An industry workshop that aims to attract industry leaders to workshop the future of aquatic and recreation is to be held on the Gold Coast in late August under the banner of the Aquatic Recreation Network Australia (ARNA).
To be held at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 23rd August, following the SPLASH! exhibition, the invitation-only ARNA Aquatics and Recreation Strategy Summit 2024 aims to present, according to a social media post, a “dive deep into the future of aquatics and recreation with an exclusive … gathering of the industry's leaders, (at) a day to workshop the future of aquatics and recreation.”
Driven by Aquatics and Recreation Queensland (ARQ), Summit will feature discussions on industry trends and challenges, a look at actionable strategies for growth and innovation and networking connections to elevate business and the aquatic and recreation industry.
ARQ add that the event is “carefully curated for industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.”
At a time when AUSactive’s advocacy for the upcoming Federal budget to include tax deductibility for gym memberships for all taxpayers is showing the value of a national industry peak body, ARNA’s move is significant.
Formed in 2021 to replace activities previously undertaken by the Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFA), ARNA set out to provide information sharing, networking and collaboration between state peak associations and representatives and to deliver project support and advocacy at a national level.
Click here for more information on the ARNA Aquatics and Recreation Strategy Summit 2024.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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