February 8 - 11, 2027
February 8 - 11, 2027
Hthere!
The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) is currently seeking speakers for the International Aquatic & Water Safety Conference, February 8–11, 2027 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada
AOAP is a nonprofit professional organization led by an allvolunteer Board of Directors We exclusively promote and advocate for policies, practices, and procedures that contribute to safer, stronger aquatic education, aquatic recreation programs, and well-managed facilities
We are seeking creative, informative, and dynamic speakers who can deliver meaningful learning experiences for our attendees. Whether you bring research, real-world case studies, operational tools, leadership insight, or innovative practices, we invite you to submit a session proposal
As you prepare your proposal, use this guide to help you through the process If you have questions about track alignment or topic fit, please reach out. We are excited to review proposals that push our industry forward while remaining grounded in practical application
Conference Education Chair
WorksWorks
Use this guide to help prepare your thoughts, and download an easy-tofollow template here to make submission easy. Don’t miss the August 15, 2026, deadline! PREPARE & SUBMIT YOUR SESSION
SPEAKER NOTIFICATION
Speakers will be notified in midSeptember to finalize all speaking sessions.
Finalize the content and collateral for your presentation Be creative, add interactive features, and practice, practice, practice! PREPARE YOUR SESSION
info@aquaticpros org kateconnell@hydroapps com
https://bit.ly/4a8IhQ7 Select Submit a Session
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 1,200 conference attendees!
Speaker
StandardsStandards
Relevance to Audience
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 GuideGuide
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/4a8IhQ7.
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.
All sessions will be eligible for Continuing Education Units, and the proposal should be written with that in mind.
The Conference Education Committee is seeking a variety of perspectives that can be applicable to a range of communities and viewpoints.
Speakers are invited to submit a session with up to two speakers Sessions with three or more speakers will be considered panel presentations, and should include a moderator and at least two expert panelists. You must submit a separate proposal for each session
Download this easy-to-follow template, and use the information on the following pages to help you prepare a strong proposal!
Session Title
Session Description
Create a concise and descriptive title up to 50 characters.
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 150 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. . .
1 Discuss and understand basic sales techniques; 2.Identify sales opportunities for frontline teams; 3.Teach ways to connect current customers with new or continuing programs.
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:
1 Introductions, Background & Overview (4 minutes)
2.Understanding a Traditional Sales Definition (3 minutes)
3. Redefining Sales and What Your Team is Already Doing (4 minutes)
4. Training Your Frontline Team (15 minutes)
a.Remind Your Team that Everyone Sells
b Get Buy-In from Your Team
c Start by Knowing Your Product
5. Sales Training Basics (35 minutes)
a.Understanding how your programs/facilities are a solution to a customer problem
b Defining the Buying Process
c.Identify prospective clients
d.Ask qualifying questions and match needs with services
e.Ask for the sale
f.Maintain the customer relationship
6 How to implement train team training for the buying process (10 minutes)
7. 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.
Download this easy-to-follow guide to prepare your proposal for easy submittal!
Selected SpeakersSpeakers
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. Each speaker must also submit 3 - 6 assessment questions to be completed to issue CEU credits.
Important Speaker InformationInformation
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 Conference. You have the following choices:
1. Speaker ONLY Option ($150) Attendance at any session for the duration of the conference at which you are speaking, CEUs, 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 ($399) This includes a full conference registration: entrance into any AOAP or NDPA regular conference sessions, the Monday night social, the Tuesday night exhibit hall grand opening and dinner, the Wednesday exhibit hall lunch, the Wednesday night social and dinner, and CEUs.
Please note that only one speaker per session can take advantage of the discounted rate. For panels, only the Panel Moderator is eligible for the discount.
SessionTracksTracks
Leadership & Executive Development
Are you looking to expand your knowledge not just in aquatics, but in other areas as well? Then this track is for you. Topics cover expanding your career beyond aquatics, finding work-life balance, being a stronger manager, communication, and how to stay relevant in a changing industry
Programming, Special Events & Partnerships
This track covers various topics dealing with programming and special events From swim lessons to aquatic fitness or large-scale events, learn from industry leaders and discuss innovative ways to improve programs, increase revenue, and build sustainable programs
Risk Management & Legal Liability
Risk Management and Legal Liability are the cornerstone of aquatics operations This track covers all areas of risk management and liability for you as an aquatic operator and for your facility
Diversity & Inclusion
This track covers various diversity and inclusion opportunities that you should consider while running and operating aquatic facilities to meet the needs of diverse communities
Staff Training & Development
This track focuses on lifeguard preparation, instructor development, onboarding systems, in-service design, supervision skills, retention strategies, and performance accountability. We welcome sessions that demonstrate how to build confident, competent staff through realistic training, documentation systems, coaching models, and leadership pipelines
University
Considering the unique aquatic experiences on college campuses, this track provides insight to inclusive environments that enhance student well-being and promote healthy, active lifestyles on campus.
MAHC Track
This track is offered through a partnership with the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code to provide education on the code and how to run and operate your facilities in a safe and effective manner This track covers all areas of the code and is presented by various experts in the field
Drowning Prevention
Hosted by NDPA, these sessions focus on water safety, advocacy and collaborations
C
SUBMITTALDEADLINE:AUGUST15,2026
