2027 Conference Guide

International

Aquatics & Water Safety

CONFERENCE A N D

E X P O S I T I O N

February 8 - 11

2027

Reno, Nevada

Presented by

Sponsors!

THANK YOU,

MAIN SPONSOR!

DIAMOND SPONSOR!

PLATINUM SPONSORS!

GOLD & SILVER SPONSORS

MARKETING & OTHER PARTNERS

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out to us at info@aquaticpros.org

WELCOME Dear Colleagues,

note

It is my pleasure to invite you to the 2027 International Aquatics and Water Safety Conference and Exposition presented by the Association of Aquatic Professionals at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.

Since our first event in 2012, the Annual Conference and Exposition has become the premiere 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 Education 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 aquatic 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. Additionally, don’t forget about our amazing networking opportunities that help make our conference memorable!

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 Reno!

Juliene Juliene Hefter, MSOLQ, AqP, AFOI Executive Director & CEO

about

CONFERENCE

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.

Engaging Speakers Networking Memorable Socials Oustanding Expo Hall Lasting Memories

about

GRAND SIERRA RESORT RENO, NV

THE RESORT THE RESORT SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM

MEETING SPACE Look for expanded breakout rooms in 2027 to accommodate every attendee!

THE ROOMS With rooms starting at $130 / night (plus $25 resort fee), you’ll enjoy plush bedding, spainspired bathrooms, and modern amenities in every room

THE VIBES Guests can enjoy a wide range of experiences and amenities, and the space is designed for community and networking.

In the heart of Reno, Grand Sierra Resort stands as the pinnacle of luxury and excitement in the region. A toptier gaming resort, the offerings extend far beyond the casino floor. Our award-winning restaurants promise culinary experiences that will delight even the most discerning taste buds.

For entertainment, look no further than our amazing venues like Grand Theatre and Crystal Lounge, where the hottest acts and parties in town await. When it's time to relax, our serene spa provides a sanctuary to melt away the stresses of everyday life. Families will find endless fun at Fun Quest, while our poolside oasis and hot tubs offer a perfect escape. With its central location, Grand Sierra Resort is your gateway to all that Northern Nevada has to offer.

THINGS TO know WHO SHOULD ATTEND? 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

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

AOAP is 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, January 26, 2027.

GROUP REGISTRATION DISCOUNT 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.

GETTING TO CONFERENCE AIR TRAVEL Reno / Tahoe (RNO) is a regional airport with daily service by all major airlines.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION Complimentary Airport Shuttle service is provided between Grand Sierra Resort and RNO. To Airport: Shuttle leaves GSR every 30 minutes; first departure at 4:30am; last departure at 12:00am (midnight) From Airport: Shuttle leaves airport every 30 minutes; first departure at 4:45am; last departure at 12:15am PARKING Overnight valet parking for hotel guests is complimentary and included with your $25 daily resort fee.

Q U E S T I O N S ? Email info@aquaticpros.org for assistance!

09

BE PREPARED! PLAN FOR THE WEATHER

February daytime temperatures in Reno average 48 degrees, and nighttime lows are in the mid20s. 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.

RENO, NEVADA: THE BIGGEST LITTLE CITY IN THE WORLD

Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada with an elevation of 4,500 ft, the high desert climate means you should be prepared to hydrate (don’t forget that refillable water bottle) while you enjoy proximity to downtown nightlife, culture and arts, and the Riverwalk District shopping and dining areas.

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 buffet full service options, and with mobile ordering options right in the resort’s mobile app, grabbing a bite is quick, easy and affordable! Learn more about your on-site options here. And with a small beverage refrigerator in every room, it’s easy to grab snacks and drinks from the local grocer if you choose!

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

AOAP is a casual conference with a lot of opportunity for networking. We recommend that you dress exactly as you would for an administrative day at work! But don’t miss out on the fun: Monday and Wednesday socials are themed and offer a great chance to dress up and have a little fun!

09

SCHEDULE

at a glance Saturday & Saturday & Sunday, Sunday, February 6 February 6 & & 7 7

Pre-Conference Events Separate Registration Required 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Aquatic Technician School 8:00 - 8:30 AM | First Time Attendees Welcome 8:45 - 10:00 AM | Opening Keynote Sponsored by American Red Cross

Monday, Monday, February 8 February 8

10:20 - 11:20 AM | Roundtables - Open to All! 11:40 AM - 12:50 PM & 3:20 - 4:30 PM Breakout Sessions 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Doctor’s Update Presented by SAI & SGE

4:50 - 6:00 PM | Regional Meet-Ups - Open to All! 7:30 - 10:30 PM | Networking Social Sponsored by Malmsten & Splashtacular

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Aquatic Technician School 8:15 - 9:15 AM | General Session Tuesday, Tuesday, February 9 February 9

Presented by Families United

9:30 - 10:40 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:10 PM, 1:15 - 2:25 PM, 2:45 - 3:55 PM & 4:15 - 5:25 PM Breakout Sessions 5:30 - 8:00 PM | Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & Dinner Sponsored by Recreonics

9:00 - 10:15 AM | General Session Sponsored by Aquatics International

10:35 - 11:45 AM Breakout Sessions 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall & Hall Open to Attendees 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Exclusive Exhibit Hall Hours FREE to the Public!

3:20 - 4:30 PM & 4:50 - 6:00 PM Breakout Sessions

Wednesday, Wednesday, February 10 February 10

4:50 - 6:00 PM NDPA Awards Ceremony 7:00 - 11:00 PM | All-Conference Dinner & Social Sponsored by Aqua Creek Products, Fluidra,Lincoln Aquatics - A POOLCORP Company, Paddock Pool Equipment, ProMinent & Solenis / Pulsar

9:00 - 10:10 AM | Breakout Sessions 10:30 - 11:45 AM | Endnote Session 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Post Conference Workshops

Thursday, Thursday, February 11 February 11

*Separate Registration Required

Post-Conference Events Separate Registration Required

Friday & Friday & Saturday, Saturday, February 12 February 12 & & 13 13

REGISTRATION REGISTRATION

Information

FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Type

Member

NonMember

Early Registration (by Oct. 1, 2026)

$519

$629

$569

$679

Late Registration (after Jan. 2, 2027)

$619

$729

Last Minute Registration (after Feb. 1, 2027)

$669

$779

Regular Registration (Oct. 2, 2026 Jan. 2, 2027)

Full Conference Registration includes: Opening & Ending Keynotes SAI & SGE 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

International

Aquatics & Water Safety

CONFERENCE A N D

E X P O S I T I O N Presented by

Registration FORM

FORM

First Name

Last Name

Email Title Organization Street Address City

State

ZIP Code

Country

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Circle the event & rate for which you are registering.

Non-Members should add $110 to the fee below.

Event

*Non-Members add $110 to the rates below*

Early

by Oct 1

Regular Oct 2 Dec 31

Late Jan 2 Feb 1

Last Minute After Feb 1

Full Conference Registration

$519

$569

$619

$669

PRE- & POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS Choose the pre- or post-conference workshop for which you are registering from 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 7160 Ashley Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80922. Call 262-894-9772 or email maria@aquaticpros.org for more information.

PRE-CONFERENCE

workshops

NATIONAL BUILD & PROGRAM A POOL WORKSHOP Saturday, Feb 6 & Sunday, Feb 7 | 7:30 am - 5:30 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.

Rates go up on January 3 to $349 per person and to $399 on February 2. Discounts available for multiple attendees from the same organization.

AQUA TECH (BLENDED OPTION) Sunday, February 7 | 8 am - 6 pm | 0.8 CEUs | $295 per Person AquaTech is a Pool Operator Certification course reviewed and certified to meet the training requirements in the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). AquaTech is conducted using a blended learning format, combining online self-study (Part A) with an in-person instructor-led training (ILT) review session and a proctored exam (Part B).

Part A can be completed at your own pace and is designed to take approximately 16 hours to complete. The modules identify clear learning objectives, accompanied by essential vocabulary flashcards and reading assignments. The information in the readings is reinforced through videos, demonstrations, interactive learning activities, and downloadable resources. Each module concludes with a summary and a short review quiz to check your knowledge.

The Part B in-person review and exam session consists of an instructor-led discussion, allowing you to ask questions of the instructor for clarification. Successful completion of the 40-question multiple choice exam results in a five (5) year credential.

Online Self-Study (PART A)

Live In-Person Training (PART B)

9 comprehensive modules

Expert-led instruction

75 focused lessons

Interactive Q&A session

Real-world scenarios

Virtual proctored exam

11 quizzes to check your knowledge

Immediate certification

Progress at your own pace

MAKING WAVES: INNOVATIONS TO ELEVATE YOUR SWIM LESSON PROGRAM WITH KELLY MARTINEZ & JILL WHITE

Sunday, February 7 | 12:30 - 4:30 pm | $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP NonMember 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 new content added for those who attended past workshops!

You will not want to miss this four-hour workshop conducted by industry veterans known for their transformative ideas and methods.

RESILIENCE FIRST AID (BLENDED OPTION) Sunday, February 7 | 2:30 - 5:30 PM | $297.50 AOAP / Member or $425 / Non-Member NOTE: Registrants must attend the virtual opening session on January 5 (1 - 4 PM EST) or January 12 (1 - 4 PM EST) and complete approximately 10 hours of computer-based training no later than February 5, 2027, to attend the in-person training on February 7.

Aquatic professionals are first responders. They perform rescues, manage emergencies, and witness critical incidents, yet they remain the one first responder group without a dedicated peer support infrastructure. Fire, EMS, law enforcement, and military personnel have had these systems for decades and it's time aquatics caught up.

The Resilience First Aid (RFA) Peer Support Certification is a 16-hour blended learning course that equips aquatic professionals with the skills and framework to build proactive peer support programs at their facilities. This course was customized for the aquatic sector by ILCIRA, RFA is a neuroscienceinformed, strength-based certification that teaches participants how to recognize signs of declining resilience, engage in meaningful supportive conversations, and create a culture of psychological preparedness before critical incidents occur.

RFA is delivered in a blended learning format designed for busy aquatic professionals: a virtual opening session online, self-paced computer-based training through the Driven Resilience online platform, and inperson closing session at the AOAP Conference & Exhibition. Upon successful completion, participants receive a 3-year RFA Peer Support Certification, an RFA Responder Kit with course materials, and 12 months of access to the Driven Resilience App for continued skill development.

1.Opening Session: January 5th, 1:00–4:00 PM EST or January 12th, 1:00-4:00 PM EST. Participants should pick which start date works best with their schedule. Please note that attending the earlier date will allow for more time to complete Computer Based Training.

2.Computer Based Training: Approximately 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule but must be completed by the Closing Session.

3.Closing Session: Sunday, February 7th 2:30PM – 5:30PM CST (in-person at AOAP Conference) *Additional online classes are offered throughout the year to send team members though that are not attending the conference. Course schedule may be accessed at https://aquaticpros.org/resilience-firstaid/

SAFETY PLAN WORKSHOP Sunday, February 7 | 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.

AQUATIC VENUE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR COURSE Sunday, February 7 | 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.

Support AOAP

Make a one-time or recurring donation to support education and drowning prevention programs!

new in 2027!

CONFERENCE navigator YOUR GUIDED PATH TO CONFERENCE SUCCESS

The AOAP Conference Navigator is a high-

impact, guided cohort

Sunday, February 7 | 3:30 - 5:30 pm $40 Members/ $55 Non-Members Includes printed Conference Guide & Navigator Workbook

experience designed to help attendees turn conference participation into realworld results. Built for first-time and solo attendees (or anyone seeking a more intentional experience), this program provides structure, support, and accountability from start to finish.

Pre-Conference Workshop

During Conference

Inspiration to Action

Starting with defining

Engage in sessions with a

Regroup during the last

personal and professional

clear, personalized plan.

conference breakout

goals, you’ll build a

Connect with cohort

session to share key

personalized conference

members at various

takeaways, identify top

schedule and learn

events. Receive support &

priorities for

strategies for getting the

guidance from your

implementation and

most out of breakout

mentor, and use your

develop a strong post-

sessions and the Expo

conference workbook to

conference plan. Plus,

Hall. You’ll also meet your

capture insights and

virtual check-ins in late

small co-hort and

ideas from every session.‌

March and late

conference mentor!

September will help you stay connected.‌

aquatic

TECHNICIAN school

Monday, February 8 & Tuesday, February 9 | 8 am - 5 pm $459 AOAP Member $559 Non-Member

The Aquatic Technician School is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for swimming pool repair and maintenance.

By engaging with industry experts, and manufacturer’s representatives, using comprehensive hands-on training modules, the program will enhance the diagnostic and repair capabilities of attendees.

Registration Includes 1.6 CEUs and Tuesday Exhibit Hall Grand Opening with Dinner.

Add on the full AOAP Conference for just $175 extra to include Wednesday and Thursday education sessions, Monday night social, Wednesday Exhibit Hall Lunch & Dinner/Social and Closing Endnote.

DIRECTOR’Sschool The Craig A Merkey

Thursday, February 11 | 1 - 5 pm Friday, February 12 | 8 am - 5 pm Saturday, February 13 | 8 - 11 am

for Aquatic Leadership

$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 Aquatics Advocacy Inclusivity

Staff Retention & Training Operations & Programming

Leadership Sustainability

In addition to meeting a cohort group and making lasting friendships, all levels of Director’s School include 1.5 CEUs, Thursday night dinner, 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.

Meet Craig Merkey Craig joined the AOAP Board of Directors in 2019 including serving as the Board President during the 2024-25 term. But Craig was more than a devoted Board Member: he was a true friend, a passionate advocate for aquatic safety, and someone whose generous spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His countless contributions to AOAP, including his tireless efforts with our silent auction and his unwavering support for our mission, have made a lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve. Craig’s warmth, kindness, and commitment to excellence were evident in everything he did. He inspired those around him with his positivity and his genuine care for others. Director’s School honors his legacy, and we hope that every attendee can carry Craig’s spirit into their work to make aquatics - and the world - a better place.

POST-CONFERENCE

workshops

DE-ESCALATION TRAINING FOR AQUATIC LEADERS: RESPONDING WITH CONFIDENCE IN CRITICAL MOMENTS Thursday, February 11 | 1:30 - 5:30 pm | $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / 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, de-escalation 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 de-escalation 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.

AQUATIC FACILITY OPERATOR (AFO) BLENDED OPTION Thursday, February 11 | 1 - 6 PM & Friday, February 12 | 8 - 11 AM | $400 /Person The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Blended Learning course is a two-part training program by the NRPA, designed for aquatic professionals. It combines 7 hours of self-paced online learning with a 1-day in-person (or live-virtual) instructional session and a 50-question, open-book certification exam. .Participants will need to complete self-guided online learning (approximately 7 hours) within the two weeks prior to the course focused on in-depth water chemistry, filtration, disinfection, water testing, and treatment. The first day on site will include in-person, instructor-led training, and the exam will be proctered in person on the second day.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LEADERS FORUM Thursday, February 11 | 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.

EXHIBIT HALL EXHIBIT HALL

happenings

Tues, 2/9

Wed, 2/10

Meet Kathie

EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING

LUNCH & EXHIBIT HALL HOURS

5:30 - 8 PM

12 - 1 PM LUNCH / EXPO

Sponsored by Recreonics, visit

1 - 3 PM EXPO HALL

KATHIE LUECKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT FUND

over 120 vendors and grab

Join the exhibitors for lunch

dinner at the Exhibit Hall

before making a final trip

Grand Opening.

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

The Kathie Luecker Memorial

credit card accepted. (Please note that wine may not be opened

Scholarship & Grant Fund

until you leave the Expo Hall!)

provides a full or discounted registration to both

The Silent Auction includes a variety of great items from gift

Professional and Full-Time

cards & vacation packages to pool equipment. Make your bid

Student scholarship

during exhibit hall hours Tuesday and Wednesday so you don’t

recipients. Generous

miss out!

And don’t forget to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets available after the Opening Keynote and closing before the drawing on Wednesday.

sponsors, vendors and members contribute bottles of wine and fantastic items for the silent auction!

Exhibit Hall LAYOUT

Dedicated Expo Hours with meals included for attendees & exhibitors!

Over 80% of attendees say they visit the Expo Hall both days!

Each booth includes: a table, two chairs and a trashcan as well as two full conference registrations for employees working your booth!

Additional employees can join you for a discounted rate.

Dedicated Expo Hours with meals included for attendees & exhibitors!

Over 80% of attendees say they visit the Expo Hall both days!

Each booth includes: a table, two chairs and a trashcan as well as two full conference registrations for employees working your booth!

Additional employees can join you for a discounted rate.

r o f d e er v r e s e R Premi s! r o d n e V

Entrance REGISTER ONLINE AT BIT.LY/4A8IHQ7

International

Aquatics & Water Safety

CONFERENCE A N D

E X P O S I T I O N Presented by

Exhibitor

REGISTRATION First Name

Last Name

Title Organization Street Address Email City

State

ZIP Code

Requested Booth #(s)

BOOTH INFORMATION 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 and 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.

Early

by Oct 1

Regular Oct 2 Dec 31

Late Jan 1 Jan 31

Last Minute After Jan 31

10 x 10 Booth

$2080

$2130

$2180

$2280

10 x 10 End Cap

$2215

$2265

$2315

$2415

10x20 End Cap

$4480

$4530

$4580

$4680

Booth

*Non-Members add $250 to all rates*

Register online at AQUATICPROS.ORG or return your registration form with payment to 7160 Ashley Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

learnerSUPPORT

LEARN MORE ABOUT AOAP’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AOAP ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

AOAP is committed to providing work and learning environments free of sexual or any form of unlawful harassment or discrimination. Harassment or unlawful discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including medical characteristics, marital status or any other classification protected by local, state or federal laws is illegal and prohibited by AOAP policy.

AOAP PROPRIETARY INTEREST POLICY It is the policy of AOAP that if instructors have a vested interest in any product, instrument, device or materials that may be used in the learning event, they must disclose this interest.

Further, if instructors receive any share of the royalties or profits from the product promotion or endorsement, the interest must be disclosed to the learner.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS AOAP is committed to ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to fully engage in our educational programs. We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations for attendees who require additional assistance. If you have an accommodation request, please contact Executive Director Juliene Hefter at juliene@aquaticpros.org as early as possible so we can work with you to meet your needs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS All participants have the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs) included with their conference registration. To earn CEUs, attendees will need to wear their conference badge to all sessions, use the conference mobile app to check in to each session they attend, remain present for the entirety of the session, and complete the assessment in the mobile app with a score of . CEU records will be available in the mobile app and, for AOAP members, in the Member Portal upon conclusion of the conference.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DURING CONFERENCE Each room has a volunteer Room Host who can answer basic questions. Staff is also available throughout the day and during conference sessions at the registration. A full list of registration desk hours will be available closer to conference!

PHOTO IDS AND BADGES ARE REQUIRED As part of our ongoing effort to meet continuing education accreditation standards, we strive to verify that the learner who has registered for conference is the same learner who receives the CEUs. Therefore, you must provide a photo ID when picking up your conference badge on site and wear it to all conference education sessions.

HAVE YOUwondered HOW WE CHOOSE CONFERENCE LOCATIONS?

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 - Because 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 to 1,200 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 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!

2026

e c n e r e f con s e i r o mem

International

Aquatics & Water Safety

CONFERENCE A N D

E X P O S I T I O N Presented by

FEBRUARY 8 - 11, 2027 | RENO, MV WWW.AQUATICPROS.ORG