H20+ 2026 AgendaSESSION 1:  The Power of Progression: How Neuroscience Shapes Aqua Programming with Dr Alan Pearce & Marietta Mehanni

This session bridges the gap between neuroscience and aquatic fitness, exploring how repetition, progression, and complexity work together to strengthen both body and brain. You’ll discover practical ways to “dress up” repetition so it remains engaging, how to structure classes that build cognitive and physical challenge without overwhelming participants, and strategies for instructors to communicate objectives and motivate members, even when the work feels tough. Together, Marietta and Alan bring the science and the practice to life with real examples from the pool.

Key Takeaways

• Understand why repetition is essential for building neural pathways, and how to keep it interesting.
• Learn how to progressively layer movements so routines grow in complexity without losing participants.
• Explore how mental fatigue mirrors physical fatigue and how to pace a class to account for both.
• Discover strategies for introducing challenge at the right time, and knowing when to hold back.
• Gain tools to communicate objectives clearly so participants embrace the challenge instead of resisting it.
• Reflect on the growth mindset for instructors: how to tolerate “not being liked” when participants are visibly challenged, and why that’s valuable.
• See practical examples of movement design and choreography that combine science and creativity.

SESSION 2:  Train to Transfer with Ann Gilbert

This dynamic aquatic workshop explores how specific, multi-planar movement in the water can translate directly to improved confidence, strength, and performance on land, especially for the active older adult. Participants will learn how to design and deliver functional water-based exercises that challenge the body in all planes of motion, mirroring the way we rotate, reach, lift, step, and react in daily life.

Through a blend of science-backed principles and practical application, this session highlights how the buoyancy, resistance, and flow of the water create a safe yet highly effective environment to build balance, core stability, joint mobility, and. Attendees will discover progressions that “train to transfer” from the pool to real-world activities, empowering older adults to move with greater ease, prevent falls, and maintain independence as they continue to pursue an active lifestyle.

Perfect for instructors looking to elevate their programming with functional movements that make every aquatic session meaningful.

SESSION 3: The Truth About Music in Fitness Classes with Jose Horn & Andrea Petty

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need my own licence?” or “What if I just use my Spotify playlist?”, this session is for you. Music sets the rhythm and energy for every class, but few instructors truly understand the rules that protect it, or how to stay compliant while keeping their playlists powerful and professional. In this practical and eye-opening session, you’ll discover how to confidently use music in your classes the right way.

Part one, led by OneMusic, will demystify what music licensing really means for instructors in Australia and New Zealand, including what’s covered, what isn’t, and the risks of using personal streaming services like Spotify.

Part two, led by Power Music, will walk you through the Power Music Now app and platform step by step, showing how to easily create playlists, adjust tempo, and integrate legally licensed music designed specifically for fitness professionals.

SESSION 4:  Equipment Mastery: Adapting Noodle, Hand Buoys & Kickboards for Common Health Conditions with Danise Berger

How to safely and effectively use common aqua equipment, noodles, hand buoys and kick boards for common health conditions. We will explore smart modifications for common conditions such as osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pathologies, joint replacement and peripheral neuropathy. Learn how water properties and equipment physics affect load, buoyancy, instability and resistance so you can tailor exercises for comfort, safety and progressions. Leave with ready to use teaching cues, alternative exercises and confidence to adapt movements. This session is perfect for instructors who want to create inclusive, enjoyable and evidence informed aqua aerobic classes.

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About the presenters!

Alan Pearce, PhD, is a professor of neurophysiology at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. He has been researching the neuroplasticity of exercise for the last 30 years. For the last 15 years, his research has increasingly focused on changes in the brain associated with concussion and repetitive neurotrauma. Alan has published over 200 peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings, and is currently working on his 3^rd book. He is a regular contributor to all international media, discussing the issue of concussions in sport.

Marietta Mehanni is not your average fitness presenter. She is a true innovator in the industry and a game changer when it comes to group fitness. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Marietta has won multiple awards and is highly regarded as one of the best educators in the business. She has trained hundreds of instructors around the world in both land and water-based group exercise. Marietta is particularly well-known for her expertise in aqua fitness, where she has established herself as one of the world’s leading presenters.

Marietta’s passion for aqua fitness stems from her belief that water-based exercise offers numerous benefits to people of all ages and abilities. Her dedication to this field has earned her a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and inspiring aqua presenters in the world.

Ann Gilbert is an owner of Fit-Her Health & Fitness for Women. Ann oversees the operations of as many as 10 certified Personal Trainers, 15 Group Fitness professionals, and coordinates fee based group personal training programs for ages 28-98. Ann was awarded ACE / IHRSA Personal Trainer of the Year. in 2001 and has been a popular speaker at IDEA, SCW MANIA, ICAA, AFC, SUCCEED, and HFA Conventions since 2002. Ann is the creator of S.E.A.T. Supported Exercise for Ageless Training and “My Future Me” a program especially for the AOM customer. Ann is a member of the IDEA Fitness Mentor Network 2025. Ann is know for innovative aquatic choreography and was the choreographer for Waterinmotion Platinum for over four years.

Jose Horn, based in Perth, WA, AU, is currently a National Licensing Manager – Key Accounts at OneMusic Australia. Jose Horn brings experience from previous roles at APRA AMCOS, OneMusic Australia and APRA|AMCOS. Jose Horn holds a 2010 – 2011 Law in Law @ Murdoch University. With a robust skill set that includes Sales Management, Licensing, Team Leadership, Public Speaking, Music Industry and more. Jose Horn has 2 emails on RocketReach.

Andrea Petty is the Director of Marketing for Power Music, where she has been an integral part of the team for over seven years. Combining her passion for music and movement, Andrea oversees brand growth, content development, and technology initiatives for Power Music NOW, the company’s all-in-one group fitness app designed to support instructors with music, timers, and choreographed video content. A certified group fitness instructor and NASM personal trainer, she brings both creative and practical insight to the evolving intersection of fitness and technology. Andrea is dedicated to helping fitness professionals elevate their classes and connect with participants through the power of music.

Sport and Exercise Scientist | Fitness Professional | Future Exercise Physiologist. With over 15 years of experience as a telecommunications executive, Danise’s tree change lead to a career change plus university study with a Health Science degree. Since 2010, Danise has led a diverse range of group exercise classes across multiple disciplines while also providing personal training for clients of all ages and abilities. Currently based in the Southern Highlands, Danise works as a Sport and Exercise Scientist, at a multi-disciplinary health clinic, where she specialises in small group clinical exercise classes as a tool for rehabilitation, disease management, and injury recovery. Danise is completing a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology this year, further strengthening her ability to support individuals in achieving optimal health and well-being. Danise believes that exercise is a powerful medicine for both the body and mind, with aquatic exercise playing a vital role in holistic treatment, helping clients achieve overall well-being.

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