Aim High Niagara Falls CSSA Conference 2025

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM to Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM PDT

Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Suites, 6361 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 3V9, Canada

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Wine Tour Partial Approval - Free

Sale ends on 05/29/2025

Select this option if you've already purchased your conference ticket and want to add the wine tour to your package.

Early Bird Member Partial Approval - $975.00

Sale ends on 02/21/2025

Our Early Bird tickets SOLD OUT, but due to high demand, we’re adding more! This is your FINAL chance to lock in Early Bird pricing for the Aim High Conference—but only until February 21.

Early Bird Non-Member Partial Approval - $1,250.00

Sale ends on 02/21/2025

Our Early Bird tickets SOLD OUT, but due to high demand, we’re adding more! This is your FINAL chance to lock in Early Bird pricing for the Aim High Conference—but only until February 21.

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  • Subtotal (excluding fees and discounts) $0.00
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM to Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM PDT

Hilton Niagara Falls, Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Suites, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 3V9, Canada.

Get ready for an incredible 3-day experience at the CSSA Niagara Conference, where learning meets inspiration in one of Canada's most stunning locations! Dive into thought-provoking presentations, interactive discussions, and roundtable sessions with fellow swim school professionals. Enjoy networking opportunities, delicious refreshments, and plenty of fun along the way!

 We can’t wait to see you in beautiful and breathtaking Niagara Falls!

What's included in your ticket price 

  • Expert speakers, interactive workshops, and prime networking opportunities
  • Enjoy delicious food and refreshments throughout the event, with all meals and activities included in your ticket price
  • An unforgettable experience of Niagara Falls

 

Hotel Information 

The event will be taking place at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites

Room Block ends on May 9th

CSSA's nightly rate is  for a 1-bedroom resort suite.

To make reservations please call 1-866-748-3718 rrceservations@gcgaming.com

Or book directly: BOOKING LINK 

 

 

Cancellation policy

All bookings for the 2025 CSSA Niagara event are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, a subtraction of $50.00 will be made to account for various event expenses based on tickets sold.  Your remaining balance will be held as a credit that can be used towards any paid CSSA events in the future.

 

To change, add or cancel a registration, please email the CSSA office at contact@canadianswimschools.org

Canadian Swim School Alliance

Get ready to soar to new heights at the 2025 CSSA Conference! We're excited to announce that our room block at the Niagara Falls Hilton is now open. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls while connecting with industry peers and exploring innovative ideas.

Contact the Organizer

Sam Demma
Best-selling author -Keynote Speaker
Samdemma
Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has delivered over 600 performances across Canada, The United States and Kenya. He was invited to deliver two TEDx talks, co-founded PickWaste—an organization that mobilized volunteers to pick up over 3000 bags of litter—and was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for his national contributions. During the pandemic, Sam produced two viral graduation videos for students who missed their ceremonies and launched a partnership with Taco Bell to encourage people to engage in acts of kindness. His work and interviews have been featured in The Globe & Mail, CBC, and CTV. He has been recognized as Top 25 Under 25. Sam’s multimedia platform, The High Performing Educator, has spotlit over 250 educators, and his bestselling debut book, Empty Your Backpack, has been called “a must-read for young dreamers.”. In his spare time, you can find Sam reading books, dancing the bachata, or journeying across the globe with his giant red backpack. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com
https://www.samdemma.com

About Sam Demma

Best-selling author -Keynote Speaker
Samdemma
Sarah Stockdale
Founder and CEO, Growclass
Growclass
Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass [https://www.growclass.co/], an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and community of Founders and Marketers. Prior to founding Growclass Sarah helped led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq by H&R Block. Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-growth-effect/id1535980457], and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This [https://www.wntta.co/]. Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass, an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and large, global community of Founders and Marketers. Before founding Growclass Sarah led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq in one of the largest Canadian exits of all time, by H&R Block). Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast, and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This. Talk description: The Whisper Effect: How to find your customers in an age of noise Every smart business leader is asking the same question right now: How do I find my customers when they, uh, don't want to be found? AI is flooding the internet with mediocre content; new competitors are popping up out of thin air daily, and your customers are overwhelmed with options. Most of them are just trying to shut out the noise. And there is so much noise. Only a few companies will be thoughtful and inventive enough to break through. In this eye-opening talk, Sarah Stockdale uses research and stories to show you how to sidestep the clamour to find your customers and build a brand that matters to them.
https://www.growclass.co

About Sarah Stockdale

Founder and CEO, Growclass
Growclass
Anthony Robles
Speaker • Commentator • Nike Athlete
Anthony Robles
3-time wrestling All-American and the 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion Two Time ESPY Award Recipient including, Jimmy V Award for Perseverance Internationally renowned motivational speaker to Fortune 500 companies 2012 Inductee, National Wrestling Hall of Fame ESPN College Wrestling Expert and Analyst since 2012 Pac 12 Network Wrestling analyst since 2015 2013-16 member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Member of the Presidential Delegation to the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games Featured in a 2014 prime time TV special on TBS in Japan and viewed in 15.5M homes Published Author, Unstoppable Nike Athlete 2015 National Wrestling Media Association's Broadcaster of the Year award 2017 Inductee, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame 2018, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with 62 2020, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 80 lbs pack with 23 2021, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 60 lbs pack with 30 2022, Inductee, ASU’s Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame Ben Afflect and Matt Damon Produced a film on Anthony’s life for distribution Q4, 2024
https://www.anthonyrobles.com

About Anthony Robles

Speaker • Commentator • Nike Athlete
Anthony Robles
Jim McPartlin
Leadership Coach, Executive Trainer, Self-Insight Specialist
All Good People Corp
A renowned coach and consultant with over three decades of leadership experience across the global luxury hotel industry, Jim began his career with the Walt Disney Company in 1985 in its management training program. Over the next four years, he gained valuable experience working in both the Magic Kingdom and Resort Division(s). He earned his first General Manager position at the age of 29. From there, he would spend the next decade with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, holding a variety of positions, including General Manager, Area Director of Operations, and Vice President of Human Resources. In each of these roles he focused on exemplary training, communication, and conflict management as a mechanism to enhance the staff and guest experience. Jim spent the next several years of his career with W Hotels Worldwide, The Ian Schrager Company, André Balaz Properties and Loews Hotels in roles ranging from General Manger to Senior Vice President of Operations. In working with a high-profile clientele from the entertainment and financial sectors, he became known for a light touch in recognizing the needs of guests whether through non-verbal communication or a few well-chosen words. As an Executive Trainer at Forbes Travel Guide, Jim was quickly promoted to Vice President, Leadership Development and focused on helping luxury hospitality brands develop their own, unique leadership teams. He has been a certified teacher in the Enneagram for over 25 years and began using this model of personality with teams as a tool to develop emotional intelligence individually and collectively. St. Martin’s Press published Jim’s first book, The Enneagram at Work, in the fall of 2021.
https://www.allgoodpeoplecorp.com

About Jim McPartlin

Leadership Coach, Executive Trainer, Self-Insight Specialist
All Good People Corp
Dan Riskin
Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television Host
Dan Riskin, PhD
A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has dedicated his career to igniting curiosity in audiences worldwide. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all. Riskin earned his scientific chops studying how bats move — famously putting vampire bats on a treadmill as part of his research. He earned his PhD from Cornell University, then worked as a scientist at Brown University and Boston University. Not only has he published his research in prestigious scientific journals, but he is also the author of the national bestseller Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You, and of the delightful and educational children's book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.
https://noctilio.com/

About Dan Riskin

Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television Host
Dan Riskin, PhD
Mel Rickwood
Owner
Aquatics Down Under Swim School
Mel Rickwood is the owner of Aquatics Down Under Swim School situated in Sydney, Australia which teaches 1700 children a week and employs 33 staff. The Swim School caters from babies to adults and is uniquely situated in a shopping centre. The business is now into its 17th year of operation and has won many awards and accolades for its high level of teaching as well as its program design. With over 36 years in the Swim School Industry, Mel has just finished her term as a Director on the Australian Swim Schools Association Board. She is a committee member on the ASSA Water Safety Group as well as a Participant in the Coutts Family Scholarship ISSA Think Tank that has just recently met in Finland. Along with her Bachelor of Sports Science Degree and Diploma of Education, Mel is also an AUSTSWIM Trainer, training new and upcoming instructors to gain their accreditation. She has presented at many national and international conferences throughout her time in the industry, with the most recent presentations being for the International Swim Schools Association Conference in Dubai and the United States Swim School Association in Las Vegas in 2024.

About Mel Rickwood

Owner
Aquatics Down Under Swim School

About JMC Distribution- VORGEE

www.jmcpro.ca Sponsor Logo

About IClassPro

iclasspro.com Sponsor Logo

About 3rd Level Consulting and Swim Consultant

https://3rdlevelconsulting.com/ Sponsor Logo

About TRISWIM KIDS

www.sbrsportsinc.com Sponsor Logo

About GO Resilient Canada

https://goresilient.ca/ Sponsor Logo

About The Quigley Dream Company Inc.

www.thequigleydreamcompany.com Sponsor Logo

Sessions on May 27, 2025

04:00 PM

Registration & Check In

04:00 PM - 04:55 PM
05:00 PM

Kick off activity: Hornblower - Maid of the Mist

05:00 PM - 07:15 PM
07:30 PM

Welcome Dinner

07:30 PM - 11:00 PMCorso

Sponsors

Sessions on May 28, 2025

08:00 AM

Registration & Check In

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Breakfast

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Sponsors

09:00 AM

Welcome

09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
09:15 AM

One small, consistent action away: Unveiling the power of your impact.

09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
    Sam Demma
    Best-selling author -Keynote SpeakerSamdemma
    Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has delivered over 600 performances across Canada, The United States and Kenya. He was invited to deliver two TEDx talks, co-founded PickWaste—an organization that mobilized volunteers to pick up over 3000 bags of litter—and was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for his national contributions. During the pandemic, Sam produced two viral graduation videos for students who missed their ceremonies and launched a partnership with Taco Bell to encourage people to engage in acts of kindness. His work and interviews have been featured in The Globe & Mail, CBC, and CTV. He has been recognized as Top 25 Under 25. Sam’s multimedia platform, The High Performing Educator, has spotlit over 250 educators, and his bestselling debut book, Empty Your Backpack, has been called “a must-read for young dreamers.”. In his spare time, you can find Sam reading books, dancing the bachata, or journeying across the globe with his giant red backpack. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com
    10:15 AM

    Q&A

    10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
      Sam Demma
      Best-selling author -Keynote SpeakerSamdemma
      Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has delivered over 600 performances across Canada, The United States and Kenya. He was invited to deliver two TEDx talks, co-founded PickWaste—an organization that mobilized volunteers to pick up over 3000 bags of litter—and was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for his national contributions. During the pandemic, Sam produced two viral graduation videos for students who missed their ceremonies and launched a partnership with Taco Bell to encourage people to engage in acts of kindness. His work and interviews have been featured in The Globe & Mail, CBC, and CTV. He has been recognized as Top 25 Under 25. Sam’s multimedia platform, The High Performing Educator, has spotlit over 250 educators, and his bestselling debut book, Empty Your Backpack, has been called “a must-read for young dreamers.”. In his spare time, you can find Sam reading books, dancing the bachata, or journeying across the globe with his giant red backpack. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com

      Break

      10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
      11:00 AM

      The whisper effect: How to find your customers in an age of noise

      11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
        Sarah Stockdale
        Founder and CEO, GrowclassGrowclass
        Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass [https://www.growclass.co/], an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and community of Founders and Marketers. Prior to founding Growclass Sarah helped led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq by H&R Block. Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-growth-effect/id1535980457], and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This [https://www.wntta.co/]. Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass, an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and large, global community of Founders and Marketers. Before founding Growclass Sarah led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq in one of the largest Canadian exits of all time, by H&R Block). Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast, and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This. Talk description: The Whisper Effect: How to find your customers in an age of noise Every smart business leader is asking the same question right now: How do I find my customers when they, uh, don't want to be found? AI is flooding the internet with mediocre content; new competitors are popping up out of thin air daily, and your customers are overwhelmed with options. Most of them are just trying to shut out the noise. And there is so much noise. Only a few companies will be thoughtful and inventive enough to break through. In this eye-opening talk, Sarah Stockdale uses research and stories to show you how to sidestep the clamour to find your customers and build a brand that matters to them.
        11:45 AM

        Q&A

        11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
          Sarah Stockdale
          Founder and CEO, GrowclassGrowclass
          Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass [https://www.growclass.co/], an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and community of Founders and Marketers. Prior to founding Growclass Sarah helped led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq by H&R Block. Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-growth-effect/id1535980457], and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This [https://www.wntta.co/]. Sarah Stockdale is the Founder of Growclass, an award-winning Growth Marketing Certification and large, global community of Founders and Marketers. Before founding Growclass Sarah led growth teams for Tilt (acq by Airbnb) and Wave (acq in one of the largest Canadian exits of all time, by H&R Block). Sarah is also the Host of The Growth Effect, a Globe and Mail podcast, and the Author of the popular millennial newsletter We Need To Talk About This. Talk description: The Whisper Effect: How to find your customers in an age of noise Every smart business leader is asking the same question right now: How do I find my customers when they, uh, don't want to be found? AI is flooding the internet with mediocre content; new competitors are popping up out of thin air daily, and your customers are overwhelmed with options. Most of them are just trying to shut out the noise. And there is so much noise. Only a few companies will be thoughtful and inventive enough to break through. In this eye-opening talk, Sarah Stockdale uses research and stories to show you how to sidestep the clamour to find your customers and build a brand that matters to them.
          12:00 PM

          Lunch

          12:00 PM - 01:30 PM

          Sponsors

          01:30 PM

          Round tables

          01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
          02:30 PM

          Break

          02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
          02:45 PM

          How to thrive in the brave new world of artificial intelligence?

          02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
            Dan Riskin
            Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television HostDan Riskin, PhD
            A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has dedicated his career to igniting curiosity in audiences worldwide. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all. Riskin earned his scientific chops studying how bats move — famously putting vampire bats on a treadmill as part of his research. He earned his PhD from Cornell University, then worked as a scientist at Brown University and Boston University. Not only has he published his research in prestigious scientific journals, but he is also the author of the national bestseller Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You, and of the delightful and educational children's book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.
            03:30 PM

            Q&A

            03:30 PM - 03:45 PM
              Dan Riskin
              Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television HostDan Riskin, PhD
              A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has dedicated his career to igniting curiosity in audiences worldwide. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all. Riskin earned his scientific chops studying how bats move — famously putting vampire bats on a treadmill as part of his research. He earned his PhD from Cornell University, then worked as a scientist at Brown University and Boston University. Not only has he published his research in prestigious scientific journals, but he is also the author of the national bestseller Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You, and of the delightful and educational children's book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.
              03:45 PM

              Day Conclusion

              03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
              04:00 PM

              Wine tasting

              04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
              07:00 PM

              Dinner & Band

              07:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Spyce Lounge

              Sessions on May 29, 2025

              08:00 AM

              Breakfast

              08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

              Registration & Check In

              08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
              09:00 AM

              Welcome

              09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
              09:15 AM

              Being unstoppable and overcoming challenges until you succeed

              09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
                Anthony Robles
                Speaker • Commentator • Nike AthleteAnthony Robles
                3-time wrestling All-American and the 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion Two Time ESPY Award Recipient including, Jimmy V Award for Perseverance Internationally renowned motivational speaker to Fortune 500 companies 2012 Inductee, National Wrestling Hall of Fame ESPN College Wrestling Expert and Analyst since 2012 Pac 12 Network Wrestling analyst since 2015 2013-16 member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Member of the Presidential Delegation to the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games Featured in a 2014 prime time TV special on TBS in Japan and viewed in 15.5M homes Published Author, Unstoppable Nike Athlete 2015 National Wrestling Media Association's Broadcaster of the Year award 2017 Inductee, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame 2018, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with 62 2020, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 80 lbs pack with 23 2021, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 60 lbs pack with 30 2022, Inductee, ASU’s Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame Ben Afflect and Matt Damon Produced a film on Anthony’s life for distribution Q4, 2024
                10:15 AM

                Q&A

                10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
                  Anthony Robles
                  Speaker • Commentator • Nike AthleteAnthony Robles
                  3-time wrestling All-American and the 2011 NCAA Division I National Champion Two Time ESPY Award Recipient including, Jimmy V Award for Perseverance Internationally renowned motivational speaker to Fortune 500 companies 2012 Inductee, National Wrestling Hall of Fame ESPN College Wrestling Expert and Analyst since 2012 Pac 12 Network Wrestling analyst since 2015 2013-16 member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Member of the Presidential Delegation to the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games Featured in a 2014 prime time TV special on TBS in Japan and viewed in 15.5M homes Published Author, Unstoppable Nike Athlete 2015 National Wrestling Media Association's Broadcaster of the Year award 2017 Inductee, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame 2018, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with 62 2020, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 80 lbs pack with 23 2021, Guinness World Record Holder for pull-ups in one minute with an 60 lbs pack with 30 2022, Inductee, ASU’s Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame Ben Afflect and Matt Damon Produced a film on Anthony’s life for distribution Q4, 2024
                  10:30 AM

                  Break

                  10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
                  11:00 AM

                  Leading with emotional intelligence

                  11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
                    Jim McPartlin
                    Leadership Coach, Executive Trainer, Self-Insight SpecialistAll Good People Corp
                    A renowned coach and consultant with over three decades of leadership experience across the global luxury hotel industry, Jim began his career with the Walt Disney Company in 1985 in its management training program. Over the next four years, he gained valuable experience working in both the Magic Kingdom and Resort Division(s). He earned his first General Manager position at the age of 29. From there, he would spend the next decade with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, holding a variety of positions, including General Manager, Area Director of Operations, and Vice President of Human Resources. In each of these roles he focused on exemplary training, communication, and conflict management as a mechanism to enhance the staff and guest experience. Jim spent the next several years of his career with W Hotels Worldwide, The Ian Schrager Company, André Balaz Properties and Loews Hotels in roles ranging from General Manger to Senior Vice President of Operations. In working with a high-profile clientele from the entertainment and financial sectors, he became known for a light touch in recognizing the needs of guests whether through non-verbal communication or a few well-chosen words. As an Executive Trainer at Forbes Travel Guide, Jim was quickly promoted to Vice President, Leadership Development and focused on helping luxury hospitality brands develop their own, unique leadership teams. He has been a certified teacher in the Enneagram for over 25 years and began using this model of personality with teams as a tool to develop emotional intelligence individually and collectively. St. Martin’s Press published Jim’s first book, The Enneagram at Work, in the fall of 2021.
                    11:45 AM

                    Q&A

                    11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
                      Jim McPartlin
                      Leadership Coach, Executive Trainer, Self-Insight SpecialistAll Good People Corp
                      A renowned coach and consultant with over three decades of leadership experience across the global luxury hotel industry, Jim began his career with the Walt Disney Company in 1985 in its management training program. Over the next four years, he gained valuable experience working in both the Magic Kingdom and Resort Division(s). He earned his first General Manager position at the age of 29. From there, he would spend the next decade with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, holding a variety of positions, including General Manager, Area Director of Operations, and Vice President of Human Resources. In each of these roles he focused on exemplary training, communication, and conflict management as a mechanism to enhance the staff and guest experience. Jim spent the next several years of his career with W Hotels Worldwide, The Ian Schrager Company, André Balaz Properties and Loews Hotels in roles ranging from General Manger to Senior Vice President of Operations. In working with a high-profile clientele from the entertainment and financial sectors, he became known for a light touch in recognizing the needs of guests whether through non-verbal communication or a few well-chosen words. As an Executive Trainer at Forbes Travel Guide, Jim was quickly promoted to Vice President, Leadership Development and focused on helping luxury hospitality brands develop their own, unique leadership teams. He has been a certified teacher in the Enneagram for over 25 years and began using this model of personality with teams as a tool to develop emotional intelligence individually and collectively. St. Martin’s Press published Jim’s first book, The Enneagram at Work, in the fall of 2021.
                      12:00 PM

                      Lunch

                      12:00 PM - 01:30 PM

                      Sponsors

                      12:00 PM

                      Optional Lunch & Learn with Sanecotech

                      12:00 PM - 01:15 PM
                      01:30 PM

                      Under 3’s, who is it really for?

                      01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
                        Mel Rickwood
                        OwnerAquatics Down Under Swim School
                        Mel Rickwood is the owner of Aquatics Down Under Swim School situated in Sydney, Australia which teaches 1700 children a week and employs 33 staff. The Swim School caters from babies to adults and is uniquely situated in a shopping centre. The business is now into its 17th year of operation and has won many awards and accolades for its high level of teaching as well as its program design. With over 36 years in the Swim School Industry, Mel has just finished her term as a Director on the Australian Swim Schools Association Board. She is a committee member on the ASSA Water Safety Group as well as a Participant in the Coutts Family Scholarship ISSA Think Tank that has just recently met in Finland. Along with her Bachelor of Sports Science Degree and Diploma of Education, Mel is also an AUSTSWIM Trainer, training new and upcoming instructors to gain their accreditation. She has presented at many national and international conferences throughout her time in the industry, with the most recent presentations being for the International Swim Schools Association Conference in Dubai and the United States Swim School Association in Las Vegas in 2024.
                        02:15 PM

                        Q&A

                        02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
                          Mel Rickwood
                          OwnerAquatics Down Under Swim School
                          Mel Rickwood is the owner of Aquatics Down Under Swim School situated in Sydney, Australia which teaches 1700 children a week and employs 33 staff. The Swim School caters from babies to adults and is uniquely situated in a shopping centre. The business is now into its 17th year of operation and has won many awards and accolades for its high level of teaching as well as its program design. With over 36 years in the Swim School Industry, Mel has just finished her term as a Director on the Australian Swim Schools Association Board. She is a committee member on the ASSA Water Safety Group as well as a Participant in the Coutts Family Scholarship ISSA Think Tank that has just recently met in Finland. Along with her Bachelor of Sports Science Degree and Diploma of Education, Mel is also an AUSTSWIM Trainer, training new and upcoming instructors to gain their accreditation. She has presented at many national and international conferences throughout her time in the industry, with the most recent presentations being for the International Swim Schools Association Conference in Dubai and the United States Swim School Association in Las Vegas in 2024.
                          02:30 PM

                          Round tables

                          02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
                          03:15 PM

                          Closing Remarks

                          03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
                          04:30 PM

                          Wine Tour Add-On

                          04:30 PM - 12:00 AM

                          Comments