2026 ASSA Swimposium - NSW
Description
ASSA Swimposium 2026 | New South Wales
This is Swimposium New South Wales. One day at Pullman Sydney Olympic Park, built for the people who run, manage and teach in NSW swim schools.
What's on the day:
Dave DuBois: How to teach progressive breaststroke and butterfly
Alena Sarri on the Why SAFERwater Warriors framework powered by Rheem
Clotilde Doxaras facilitating Working With Others, ASSA's swim school personality model
Nikiesha Pilgrim on teaching neurodivergent swimmers
Mel Rickwood on the trickiest age group to teach: 3-5s
Natalie Pedler on the adult learn-to-swim opportunity
A Gen Z panel featuring Aquatics Downunder, Carlile Swimming and Daniel Pedavoli (Ready2Swim)
Bring your team. The whole point is that everyone walks out with something useful.
Affordable. Accessible. Awesome.
The industry is evolving—make sure you’re part of it. Register now!
Lineup
Luke Daly
CEO, Australian Swim Schools Association Luke Daly is CEO of the Australian Swim Schools Association. He leads ASSA's strategy, advocacy and industry development work and runs the association's national content program. At Swimposium, Luke opens the day, walks the room through ASSA's flagship Working With Others session, and presents the Why SAFERwater Warriors framework powered by Rheem.
Alena Sarri
Co-founder & Owner, Aquatots Swim School Canberra Alena Sarri is the co-founder and owner of Aquatots Swim School, the family-owned Canberra operation she's been running since 2002. Aquatots was the first swim school in Australia to launch an aquatic program for babies from six weeks, and Alena now leads a team across four ACT locations. She brings that double specialism in babies and water safety to Swimposium to lead Starting Small and to deliver Why SAFERwater Warriors in selected regions.
Clotilde Doxaras
NSW Swim School Operator Clotilde Doxiaras is a respected operator and team leader in the NSW swim school scene. She facilitates the Working With Others session at the New South Wales Swimposium, walking teachers and managers through ASSA's swim school-specific personality model.
Nikiesha Pilgrim
Prouse Swim School | VIC State Swim Teacher of the Year Nikiesha Pilgrim is a swim teacher at Prouse Swim School in Victoria and was named Victoria's State Swim Teacher of the Year at the ASSA national conference for her work supporting neurodivergent swimmers. She's a mum of three, manages Goroke Pool over summer, and brings particular depth on sensory regulation, anxiety in the water, and the practical adaptations that help nervous and neurodivergent kids learn.
Mel Rickwood
Early Childhood Swim Teaching Mel Rickwood is a leading voice on early childhood swim teaching. At the NSW Swimposium, Mel breaks down what actually works for 3-5 year olds, the age group that sets the tone for every other class in your school.
Natalie Pedler
Adult Learn-to-Swim Specialist Natalie Pedler is an industry voice on adult learn-to-swim and one of the people pushing the sector to take adult education more seriously. At Swimposium she presents The Adults Want In, a session for operators on how to design adult programs that actually retain and how to find the people in your community who are quietly waiting to enrol.
Dave DuBois
Head of Program Curriculum, Carlileswim Dave is the Group Curriculum Lead for Carlile Swim and oversees the development and implementation of the nation wide program which reaches over 60,000 swimmers each week. He lives for learn to swim and is a life long learner always looking for new lessons.
Agenda
State of Play with Luke Daly
A short opener on where the industry is heading and what ASSA is working on this year.
How to teach progressive breaststroke and butterfly with Dave DuBois
This will explore the Carlile Swim approach to breaking down these technical strokes and helping coaches deliver consistent results.
Why SAFERwater Warriors with Alena Sarri — Powered by Rheem
Putting proper substance behind your water safety promise.
Working With Others with Clotilde Doxiaras
ASSA's personality model built specifically for swim school teams.
Teaching Neurodivergent Swimmers with Nikiesha Pilgrim
Adapting your teaching for kids who don't fit the standard mould.
The Trickiest Years with Mel Rickwood
What actually works when you're teaching 3-5 year olds.
The Adults Want In with Natalie Pedler
Designing adult programs that actually retain.
The Next Generation: A Gen Z Panel
Aquatics Downunder, Carlile Swimming and Daniel Pedavoli on the next wave.
FAQs
- What time does the day start and finish?
Doors open from 8:45am for arrival and coffee. Sessions begin promptly at 9:00am and the day wraps at 3:30pm.
- Is morning tea and lunch included?
Yes. Morning tea and a sit-down lunch are included in your ticket. Please flag any dietary requirements at checkout so we can pass them on to the venue.
- Can I bring my whole team?
Absolutely, and we'd encourage it. Swimposium is built for swim school teams to attend together. Use our group pricing where available and check with us if you're bringing a larger crew.
- Will I get the slides or session notes after the event?
Yes. Attendees receive a follow-up pack after the day, key resources and any handouts from the presenters.
- What should I wear?
Smart casual. You won't be on the pool deck on the day, so no need for swimwear or polos. Dress for a comfortable day of learning.
- Is parking available at the venue?
Most venues offer onsite or nearby parking. Specific parking and access information for each location is included on the venue confirmation you'll receive a week out.
- What's your refund and transfer policy?
Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferrable. If you can't make it, you're welcome to send a colleague in your place. Just let us know in advance so we can update the attendee list.
- Who do I contact if I have questions?
Email admin@australianswimschools.org.au or call the ASSA office. We're happy to help.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Get Tickets
This event has passedGet Tickets
This event has passed
More events from this host
