Special Events
More Than a Conference — It's a Connection Catalyst
Attending SPARK’s side events transforms your experience from professional to unforgettable. Whether it’s QT poolside welcome drinks, the glamour of the Awards Gala, or a late-night laugh at the After Party, these moments build the kind of relationships that spark new ideas and lasting partnerships.
Add in site tours and a vibrant Trade Fair, you’ll leave inspired and connected to a national network of passionate peers. So often, the real magic happens outside the conference room.
Facilities and Swim School Tour
Join your peers for an exclusive three quater day excursion visiting prominent swim schools and aquatic centres aboard our private bus – confirmed visits are:
- Superfish Swim Schools
- Gulliver's Swim School
- Beenleigh Aquatic Centre
- Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
This informative tour, highly favoured by interstate, international delegates, and locals alike, offers a chance to see and speak with a diverse audience of professionals, ask questions first hand, and see exemplary customer service and operations in action.
Day 0
Monday 24 August
Departs from QT – 9:30 AM
Returns to QT – 4:00 PM
Arrive at least 15 mins before departure time.
We want to hear you say “I’m in — who’s coming with me?”
On Monday 24 August at 3pm, we’re bringing hundreds of people together at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for one massive aqua aerobics class.
Share this link with anyone who loves aqua, fitness, fun, community and want to be part of a good Gold Coast story. We need more than 350 people to make it count.
Join the record attempt – Read more and sign up.
Monday 24 August
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Ampd Connect
Network, Grow, Refine, Learn.
Free event for Ampd Trainers – This isn’t just a meeting; it’s about ensuring Ampd Academy remains the benchmark for amplified learning. Sharpen your edge, connect with the team, and lead the way in training innovation.
Email registration is essential for this free event.
Get ready to amplify potential, together!
Day 0
Monday 24 August
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Enjoy welcome drinks and fine canapés at the end of Day One. This informal networking event brings delegates, speakers, sponsors and industry colleagues together in a relaxed setting at QT Gold Coast.
It's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people from across the Swim School Industry, and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day.
With the energy of the SPARK community, the Vorgee Welcome Drinks set the tone for the days ahead.
Day 1
Tuesday 25 August
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
QT Pool Bar
Industry Breakfast
This breakfast, hosted by Kimberley Nitcheke and Matt Howes, gives opportunity to all Facility Managers and Swim School Owners the right environment for their voice to be heard, perspective valued, and give input that could shape future decisions across council and government.
As an ARQ and ASSA Bonus*, All SPARK 3-day ticket holders receive complimentary access to this special meet-up. A genuine money-can’t-buy opportunity.
*Strictly limited offer. Ends when room capacity is reached. Indicate your interest as you purchase your 3-day ticket.
Day 2
Wednesday 26 August
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
QT (Room TBC)
2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence
The ASSA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner celebrates the Swim Schools, the Learn to Swim Programs, and the outstanding SwimSchoolers dedicated to lifting the standard of learn to swim and water safety across Australia and beyond.
In 2026, the Awards expand to 25 categories, including seven new honours that create even more opportunities to recognise excellence across teaching, leadership, innovation, customer service, staff development, water safety and program delivery.
Each category will see Regional Winners announced, with those winners progressing to the National Final. From there, one National Gold Winner will be awarded in each category – recognition that reaches well beyond the trophy. An ASSA Award can elevate a swim school’s reputation, acknowledge the people behind its success and give families even greater confidence in the program they have chosen.
The night will also feature one of the most anticipated moments in the ASSA calendar – the announcement of the 2026 ASSA Hall of Fame inductees.
In 2025, ASSA welcomed four remarkable leaders into the Hall of Fame:
• Richard Cahalan – Legend
• John Vorgias – Outstanding Contribution
• Hilton Brown – Pioneer
• Floss Roberts AM – Humanitarian
Now, all eyes turn to 2026.
Join us for a memorable night of recognition, celebration, live entertainment, dancing and connection as we honour the ASSA Members making remarkable contributions to the SwimSchooler community.
Day 2
Wednesday 26 August
6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
QT, Gold Coast
Dress — Cocktail Attire
Ticket includes – Three Course Meal, Drinks: Beer, Wine and Soft drinks, Live Band after the Awards.
Recognition doesn’t just happen, support your peers – grow our industry.
Thank you to our
2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence
Sponsors
The After Party
When the final session wraps, SPARK heads sky-high.
Join us at SkyPoint for one last chance to let your hair down, reconnect with the people you’ve met across the conference and take in an entirely new perspective of the Gold Coast.
Unwind with industry peers, strengthen relationships and create future opportunities while enjoying canapés, drinks and music – and backdrop to marvel at.
This exclusive event promises to round out SPARK in a spectacular way — tickets are strictly limited due to venue capacity — secure your place early
… and close SPARK on a high!
Thursday 27 August,
5:30 PM — 8:30/9:30 PM
SkyPoint – Q1, Level 77
Thank you to
udio systems for making the
After Party possible
Industry Trade Fair
Your opportunity to meet Australia's and the world's leading businesses dedicated to Swim Schools. Learn to Swim and Aquatic & Recreation Centres – all in one location!
You'll have access to leading products, cutting-edge innovation, and world-class information face-to-face, right in the foyers of the ASSA and ARQ levels—a business advantage not seen at other conferences.
Days 1, 2 & 3
8:45 AM – 4:15 PM *
ASSA & ARQ Conference Foyers
*Times may vary each day
