Returning Aqua Alliance Forum to address key issues in aquatic fitness

Following the success of the inaugural Aqua Industry Forum and Aqua Summit in 2023, the events will be returning in October.

To be held at Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the Aqua Industry Forum - a one-day business summit for any facility that runs aquatic and fitness programs - is scheduled for Friday 18th October.

Followed by Aqua Summit 2024 on 19th and 20th October, the Forum is being staged by the Aqua Alliance with the aim to bring together professionals from the fitness, aquatic, research and wellness industries.

It aims to unite employers, state peak organisations, sole operators, pool owners, thought leaders, and researchers to address critical issues in the aqua fitness industry, including.

• How Aqua Alliance has gained significant traction in promoting aqua fitness in a practical way.
• How Aqua Alliance is contributing to the industry's growth, ensuring it reaches its full potential.
• The significant social impact of aqua fitness in regional and remote communities. 
• Royal Life Saving Society - Australia’s recent Aquatic Workforce Symposium which highlighted the popularity and profitability of aqua fitness.
• Skill shortages and the need for a stronger training pipeline.
• Inclusion, Intersectionality, and the Individual:
  o Who is missing in aqua fitness sessions and why.
  o Ways to better support both well-represented groups, like older adults, and less-represented ones, such as LGBTQI+ and younger adults.

Sessions will include:
Aqua Think Tank: Shaping the Future
Swinburne University, alongside its Sport Innovation Research Group and sport management program, proudly sponsors the Think Tank at the Aqua Alliance Industry Forum.
Facilitated by Dr Carleigh Yeomans and Dr Paul Bowell, this session will tackle workforce challenges, marketing strategies, and education for aqua professionals. Participants will collaborate to develop actionable solutions, with outcomes summarised for future collaboration.

Industry Forum Focus
This Forum is dedicated to the growing aqua fitness ecosystem, recognising its popularity across all age groups. The event aims to strategise for increased participation and to reshape perceptions of aqua fitness beyond the ‘older adults’ stereotype.

Aqua Alliance co-founder, Jenn Schembri-Portelli explains “the Aqua Industry Forum 2024 seeks industry support to create a clear plan for the future, encouraging leaders to engage with the enthusiasm and potential of this vital sector.

“We understand that changing perspectives won't happen overnight, but we're dedicated to the cause.

“We need stakeholders to join us in this effort, as the pools around Australia are directly benefit from customers attending aqua fitness classes.”

The event also offers virtual registration to the day to reduce travel costs and ensure online delegates can contribute and have their ideas represented.

Click here for more information on the Aqua Industry Forum in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.