SpeakerSubmission Guide
February 16 - 19, 2026
Colorado Springs, CO 8/15 dsubmittal eadline!
Hello there!
The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) is currently seeking speakers for the Annual Conference and Exposition and NDPA Annual Water Safety Conference February 16 - 19, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
AOAP is a non-profit professional organization run by an all volunteer Board of Directors that exclusively promotes and advocates policies, practices and procedures that contribute to safer and improved aquatic education, aquatic recreation activities, programs and facilities.
We are seeking creative, informative, dynamic speakers to offer unique learning experiences for our conference attendees. Whether you have a story to tell or knowledge to share, if you think you are a good fit, we invite you to submit a session proposal!
As you prepare your proposal, use this guide to help you through the process. And please let me know if you have any questions!
Gwen&Kate
Gwen Willcox & Kate Connell, Conference Co-Chairs
How It
Use this guide to help prepare your proposal Don’t miss the August 15, 2025, deadline! SUBMIT YOUR SESSION
NOTIFICATION
Speakers will be notified in midSeptember to finalize all speaking sessions SPEAKER
PREPARE YOUR SESSION
Finalize the content and collateral for your presentation Be creative, add interactive features, and practice, practice, practice!
While you can come in for a single day to present, we encourage all speakers to attend the full conference! Present, network and have a great time with over 1200 conference attendees! CONFERENCE TIME!
262-894-9772
info@aquaticpros org gwen willcox@TemeculaCA gov kateconnell@hydroapps.com
https://bit.ly/4a4pbbT
Speaker Standards
Relevance to Audience
Speakers should tailor their presentations to meet the needs and interests of the audience. As you consider possible topics, it may be helpful to understand that conference attendees work at a variety of aquatic facilities including municipal, K-12/collegiate settings, military installations, private clubs and swim schools, non-profit organizations, for-profit centers, lifeguard management companies and more. They also cover many aspects of work in professional aquatics including staff management and training, programming,
maintenance and risk management Keep in mind that most attendees come to sessions to find tools to help them be more effective in their roles. Creating content that can be practically applied is a benefit for many attendees
Subject Knowledge
Speakers and moderators should have broad knowledge of the subject matter going beyond their personal experience and their experience within their organizations. Speakers should be able to provide examples that illustrate different points of view and methods
Accuracy & Integrity of Information
Speakers must ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information they present This includes citing credible sources, avoiding misinformation or speculation, and being transparent about any conflicts of interest.
Also remember that conference sessions are meant to provide information to professionals in the field - it is not a time to make a sales pitch Speakers are not allowed to sell or promote any product or service, and handing out promotional literature should only happen inside your company’s exhibit booth.
Respectful and Inclusive Communication
Speakers should communicate in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or offensive language This includes being mindful of cultural sensitivities, using inclusive language, and fostering a welcoming environment for all attendees
Experience Presenting or Teaching
From voice projection and body language to understanding how to manage time and feedback within the session, speakers should have basic knowledge and experience teaching adults. Slides or presentation visual aids should touch on key points and support the content rather than being the main source of information delivery.
Proposal Guide
Before You Begin
to make the submission process easy, we recommend that you compile all of your information before beginning the submission process As a reminder, all sessions must be submitted online at https://bit.ly/4aHUc6e
General Information
Education sessions are generally 1 hour and 10 minutes, but longer sessions may be submitted for 2 hours and 40 minutes or a 4- or 8-hour pre- or postconference workshop. In-water session proposals will be accepted in 2025. All sessions will be eligible for Continuing Education Units, and the proposal should be written with that in mind.
The Conference Committee is seeking a variety of perspectives that can be applicable to a range of communities and viewpoints.
The maximum number of speakers for a 1 hour 10 minute session is two Up to four speakers will be accepted for longer sessions or panel discussions. You must submit a separate proposal for each session.
Learn more about submittal requirements here.
Session Title
Session Description
Create a concise and descriptive title. This title will be used in the event program.
Example: Sales Skills for Front Desk Teams
This is the summary of your session that will appear in the program guide. Your summary should be 500 words or less.
Example: With decreasing budgets and increasing competition, connecting with facility guests and program participants is an easy way to create repeat business with a limited marketing budget. But how do we teach our frontline team to make those connections, match needs to programs and up-sell? Give your frontline team the skills they need to help drive program registration, increase returning customers generate revenue through daily customer contact
Learning Objectives
Provide at least three learning objectives that specify what session attendees will learn or be able to do after attending your session. (You can find a great resource for writing effective learning objectives here!)
Example: Participants will be able to. . .
Discuss and understand basic sales techniques; 1 Identify sales opportunities for frontline teams; 2. Teach ways to connect current customers with new or continuing programs. 3.
Keep reading!
Session Outline
You will be asked to provide a detailed outline of your session. Indicate the time sequence of each topic/activity in your presentation. Example: Introductions, Background & Overview (4 minutes)
Understanding a Traditional Sales Definition (3 minutes) 2. Redefining Sales and What Your Team is Already Doing (4 minutes)
Training Your Frontline Team (15 minutes) 4. Remind Your Team that Everyone Sells a. Get Buy-In from Your Team b Start by Knowing Your Product c Sales Training Basics (35 minutes) 5. Understanding how your programs/facilities are a solution to a customer problem a. Defining the Buying Process b Identify prospective clients c. Ask qualifying questions and match needs with services d. Ask for the sale e. Maintain the customer relationship f. How to implement train team training for the buying process (10 minutes)
Audience Participation: Question & Answer (5 minutes)
Speaker Information
For each speaker, you’ll need some biographical information. You’ll need to share the speaker’s experience teaching adults, speaker biography, and speaker introduction. You’ll also need to upload a profile picture, and you’ll have an opportunity to include your organizational / personal website and social media handles.
Selected Speakers
SELECTION PROCESS
Sessions will be reviewed by the Conference Committee The goal is to create a comprehensive, well-balanced, innovative list of sessions for conference attendees All submitters will be notified by mid-September if their proposal was accepted or declined.
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT
AOAP will provide an LCD projector and screen. Not all rooms have audio speakers, so consider bringing your own if needed! Please note that some rooms have weak WiFi connections, so be sure to plan your presentation accordingly!
PRESENTATION ROOMS
Rooms are generally available 15-20 minutes before your session so that you can set up and verify that everything is in order Please note that nothing can be taped, stapled or attached to the walls or other surfaces of your room
PRESENTATION MATERIALS
AOAP requires all presenters to upload their handouts and other supporting materials into the conference app for conference attendees.
Important Speaker Information
Please note that AOAP does not pay speakers or reimburse any expenses for presenting at AOAP (other than the keynote, endnote and potentially pre and post conference workshops set up by AOAP).
All speakers must register for the AOAP Conference. You have the following choices:
Those 3 options include (only 1 speaker per session may take advantage of the #1 or #2 option. The other speaker must choose option #3.
1. Speaker ONLY Option ($150) Attendance at any session for the conference that you are speaking at and entrance into the exhibit hall on Wednesday from 1-3 pm only and CEUs. (This option does NOT include any meals OR socials)
2. Discounted Speaker Registration ($384) This includes entrance into any AOAP or NDPA regular conference sessions, the Monday night social, the Tuesday night exhibit hall grand opening and the Wednesday exhibit hall lunch and CEUs (This option does NOT include the Wednesday night all conference dinner/social)
3. Support AOAP/NDPA option ($459) This includes everything in #2 plus attendance at the Wednesday night all conference dinner/social
Session Suggestions
Risk Management
Risk Assessment -- Mitigating Risks at Your Facility - Tracking
Accidents/Injuries to Implement Changes - Future of LifeguardingBest Practices in Risk Management Documentation
Programming & Staff Training
Customer Service - Innovative/New In-Service Ideas - Recruiting & Retaining Staff - Staff Development - Improving Team
Accountability - Communication for Young Leaders - Volunteer Management & Engagement - Programming on a Limited Budget - Aquatic Therapy/Rehab - Aquatic Fitness/Wellness ProgramsSpecial Events & Unique Programming Ideas
Drowning Prevention
Effective Water Safety Campaigns - Lessons LearnedResearch/Data in Water Safety - Drowning Trends - Effective Intervention for Improving Water Safety - Partnering with Schools
Leadership & Executive Development
Overcoming Workplace Challenges - Advocating & Explaining Aquatics to Administration - Staff Leadership Programs - Using Data to Drive Change (budget, safety, etc) - AI & AquaticsMinimizing Burnout - Starting Your Own Training Business
Diversity & Inclusion
Community Engagement & Outreach - Inclusive ProgrammingAdaptive Swim Lessons - Initiatives to Promote Diversity in Programs & Staffing
Operations
Resource Management - Cost Recovery - New Revenue - Partnering with Non-ProfitsMarketing, Social Media & Branding - Aquatic Facility and Renovation ConsiderationsLessons Learned - Water Conservation - Sustainability - Indoor Air Quality - New Technology in Aquatic Management (Teams, Pump Rooms, etc.)
