Conference triumph for ARI NSW and ASSA’s combined SPARK event

Providing a strong reinforcement of the benefits of industry collaboration, the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) and Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW have concluded their combined SPARK conference.

Held at the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth and attracting an estimated 500 delegates from both associations along with suppliers and stakeholders from the wider industry, the conference, with the theme Engage, Equip, Evolve, was addressed by keynote and headline speakers delivering global and national perspectives, before breaking into streams specific to each association.

For swim schools, sessions covered workforce development, digital strategy, child safety and community engagement with case studies and examples from across the country.

For facilities, the content spanned elements including asset and risk management, staff retention, links with health and wellness and marketing.

One of the major sessions was an address by Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration and Federal Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who spoke on Federal Priorities for Aquatic Leisure and Learn-to-Swim.

The conference also saw Suellen Goyne, ARI NSW Director and Maitland City Council’s Coordinator Aquatic Centres, lead an interactive session tackling the biggest challenges in the aquatics and recreation workforce.

With live input from industry leaders, the group shared ideas on attracting and retaining talent, building career pathways, and positioning aquatics as a respected, long-term career choice.

Together, they explored ways to break down silos, strengthen the industry’s collective voice, and create workplaces people want to join, stay in and lead.

The session followed Goyne having launched the Aqua Women networking group on LinkedIn at the end of last week. The group aims to connect, empower and connect women in the aquatic and recreation industry.

Writing in advance of the event, ASSA Chief Executive, Luke Daly advised “at the heart of SPARK is a belief that (the) industry thrives when we connect in person.

“That happens in the sessions (and) also in the in-between moments.”

SPARK also featured site tours and social events including welcoming drinks sponsored by Vorgee, the Splash About Relay Challenge at Bondi Icebergs, the iClassPro Harbour Cruise and ASSA's 2025 Awards of Excellence.

Image: ASSA delegates come together on the SPARK stage.