Media release

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2014

Hamilton to host JAWS

Aquatics professionals from around the country will gather in Hamilton next month for the Just Add Water Seminar (JAWS), New Zealand’s premier aquatics industry event.

More than 150 delegates are expected for the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) event, which runs from 3-5 September.

Speakers at the seminar include former boxer and motivational speaker Billy Graham who, after leaving school at 14, has spent decades involved in sport and physical fitness, and has forged an impressive career from humble beginnings.

The conference will be opened by Hamilton City Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman and features an impressive line-up of speakers and presentations. These include Mark Collins, Manager of Melbourne’s Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC), who will present on his experience using the ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ to redefine the leisure experience at GESAC, and Piha Lifeguard Jonathon Weber’s presentation on ‘The Science of Drowning’.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie says JAWS is a highlight of the association’s professional development calendar.

“This year’s conference will be especially exciting, with some great presentations, sports competitions, facility tours and social events, including the Awards Dinner at Hobbiton, where we’ll recognise some of the New Zealand aquatics industry’s finest people and innovations.”

Delegates will have the chance to visit leading Waikato recreation facilities including the Avantidrome in Cambridge, Te Awamutu Events Centre and Waterworld.

Mr Leslie says JAWS aims to increase knowledge in the aquatic sector and build a sense of place among emerging professionals.

“Aquatics facilities are increasingly complex operations,” he says. “This conference is a key way of keeping up with the latest technologies and themes in the industry, and to hear from others about what has worked well for them.”

The audience for JAWS is primarily those employed in the aquatic sector but also includes architects, urban designers, local councils, and delegates from the tourism, health and fitness, and retail industries.

ENDS

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