2026 ASSA Swimposium - ACT
Description
ASSA Swimposium 2026 | Australian Capital Territory
This is Swimposium ACT. One day at the Mercure Belconnen, built for the people who run, manage and teach in Canberra and surrounds.
Some useful info:
Getting Here: Level 11, 59 Cameron Ave, Belconnen ACT 2617. Access via Edmonstone Place. It's the first driveway on the left. Paid public parking is available on levels 2, 3, and 4 (map attached)
Parking Cost: Discounted conference rate of $9 per entry.
Building Access: Use the lifts in the carpark with the 59 Cameron Ave logo and head to level 11. Or, enter from the ground level at 59 Cameron Avenue.
What's on the day:
Erin McMullan on The Parent Conversation
Alena Sarri on the Why SAFERwater Warriors framework powered by Rheem
Working With Others, ASSA's swim school personality model
Nikiesha Pilgrim on teaching neurodivergent swimmers
Natalie Pedler on the adult learn-to-swim opportunity
A BOSS Up Gen Z panel
The industry is evolving—make sure you’re part of it. Register now!
Lineup
Erin McMullan
Founder & Director, Swim Experts Erin McMullan is the founder and director of Swim Experts in Sydney, a purpose-built swim school focused on infant and preschool aquatics. She has more than 25 years in the industry, is a recognised subject matter expert in infant and preschool teaching, an industry educator across AUSTSWIM, Swim Australia, ASSA and ARI, and serves as Secretary of ARI. At Swimposium she leads The Parent Conversation, ASSA's framework for managing parental expectations.
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.
Nikiesha Pilgrim
Prouse Swim School | VIC State Swim Teacher of the Year Nikiesha Pilgrim is a swim teacher at Prouse Swim School in Western Victoria and was named Victoria's State Swim Teacher of the Year at the 2025 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.
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.
Agenda
The Parent Conversation with Erin McMullan
A practical framework for managing parental expectations.
Why SAFERwater Warriors with Alena Sarri — Powered by Rheem
Putting proper substance behind your water safety promise.
Working With Others
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 Adults Want In with Natalie Pedler
Designing adult programs that actually retain.
The Next Generation: A Gen Z Panel (BOSS Up Edition)
The next wave of swim school leaders on what they want from work.
FAQs
- What time does the day start and finish?
Doors open from 8:30am 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 with session summaries, 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.
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