Aquatics & Recreation Victoria

We’re pleased to welcome Sally Curtin, CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as one of the keynote speakers at the 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together.

As the leader of Victoria’s peak business organisation, Sally brings a valuable perspective on leadership, business, workforce and the broader economic environment impacting organisations across the state.

Her keynote will add an important voice to a conference program exploring the challenges, opportunities and future directions shaping Victoria’s aquatics, recreation and leisure sector.

With thanks to Para Mobility for supporting our 2026 keynote presentations.

Held from 16 to 18 September at Hyatt Place Essendon, the 2026 ARV Industry Conference is presented by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM with the support of Perfect Gym.

Join industry leaders, operators, educators, suppliers, consultants and partners for three days of ideas, practical insight and connection.

VIEW THE PROGRAM AND SECURE YOUR TICKET TODAY. https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

TWO WEEKS TO GO!

The countdown is on for the 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together, happening from 16 to 18 September at Hyatt Place Essendon.

Across three days, the conference will bring together professionals from across Victoria’s aquatics, recreation and leisure sector for site tours, keynote presentations, industry panels, breakout sessions, practical insights and plenty of opportunities to connect.

From leadership, workforce and wellbeing to technology, inclusion, operations, research and the future of our sector, the program is packed with conversations designed to inform, challenge and inspire.

Presented by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM , with the support of Perfect Gym Solutions.

ONLY TWO WEEKS TO GO. VIEW THE PROGRAM, SECURE YOUR TICKET AND JOIN US FOR STRONGER TOGETHER. https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

WHAT’S NEXT FOR OUR INDUSTRY?
AI. Digital innovation. Sustainable facilities. Changing customer expectations. Workforce sustainability. Engaging the next generation.

The 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together will explore how these shifts are shaping the future of aquatics, recreation and leisure, and what they mean for the way we lead, operate, connect and grow.

Across the program, delegates will hear industry experiences with AI and technology, explore sustainable facility practices and electrification transitions, and join conversations about workforce sustainability, customer engagement and how our sector can continue to build its reach and value into the future.

Presented by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM, and proudly supported by Perfect Gym Solutions, the conference brings our industry together to share ideas, learn from each other and look ahead to what comes next.

16 to 18 September | Hyatt Place Essendon
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAM AND SECURE YOUR TICKET. https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

We’re excited to welcome AFLW Premiership Player, commentator and presenter Abbey Holmes to the 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together.

Abbey has built a career around high performance, resilience and embracing new challenges. From representing at elite level in netball, to making history as the first female footballer to kick more than 100 goals in a season, and now working across AFL commentary and television, her journey reflects the determination, adaptability and confidence needed to keep moving forward.

Abbey will share her experiences with delegates as part of three days of industry learning, conversation and connection at Hyatt Place Essendon from 16 to 18 September.

This year’s keynote presentations are proudly supported by Para Mobility

Presented by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM , and proudly supported by Perfect Gym, the 2026 ARV Industry Conference will bring professionals from across aquatics, recreation and leisure together to explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM AND SECURE YOUR TICKET. https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE TOUGH STUFF.
Recruitment pressures. Antisocial behaviour. Safeguarding. Professional standards. Cost of living pressures. The complex operational challenges facing facilities every day.

The 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together creates space for the conversations our sector needs to have, with sessions exploring workforce sustainability, managing complex operational challenges, antisocial behaviour in aquatic and recreation facilities, safeguarding children and young people, and professional standards.

Come ready to hear what others are experiencing, share ideas and take practical insights back to your own organisation.

16 to 18 September | Hyatt Place Essendon. Presented by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM and proudly supported by Perfect Gym.
VIEW THE PROGRAM AND BOOK YOUR TICKET.
https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

We’re excited to welcome Dr Darren Burgess, Director of Performance at Juventus Football Club, as one of the keynote speakers at the 2026 ARV Industry Conference: Stronger Together.

Darren brings extensive experience from the highest levels of elite sport, with senior performance roles across organisations including Juventus, Arsenal, Liverpool, Football Federation Australia, Adelaide Football Club, Melbourne Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club.

With a background spanning high performance, sports science, exercise science and research, Darren brings a unique perspective on performance, leadership and what it takes to help people and teams operate at their best.

He will join our keynote line-up as part of three days of learning, industry insight and connection at Hyatt Place Essendon from 16 to 18 September. A big thank you to Para Mobility for supporting this year’s keynote presentations.

Presented by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in partnership with AUSactive and AUSTSWIM , with the support of Perfect Gym.
VIEW THE PROGRAM AND SECURE YOUR TICKET TODAY. https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/events/375041

Aquatic and recreation centres are more than places for exercise and leisure. They support physical health, rehabilitation, mental wellbeing, social connection, water safety and healthier communities every day.

Through Telling Our Story, ARV is calling for Victoria’s aquatics and recreation industry to be recognised as an essential service and a vital contributor to the State’s preventative health agenda.

With the state election approaching, we are inviting LGAs, centres, operators, swim schools and others across the industry to add their local voice. Share your community impact, raise the issue with your local state MP and election candidates, or invite them to visit your facility and see the outcomes firsthand.

Together, we can help put aquatics and recreation on the preventative health agenda.

ARV has developed a range of resources to help demonstrate the value of your work and support conversations with local representatives and other decision-makers. Access the resources here:
https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/resources/telling-our-story