AQUATIC & LEISURE MANAGEMENT
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Aquatic & Leisure Management
In Partnership with Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA)
The role of aquatic and leisure facilities is expanding, from service delivery to becoming central hubs for health, wellbeing and community connection. As expectations evolve, facility management must move beyond traditional models to embrace innovation, inclusion and long-term planning.
The Aquatic & Leisure Management stream explores how The Next Generation of leisure facility management is being shaped through new operating models, strategic partnerships and community-focused design. With a focus on participation growth, social cohesion and wellbeing outcomes, this stream brings together global perspectives, government insight and on-the-ground expertise to examine how facilities can deliver impact over the next 25 to 100 years.
The Next Generation of Leisure Facility Management – Keynote Session
Planning and investing in community facilities requires a fresh mindset — one that aligns developers, funders and operators to deliver long-term community outcomes.
This keynote explores how innovative frameworks and new approaches to governance, funding and operations can create vibrant, active communities. The session will examine the drivers behind this shift and the processes required to deliver facilities that remain relevant, inclusive and sustainable for generations.
- Pavit Singh, Managing Partner, Ileseum Clubs
- Sarah Murray, CEO, Recreation Aotearoa
The Next Gen Panel 3
Community sport and leisure facilities are entering a new era of delivery and impact.
Building on the keynote, this panel brings together leaders from operations and government to share what is on their strategic radar for the next decade — and how current investment and delivery models are evolving to meet future community needs. The discussion will explore how organisations are translating momentum into measurable outcomes across participation, wellbeing and facility performance.
- Toby McCready, Service Lead, Cockburn ARC
- Adam Trottman, Director, Infrastructure and Planning, Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing SA
Workshop 3.1: The Next Generation of Participants – Over 50s
As populations age, the over-50 demographic represents one of the largest untapped opportunities for participation growth.
This workshop explores how aquatic and leisure facilities can better understand and respond to the expectations, motivations and needs of older adults. The session will examine how targeted programming can increase participation while supporting health, safety and community connection.
- Dr Will Koon, National Manager - Drowning Prevention Strategy, RLSSA
Workshop 3.2: Targeting Adolescence and Youth
Engaging young people in aquatic and leisure activities presents both challenges and opportunities.
This session explores how participation strategies can better reflect youth motivations, behaviours and expectations. It will examine how facilities and programs can adapt to attract and retain younger audiences in an increasingly competitive landscape.
- Matthew Simpson, National Participation Manager, Swimming Australia
PitchFEST 3: Unlocking the Power of Aquatics & Leisure Facilities for Social Cohesion
Aquatic and leisure facilities are more than places for activity, they can be powerful anchors for community connection.
This session explores how planning, programming and culturally responsive approaches can strengthen inclusion and bring diverse communities together. Through real-world examples, presenters will highlight how facilities can play a central role in building social cohesion and fostering belonging.
- Adam Luscombe, General Manager, YMCA
- Ennia Jones, A Splash of Colour Swimming
Workshop 3.4: The Next Generation of Community Provision
Community expectations are shifting towards integrated health, wellness and lifestyle services.
This workshop explores how aquatic and leisure facilities can evolve to deliver broader wellbeing outcomes, moving beyond traditional service models to provide holistic community offerings. The discussion will focus on future service design, operational models and the growing role of wellness within leisure management.
- Paige Buse, Founder, Paige Buse Consulting
This stream is essential for aquatic and leisure facility operators, local government leaders, planners, health and wellbeing providers, and industry partners focused on delivering modern, inclusive and future-ready community facilities.
