Each year, the Association of Aquatic Professionals increases its partnerships with other organizations to offer more diverse special sessions before and after its annual conference. This year, the main conference runs Monday through Thursday, Feb. 16-19 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Additional programming takes place two days before and after.
Check out these special sessions. Information provided by AOAP.
National Build & Program A Pool Workshop
Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15 : 7:30 am – 5:30 pm : $299 per Person*
Join us for the two-day National Build & Program A Pool Workshop! Learn from the industry’s “Dream Team” of aquatic experts as they share real-world insights on designing, building, and operating successful aquatic centers. Perfect for cities, schools, architects, consultants, and engineers looking to create exceptional community aquatic facilities.
Best Practice For Staff Support Following a Critical Incident
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am – 12 pm : 0.4 CEUs : $39 / AOAP Member or $49 AOAP Non-Member
A critical incident, such as a drowning or death of an employee, causes great chaos within an organization. Being able to effectively support staff is critical to employee mental wellness and retention. This interactive session will discuss evidence based practices to support staff following a critical incident. Topics will include crisis communication, normal reactions to stress and trauma and Critical Incident Stress Management.
The Hot Sauce Principle: How to Live and Lead in a World Where Everything Is Urgent All of the Time by Brandon Smith
Sunday, February 15 : 1:30 – 4:30 pm : 0.3 CEUs : $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member
In a world where everything feels urgent, leaders often find themselves firefighting instead of leading. Join Brandon for an interactive workshop to master urgency, negotiate competing priorities, and channel pressure into focus and prioritization. Learn practical strategies to lead change effectively, prevent burnout, and reclaim your role as a confident, intentional leader.
Safety Plan Workshop Hosted by CMAHC
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am – 4 pm : 0.7 CEUs : $150 per Person
This workshop is designed to help you create your facility’s safety plan. Bring your information and be ready to work on all the aspects of creating an individual safety plan. This workshop also includes 2 virtual meetings after AOAP to ask questions and get clarification. At the end of the workshop and 2 virtual meetings the attendee should have a complete safety plan in place.
Making Waves: Innovations to Elevate Your Swim Lesson Program with Kelly Martinez & Jill White
Sunday, February 15 : 12:30 – 5:30 pm : 0.5 CEUs: $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member
Join us for a dynamic, four-hour workshop designed to elevate the impact of your swim lesson program. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, you’ll learn to engage and motivate instructors, enhance class management and communication, improve student progress, and streamline registration. New 2026 content offers even deeper insights for returning attendees!
Swim Angelfish in-Water Workshop Exclusively for Professionals Certified by Swim Whisperers
Sunday, February 15 : 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: $200 : To register, email cert@swimangelfish.com
Master Adaptive Techniques Learned in Levels 1-4. Improve pacing and progression with this small, hands-on Swim Whisperers group session. In order to register for this workshop, you need to be up-to- date in your online certification in The Swim Whisperers Program. If you are not, make sure to sign up to obtain your Swim Whisperer before this workshop takes place. And don’t forget that AOAP members can receive a 10% discount!
Aqua Tech (Blended Option)
Sunday, February 15 : 8 am – 6 pm : 0.8 CEUs : $295 per Person
AquaTech is a Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)-approved Pool Operator Certification course offered in a blended format. Complete Part A online at your own pace through interactive modules, videos, and quizzes, then attend Part B—an in-person review and proctored exam. Pass the 40-question test to earn a five-year certification.
Preparing Yourself and Your Lifeguards for Open-Water Events: A Train-the-Trainer Skill Session Presented by Backyard Lifeguards
Thursday, February 19 : 1 – 6:30 pm : 0.5 CEUs : $99 / AOAP Member or $119 / AOAP Non-Member
This hands-on post-conference workshop builds on the Site and Personnel Management sessions to develop lifeguards’ skills for open-water events. Participants will design and present action and staffing plans, then practice paddleboard rescues, searches, multi-rescuer responses, and on-water communication during the in-water session. Bring fins and goggles; space limited to 18 participants.
De-escalation Training for Aquatic Leaders: Responding with Confidence in Critical Moments Presented by International Lifeguard Crisis Incident Response Alliance
Thursday, February 19 : 1:30 – 5:30 pm : $79 / AOAP Member or $99 / AOAP Non-Member Aquatic professionals work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where emotions can escalate quickly. This training provides practical, scenario-based strategies for early intervention, stress management, and trauma-informed care. Learn the psychology behind escalation, practice de-escalation techniques, and build confidence to handle challenging poolside or facility situations with clarity and empathy.