ASSA Swimposium - VIC

You Asked, We Listened – ASSA Swimposium is coming to Melbourne, VIC.

For the past two years, Educators Day at the ASSA Conference has been a standout event for swim school professionals. Now, we’re taking it on the road and giving it a fresh new name—welcome to Swimposium.
Designed by swim schools, for swim schools, Swimposium is a full-day event packed with practical learning, industry insights, and professional development to help you and your team deliver even better lessons and teach more people to swim.

We know how important convenient, cost-effective ongoing training is—that’s why we’re bringing this must-attend event to Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, and Melbourne. No need for flights, extra accommodation, or multiple days away from your swim school—just a focused, high-impact day of learning that fits your schedule.

What's Covered on the Day 

+ Bring your Togs and Towel

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Arrival – Registration
Get settled in and prepare for a day full of valuable learning and networking.
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ASSA Start
Join the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) as we kick off the day with an introduction to the important initiatives, programs, and exciting opportunities available through ASSA. This session will outline the support and resources provided to swim schools, helping you thrive in the aquatics industry.
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The Big 3! A Magic Age, Full of Wonder and Also Full of Range
Speaker: Deanne Gillham – Let’s Swim
Deanne Gillham from Let’s Swim will explore the magic age of early childhood learning in swimming. This session will cover the diverse range of developmentally appropriate skills and how to teach with wonder, ensuring students get the most out of their lessons.
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Making Swim Classes Fun: Engagement Through Rich Language
Speaker: Barbara Smith
Barbara Smith will share valuable techniques for keeping children engaged in swim classes through the power of rich language. This session will delve into how using varied, descriptive language can enhance learning, making classes more dynamic and effective.
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What Makes a Great Swim Instructor – How to Stand Out from the Crowd
Speaker: Lauren Swaby – Let’s Swim
Lauren Swaby of Let’s Swim will offer insights on what sets top-notch swim instructors apart. From mastering technique to building rapport, this session will provide tips on becoming a standout instructor who fosters a positive, productive learning environment.
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Child Safe Best Practice Standards
Speaker: Marco Blanco
Marco Blanco will lead this essential session on child safety standards in swimming environments. Learn best practices to create a safe space for all learners, from safety checks to creating a culture of vigilance and respect for child protection.
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Gold Standard Inclusion in Practice
Speaker: Matthew Haanappel
Matthew Haanappel will present on the gold standard of inclusion in swim programs. Discover how inclusive practices in swim schools benefit all students, especially those with additional needs, and how to implement strategies that foster a welcoming environment for everyone.
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Victorian Inclusion Super Squad
Speakers: Matthew Haanappel (WYN Active), Kate Hudgson (Brimbank Aquatic), Natasha Van Der Hayden (Aligned Leisure), Sheryl Everett
The “Victorian Inclusion Super Squad” brings together a range of expert speakers to explore all facets of inclusion in swim programs. From students with additional needs to broader strategies for fostering inclusivity, this session will cover the best practices, challenges, and solutions for making your swim school a welcoming space for everyone.
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Bringing it All Together – Lessons & Takeaways from the Day
Speaker: Luke Daly
Luke Daly will close the day with an interactive session designed to synthesise the lessons of the day. Reflect on the key takeaways, strategies, and insights, and leave with a clear plan for implementing new ideas in your swim school to enhance student experience and business success.
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Affordable. Accessible. Awesome.

The industry is evolving—make sure you’re part of it. Register now!