Spotlight: NIRSA 2007 National Aquatic Institute, October 25-27 in Portland, Oregon

AFO course, preconference tours, educational sessions, networking and more

The NIRSA National Aquatic Institute is less than two months away! This popular event will take place October 25-27 at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in beautiful downtown Portland, Oregon. The Institute Planning Committee of Carrie Tupper (chair), Sarah Daugherty, Julie Porter, Sandra Keenan Jeffers, and Dana Dickerson have arranged for a fantastic program that features tours of aquatic facilities in the Portland area, socials and banquets for networking opportunities, keynote address from Len Kravitz, Ph.D., 15 informative educational sessions, and more.

On October 23 and 24, Gary Pogharian will lead a pre-conference Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) course specifically designed to meet the needs of those working in public recreational pools or water park facilities. The course provides information and training for both supervisory and operation personnel, and the AFO program offers unique discussions on risk management, which is not usually directed towards operations personnel.

For attendees not signed up for the AFO course, another pre-conference option is an afternoon tour of Firstenberg Community Center and Nike World Campus on Wednesday, October 24. The Firstenberg Community Center is an 80,000 square feet multi-use facility that features an indoor leisure pool with spa and outdoor spray ground. At Nike, attendees will visit the Lance Armstrong and Bo Jackson Sports and Fitness Facilities.

“I am very excited about this year’s institute,” said NAI Chair Carrie Tupper. “Our committee has put together a great schedule with tours and educational sessions that will provide attendees with valuable information. Hope to see you in Portland!”

Since the NAI is presented every other year, the next institute won’t be offered until 2009. To receive the best pricing, attendees must register by Monday, September 24. To register online and view educational session titles, the tentative schedule, hotel information, and other NAI details, click here.