The Swim School Edge 2025 Programme

Thursday October 30th

9:00 Conversations with colleagues as you check-in.

9:45 TSSE opening

10:00 Cameron Speechley (Rackley Swimming)

Why Aligning Purpose and People Helps Shape Swim School Success: Great swim schools don’t just teach swimming - they create meaningful impact in their communities. In this session, Cameron Speechley will share how connecting your team with a clear purpose builds stronger culture, drives motivation, and leads to long-term success. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Cameron will provide practical strategies and proven insights to help owners and managers bring purpose and people together to shape thriving swim schools.

11:00 Ben Danieli (Sport Waikato)

Reshaping Sport for Digital Generations: The next generation will not just play sport differently - they will experience it in ways we’ve never imagined. We are living through a period of profound technological change, where rapid digital transformation coincides with significant generational shifts. In this presentation, Ben will share a high-level look at how technology, emerging generations, and the digital era are reshaping the future of sport.

12noon Lunch with colleagues

12:45pm Leading, Learning and Tackling the Tough Stuff

Leadership starts with self-awareness and a willingness to keep evolving. Every leader faces moments which tests their problem-solving, resilience, and decision-making. This panel will dig into personal growth, leadership lessons learned, and the ongoing journey of becoming the leader your team wants: share their swim school-world challenges and their approaches which help overcome them.

1:45pm Josh Moore (Duoplus)

Digital Marketing for Business Owners: What You Need to Know (and What to Avoid): Digital marketing can be your biggest growth engine, or your biggest money drain. The difference? Knowing what works and what to avoid. Expect straight talk, no jargon, and real-world insights you can put into action immediately. Whether you’re struggling to get results online or simply want to make smarter marketing decisions, this session will give you the edge.

2:45pm Refuel and conversations

3:15pm Ask Any Question: Straight talk from the sector’s leading voices

Your chance to put questions directly to sector leaders. Get honest insights, fresh inspiration, and takeaways to drive your success.

4:15pm Thursday wrap.

Friday October 31st

8:30 Kicking off the day

8:45 Cameron Speechley (Rackley Swimming)

The Numbers That Shape Success: What to Measure and Why: Strong swim schools aren’t built on guesswork - they’re guided by the right numbers. In this session, Cameron will dive into the key performance indicators that matter most for growth, retention, and long-term sustainability. Focusing on the right measures can turn data into decisions, strengthen teams, and shape success in and out of the pool.

9:45 Anthony Nel (St Peter’s Digital Services Manager)

The AI Advantage: Helping Swim Schools Work Smarter: In this session, Anthony will show how AI can transform the way you work with practical, ready-to-use ideas you can put into action right away: Sharpen your training and PD resources to assist staff growth: Streamline staff communication to make processes clearer and more professional: Elevate your customer communication so every comms, update, and enquiry leaves parents feeling informed and connected. Come ready to see how AI can become your behind-the-scenes assistant helping you work smarter, lead stronger, and create standout experiences for your business, staff and families success.

10:45 Refuel and conversations

11:15 Inspiring your team and shaping the future:

Your team’s energy and engagement are the heartbeat of your swim school, and success doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built on foresight, innovation, and a willingness to raise the bar. This panel share their thoughts on how to motivate, recognise, and support people so they perform at their best and stay committed, and sharing their thoughts on how to strengthen swim schools and help the sector thrive.

12:15 NZ swim school forum ~ The conversation starts in Cambridge:

Connection creates opportunity: We keep missing out on the collective strength, voice, and opportunities we could have. Your voice is part of this story. It’s time to explore the possibilities?

1:00pm Lunch with colleagues

1:45pm AAQ (2): Ask. Endless takeaways. Succeed

A second opportunity to obtain the extra nugget which will support you in your workplace and personal journey. Ask the question you want answered.

2:45pm The Swim School Edge 2025 wrap