Just sent out our the latest news on the 2012 World Aquatic Health Conference in Norfolk this October. We're excited about the lineup of seminars and have 27 new speakers this year. There is no other educational conference that offers the diversity of topics and thinking and exposes attendees to all aspects of research and subject matter affecting the aquatic industry. Now in it's ninth consecutive year, if you haven't made it to one, this is the year. And don't forget, if travel is an obstacle, seminars are all recorded and offered on demand for a nominal cost, about two weeks after the conference ends.
Here's the scoop:
A Whole lot of WaterWisdom to be Shared
at 2012 World Aquatic Health™ Conference
October 10 -12, attendees will learn from the best and brightest, including 2 keynote presenters,
a scientific poster session, and 45 seminars encompassing 6 symposia.
Registrants save $70.00 if registered by June 1. Reserve hotel room early to ensure discounted rate.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 25, 2012 —For the ninth consecutive year, the World Aquatic Health™Conference will host global recreational water leaders who will reflect upon the latest WaterWisdom and project a wise path forward. Attendees will gather October 10-12, 2012 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia to learn from the latest research and practical science. “Last year’s conference was a huge success, with registration up 30%,” commented Michelle Kavanaugh, Conference Manager. “Our early bird registrations are ahead of last year and Norfolk promises to be a terrific destination, easy for travelers to get to, and lots to do on free time.” The conference attracts over 400 of the most influential academic, industry, and government experts who are committed to making our world healthier through aquatics.
In this intimate environment, leaders come together to understand emerging issues, exchange ideas, and formulate future plans. A cross section of industry segments attend, including leaders from academia, associations, building, consulting, retail, aquatic facilities, service, public health/government, health and medical, and manufacturers. The conference promises a wealth of wisdom, diversity of thinking and a breadth of knowledge with 27 new speakers, all with an emphasis on useful application. Reflecting upon this year’s conference theme, Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D, CEO of conference host National Swimming Pool Foundation®, remarked, “We want attendees to take every drop of WaterWisdom and help our world grow a whole lot. A wealth of information points to a recovering economy; that coupled with the warmer weather suggests a promising year for an industry positioned to deliver solutions for a healthier world. ”
Healthy Partnerships
Once again hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF®) and the Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), this year’s conference organizers promise “attendees will learn what’s wise and not so wise in aquatics.” The Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the APTA will hold their Aquati.... “Water activities can positively influence the future health of the nation, both by aiding recovery and in maintaining day to day vitality,” reinforced Diane Platz, PT, Vice President of the Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the APTA. Pre- and post- conference events, presented by the Aquatic Exercise Association and USA Swimming have been added to the schedule, further maximizing the educational opportunity for attendees. Several leadership meetings will also be held during the week.
Details on all seminars and presenters are found at www.nspf.org by clicking on 2012 World Aquatic Health Conference. Included on this page are links to a complete information package and secure online registration. Early planner discounts for in-person attendance and/or the virtual web option are offered. Deadline to take advantage of a $75.00 early bird registration savings is June 1st. Full-time college students (12+ credit hours) may register for only $100 by providing proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. For additional information call 719-540-9119.
Conference Highlights
Attendees will learn from the best and brightest, including a scientific poster session, 45 seminars covering 6 symposia, and several lunch roundtables. In addition to plenty of mix, mingle and munch, attendees can choose from a selection of important seminar topics and distinguished speakers. Several presentations will reveal new and updated research findings from NSPF funded grants.
Recreational Water Illness Prevention (9 seminars and a lunch roundtable)
Two days are devoted to recreational water illness prevention; day one focuses on the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) with an opening presentation by Michael Beach, Ph.D and Rob Blake, MPH, REHS, of the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) followed by a series of four presentations on “The Science behind the MAHC.” Day two, the RWI symposium includes updates from Dr. James Amburgey, UNC-Charlotte, on NSPF funded research; a look at European Guidelines and Regulations for Management of RWI and Natural Thermal Springs discussed by Dr. Vincenzo Romano Spica, University of Rome; a discussion of Crypto prevention efforts since Utah 2008 by Michele Hlavsa, RN, MPH, CDC; and Jennifer Murphy, Ph.D., CDC will review considerations and constraints with pool disinfection.
Aquatic Health Benefits (9 seminars and a lunch roundtable)
In response to a growing interest in this topic area, and the standing-room only attendance at the 2011 WAHC, this symposia has been expanded to two full days of seminars, and includes many new presenters. Day one begins with a presentation by Paula Richley Geigle, PT, Ph.D. reviewing a randomized trial of motor incomplete spinal cord injury and aquatic therapy with treadmill training. The World Health Organization (WHO) has an increasing awareness of evidence-based aquatic therapy and aquatics, as discussed by Daniel Daly, Ph.D., KU Leuven, Belgium. Presentations by Jean M. Iron, PT, University of South Alabama, and Emily Dunlap, PT, Lakeway Aquatic Therapy offer recommendations on capturing women into aquatic PT services and getting more people active; and Lisa DePasquale, PT presents on the effectiveness of SCUBA for adults and children with disabilities. On the second day, Hirofumi Tanaka, Ph.D., University of Texas - Austin, looks at cardiovascular health and swimming; arterial health in diseased populations, land versus water will be discussed by Paul Chantler, Ph.D., West Virginia University; autism and aquatic therapy will be presented by Beth Ennis, PT, All About Families, PLLC; and a review of aquatic solutions for managing pain related to Multiple Sclerosis will be discussed by Adelaida Maria Castro-Sanchez, Ph.D., Universidad de Almeria, Spain.
Drowning and Chronic Illness Prevention (8 seminars and a lunch roundtable)
This newly defined symposium includes two days of presentations, with the first day devoted to initiatives that focus on saving lives through teaching life skills of swimming and water safety. Dr. Julie Gilchrist of the CDC will set the tone by reviewing sobering current drowning and chronic illness statistics as she talks about the challenge and opportunity this presents to the aquatic industry. Presenters (who are also involved in the inaugural Learn-to-Swim Congress) include Sue Nelson and Debbie Hesse, USA Swimming; Catherine Barry and Connie Harvey, American Red Cross; Rick Root, World Waterpark Association; and Jim Kauffman and Kay Smiley, YMCA of the USA.
Facility Management (9 seminars and a lunch roundtable)
Two days of seminars focus on facility management challenges related to management, design, risk, rescue, and programming. Day one includes presentations by Sean Sepela, Rutgers University Recreation, and Doug Whiteaker, Water Technology, Inc. Three presentations related to lifeguarding include Kim Tyson, MS, University of Texas; Robert Ogoreuc, ME, Slippery Rock State University; and Roy Fielding, MA, University of Charlotte who will also share 4 years of data related to lifeguard rescues. Four seminars on programming profitability, sustainability planning, ideas sharing and aquatic director competency will be presented on day two by Rho Henry Olaisen, MPH, Hydro Institute; Connie Sue Centrella, MBA, Keiser University; William Ramos, MS, Indiana University; and Leland Yarger, MS, ED, Ball State University.
Disinfection By-Products (4 seminars and a lunch roundtable)
Scheduled on day two of the conference, four seminars will include two NSPF-funded researchers - Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D, University of Arizona who will discuss the standardization of health impact studies due to aquatic environmental exposures; and UV based treatment and its effects on water and air chemistry in chlorinated indoor pools will be presented by Ernest “Chip” Blatchley, III, Ph.D., Purdue University. Scientists Manolis Kogevinas, MD, Ph.D., and Cristina Villaneuva, Ph.D, Hospital del Mar Research Institut/Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) will look at the state of disinfection by-products and health; and Michael Plewa, Ph.D., University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign will compare toxicity of water from disinfected recreational pools.
Other Bits of Wisdom (5 seminars)
An interesting selection of additional topics are offered in this symposia presented on day one of the conference. Two seminars will be given by NSF International presenters Rich Martin, who will share information on understanding, testing and certification of UV systems for recreational and drinking water; and a discussion of Ozone treatment systems, and the efficacy evaluation against protozoa, bacteria and viruses will be presented by Robert Donofrio, Ph.D. Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within 24-hours by using an enzymatic method will be presented by Gil Dichter, IDEXX Laboratories. Charles Logan, University of Texas - Austin will share an overview of aquatic history; and Karen Cohn, the Zac Foundation will discuss layers of protection as a means to protect swimmers and prevent water-related tragedies.
Two Keynote Presentations
Byron T. Embry, CEO and Founder of Closing Remarks, LLC, regarded by many to be one of the most dynamic speakers in the world, will keynote on day one of the conference. Prior to excelling as an international speaker, Bryon wowed audiences in the professional baseball world as a “closer”. He stunned listeners at the 2010 World Aquatic Health Conference with closing remarks, and his 102 mph fastball call to action. After more than a year of independent research on aquatic health, Byron Embry believes that America’s health crisis stems from a lack of education on the benefits of aquatic exercise. As an African-American male with a family history of heart disease, Embry is well aware of some of the social and economic demographics that plague a vast majority of minority’s accessibility to water. Though a near drowning victim himself, his unyielding desire is to effectively communicate the message of healthy living through aquatic activity across multiple mediums.
Unlike Byron Embry, Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the National Swimming Pool Foundation was never able to throw the 102 mph fastball – even out of a speeding car. However, he did win the American Institute of Chemists’ Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student in 1983, which is almost as good. With his passion for the aquatics field, Tom found his voice and has delivered presentations on four continents on how aquatic activity is not just a “recreation” thing – it is a “family and health” thing. The audiences were stunned at what they heard, “He’s not as boring as you would expect from a geek,” said a source who preferred not to be named. Prior to joining NSPF, he was responsible for product development with a $600 million per year recreational-water treatment and consumer-product business. He was awarded eight patents. Tom knows deep in his heart that science and service are critical to creating wisdom and a brighter future for the recreational water field.
Travel and Hotel
The Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel in downtown Norfolk, Virginia is located on the picturesque Elizabeth River waterfront. The traditional charm of this hotel combines stunning river views with marble accents, classic wood styling, and eclectic artwork. Convenient to the nearby Children’s Museum of Virginia, Naval Station Norfolk, the Nauticus Naval Museum, the Battleship Wisconsin and the Virginia Zoo, there are plenty of reasons to stay over and enjoy some relaxation and touring. Rooms can be reserved in advance of a conference registration. The hotel room block will sell out early and attendees are encouraged to book their rooms immediately. The discounted room rate of $159 per night plus taxes is offered by asking for the World Aquatic Health Conference rate. Most meals are included for those WAHC attendees staying at the hotel. Details on reservations, ground transportation, and Norfolk attractions may be found at www.nspf.org under the Conference link.
Tabletops and Sponsorships
Tabletop displays are available for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations at no cost with a paid registration on a first come, first serve basis. Organizations are encouraged to contact NSPF early, as space is limited. Some paid sponsorship opportunities are still available; email conference@nspf.org.
Two leading organizations have partnered with the WAHC to host pre- and post- conference events. Attendees can register for additional cost.
The Aquatic Exercise Association will present “Utilization of Aquatic Principles” on Wednesday, October 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This specialty track explores best practices of basic immersion principles to build a clear understanding of aquatic training for therapy, rehab, one-on-one, small group and general fitness. Participants will learn how to create and implement diagnosis-focused strategies for greater success. Theoretical and practical application and in-pool demonstration are included. Register atwww.nspf.org.
USA Swimming has partnered with NSPF to present two events immediately before and after the conference. Saving Pools workshop titled “Save Your Pool & Maybe a Life” will be presented on Wednesday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pools in the U.S. are experiencing the results of a down economy. There has been an epidemic of pool closings because of budget cuts and lack of funding in general. Do we keep trying to operate pools like we are in the 1960's or develop and implement a plan so they can stand on their own financially in today's market? This workshop will provide participants with all the tools, knowledge and saving secrets to operating a sustainable aquatic center. Click here to register for this event or find this link: [http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1078967].
Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, World Aquatic Health Conference attendees can attend the “Regional Build A Pool Conference”. This event includes programming pools for financial sustainability, renovating, upgrading, expanding existing pools, and designing/building new facilities. Click here to registeror find this link: [http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1079919].
Additional Meetings
NSPF and several other leadership organizations will hold meetings (by invitation or special registration only) in conjunction with the WAHC:
- National Swimming Pool Environmental Health Leader Meeting – Fifth Annual
- Inaugural Learn-to-Swim Congress
- International NSPF Instructor Meeting – Sixth Annual
- National Swimming Pool Foundation Instructor Course
- CPO® Certification Course
- CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Steering Committee
About National Swimming Pool Foundation®
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965, giving back over $4 million of all revenue since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the benefits of aquatic activity. The Foundation works towards its mission to enhance healthy living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of educational products and training. Visit www.nspf.org
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