Focus on management innovation and facility renewal at LIWA Aquatics 2025 conference

The 2025 LIWA Aquatics Conference has concluded in Perth with more than 480 attendees coming together to share ideas, learn from more than 50 expert presenters and see the latest products from multiple 50 trade exhibitors.

With the theme ‘Building Our Future’, over two days the conference highlighted the people, infrastructure and ideas shaping the future of the aquatic and recreation industry in Western Australia across four conference streams: Swim Schools and Coaching, Operations, Recreation and Facility Management and Facility Planning.

Held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), the annual event for aquatic and recreation professionals and swim schools in Western Australia, the conference was opened by LIWA President Dan Barber, followed by an address on behalf of the Western Australia Minister for Sport and Recreation, delivered by state member Stuart Aubrey.

Conference keynote, champion middle-distance runner Peter Bol, then followed with an inspiring presentation covering his career and life story.

Breaking into streams, a key trend in presentations in streams covering facilities related to planning future facilities - and resourcing the renewal of existing ones - along with issues such as inclusion, partnerships and dealing with aggression.

Aquatic and recreation facilities and their growing role as wellness hubs was also explored in several presentations.

In the week that BlueFit was announced as operator of the 'The Pavilion' health club and aquatic centre operator at the WACA, the emergence of wellness in facilities was explored by Anna Davies, founder of Refined Wellness.

Davies highlighted how aquatic and recreation facilities can play a significant revenue-generating role in offering tailored wellness solutions health to meet Australians' growing demand for health and longevity.

In a presentation on enhancing member experiences with AI and personalisation, Technogym Digital Sales & Customer Success Manager, Matt Frost advised "so much of our consumer experience is connected but it doesn't happen so much in leisure."

The role of technology in the industry - this time in water safety - was also explained by Dan Mulvey, General Manager - ANZ for AI-based anti-drowning technology company Lynxight.

The conference was wrapped up with a career pathways panel, featuring Fiona Grieves, Luke Ellis and Cheyne Cameron which sparked meaningful discussion on industry progression.

The conference, MCed by Christina Morrissy, also saw the presentation of the 2025 Western Australian Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards.

It also marked the first conference organised by recently appointed LIWA Aquatics Executive Officer Leith Fradd - tireless and ever-present over its two days.

Images: Peter Bol after his opening address at the LIWA Aquatics conference (top), LIWA President Dan Barber at the conference (middle) and the Show's welcoming banner (below).