By all signs, the Association of Aquatic Professionals’ signature event continues on its upward trajectory.
This year’s International Aquatics and Water Safety Conference and Exposition took place Feb. 16-19 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
This year’s event saw the most first-time attendees, said AOAP Executive Director/CEO Juliene Hefter. It also had 28 first-time exhibitors, for a total of almost 150 exhibiting companies.
In addition, the conference included the most educational sessions. Hefter expects the number to continue rising, especially as it adds more partnerships with organizations who run their educational programs on the conference premises during the week of the event.
Next year’s conference will be held Feb. 8-11, 2027 in Reno, Nev. AOAP has begun accepting proposals for educational sessions at the event. They must be submitted by Aug. 15.
In other AOAP news, the organization renamed its grant program in honor of Drennen’s Dreams. It is now called the Drennen’s Dreams – Swim Lessons and Life Jacket Grant Program. “This change honors the enduring legacy of the Drennen’s Dreams Foundation, which has made a profound impact on drowning prevention and the aquatics industry nationwide,” the organization said. “Through this grant program, AOAP will ensure that Drennan’s story and the generosity of his family live on by helping more individuals access life jackets and swim lessons.”
The drowning-prevention foundation, was established in memory of Drennen O’Melia and worked for drowning prevention, lifeguard training, and advocating for safer aquatic environments. It has provided resources, education, and financial assistance that have helped aquatics facilities, professionals, and families. Its founders recently decided to sunset the organization and, in doing so, provided AOAP with funds to be used in support of aquatic safety. They were honored at the AOAP conference.
