The 14th Annual World Aquatic Health™ Conference (WAHC) will feature keynote speakers, sessions and a new track, all of which target professional growth among any and all aquatic industry professionals. The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) – Colorado Springs’ non-profit organization – will host the conference just north of its home base in Denver, Colorado, on October 18 to 20, 2017, at the Omni Interlocken.
“We find that most people are looking for a career path and education helps to provide that,”said Darrell Doust, Poolwerx’s chief operating officer, NSPF ASTCM certified instructor and returning WAHC attendee. “Education also assists in attracting new young people to our industry, because the younger generations are very interested in advancement and what’s next. They want to be trained, and the WAHC educational offerings assist in providing that training.”
Keynote speaker Ryan Avery, the youngest world champion of public speaking in history, will open the WAHC on Thursday, October 19. During the presentation “Connect More. Convince Less” attendees will learn how to educate and inspire in order to get more people in the water. Avery will also host a Thursday workshop, “Stop Being A Leader, Start Being THE Leader,” which will help industry professionals establish strategies to become the leader.
Neuro facilitator Amy Posey will present on utilizing neuroscience to facilitate brain-friendly communication. Attendees may also join Posey and 2016 WAHC Keynote speaker Wallace J. Nichols, the author of Blue Mind, for a workshop during the health benefits track, “Neuroscience of Leadership.”
The new WAHC track “Training for Business Growth,” will spotlight four sessions led by successful leaders representing various fields of the industry. This track will benefit anyone interested in advancing his or her career in the pool industry. Pool service technicians, pool operators, CPO® certification holders, ASTCM certification holders, staff trainers, pool builders/designers/renovators and NSPF Instructors will all gain insight from the unique sessions.
CMAHC’s Biennial Vote on the Code Conference will return this year, October 17 to 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CMAHC members may take part in the process of reviewing the 180 Change Requests received for the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code. Vote on the Code is the perfect time for attendees to make their voice heard and witness real change in the field, fostering a better environment for swimmers and professionals.
Aquatic Therapy Day will return for a second year, as well. Recent research advocating aquatic therapy for individuals with low back, neck, shoulder and chronic pain will be discussed, followed by a four-hour warm water lab. Swimming pool service technicians will have an opportunity to advance professionally in leadership and service, and save $150 during a pre-conference event.
New this year, the Indoor Air Quality Panel Discussion is scheduled for lunchtime on Friday, October 20. The panel will include leaders from Anderson Poolworks, Paddock, Desert Aire, Counsilman-Hunsaker and Water Technology, Inc. It will focus on how the industry can help reduce chlorine by-product exposure to swimmers, coaches and patrons of indoor aquatic environments. Architects, designers, manufacturers, builders, facility management, environmental health officials and academia are encouraged to attend to further improve the indoor swimming environment.
To learn more about the WAHC, review this infographic and visit thewahc.org, or email conference@nspf.org.
