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ARV Industry Conference 2026: Stronger Together
September 16 - September 18
AUSactive is proud to partner with Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) and AUSTSWIM for the ARV Industry Conference 2026: Stronger Together.
Taking place from 16–18 September at Hyatt Place Essendon, the conference will bring together leaders and professionals from across Victoria’s aquatics, recreation and leisure sector.
The event will provide opportunities to explore current challenges, discuss emerging opportunities, share best practice and connect with industry peers.
For AUSactive members, the conference is also an opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders about the issues shaping the future of exercise, active health, recreation and community wellbeing.
Hear From Industry Leaders
The conference program includes sessions covering important topics for today’s exercise and active health sector.
1. State of Play: Opportunities for Exercise & Active Health Industry
Presenter: Ken Griffin – AUSactive CEO
AUSactive CEO Ken Griffin will provide an overview of the current state of the exercise and active health industry.
The session will explore key opportunities for the sector and consider what the future may look like for businesses and professionals working across exercise and active health.
2. Breaking Down the Silos: Integrating Health with Exercise Industry
Presenter: Tim Dettmann – Physiotherapist
How can the health and exercise sectors work more closely together?
Physiotherapist Tim Dettmann will explore the importance of stronger connections between healthcare and exercise.
The session will look at opportunities to break down silos and build greater collaboration between health professionals and the exercise industry.
3. Engaging Young People Without Disrupting the Member Experience
Panel:
- Fiona Kriaris, Y Vic
- Toby Newman, Yarra Leisure
- Jake Always, Aqualink
- Carl Heward, Clublinks
- Chris Alexander, AUSactive
Engaging young people is an important opportunity for the sector.
This panel will explore how organisations can better connect with younger audiences while continuing to deliver a positive experience for their wider membership.
Hear from leaders across the sector as they share their perspectives, experiences and approaches to engaging young people.
Explore the Bigger Picture
The ARV Industry Conference 2026 will cover a broad range of topics relevant to the aquatics, recreation and leisure sector.
Conference themes include:
- Leadership and future directions
- Technology and innovation
- Sustainable facilities
- Operations and safety
- Workforce and emerging leaders
- Health, wellbeing and social impact
- Access and inclusion
- Aquatic education and research
The conference will also feature site tours at Mordi Aquatic Centre, MLC Methodist Ladies’ College, Bundha Stadium and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Connect With Your Industry
The conference is an opportunity to learn from leaders across the sector and connect with professionals who are working towards a stronger future for aquatics, recreation and active health.
AUSactive members can gain valuable insights while connecting with peers, industry partners and other professionals.
Event Details
ARV Industry Conference 2026: Stronger Together
📅 16–18 September 2026
📍 Hyatt Place, Essendon
The venue has on-site parking and is also close to public transport, including the number 59 tram.
Register for the ARV Industry Conference 2026
