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Barbara Smith
Barbara Smith
With over 30 years in the children’s activity sector, Barbara is known for combining research insight with practical experience to drive engagement and retention. From swim schools to gymnastics, she’s shaped how centres create meaningful experiences for families.
At Congress, Barbara will share strategies for turning first-day excitement into long-term loyalty.
Lisa Mitzel
Lisa Mitzel
Lisa Mitzel is the president of Zen Tiger Mind, an author, NCAA champion, Stanford University coach, and mental training specialist.
With a BA in Psychology and a certificate in youth mental health, Lisa teaches techniques in resilience, healthy brain development, and how to integrate mental fitness into sport.
With a career shaped at Kids First Sports Center, Casey is a leader in operations, staff mentoring, and program development. She helped create the Kids First Teaching Principles and now supports department leaders in embedding culture and systems.
At Congress, Casey will share how to develop new leaders and sustain team growth.
David Gorman
David Gorman
A Columbia graduate and former Senior Investment Director for the Australian Government in New York, David blends global finance experience with grassroots impact. Co-founder of one of America’s largest swim schools, he brings a unique lens to investment, policy, and philanthropy in children’s education.
At Congress, he’ll explore macro trends affecting our industry.
As CEO of 3rd Level Consulting and Executive Director of IACDP, Frank has influenced thousands of children’s activity centres globally. With over 1,500 presentations under his belt, he’s a pioneer in business strategy, culture, and innovation.
At Congress, Frank will share “micro matters” that fuel sustainable growth.
Jett is a CFO and serial entrepreneur with decades of experience across gymnastics, swim schools, and financial consulting. As a partner in Cal Elite Kids and founder of Gladiator Girls Financial Services, she’s helped businesses thrive with smart systems and sound strategy.
At Congress, Jett will break down financial benchmarks that matter.
Owner of Skylark Sports and a respected leader in coaching education, Jasmin bridges the gap between practical delivery and high-performance thinking.
Known for her clarity and care in staff development, Jasmin will present a real-world case study on using AI and coaching conversations to empower your team.
Founder of Kids First Sports Center and the iconic Metzger BOOT CAMP, Jeff has built one of the largest children's activity centres in the world. With unmatched energy and clarity, he teaches how to build generational businesses with values, systems, and heart.
At Congress, Jeff will challenge you to rethink your “true north.”
President of Kids First and a long-time leader in preschool and team gymnastics, Jennifer is known for building leaders who grow happy, healthy kids. Her journey from coach to executive has shaped Kids First’s culture of mentorship and impact.
At Congress, Jen will explore onboarding, generational leadership, and departmental success.
Jo Richards
Jo Richards
As a leadership development coach and founder of The Performance Collab, Jo works with club leaders to strengthen communication, values, and accountability.
At Congress, she’ll guide attendees through exercises that enhance leadership capability and build team cohesion—skills every club needs in a changing industry.
Founder of Delta Gymnastics and a High Performance coach, John has helped shape gymnastics in Australia through strong systems, values, and governance. With 3,500+ children across 5 venues, his focus is now on building enduring, scalable clubs.
At Congress, John will lead a deep dive into national data and what it reveals.
A former elite swimmer and founder of Hampton Swim School, Julia has grown her business into a values-driven success story. Known for cultivating leadership and team culture, she places just as much emphasis on her people as her programs.
At Congress, she’ll share the role mentors play in building confident young teams.
An icon in early aquatic education, Julie is co-founder of Hills Swimming and has shaped national training programs for over three decades. Her career includes global speaking engagements and policy leadership.
At Congress, Julie will share lessons on teacher development, early learning, and inclusive aquatic programs.
Katrina is a business strategist and Australia’s leading expert in marketing to mums. As the creator of the new MOTHER framework, she helps organisations build sustainable marketing strategies that truly connect with families. An award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Marketing to Mums, Katrina brings deep consumer insights and practical tools that drive results.
At Congress, she’ll show you how to turn trends into action - and walk away with a one-page plan you can actually use.
Founder of Black Diamond Gymnastics in Utah, Katy brings deep experience in staff leadership, youth programming, and customer service. A national-level judge and educator, she’s helped shape USAG’s risk and coaching courses.
At Congress, Katy will unpack how customer service, sales, and staff culture all fuel sustainable success.
With over three decades in gymnastics and as owner of multiple centres, Lorraine leads with love, strategy, and structure. She’s a consultant, curriculum designer, Brevet judge, and spiritual mentor for women in leadership.
At Congress, she’ll share how to build future-ready teams through smart training systems and self-aware leadership.
Marco Blanco
Marco Blanco
Managing Director of Child Safeguard, is an industry leader, expert, and authority in child safeguarding, and a regular keynote speaker at National and State conferences. Marco has advised national clients in the implementation of Child Safe Best Practice Standards across the Sport and Recreation sector, including gymnastics programs.
At Congress, Marco will update on critical changes to Child Safe matter.
Owner of Gymsports Tasmania and a driving force in club development nationally, Mark has led committees, governance reviews, and membership reforms for Gymnastics Australia. He brings candid insight into where the sport is—and where it must go.
At Congress, Mark will present a white paper on gymnastics’ future.
Megan Mitchell
Megan Mitchell
Co-founder of Delta Gymnastics and mum of four, Megan believes gymnastics creates confident, happy kids. Her leadership has grown Delta into one of Australia’s premier clubs, with a passionate focus on staff development and operational excellence.
At Congress, she joins a panel on bringing core values to life.
Stunt performer, ultra-runner, and founder of Risky Kids, Richard is redefining youth development through risk-based behavioural science. His programs challenge norms and empower kids through physical, mental, and emotional growth.
At Congress, he’ll reveal why understanding parent expectations is key to long-term retention and impact.
Founder of Twisters Gymnastics, Sarah blends movement, education, and vision. With a Master’s in Sport Management and a passion for coach development, she’s known for building strong systems and even stronger cultures.
At Congress, she’ll share how to build a culture of thinkers—and achieve more by doing less.
Tiffany Mills
Tiffany Mills
Tiffany is the founder of Mosaic Diversity Consulting and the Director at Excellence Gymnastics Academy, a premier gymnastics training centre serving military families in Okinawa, Japan. With over 20 years of experience in the child-focused industry, Tiffany specializes in fostering belonging, respect, and inclusion across youth programs. She is passionate about training staff, management, and leadership teams across all organization types, providing customized strategies, practical tools, and actionable plans that lead to meaningful change.
Tracy Sheen
Tracy Sheen
Tracy is a leading voice in digital transformation for small businesses. With deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital marketing, she helps clubs leverage tech without losing human connection.
At Congress, Tracy will break down how to future-proof your club in an AI-powered world—with real case studies from the field.
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