always a memorable part of conference festivities.
The Annual Conference and Exposition also provides an exciting opportunity for sponsoring organizations to showcase their products and services to aquatic professionals from across the country
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AOAP office at (262) 8949772 or via email at info@aquaticpros org
We hope to see you in Colorado Springs!
Juliene
Juliene Hefter, MSOLQ, AqP, AFOI Executive Director & CEO
CONFERENCE about
The International Aquatics & Water Safety Conference, hosted by the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) in tandem with the National Drowning Prevention Association (NDPA), is the foremost aquatics event in the nation. The education, networking, and professional development opportunities offered during the conference are one-of-a-kind, and you’ll be joining other professionals to learn about the latest
trends, legislation, and issues facing our industry.
Topics include safety, legal liability and risk management, technical operations and maintenance, programming and staff management, drowning prevention, executive leadership & development, Model Aquatic Health Code and more.
Returning to the beautiful Broadmoor in 2026, attendees will experience an iconic Colorado Springs resort where personalized luxury and impeccable service offers an escape from the ordinary, and modern details blend seamlessly with timeless European elegance Here, the spirit of the West inspires the adventurer within, providing endless opportunities to explore the picturesque mountains, streams, and canyons that have influenced generations
MEET THE HOST RESORT
Well-appointed meeting rooms, on-site dining, and a short drive to iconic Colorado sites are sure to make your Conference experience memorable! And with special rates extended three days prior to and three days following the event, attendees can easily extend their trip into a full vacation
Room rates start at $175 per night (resort fee included) and are available only through the unique housing link here
THINGS TO know
W H O S H O U L D A T T E N D ?
Aquatic Directors
Head Lifeguards / Supervisors / Managers
Hotel / Motel Operators
Pool Management Companies
Aquatic Consultants
Aquatic Technicians
Commercial Aquatic Companies
Military Personnel
University Employees
Fitness Center or Club Aquatic Personnel
Local Park & Recreation Aquatic Professionals
YMCAs / JCCs
Lifeguard Management Companies
Swim School Operators
Health Inspectors
R E F U N D S & C A N C E L L A T I O N S
AOAP and NDPA are unable to provide refunds or credits once you are registered for the conference However, registration substitutions may be made if requested in writing no later than Friday, February 6, 2026
G R O U P R E G I S T R A T I O N D I S C O U N T
Receive a 10% discount on full-conference registrations when a minimum of five (5) employees from the same organization register at the same time and pay via check. Please contact Juliene Hefter at juliene@aquaticpros.org for more information.
G E T T I N G T O C O N F E R E N C E
AIR TRAVEL
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is a regional airport with daily service by all major airlines. Denver International Airport (DIA), located 70 miles north, is also easily reachable by rental car or other ground transportation.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Uber, Lyft and shuttle services are available from COS and DIA. Gray Line offers Shuttle Transportation, and Private Sedans and SUVs to/from the Colorado Springs Airport and can be reserved through the link on the hotel’s website.
PARKING
Overnight valet parking for hotel guests is $45 per night, and overnight self parking for hotel guests is $35 per night. For guests visiting the property, but not staying overnight, garage parking is available. The daily charge begins at $5 per half hour, with a maximum daily charge of $25.
B
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER
February daytime temperatures in Colorado Springs average 45 degrees, and nighttime lows are about 18 degrees Like many places, you might see lovely highs in the 60s or a perfect winter snow. Keep an eye on the weather in the weeks leading up to conference to plan accordingly.
COLORADO SPRINGS: WHERE THE HIGH DESERT MEETS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Colorado Springs sits at the base of America’s mountain, Pike’s Peak, towering over 14,000 feet. But did you know that Colorado Springs is actually considered the High Desert? That means you can expect low humidity, a dry climate, and temperature swings daily Be sure to bring your refillable water bottle and stay hydrated - we might even have some fun incentives to encourage you to keep that water bottle full!
BRING YOUR SWIMWEAR FOR IN-WATER SESSIONS
You will have the option to get in the water at the Broadmoor indoor pool for in-water sessions throughout the conference Consider taking advantage of these sessions to get hands-on experience and ideas for fitness, lifeguard training and swim instruction
MEALS & SNACKS
Included with a full conference registration are Tuesday and Wednesday night dinners and Wednesday lunch. A variety of restaurants are available on property from grab-n-go to full service, and the resort will provide grab-n-go kiosks near the meeting rooms on Monday and Tuesday Please be aware that ALL food and drink purchases you make on property will include an automatic gratuity and an additional neighborhood improvement tax However, it’s a quick Uber ride to local grocery stores if you want to stock up on snacks and drinks before conference begins!
THE BROADMOOR RESORT IS A LARGE PROPERTY
As you prepare for your week at Conference, be prepared to walk! Whether you’re getting steps between the resort buildings or walking down to education sessions and the exhibit hall, make sure you plan your footwear accordingly! Check out the map below for a better look
HOTEL ROOMS & RESTAURANTS
Broadmoor South
Broadmoor Main
Broadmoor West
MEETING ROOMS
International Center
Colorado Hall
Broadmoor Hall
EXPO HALL
Broadmoor Hall
POOL
Spa, Golf & Tennis Complex
REGISTRATION Information
F U L L C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R A T I O N
Early Registration
(by Oct. 1, 2025)
Regular Registration (Oct 2, 2025Jan 2, 2026)
Late Registration (after Jan 2, 2026)
Last Minute Registration (after Feb 2, 2026)
$509 $619
$559 $669
$609 $719
$659 $769
W H A T ’ S I N C L U D E D ?
Full Conference Registration includes:
Opening & Ending Keynotes
SAI Doctor’s Presentation
Aquatics International
General Session
Monday night networking
social
Exhibit Hall grand opening and dinner Tuesday night
Wednesday Exhibit Hall lunch
Wednesday All-Conference
Social & dinner
CEUs
ATTENDEE
F E E D B A C K
That AOAP/NDPA conference is a must attend industry event! This is the conference that aquatics industry leaders attend. You will learn about the latest advancements in aquatics and leave energized for the upcoming pool season.
Craig S, Georgia
This is hands-down the best Conference for Aquatic Professionals! High-quality speakers/educational sessions, great networking opportunities, and just all around amazing people to be around! I leave the Conference every year with so much positive energy and ideas to bring back to aquatic professionals in my area!
Holly G, Wisconsin
Attending this conference was not just informative it was inspiring. The dedication and innovation showcased here are truly life-changing, proving that together we can create a safer world for everyone.
Paris J, Arizona
SCHEDULE ataglance
nce Events
stration Required - See page 12 for more information!
Aquatic Technician School Levels I & II, Day 1
rst Time Attendees Welcome Opening Keynote Sponsored by American Red Cross
m | Roundtable Discussions - Open to All!
0 pm, 3:20 - 4:30 pm & 4:50 - 6 pm| Education Sessions
arfish Aquatics Presents Doctor’s Update
m | Networking Social
Aquatic Technician School Levels I & II, Day 2
General Session Presented by Families United
pm | Education Sessions
xhibit Hall Grand Opening & Dinner Sponsored by Recreonics
| General Session Sponsored by Aquatics International
m | Education Sessions
m | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
lusive Exhibit Hall Hours - FREE to the Public!
| Education Sessions
| AOAP General Membership Meeting
ll-Conference Social Sponsored by Aqua Creek Products, Lincoln dock and ProMinent
| Education Sessions & AqP Exam
m | Endnote Session
m |Post Conference Workshops
ence Events
stration Required - See page 21 for more information!
PRE-COFERENCE workshops
NATIONAL BUILD & PROGRAM A POOL WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15 : 8:30 am - 6:30 pm : $299 per Person*
Join us for an exciting two-day journey at the National Build & Program A Pool Workshop! This dynamic event will bring aquatic professionals, industry experts, and enthusiasts to discuss everything you need to know about building and operating an Aquatic Center
Learn from leading professionals in the aquatic industry, known as the Dream Team, as they share their real-life experiences building and operating aquatic centers in both the private and public sectors This event is ideal for individuals from cities, schools (both public and private), architects, aquatic consultants, and engineers looking to design, develop, and deliver the best Aquatic Center for their community.
*Save $50 with early-bird registration through October 1 Rates go up on January 3 to $349 per person and to $399 on February 2 Discounts available for multiple attendees from the the same organization
AQUATIC FACILITY OPERATOR COURSE (BLENDED OPTION)
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am - 6 pm : 1.5 CEUs : $400 per Person
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on operations, mechanical systems, water chemistry, disinfection, safety and much more AFO certification will help you or your staff better understand the entire pool system and run all types of aquatic facilities safely, efficiently and confidently
The AFO blended course is a training that consists of completing the pre-requisite course work (approximately 7 hours covering information with various quizzes) and a full day filled with additional information and the exam administered after the course work has been completed Course attendees will gain practical knowledge from highly qualified AFO instructors and connect with other professionals in the field. Participants have 3 hours to complete the exam.
THE HOT SAUCE PRINCIPLE: HOW TO LIVE AND LEAD IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYTHING IS URGENT ALL OF THE TIME BY BRANDON SMITH
Sunday, February 15 : 1:30 - 4:30 pm : 0.3 CEUs : $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member
We live in a world where time is our most precious resource, and everything is urgent all of the time As a result, most leaders spend the majority of their time firefighting and not truly leading their teams or their business Join Brandon for this interactive workshop designed to help you not only learn how to master urgency, but also how to properly negotiate when others try to make their urgent priorities your own. Attendees will learn how to properly utilize urgency to drive focus and prioritization with their teams In addition, attendees will be able to identify when and how to effectively implement and lead change This workshop is highly recommended for any leader that is experiencing elevated levels of urgency in their world and is seeking strategies to not only avoid burnout but also reclaim your role as leader (and not firefighter).
AQUATIC VENUE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR COURSE
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am - 5 pm : 0.9 CEUs : $300 per Person
Using a Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) based approach, this certification course provides public health officials and other interested stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently provide inspections to public and semi-public aquatic venues. Additional work will be required to be completed prior to this on-site session
SAFETY PLAN WORKSHOP
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am - 4 pm : 0.7 CEUs : $150 per Person
This workshop is designed to help you create your facility's safety plan. Bring your information and be ready to work on all the aspects of creating an individual safety plan This workshop also includes 2 virtual meetings after AOAP to ask questions and get clarification At the end of the workshop and 2 virtual meetings the attendee should have a complete safety plan in place
MAKING WAVES: INNOVATIONS TO ELEVATE YOUR SWIM LESSON PROGRAM WITH KELLY MARTINEZ & JILL WHITE
Sunday, February 15 : 12:00 - 5:00 pm : 0.5 CEUs: $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member
Join us for a dynamic exploration of practical methods to elevate the impact of your swim lesson program Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, you will explore how to:
Engage and motivate your swim instructors
Train your swim instructors in effective class management and communication methods
Improve how quickly your swim lesson students progress
Reduce registration and first-day chaos
And more
You will not want to miss this five-hour workshop conducted by industry veterans known for their transformative ideas and methods.
Sunday, February 15 : 12:30 - 4:30 pm : $200 : To register, email cert@swimangelfish.com
Master Adaptive Techniques Learned in Levels 1-4 Improve pacing and progression with this small, hands-on Swim Whisperers group session In order to register for this workshop, you need to be up-todate in your online certification in The Swim Whisperers Program If you are not, make sure to sign up to obtain your Swim Whisperer before this workshop takes place. And don’t forget that AOAP members can receive a 10% discount!
TECHNICIANschool aquatic
Monday, February 16 : 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday, February 17 : 8 am - 5 pm
$459 AOAP Member
$559 Non-Member
The Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance Technician Training program will strive to provide participants with valuable knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of swimming pool repair and maintenance. By engaging with expert presenters and incorporating comprehensive training modules, the program aims to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of technicians in the industry and broadens their network and resources
Registration Includes 1.6 CEUs and Tuesday Exhibit Hall Grand Opening with Dinner
Add on the full AOAP Conference for $175 extra to include Wednesday and Thursday education sessions, Monday night social, Wednesday Exhibit Hall Lunch & Dinner/Social and Closing Endnote.
GENERAL SESSIONS
Mon, 2/16
OPENING KEYNOTE SPONSORED BY AMERICAN RED CROSS
This inspiring session kicks off the conference and includes the American Red Cross Training Services Awards! The Author vs. Editor Dilemma: The Leadership Secret to Unlocking Your Team, Your Time and Your Impact by Author & TedX Speaker Brandon Smith
If you are like most leaders today, you have more work to do than you have time Your hours are long, your team can’t function without you, and it feels like everything is resting on your shoulders Join Brandon Smith as he shares the secret to flipping that all-too-common script By following the techniques outlined in his bestselling book, The Author vs Editor Dilemma, attendees will learn to shift from working “In” the business to “On” the business. Attendees will master the simple techniques to elevate their teams’ performance as well as clear and simple ways to hold team members accountable. In addition, attendees will learn the most common pitfalls to avoid as they make the transition from doer to leader
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
Join us immediately after the Opening Keynote for Roundtable Discussions With options for Universities, Women in Aquatics, Minorities in Aquatics, Aquatic Programmers and more, you ’ re sure to learn a little and find your people!
2026 UPDATES TO DROWNING PREVENTION SCIENCE AND FIRST AID SPONSORED BY STARFISH AQUATICS INSTITUTE
Wrap up your first day with Dr Seth Collings Hawkins, emergency medicine doctor, writer, anthropologist, and organizational innovator, to review new science and guidelines around drowning prevention and care related first aid principles
Tues, 2/17
GENERAL SESSION
This moderated panel discussion with Families United to Prevent Drowning parents will share the history of Families United to Prevent Drowning while also sharing some of the impacts Families United members have and continue to make in the water safety and drowning prevention field. Participants will leave the session inspired to continue doing this important work in honor of lives impacted by drowning They will also have a better understanding as to how they can engage Families United Members in their water safety programming.
Wed, 2/18
GENERAL SESSION
The Aquatics International General session brings attendees together for a dynamic speaker, presentation of the AI Awards, and recognition of the Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month winners Watch this space for more details about the General Session speaker!
AOAP GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Join the AOAP Board of Directors for the Annual Membership Meeting Learn about what AOAP has been working on the past year, review resources available to AOAP members, and meet incoming Board Members.
Thurs, 2/19
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Come together Thursday to close out conference and reflect on your week and ready to take everything you learned back to your organization Stay tuned for information about the Closing Keynote Speaker!
SOCIALS & FUN
Mon, 2/16
OPENING SOCIAL WELCOME TO CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE
The cabins are creaky, the lake is foggy, and the networking? Killer! Join fellow professionals for a night of eerie ambiance, outdoor games, and chillingly good conversation Whether you're scouting for your next collaborator or just in it for the s'mores, this is your night to shine under the full moon
Dress in Camp Counselor Chic (flannel shirts, jean shorts, retro name tags, friendship bracelets)it'll be a scream! Sponsored by Malmsten
Tues, 2/17
POST-EXHIBIT HALL ACTIVITY BINGO! HOSTED BY NDPA
Looking for something fun to do after the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening? Join NDPA for a raucous night of Bingo in the Main Ballroom. Bingo cards available to purchase from NDPA - stay tuned for more information!
Wed, 2/18
ALL-CONFERENCE SOCIAL BOOTS, BREWS & BBQ
Dust off your boots and bring your appetite this ain't your average networking night This is your chance to kick back cowboy-style to top off a great week of education and networking We’re serving up a hearty BBQ buffet, cash bar, and a whole lotta boot-stompin’ fun Sponsored by Aqua Creek Products, Lincoln Aquatics, Paddock and ProMinent.
Whether you're here to two-step, chow down, or just wrangle up some new connections, there’s something for everyone: Live DJ spinning country hits + western party classics - or whatever you'd like to hear!
BBQ buffet with all the fixin’s
Great company, photo ops, and a few surprises along the trail
So grab your hat, find your crew, and head on over for a night of good eats, cold drinks, and great company under the western stars.
EXHIBIT HALL
Tues, 2/18
EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING
5:30 - 8 PM
Sponsored by Recreonics, visit over 120 vendors and grab dinner at the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
Wed, 2/18
Meet Kathie happenings
LUNCH & EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
11:30 AM - 12 PM LUNCH 12 - 2 PM EXHIBIT HALL
Join the exhibitors for lunch before making a final trip around the Exhibit Hall
Cork Pull, Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle
FUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
Purchase your wine cork for $20 starting after the Opening Session and redeem between 7:40 - 8 pm on Tuesday! Cash or credit card accepted (Please note that wine may not be opened until you leave the Expo Hall!)
The Silent Auction includes a variety of great items from gift cards & vacation packages to pool equipment Make your bid during exhibit hall hours Tuesday and Wednesday so you don’t miss out!
And don’t forget to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets available after the Opening Session and closing before the drawing on Wednesday Last year ’ s winner took home over $1700!
KATHIE LUECKER MEMORIAL SCHOARSHIP & GRANT FUND
The Kathie Luecker Memorial Scholarship & Grant Fund provides a full or discounted registration to conference scholarship both Professional and Full-Time Student scholarship recipients Please consider donating a bottle of wine or items for the silent auction by contacting Auction Chair Craig Merkey at cam86@psu edu
DIRECTOR’Sschool
Thursday, February 6 : 1 - 5 pm
Friday, February 7 : 8 am - 5 pm
Saturday, February 8 : 8 - 11 am
$509 AOAP Member
$619 Non-Member
Participants are invited to join a slate of industry-leading professionals for Director’s School. Choose Year 1, Year 2 (Year 1 completion required) or Year 3 (Year 2 completion required).
Topics covered will include:
Risk Management Topics
Aquatics Advocacy
Inclusivity
Sustainability
Staff Retention & Training
Operations & Programming
Leadership
In addition to meeting a cohort group and making lasting friendships, all levels of Director’s School include 1.5 CEUs, light lunch on Friday & breakfast on Saturday
Students who complete all three years also qualify to take the final exam to earn their AqP at no additional charge!
*Receive a $50 discount when registering for Conference by adding on your Director’s School ticket at the same time.
POST-COFERENCE workshops
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LEADERS FORUM
Thursday, February 19 : 1 - 5 pm : Free & Limited to Environmental Health Professionals
Ever struggled with when to allow your facilities to host a dog swim? How about a variance request for wooden hot tubs filled with beer? Got questions on surf parks or lagoons being built in your jurisdiction? Float tanks? Drone inspections? Many of the challenges other jurisdictions face are the same or similar to your own Come and learn how other jurisdictions have responded to those challenges and take away tools to strengthen your own program during this halfday, round table discussion, open only to environmental health professionals
PREPARING FOR OPEN-WATER EVENTS: A TRAIN-THE-TRAINER SKILL SESSION PRESENTED BY BACKYARD LIFEGUARDS
Thursday, February 19 : 1 - 6:30 pm : 0.5 CEUs : $99 / AOAP Member or $119 / AOAP Non-Member
This course teaches the surveillance, search, rescue, and communication skills essential for lifeguards working openwater events After completing the two prerequisite companion sessions during the regular conference focused on site management and personnel management, this post-conference workshop provides hands-on training techniques for preparing personnel assigned to the course, and gives participants the opportunity to refine course management and design Participants will start by putting all of the elements together in action and staffing plans they create for sample courses for real events (1 - 2:30 p) The in-water portion (3:30 - 6:30 p) includes paddleboard maneuvering techniques for rescues of persons of all levels of consciousness; searches in shallow, deep, and murky water; multiple rescuer responses for in-water patient care and removal; and on-water communication signals. *All participants must bring fins and goggles. Instructor-level certification is recommended. Space is limited to 18 participants
DE-ESCALATION TRAINING FOR AQUATIC LEADERS: RESPONDING WITH CONFIDENCE IN CRITICAL MOMENTS PRESENTED BY INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD CRISIS INCIDENT RESPONSE ALLIANCE
Thursday, February 19 : 1:30 - 5:30 pm : $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member
Aquatic professionals regularly interact with patrons and staff in high-energy, high stakes environments where emotional responses can escalate quickly From enforcing policies to navigating emotionally charged incidents, deescalation is a vital skill for any aquatic leader This training delivers practical, scenario-based strategies tailored to the aquatic setting, focusing on early intervention, stress response, and trauma-informed care Participants will explore the psychology behind escalation, gain tools for regulating their own response under pressure, and practice deescalation approaches specific to poolside, facility, and recreation scenarios. Whether managing a frustrated parent, responding to a critical incident, or supporting a distressed team member, this course will prepare aquatic professionals to respond with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
information VENDOR
Vendors are invited to join us at the 2026 International Aquatics & Water Safety Exhibition Dedicated Expo hours give you the undivided attention of attendees 77% of attendees attend both days of exhibits Each vendor company also receives two full conference registrations for vendor employees working the booth.
Entrance
Register online at https://bit.ly/40k9kUY or use the registration form on the following page!
2024 Conference Exhibitor
First Name Last Name
Title
Organization
Street Address
ZIP Code
Choose the appropriate size & option for your booth below Non-members should add $250 to all prices
All booths include a table, two (2) chairs, a wastebasket Each vendor also receives two employee conference registrations Set up will be Monday and Tuesday, 8 am - 4 pm Exhibit Hall hours are Tuesday, 5:30 - 8 pm and Wednesday, 12:30 - 3 pm Take down is immediately following the closing of the show hours on Wednesday
Requested Booth #(s) Booth
*Non-Members add $250 to all rates* Early by Oct 1
Oct 2Dec 31
Jan 1Jan 31
Minute After Jan 31
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONFERENCE SCHOLARHIPS
The Association of Aquatic Professionals offers scholarships to current professionals who might not otherwise be able to attend the AOAP Annual Conference. Awards are based on the appropriateness of the educational opportunity related to the applicant’s job, financial need, contributions of the applicant to his/her community and to the AOAP Full or Partial Conference Registration Scholarships may be awarded to attend the AOAP Annual Conference Scholarship recipients MUST be current AOAP members Scholarships will be awarded based on availability of funds from the AOAP Annual Silent Auction and will vary each year
Recipients of scholarships must be able to attend the entire conference from Monday morning Keynote through the Thursday morning endnote
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
You must be a current AOAP member to apply All applicants must upload two (2) reference letters to this application; one from the applicant’s supervisor and one from another professional. The letters should address applicant’s job responsibilities and professional contributions The supervisor’s letter should show support of the applicant attending the conference Scholarship recipients must volunteer during conference as a room host, ticket taker, etc
Learn more about the Conference Scholarship selection criteria, what’s included, and how to apply on the AOAP website at https://bit ly/4cRoowR
conference 2025 memories
HAVE YOU wondered
H O W W E C H O O S E C O N F E R E N C E
L O C A T I O N S ?
IT’S A COMPLEX FORMULA THAT TAKES SEVERAL FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION:
Expo Hall Space - With over 120 vendors, upwards of 30,000 square feet is needed!
Breakout Rooms - Conference averages 12 - 14 breakout sessions at any given time and additional rooms for partner groups, meeting space is critical. As we continue to grow, finding larger breakout rooms adds to the challenge.
General Session Space - A space large enough to hold up 1200 for general sessions is part of the requirement.
Sleeping Rooms - We know you’re traveling, and when attendees stay at the host hotel(s), we always get better rates.
Socials and Activities - Yes, we also take into account the ‘fun’ of the host city including potential locations for socials or places for attendees to meet on-site or nearby!
Location - Ideally, Conference will rotate across regions to make travel equitable to all attendees. Ease of airport access, proximity to airports and more are taken into consideration.
Cost - Of course, the cost to AOAP, our Exhibitors, and to conference attendees is an important factor. Whether that’s hotel rooms, convention space or even the cost of meals, it’s all included in the decision. (And if you ever want to know the cost of a gallon of coffee or a projector screen, just ask Juliene!)
To secure the best pricing, we often lock in rates five to six years in advance. AOAP has sent out hundreds of RFPs for our Conference, and many sites will not even bid because of our space requirements or because they can’t keep our hotel costs for attendees low (consider that many Southern states bid $375 - $700 per night for our February event!). Others want to add $125,000 or more for convention space and have food and beverage requirements of $375,000 - $700,000, and that cost would have to be passed on to attendees.
FUTURE DATES & SITES
Feb 8 - 11, 2027: The Grand Sierra Resort and Convention Center, Reno, NV
Jan 29 - Feb 5, 2028: Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland, OH
Jan 26 - Feb 3, 2029: The Kalahari, Round Rock, TX
Feb 1 - 9, 2030: The Grand Sierra Resort and Convention Center, Reno, NV
Feb 1 - 8, 2031: Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland, OH
Interested in learning more or being a part of the Conference Committee? Contact us at info@aquaticpros.org!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Circle the event & rate for which you are registering Non-Members should add $110 to the fee below.
PRE- & POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Choose the pre- or post-conference workshop for which you are registering from pages 12 - 15 and 20 - 21 of the Conference Guide
Pre-Conference Workshop
Fee
Post-Conference Workshop
Fee
Register online at https://bit ly/3zkd1yL or return your registration form with check payment to 22932 E Oriole Way, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Call 262-894-9772 or email juliene@aquaticpros org for more information
