Data driving change in Australia’s aquatic industry

The aquatics industry is set to discover the possibilities data offers for revolutionising the way it does business as the first participants of the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) Mentor Program prepare to present their projects.

The ARI Mentor Program supports emerging industry leaders. Over six months ARI member teams will complete a project-based challenge under the guidance of an experienced industry mentor. Jonas Leisure is the Principal Partner for the program.

In November last year, seven teams participating in the inaugural challenge were given the task to see how data could be collected and used to accomplish a goal, solve a problem or create a program that would improve their facilities in a measurable way.

They then had 21 days to put together a plan for their innovative project, to be completed within a $5,000 budget cap.

ARI Mentor Program Manager Matt Griffiths says teams have been hard at work since then and are at the stage now where they’re bringing the projects to a close and preparing to report back.

“It’s been really interesting to see the ideas the teams have come up with and how they’re working to progress them,” he says.

Three of the teams will be shortlisted to present their findings on the first day of the ARI Conference to be held in Terrigal, New South Wales, on 18-19 June. An independent panel of judges will then decide on the winner, to be announced at the Annual Presentation Dinner that evening.

“We’re hoping by showcasing the projects at our conference, we might see some of the ideas manifest themselves in other facilities facing similar challenges, and that the challenge will shine a light on what might be a bit of a skill gap within organisations and our industry.”

Jonas Leisure Managing Director Mike Henton says the focus on growth, both for the individuals taking part and the industry as a whole, aligns well with Jonas Leisure’s values.

“We’re excited to see ARI providing the same opportunity for growth that we are so passionate about to emerging leaders within the broader aquatics and recreation industry.”

Mr Griffiths says the Program wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support they’ve had from the mentors and from partners and sponsors.

“We’ve had a really passionate group of people involved with the Program, pushing for its success.

“Mike and Jonas Leisure Sales Manager Bryn Whales have shown an incredible interest in the program and how it’s going. None of this would look the same without them.”

Expressions of Interest for the next program intake will open following the end of the conference on 19 June. You can find more information about the ARI Mentor Program on the ARI website: arinsw.com.au