Hello ADPA Community,
We are heading into what I imagine is the busy season for most of your institutions, whether it be summer camp programs, increased sell-through of your guest immersion experience, the countless school groups, or your field diving season. Despite the heavy workload you all navigate throughout the year at your respective institutions, I am always impressed by the time and dedication our members give to the ADPA community. We are a member-driven organization, and our ability to move the needle year after year would not be possible without all of you, so thank you.
The Board of Directors held its mid-year meeting during the last week of April in Gulfport, Mississippi. We were graciously hosted by Dave Pitalo and the Mississippi Aquarium. Among the normal agenda topics, thoughtful discussions contributed to meaningful progress on several initiatives. Most notably, the Board approved the Diversity Committee to shift from ad hoc to a standing committee. The success of this initiative is due in large part to the work of the committee members, and we have no doubt they will ensure the committee’s long-term sustainability and continued growth. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved updates to all nine committee charters and drafted materials for a new scholarship that we hope to roll out at Symposium. Overall, the mid-year meeting was very productive, and we want to extend another special thanks to our host, Dave Pitalo.
We are only a handful of months away from our in-person Symposium, Training Day, and Networking Event. The Symposium Committee and Professional Development Committee have been busy securing spaces and pulling together logistics. This year the event will be held at SeaWorld Orlando. If you are planning to attend, please consider giving a presentation on some of the amazing work you do! Requests for speaker information have already been sent out to the membership. As a friendly reminder to our new members and those who would be first-time symposium attendees, don’t forget to check out the Brett Dodson ADPA DSO Scholarship, which provides financial assistance for symposium-related travel. There are two scholarships available this year, and applications must be submitted in full no later than August 1st.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that this is an election year, and a new Board of Directors will be seated starting in 2026. I am planting the seed early for those who may be interested in Board service. More details will be provided near the end of the year, but if you are personally interested in running for a position, or if you want to learn more about the experience and associated responsibilities, please contact me or any other Board member. The duties of each position can also be found in the ADPA bylaws. I hope to see many of you in Orlando. Until then, dive safe my friends!
#WTTADPAMF
