The twelfth World Aquatic Health Conference will host several unique and educational events to help leaders shape the future of aquatics, pools and spas at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event, hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, will take place October 7 to 9.
This scientific and leadership conference promises a packed schedule and a robust networking environment. In conjunction with the WAHC, there will be two other aquatic-related conferences before and after the WAHC at the same hotel. “Vote on the Code 2015” by the Council of the Model Aquatic Health Code will be held October 6 to 7. The WAHC will then start with a keynote address by Olympian and legendary announcer Rowdy Gaines on Thursday, October 8. Following the end of WAHC will be the USA Swimming “Build-A-Pool” conference from October 10 and 11.
“In addition to a spectrum of scientific seminars, the WAHC has become a hub to leadership events,” says Thomas Lachocki, CEO of NSPF. “Science helps shed a light on the future, but the networking helps make it happen,” he adds.
This year’s conference theme is "Shaping the Future Through Aquatics." Seminars will focus on the most recent advances on health codes, Recreational Water Illness prevention, new industry technologies, advanced chemistry, disinfection byproduct prevention and drowning prevention. A new track on Market Growth will reveal market research on how to create demand for pools, spas and aquatic facilities, and a series of short seminars on water immersion and activity health benefits will be presented to empower advocacy and growth.
Pre-Conference Events
Vote on the Code 2015: Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code
Tuesday, October 6 to Wednesday, October 7.
CMAHC, a nonprofit organization that oversees the collecting, assessing and relaying to the CDC of important Model Aquatic Health Code update recommendations, will begin the organization’s Biennial Conference two days before the WAHC. This co-pairing of conferences will give members a better chance to comment, analyze and vote on submitted MAHC change requests. To attend this important aquatic discussion on health and safety, register at the WAHC’s CMAHC registration portal. Cost is $220.00.
Insider’s Tour
Wednesday, October 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s pre-conference Insider’s Tour will visit unique Scottsdale aquatic facilities. Participants will learn about different perspectives on designing and managing a profitable facility. Registration fee for this event is $60, lunch will be provided. Sign up at the WAHC’s registration portal.
NSPF Instructor Update Meeting & Marketing Workshop
Wednesday, October 7, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NSPF Instructors are invited to participate in this workshop to learn new techniques for increasing your business and profitability. Immediately following is the NSPF 2015 International Instructor Update Meeting.
Noteworthy WAHC Events
Welcome Reception: Celebrate National Swimming Pool Foundation’s 50th Anniversary
Wednesday, October 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate 50 years of Keeping Pools Safer and Open with NSPF, hosted at Desert Foothills. This special reception is a great opportunity to visit old friends, network, meet new contacts, experience the local tastes of the city, and celebrate NSPF’s 50th Anniversary! The reception is free for WAHC registered attendees; bus transportation to and from the reception will be provided.
Private Film Screening
Thursday, October 8, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Be a part of a private screening of 2014’s sport documentary, Touch the Wall, produced and directed by Grant Barbeito and Christo Brock. The film follows four time gold medalist, Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce on their quest to the 2012 Olympic Games.
Keynote Speakers and Seminars
Thursday, October 8 to Friday, October 9
WAHC will begin with keynote speaker, Olympian Rowdy Gaines, on the morning of October 8. Two keynote speakers from Float On, Graham Talley and Ashkahn Jahromi, will speak as a team on the morning of Friday, October 9.
NSPF is partnering with Platinum Sponsor PlayCore to host a special “Water Immersion Works” symposium on Friday, October 9. Eight established researchers in the aquatics field will present five to seven minute TED-style talks focused on the benefits of water immersion.
Post Conference Event
USA Swimming — Two-Day Build & Program-A-Pool Conference
Saturday, October 10 to Sunday, October 11
Registration Fee is $35 for WAHC conference attendees; sign up at Build & Program-A-Pool’s registration portal. The Regional Build Program-A-Pool Conference is not just about building pools. Participants will learn how to program pools for financial sustainability, renovate, upgrade or expand existing pools and design/build new facilities.
Details on all seminars and presenters, as well as hotel info, can be found at TheWAHC.org. For additional information, email [email protected] or call (719) 540-9119.
