Club Aquatics & Rec Conference
FAQ
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Who is this conference for?
Anyone in the club and resort industry who works with aquatics, recreation, events, programming, food and beverage, or member experiences. Whether you oversee an entire recreation department or simply want to bring better ideas back to your club, you’ll fit right in.
What if I don’t know anyone?
Even better! One of the biggest goals of this conference is creating real relationships and friendships with people you can lean on long after the conference ends.
This isn’t a conference where you sit next to strangers for three days and never talk again. We intentionally create opportunities for everyone to meet, connect, share ideas, and have some fun together.
Tell me about the conference.
This conference is designed to be hands on, interactive, and highly collaborative. Expect networking, breakout conversations, demonstrations, education, and plenty of opportunities to learn from other club professionals.
Most importantly, we want you to leave with tangible ideas you can take home and implement immediately. Your club should see a real return on its investment in sending you.
Who is CARA?
The Club Aquatics & Recreation Association (CARA) is a community of aquatics and recreation professionals who are helping shape the future of our industry.
You do not need to be a CARA member to attend. You just need to be ready to learn, share, meet some great people, and have an open mind!
How much does the conference cost?
Registration is $1,500 per attendee and includes conference education, networking experiences, welcome reception, welcome gifts, food and beverage included in the conference itinerary, and an incredible lineup of speakers and industry professionals.
What is NOT included in registration?
Attendees are responsible for their own airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation to and from the resort.
Is transportation provided?
Attendees are responsible for transportation to and from Orlando and the resort. We recommend using Uber or Lyft from Orlando International Airport.
Any group transportation specifically included as part of the conference itinerary will be communicated to attendees.
How do I book the resort?
A special conference booking link will be available on the website and will also be emailed to registered attendees.
How do I pay?
We recommend paying by credit card during registration for the easiest experience. If your club requires an invoice, we can accommodate that as well.
Does the conference sell out?
Yes! We intentionally cap attendance at 75 people to keep the conference personal, interactive, and relationship driven. If you’re planning to attend, we strongly recommend registering early.
How can my company sponsor the conference?
We would love to have you involved! Email Ben Lorenzen to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Our sponsors aren’t simply placed behind a booth. We intentionally integrate our partners into the conference experience and education so they can build genuine relationships with attendees. We want everyone to meet everyone.
What makes this different from a traditional conference?
No giant trade show floor. No hiding in the back of a ballroom. No three days of PowerPoints.
We intentionally keep the group small so you can actually meet people, participate in conversations, experience ideas firsthand, and build relationships with professionals facing the same challenges you are.
Do I need to be an Aquatics Director to attend?
Not at all. Our attendees come from different areas of club operations. Recreation professionals, aquatics leaders, event professionals, food and beverage teams, general managers, assistant general managers, and anyone involved in creating memorable member experiences can benefit from attending.
What should I expect to take home?
Ideas you can actually use. Programming concepts, event ideas, operational strategies, vendor relationships, industry contacts, and a network of people you can call when you have a question.
Our goal is for you to return to your club excited to implement something you learned immediately.
Is this conference mostly education or networking?
Both, intentionally. Education creates the conversation, but relationships are a huge part of the experience. Breakouts, meals, receptions, activities, and education are designed to help attendees naturally connect throughout the conference.
What should I wear?
Keep it comfortable! This is an interactive aquatics and recreation conference, not three days in a suit. We’ll provide more detailed recommendations before the conference based on the final itinerary.
Will I receive continuing education credits?
Yes between 6-10 CMAA credits.
Can I bring multiple people from my club?
Absolutely. In fact, bringing multiple team members can make it even easier to take ideas home and put them into action. Just remember that attendance is capped at 75 total participants.
What airport should I fly into?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the recommended airport for attendees. From there, Uber and Lyft are the easiest options for getting to the resort.
When should I arrive and depart?
I would book a later flight out Tuesday AM. Arriving early is always better in my opinion, you never know with flying. You can always select early checkin on your reservation.
Can you help me convince my club to send me?
Absolutely. This conference is built around ROI. You’ll return with tangible programming ideas, operational strategies, industry connections, and resources that can immediately impact your club.
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