Compass Pools dealers gather at Queenstown
Against the breathtaking natural backdrop of Queenstown, New Zealand, Compass Pools Australia brought together its Australian and New Zealand dealer network for an unforgettable annual conference focused on growth, leadership and sustainable success.
“The energy in Queenstown was incredible, and the location absolutely inspired the theme,” says Anthony Cross, CEO of Compass Pools.
“We wanted our network to take a step back, breathe in the fresh air, and think bigger – about how they lead their teams, how they grow their businesses, and how they can achieve more with less friction.”
Held in partnership with experience specialists HQNZ, the event featured a dynamic mix of practical workshops, inspiring sessions and networking opportunities. A standout moment was Reach the Peak, an immersive team-building session where participants tackled a simulated ascent of Mount Cook.
“The exercise brought key themes like agility, decision-making and teamwork to the surface,” says Cross. “This sparked valuable conversations around high-performance teams and leadership under pressure.”
A key focus of the conference was on building scalable businesses that operate smoothly without constant owner input, with dealers encouraged to rethink their role and focus on creating systems that drive growth and efficiency.
“There was strong engagement around shifting from operator to owner mindset,” he says. “Systemising your customer journey, simplifying operations, and empowering your team to take ownership. These are the building blocks of sustainable growth.”
A highlight of the conference was the spontaneous performance of “The Battle of Kokoda”, the newly released single by Grant James, director of Bridgeswade Pools in Ballarat.
“Grant brought the room to tears with a heartfelt reflection on his experiences walking the Kokoda Track, guiding others along the journey, and sharing his thoughts on the historic battle that inspired his song,” says Cross. “Compass Pools wishes Grant, and his business partner Des all the best on their final Kokoda trek this August.”
2025 Compass award winners
The conference also celebrated excellence across the Compass Pools network, with awards recognising innovation, design, and standout performance:
Excellence in Pool Design – New Zealand: The Pool and Leisure Centre, AquaStyle Pools, OCD Pools.
Excellence in Pool Design – Australia: North West Pools, Smart Self Cleaning Pools, Gen2 Pools.
Excellence in Business Growth: Enchanted Pools, Pool HQ, Gen2 Pools.
Compass Pools Innovation Award: Compass Pools Europe
Compass Pools Rookie of the Year: Thomas Camilleri
Trailblazers Award – Women in the Pool Industry: Julie Stroud, Rainbow Devlin.
Pool Builder of the Year: Xquisite Pools & Spas.
