Event Recap – 2026 PanAm Aquatics Convention!

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From: PanAm Aquatics Office <office@panamaquatics.com>

Subscribe Leer email en español Thank you for attending the 3rd Annual PanAm Aquatics Convention: Advancing Aquatics Through Innovation, Athlete-Centered Development, and Impact. It was an incredible three days of learning, growth, collaboration, and camaraderie. Day One focused on building the foundations of athlete-centered aquatics. Day Two integrated science, technology, and health to support optimal performance, longevity, and well-being. Day Three explored how to strengthen aquatic ecosystems & build sustainable pathways. Aquatic leaders across the world came together for an impactful delivery, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure, leadership pathways, and innovation in aquatic equipment, empowering athletes through opportunity, collaboration, and performance-enhancing environments. 2026 PAQ Convention by the Numbers Convention Highlights We extend our sincere gratitude to our keynote speakers—Dr. Hagar Elgendy, Dr. Monna Arvinen-Barrow, and Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas—for their exceptional keynote addresses. Each presentation was timely, impactful, and deeply relevant, offering evidence-based insight and forward-thinking perspectives that are critically needed as we continue to shape the future of aquatics across the Americas. We also wish to recognize the incredible experts from around the world who generously devoted their time, knowledge, and experience to this Convention both though the live program and the digital hub. Their contributions strengthened our collective understanding across disciplines and regions, helping advance best practices in governance, performance, health, safeguarding, and long-term athlete development throughout our continent. Equally important, we thank the athletes who participated and contributed their voices throughout the Convention. Athlete involvement at every stage of development is essential. Ensuring the athlete voice is present in education, decision-making, and system design strengthens our pathways, improves outcomes, and creates environments where athletes can truly thrive. Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to our PAQ Convention Planning Committee, PAQ Media & Tech Team, and PAQ Committee members whose dedication, collaboration, and leadership made this event an unforgettable experience. Your commitment continues to drive meaningful progress and reinforces the shared vision of a stronger, more connected aquatic community across the Americas. Discipline Highlights The convention featured dynamic aquatic discipline panels, discussing the state of discipline and emphasizing innovation, performance, technical mastery, athlete support, and sustainable systems. PAQ Partner Spotlights We extend our deepest gratitude to our PAQ Partners for making this event possible:  Fluidra – Showcased infrastructure innovation and sustainable aquatic development, demonstrating how world-class facilities enable communities across the Americas to grow and thrive.  Malmsten – Highlighted the critical role of equipment and collaboration in developing athletes, coaches, and aquatic systems, inspiring continuous innovation and creating optimal performance environments.  Global Sport Technology – Led innovation in sports physiology with expert insights from Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, with key sessions on nutrition and recovery, heart rate and lactate-guided training, and performance-driven technology in aquatics, advancing smarter, evidence-based athlete development pathways. Moreover, our PAQ Development Partners were essential to the event, sharing their expertise, emphasizing athlete experience, community impact, and building pathways to ensure aquatics flourishes across our continent through education, innovation, and engagement. Announcements & Exciting Updates During the Convention, we shared several transformative initiatives for PanAm Aquatics development: PanAm Aquatics Proficiency Certification Program PART I: Foundations  PART II: Certification Pathways for Technical Officials, Coaches, Event Organizers, and Athletes  PART III: Certification Completion through Evaluation and Safe Sport Training PanAm Aquatics Safe Sport Training Program Launching soon to support safe and sustainable development across aquatic disciplines. Underwater Chats Coach Series Hosted by Fernando Canales, Sammy McGregor, and Rick Walker, continuing the legacy of Mona Nyheim-Canales. Underwater Chats Podcast Hosted by Valerie Gruest and Javier Ruisanchez, connecting the athlete community in a new and engaging way! These initiatives mark a monumental moment for aquatics in the Americas, setting a new standard for development, education, and athlete-centered programming. First Ever PAQ Athlete Forum – REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! We are thrilled to announce the first-ever PanAm Aquatics Athlete Forum, hosted by the PanAm Aquatics Athletes Committee and powered by Athlete Core.  This unique event will bring together athletes from across the Americas to: Engage in essential conversations about development, training, and performance Share insights on the athlete experience, directly from the most beloved and decorated aquatic athletes in our continent, as well as some guest appearances from global icons! <