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Sunday, February 12, 2012
What Makes IAFC “a Cut Above” Other Conferences?
 
by Amy Nelson 


What makes the International Aquatic Fitness Conference (IAFC) a “Cut Above” other aquatic fitness conferences? What makes it so unique and praised by the many who attend? See what other IAFC participants are saying. And then join us this May for another amazing IAFC experience!


DODO
• IAFC offers the most recent research and information regarding health and fitness, often presented for the first time, or just prior to IAFC. Chances are that you will be among the first to hear it, if you are at IAFC. Often, you can hear the results before they are formally published. The presenters are the top people in their respective fields, yet they are easily approachable and always ready to answer questions; whether in person, or through email after the conference. New and current research always guides the presentations, making it easy to incorporate your new knowledge into your classes.
• Mutual respect, positive energy, and openness rule the conference. No matter one's status or position, there is no conceit; just an honest love of water and its benefits.
• Another aspect that really stands out is that it is easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle while at the conference. AEA makes a concerted effort to provide meals that are healthy, something that is not as easy as one might think in the hospitality industry. Yet, don't think you have to deny yourself a dietary splurge, if it's what you want.
• AEA really relies on the delegate's feedback to improve each year's conference experience. (Online evaluation forms after the conference)
• The Wyndham Orlando Resort allows AEA to utilize both of their pools, incorporate energizing music, and access a multitude of conference meeting rooms in case of inclement weather. IAFC is really a well-run conference!
• IAFC was the first fitness conference to introduce Aqua Zumba®. It was through the AEA that I was reminded that Zumba® Fitness was an up-and-coming fitness program that would have broad appeal. As a result of IAFC, I was among the first to become licensed to teach Aqua Zumba®.


SHARON
• The answer is spelled…I-N-T-E-R-N-A-T-I-O-N-A-L! IAFC has over 30 countries represented. How awesome is that! That alone makes it a cut above. The magnitude is pretty large.
• Water people are more of a “family”. Water people are kind, loving, nice, and sensitive. We all came from the water in our mother’s womb. Water is a unique property like no other. The gentle flow across your skin. It’s fluidity; it’s buoyancy it holds you in a way like no other property can. Water has a healing effect and is liberating.
• IAFC is a genuine, real and authentic experience. The people make it authentic! It’s not about… look at me, I have more rhythm or I look better in my bathing suit etc.
• IAFC people are warm, welcoming, inviting and accepting of everyone. It’s a healthy environment embracing all nationalities, cultures and sizes. At IAFC you will find a diverse population of people.


FELICIA
• Because we are FAMILY!
• The AEA team of organizers goes out of their way to attend to everyone.
• The conference is not overpopulated.
• There is a grand variety of classes to choose from and enough equipment for all involved.
• Environment is cozy, welcoming, not intimidating, laid back and the level of international input is invaluable. Get your passport ready you will want to start traveling the world when you are done with the conference.

DEBI
• I don’t attend other conferences. This is one that I put my money into. This is my shining conference because I get so much out it.
• I often volunteer at the conference (because I like it so much).
• I feel part of the AEA family.
• It’s so much more than a conference where you learn things and get your CECs…it’s an incredible experienc

Dorthy "Dodo" Griffith has been certified as an aquatic fitness professional with AEA since 2007. IAFC 2012 will mark her fifth international conference. Dodo, a contributor to AKWA magazine and an active member of the Aqua Society of Greater Atlanta, has been the recipient of both AEA's and ASGA's scholarship awards. She teaches water fitness, including Aqua Zumba®, at Georgia State University and is an independent contractor with Gwinnett County, with clients ranging in age from 16 to 91.

Sharon Jozsa has a Master's Degree in Education; and has been an aquatic instructor for over 25 years serving various populations from babies to seniors to Arthritic/Ai Chi along with the general population. Sharon has been involved with IAFC for almost 20 years; and was the proud recipient of the 2007 IAFC Appreciation Award, which acknowledges her for her years of dedication and support that she has given to IAFC and AEA.

Felicia Zadok is a Certified Life Coach based in New York where she leads Personal Development Workshops and works with individual clients. Her additional experiences as an Ordained Interfaith Minister, Professional Foot Reader and Group Fitness Instructor for 20 years allow her to help clients fully connect Mind, Body and Spirit. She can be contacted at Felicia@ZadokCoaching.com

Debi Moir is a native of England, moved to the United States in 1970. She began teaching aquatics in 1992 and was AEA certified by Julie See in 1995. Debi attended her first IAFC in 1996. She teaches multiple formats 2 or 3 times a week; and has a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and a bachelor degree in Administration/Accounting.

 


Amy Nelson, BS Kinesiology, is a seasoned professional with 19 years in the aquatic and fitness industry. She is certified by AEA, ACSM, ACE, and Dance Thru Pregnancy. She's been interviewed on CNN and listed in Ultimate Atlanta as "the best of the best" in Atlanta's health and fitness industry. A health and fitness entrepreneur for ten years, Amy is currently a proud AEA certified water aerobics instructor in Roswell, GA and an AEA Trainer. Her class participants know her as a caring instructor, motivator, and professional educator who provides fun, innovative, and functional workouts with emphasis on technique, participant modifications, and teaching to all fitness levels while building a sense of community. AmyNelsonUSA@gmail.com

 


 

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