16th WAHC Brings In Nearly 400 Attendees

The 2019 World Aquatic Health Conference — the first under the leadership of the Pool & Hot Tub alliance — recently concluded its 16th conference with more than 390 attendees from eight countries, including government employees, manufacturers, aquatic facility managers, builders, distributors, academics, medical professionals, human service professionals, researchers and more. 

“The World Aquatic Health Conference is invaluable,” says PHTA President and CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE. "This is the only place in the world where industry professionals can get a seat at the table and influence what changes and growth we experience.”

With nine educational tracks available at WAHC, attendees enjoyed a wealth of research and knowledge, as well as immediate access to industry experts. This year’s courses were centered in areas of water and air quality, new industry technology, the Model Aquatic Health Code, reducing risk in aquatic facilities, recreational water illness prevention, facility management and design, disinfection and sanitation, regulations and standards and professional development. 

“Education is so vital to our organization and industry,” says PHTA Executive Director Jim Mock. “We are pleased to have the ability to present such excellent speakers and tracks each year at the World Aquatic Health Conference.”

Conference highlights include:

-The Insider’s Tour – a behind-the-scenes look at how local facilities operate their aquatic features. This year the tour included The College of William and Mary Campus Recreation - Aquatic Center, James City County Recreation Center and the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA.

-A meeting of the PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee, which reviewed technology updates and changes in chemical products, processes and devices that affect water quality maintenance in the aquatics industry. Their technical expertise helps to further the industry and their use of authoritative scientific data serves to advance the organization. 

-Keynote speaker Ryan Avery of AveryToday, Inc., who coached attendees on the significance of being a cutting-edge leader and led a breakout session to dive deeper in the strategies and tactics to become an effective leader. This was Mr. Avery’s second time at WAHC, and he continued to provide new and insightful actionable leadership techniques for professionals.

The 17^th annual WAHC will be held in Houston, Texas, October 14-16, 2020. Early registration begins in April 2020.