new in 2027! new in 2027!
YOUR GUIDED PATH TO CONFERENCE SUCCESS
CONFERENCEnavigator navigator
The AOAP Conference Navigator is a highimpact, guided cohort 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
Starting with defining personal and professional goals, you’ll build a personalized conference schedule and learn strategies for getting the most out of breakout sessions and the Expo Hall You’ll also meet your small co-hort and conference mentor!
Sunday, February 7 | 3:30 - 5:30 pm $40 Members/ $55 Non-Members
Includes printed Conference Guide & Navigator Workbook
During Conference
Engage in sessions with a clear, personalized plan
Connect with cohort members at various events Receive support & guidance from your mentor, and use your conference workbook to capture insights and ideas from every session
Inspiration to Action
Regroup during the last conference breakout session to share key takeaways, identify top priorities for implementation and develop a strong postconference plan. Plus, virtual check-ins in late March and late September will help you stay connected.
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.
SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY UPDATE
Sunday, February 7 | 11 am - 2 pm | No Cost | Red Cross
Customers Only
The American Red Cross is updating its Swimming and Water Safety program in 2027. This exclusive in-person workshop will provide a preview of upcoming changes, resources and implementation information Watch for more details about this Swimming and Water Safety Update session in the coming months.
Registrants must be active Red Cross customers This session is in person only and not available virtually. Attendance does not update or renew instructor certifications.
Make a one-time or recurring donation to support education and drowning prevention programs!
TECHNICIANschool school aquatic aquatic
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 modul
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The Craig A Merkey
DIRECTOR’Sschool
Thursday, February 11 | 1 - 5 pm
Friday, February 12 | 8 am - 5 pm
Saturday, February 13 | 8 - 11 am
forAquatic 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!
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Craig Merkey
ned the AOAP Board of Directors in 2019 g serving as the Board President during the term But Craig was more than a devoted ember: he was a true friend, a passionate e for aquatic safety, and someone whose s spirit touched everyone who had the privilege ng with him His countless contributions to cluding his tireless efforts with our silent and his unwavering support for our mission, de a lasting impact on our organization and ple we serve. Craig’s warmth, kindness, and ment to excellence were evident in everything He inspired those around him with his positivity genuine care for others Director’s School is legacy, and we hope that every attendee y Craig’s spirit into their work to make aquatics e world - a better place
POST-CONFERENCE workshops 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
HOW TO REGISTER HOW TO REGISTER
1.Choose your workshop.
2.Choose your conference registration (if applicable).
3.Register!
a. Complete your registration online at https://bit.ly/4a8IhQ7 or by scanning the QR Code.
b. Use the registration form on the next page to submit your registration and pay by check. *Note that your registration is not guaranteed until the form and payment are received.
4.Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations at https://bit.ly/4gdIiXB or through the link on the conference website. register here! register here!
RegistrationRegistrationFORM FORM
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 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