National Aquatic Management School & Conference 2006

So, I had told you about the conference that was going to go to, you know, the one I got a scholarship for and then my work graciously picked up most of the rest (they paid the rest of registration and my airfare, I paid hotel and food). I just forgot to mention it again when I was leaving. Silly me! But I got back last night, and it was good! I did have to learn how to ride the bus system of Austin, Texas (which is pretty awesome, btw, one dollar day passes) because we didn't have enough money for a rental car or taxis. That's okay, though, it was kind of fun. In about an hour and a half each, I learned the following: Aquatic Management School Interviewing Techniques and Legalities / Labor Laws Employee Manuals and Basic Operations Achieving Staff Excellence: Preparing People to be Successful Achieving Staff Excellence: Motivating and Retaining Staff Staff In-Service Training On the Job Training Operational Planning Programming Special Events Programming Evaluations: Staff and Programs - How to Measure Success Risk Management 101 Handling and Dealing with the Under-Performing Employee Aquatic Conference Keynote: Men and Women, Can We Talk? Recreational Water Illness Outbreaks and Lessons Learned in the United States Splash to the Past- Aquatic History Renovate for Revenue The New Face of Automation for Aquatic Facilities Incident Command- Who's in Charge? Aquatic Facilities: Revenue Producers or Financial Sinkholes Amazing Facts: Why People Die in Guarded Pools Leadership Development Training for Part-Time Staff I missed out on underwater hockey, I had to choose between that and something more bookish! Met some very cool people too, including attendees from many different states and regions. Even the vendors were awesome. Wishlist:

• I want the new Laerdal head immobilizers. I got to play with them at their booth, I love them, I will push them to everyone I know, because they're THAT GOOD.
• I want Dr. Tom's Disappearing Dummies video.
• I want Kevin Johnston's video of a near-drowning at a birthday party. (Surveillance video used in court.)
• I want the Encyclopedia of Aquatic Codes and Standards. My boss has one, I want my own.

Lots of fun all around. The next one is in Atlanta, and I want to go. =)