Sunshine Coast set to host AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 World Conference

Australia’s national organisation for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety AUSTSWIM, will hold its world conference on the Sunshine Coast in October.

Expected to attract more than 400 delegates, the AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 World Conference will be held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on 3rd and 4th October 2019.

Internationally acclaimed speakers in aquatics, health and wellness will be among those attending the two-day conference which will provide attendees with education on swimming, water safety and leadership.

In its 40-year history, AUSTSWIM has trained more than 350,000 Swim Teachers, and will utilise the Sunshine Coast’s impressive range of aquatic and conference facilities as part of their two-day event.

Looking forward to the conference, AUSTSWIM Chief Executive, Carl Partridge stated “the Sunshine Coast was a standout location for the AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 World Conference, with both a national and international delegate list, it acted as an ideal draw card for delegates to bring their families and combine work with pleasure but also allow us access to a host of amazing and flexible meeting facilities.”

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Simon Latchford said the conference was a great fit for the Sunshine Coast where the warm climate and stunning coastline meant the local lifestyle was centred around water sports and activities.

Latchford advised “we are excited to host the AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 World Conference, which very much aligns with our region’s values on water safety, health and wellness.

“Business events are a vital part of our tourism offerings. Guests visiting the region to attend a meeting, conference or exhibition have a higher spend than holiday visitors, and it is crucial we provide them with an unforgettable experience.”

Sunshine Coast Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said he was delighted this conference was coming to the Sunshine Coast, both swimming and swim coaching has been a massive part of his entire life, adding “swimming and swim coaching is part of our DNA here on the coast, and we look forward to welcoming teachers and swim centre operators from around the country to the region.

“It’s our opportunity to show off the Sunshine Coast in all its glory - all of our amazing tourist attractions, the businesses, our elite sports training facilities and our beautiful beaches.”

The newly opened Sunshine Coast Convention Centre is proving to be a welcome addition to the Sunshine Coast’s capabilities for hosting world conferences like AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19. 

The Sunshine Coast is hosting a diverse range of business events in 2019, including the Queensland Tourism Awards, Destination Q, Destination IQ, ASICS Sports Medicine Australia Conference, the 37th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Infocus Wealth Management iCON Annual Conference, Performing Arts Connection Australia Conference and National Performing Arts Exchange.

AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 has received support funding through the Business Events Assistance Program, a joint initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and Business Events Sunshine Coast.

Click here for more information on the AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 conference in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images: Delegates join in a practical session at the Soak It Up! 2019 NSW conference (top) and Laurie Lawrence will be a keynote speaker at the AUSTSWIM Soak It Up 19 world conference (below).