International Aquatic Conference Aims To Bring Leaders

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The World Aquatic Health™ Conference (WAHC), the leading educational and scientific conference in the aquatics industry, will be in Nashville, Tennessee from October 19-21, 2016. The 13th Annual WAHC will unite a cornucopia of aquatic leaders, researchers, manufacturers, operators, managers, and more at the Sheraton Music City Hotel.

Hosted by the National Swimming Pool FoundationⓇ (NSPFⓇ), the 2016 WAHC will feature renowned water author, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, and Professional Waterman, Bruckner Chase, as the Keynote Speakers and hosts of a special Health Benefits Track. In addition to the 47 cutting-edge educational sessions, there will be several valuable conference events. Guests have the opportunity to attend an Insider's Tour, a Float Tank Workshop, an Environmental Health Symposium, an NSPF Instructor Update, and a USA Swimming Regional Build A Pool Conference.

The Keynote Presentation by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, will be an eye-opening experience for all. "I share a vision for the future where every human being is confident and competent in the water in order to unlock a lifetime of 'blue mind' benefits," stated Dr. Nichols. "The National Swimming Pool Foundation is at the center of making that vision of the future a reality and the World Aquatic Health Conference is where this big conversation is converted into action," he concluded.

Pre-Conference Events
Wednesday, October 19
This year early attendees will have a wide variety of pre-conference events to attend.

Insider's Tour
9:00am-2:00pm
Interested guests will discover local and unique facilities, as well as best practices for operation and sustainability. The tour will be an additional $60 and includes transportation and lunch. More details will be revealed at a later date.

Float Tank Workshop
Noon-1:45pm
This insightful workshop will be hosted by 2015 Keynote Speakers, Ashkahn Jahromi and Graham Talley.The discussion will focus on the unique challenges for operation and regulation of facilities with less than a foot of water and 900 pounds of Epsom salt. Register now for only $35.00.

8th Environmental Health Leader Symposium
2:00-5:00pm
Information about Codes and Regulations for Float Tanks, Electronic Inspections, MAHC Adoption, and more will be shared among Government Officials from jurisdictions around the nation. The symposium is an exclusive meeting for Environmental Health Officials. Registration for this complimentary event is required at thewahc.org.

NSPF Instructor Update Meeting
2:15-5:00pm
NSPF Instructors are encouraged to attend the Instructor Update Meeting held at the WAHC each year. Awards are presented to top instructors and new products, programs, and practices are introduced in detail for the upcoming year. Instructors will also learn about incorporating best practices to flourish in business.

Noteworthy WAHC Events
2016 Welcome Reception
6:00-9:00 pm Wednesday, October 19
Kick off the opening of another WAHC with heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and networking with fellow industry leaders. The reception will take place at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville.

Thursday, October 20-Friday, October 21
Special Health Benefits Track
This year, several Blue Mind Workshops will be led by Keynote Speakers Dr. Nichols and Mr. Chase. The memorable track will dive deeply into aquatic experiences while uncovering the transformative benefits of healthy water. Roles and responsibilities surrounding the true value of knowledge and healthy water will be examined through the discussion. One of the sessions will also include an in-depth Q&A session with both speakers about the Blue Mind lifestyle.

Session Tracks
The WAHC will also feature tracks from old favorites to new, innovative topics. Tracks will focus on Advanced Filtration Science, Advanced Service Concepts, Facility Management, Health Benefits, the CDC MAHC, New Industry Technology, Public Health, and RWI/Advanced Chemistry.

Post Conference Events
USA Swimming's Regional Build A Pool Conference
Saturday, October 22-Sunday, October 23
Once again, a Regional Build A Pool Conference is being hosted in conjunction with the WAHC. The day and a half Conference will take place October 22-23 and will include an exclusive Sunday afternoon session by Counsilman Hunsaker. WAHC attendees may join the additional conference for a discounted rate of $35 and expect to discuss design considerations with builders, facility directors, and design companies.

Conference Sponsors/Tabletops
The lead sponsors for WAHC 2016 are PlayCore, a leader in developing programs, resources, and education focused on positive effects of inclusive play, and Neptune Benson, a manufacturer of filtration and disinfection systems with a keen eye for decreasing environmental impact. Additional sponsors include Aquatics International, AQUASALT, Counsilman Hunsaker, Delta UV, Hach, Hayward, Industrial Test Systems, Inc., Pentair, Pool & Spa Marketing, Pool & Spa News, SPLASH!, S.R. Smith LLC, Team Horner, Wapotec, and Waterco. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please email conference@nspf.org for more information.

Every year, tabletops provide attendees, speakers, and sponsors the advantage of networking in the heart of the conference. Tabletops are offered to all Platinum and Gold Sponsors as a convenient way to promote products and connect with the crowd. Non-profit organizations that bring two or more employees to the WAHC are eligible for a complimentary table.

Poster Presentations
Anyone in the aquatics field has the opportunity to share recent knowledge and findings with the attendees through poster presentations. The posters can focus on any valuable information that the presenter is interested in sharing with the industry. At the conference, the poster presenters are in a prime location for visibility and convenient networking with fellow attendees. Poster submissions are accepted until August 19.

Registration
Early registration is just $445 when you register before May 31. The price will increase to $495 on June 1 and again to $595 on August 1. Visit www.theWAHC.org to register today!

Hotel and Travel
Discounted hotel rooms at the Sheraton Music City Hotel can be reserved in advance for a rate of $175 per night plus taxes. The hotel room block is available through Wednesday, September 21, 2016, but will sell out early; attendees are encouraged to reserve a room online or call (615) 885-2200 and ask for the World Aquatic Health Conference rate. Guests are not charged for early room reservations. Contact conference@nspf.org for information on government rate rooms if applicable.

About the World Aquatic Health™ Conference
This leading global aquatic research forum is tailored for people involved in all aspects of aquatics, those affiliated with aquatic facilities, pool and spa industry, service providers, consultants, parks & recreation, water parks, manufacturers, academia, associations, builders, community organizations, distributors, hotels, government, health/medical, retail, and media. Watch the video.

About the National Swimming Pool Foundation
We believe everything we do helps people live healthier lives. We believe we can make a difference by making pools safer, keeping pools open, and attracting more people to use pools, spas and aquatic facilities. We do this by offering the world's leading NSPF and Genesis educational products and programs that are technically sound, convenient, and beautifully designed. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, proceeds from all of our educational products fund research and help create swimmers through our Step Into Swim campaign with a goal to create 1 million more swimmers within 10 years. To find ways we can serve you, please visit www.nspf.org, email service@nspf.org, or call 719-540-9119.