The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) and Aquatics & Recreation Queensland (ARQ) will unite to deliver SPARK National Conference 2026, taking place 25–27 August at QT Gold Coast.
Following the strong momentum of last year’s combined SPARK event, which attracted over 500 registrations, SPARK 2026 brings together the people who lead, manage and deliver learn to swim and aquatic programs, alongside the wider facility and leisure sector. The conference is designed to support real-world improvement across the industry, with practical learning, sector-wide insights, and foster beneficial relationships – the type that makes progress easier and more impactful for our communities.
ASSA CEO Luke Daly said SPARK is built for swim schools and aquatics leaders who expect inspiration—and want to return with strategies they can apply from day one.
“SPARK is where swim schools and aquatics leaders step out of the day-to-day … and step into growing their business and expanding their professional knowlegde.”
Daly said.
“It creates a space for learn to swim operators, facility teams, and partners to share what’s working, tackle the tough stuff, and take home ideas that lift programs, strengthen teams and improve outcomes.”
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“We’ll keep the practical and technology edge, while also making room for the bigger conversations that help make our swim school and aquatics industry better.”
ARQ President Jay Clarke said SPARK reflects the important role aquatics and recreation plays in everyday community life, from health and wellbeing to connection.
“Our venues and programs are some of the most inclusive and accessible community spaces in Australia ,”
Clarke said.
“They bring people together across ages, cultures and backgrounds, and they create a real platform for social cohesion.”
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““SPARK 2026 is a chance for leaders across learn to swim, aquatic facilities, and the broader leisure sector to share what’s working, lift standards, and strengthen workforce capability. When we do that well, the benefits flow directly back to communities.”
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“With Queensland hosting SPARK in 2026, ARQ is looking forward to welcoming all aquatic professionals to the Gold Coast, showcasing the quality across our sector, and building strong connections, with peers and partners, that last well beyond the conference.”
SPARK will include a pre-conference facility tour on Monday, 24 August, then three full days of Keynotes, Speakers, Aquatic Experts and robust Panels, and a social program designed to make networking easy and valuable. Delegates can also look forward to Welcome Drinks at the end of day one, the ASSA Awards of Excellence Gala on Wednesday evening, and a closing networking function to wrap up this renowned event on Thursday.
Industry and suppliers are an integral part of the SPARK experience and 2026 will feature a significant Trade Fair & Exhibition, showcasing the products, services and solutions that support swim schools, aquatic facilities and the broader leisure sector. For many delegates, this is a rare opportunity to engage face-to-face with suppliers, ask informed questions, and see and experience products first-hand before making purchasing decisions.
At its heart, SPARK 2026 is about people. The conversations between sessions. The shared wins, the honest lessons, and the moments where someone else’s challenge reflects your own. It is the energy in the room when the keynote lands the ah-ha moment, and 300+ people applaud in agreement. It’s also the quiet clarity that comes from hearing “you’re not alone”. Yes, delegates return home with new knowledge, practical strategies and fresh perspective, but also with something harder to quantify – confidence, motivation and a renewed sense of belonging to a growing professional community that is moving forward together.
Lived experiences really do matter. In learn to swim, human instruction outperforms an instructional video. A great teacher reads the child, adapts in the moment, brings passion, expertise and trust into every lesson. Conferences work the same way. SPARK National Conference is more than collecting content … it is learning experienced. It is professional growth shaped by peer-to-peer exchange, expert insight and genuine connection. And like the impact of a favourite teacher, its influence continues long after the event ends.
SPARK 2025, attracted over 500 registrations.
Accomodation packages will be snapped up fast with rooms from $279/night.
Media contact: Luke Daly
Mob: +61 414 086 858
Event information
ASSA + ARQ present
SPARK National Conference 2026
25–27 August 2026
QT Hotel | Gold Coast | Queensland | Australia
