Kick Off SPLASH 2026 at WAVES and Find Your Voice

Find Your Voice at WAVES  

Kick off your SPLASH! 2026 experience by joining us for a breakfast filled with inspiration, connection and practical insights at the industry's signature breakfast event. Join colleagues from across the pool and spa industry for networking, meaningful conversations and an energising keynote from international communication expert Annelise McCarthy.

With more than a decade of experience coaching professionals and elite performer (including Olympic teams), Annelise knows what it takes to communicate with confidence, credibility and impact. Her message is simple but powerful: how you communicate determines your influence. 

In this practical and inspiring session, you'll gain the tools to speak up, stand out and become unforgettable. Walk away with greater confidence, strategies to overcome self-limiting habits, and the courage to back yourself when new opportunities arise. 

The morning's conversation will be hosted by Kristin Brookfield, CEO of SPASA. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in industry advocacy, policy and business leadership, Kristin will lead a panel discussion with an outstanding group of industry leaders, exploring inclusion, career growth and ask how we can build the future of our industry.  

Our panel includes: 

• Cassandra Horan – President of NAWIC Queensland and Acting CEO of Smart Apprenticeship Solutions, Squad and Skill360, and a passionate advocate for women in trades and leadership. 

• Kelli Mewett – Retail Operations Manager at Compass Pools Australia Newcastle, with more than 20 years' experience across sales, construction and operations. 

• Zarah Littlejohn – Co-founder of CNH Pools and founder of SupportHER On Site, championing greater inclusion and opportunities for women in trades. 

• Michele Lena – Business Development Manager at Reece Irrigation & Pools, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience and recipient of the 2025 ANZ Supplier Salesperson Award. 

Date: Wednesday 19 August 
Time: 7:30am – 9:30am 
Location: GCCEC, Foyer F (First Floor) 
Cost: $98 individual ticket or $980 for a table of 10 (ex GST) 

While WAVES celebrates and supports women working across the industry, the event is open to everyone. Colleagues, leaders, mentors, allies and supporters are all encouraged to attend and be part of an important conversation around building a more inclusive and diverse future for the sector.

From leadership and communication to inclusion and career development, the conversations taking place at WAVES reflect the future of our industry. The only question is: will you be part of it?