World Waterpark Association Annual Symposium & Trade Show 2026

Judith Leblein Josephs, CPRA, RA, has been a featured speaker at conferences and training seminars across the United States for many years. After 20 years in the public sector, she was with the firm of [...]

Scott Silar has over 25 years of hospitality experience in the amusement industry. He is currently the Director of Attractions at Hersheypark, where he oversees the management of over 1,200 Attraction Operators and Lifeguards, and [...]

Bob Bradley is the owner of Aquatic Consulting & Educational Services (ACES), based in Raleigh, N.C. With four decades of experience as a leader on aquatic facility operation, recreation risk management and safety training, Bradley [...]

Brian Szydloski is a seasoned professional in the waterpark industry, currently serving as The General Manager of Waterparks for Pyramid Global Hospitality at OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, OK. With a career [...]

Ken Handler, President of Global Management Amusement Professionals (GMAP), has been a leading force in the amusement and waterpark industry for over 35 years. As both a respected consultant and proud owner of Raging Rivers [...]

George Deines is a Studio Director for Counsilman-Hunsaker, specializing in aquatic facility feasibility studies. He has 29 years of experience in the aquatics industry and holds degrees from the University of North Texas and Dallas [...]

Cody Butcher brings Neuman Group a vast and diverse knowledge of waterpark facilities from an operational perspective. As the Aquatics Coordinator for a community association, he was responsible for the operations and staff of a [...]

Sasha Mateer began her career with Deep River Waterpark and the Lake County Parks Department in 2000 as a lifeguard to work her way through college. After graduating from DePaul University in 2003 with a [...]

George Panton is Vice President of Water Safety Products, Inc., a Florida-based international supplier of lifeguard uniforms and safety equipment since 1989. He began his aquatic career in 2003 as a Brevard County Ocean Rescue [...]

Avery Wheelock has an extensive background in amusement rides operation maintenance and inspections, having owned a carnival that traveled the eastern seaboard for many years. In 2007, he sold his equipment and formed ALW Consulting [...]

Lee Hovis joined NOVA Parks as the Manager for Cameron Run Regional Park and Great Waves Waterpark in Alexandria, Virginia. He is responsible for the management of the 26 acre outdoor facility and community activities. [...]