Webinar: Working Abroad...is This Right For Me?

Bryan began his aquatics career in 1994 as a waterpark lifeguard in Ocala, FL, USA. His career spans theme parks, waterparks, and FECs both large and small as well as corporate and privately owned. In 2012 Bryan made the international leap to join the pre-opening team for Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi. In 2018, he joined Dana Bay Tourism Co. to help with the development and launch of Loopagoon Waterpark, the Eastern Province’s first major waterpark. In late 2019 he journeyed farther East to join Hong Kong’s Ocean Park Corporation to launch Water World Ocean Park which opened September 2021. Bryan is a Senior Associate with Ellis & Associates, and has served on various steering and advisory committees. He has also served as a contributing member of the WWA and IAAPA, and a faculty member for the International Aquatic Safety School (USA & East).

Beginning my career in the Waterpark industry in 1999, the journey over the past 21 years has been immensely fulfilling. Having fulfilled roles as a front-line colleague to various Executive Management positions, the love and passion for this industry has taught me valuable lessons from a multitude of teams and individuals. The wealth of knowledge gained as an industry professional allowed me to take on a as a small business owner. Although the scale is vastly different, the accountability is significantly similar.  Having to wear many hats to make the business flourish, there are broad and diverse tasks, and varied responsibilities required, that are essential to make the “dream real”. With Liquid Lines (aquatics facility), The Pound (watersport training facility), and Seal Point Lighthouse (restaurant & accommodation) firmly established and with my skills set constantly evolving I am now in, Jordan Aqaba, as Saraya Aqaba Waterpark General Manager.

Renee Stewart is currently an Operations Manager for the World’s Largest Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm’s Aquaventure Waterpark. As an 8-year veteran of the Waterpark Industry, she has held various titles ranging from Lifeguard, Team Leader, Supervisor, & Aquatics Manager. Renee began her Waterpark career with Raging Waters, (formerly Wet’n’Wild Sydney) in Sydney, Australia, before taking the leap to manage the world’s largest Waterpark operation leading 500+ lifeguards on a daily basis. Renee has dedicated her work life to the elimination of drowning and became an ILTP Lifeguard Instructor in 2018. In addition to leading over 500+ Lifeguards, she is currently responsible for the legal & compliance aspects of Aquaventure operations and the development of her Assistant Managers & Team Leaders that report to her. When Renee is not dealing with all the thrills and excitement of Atlantis’ Aquaventure, she likes to find time travelling the world and enjoying life to the fullest.

After working for several years as an operator at Wild Island Family Adventure Park, Neva moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to work with Wild Wadi Waterpark leading several departments such as Business Excellence & Revenue Operations. She returned to the USA in 2017 to create the Pre-Opening Plan for the New York Wheel and joined Royal Caribbean's Private Destinations Team in 2018. 

As Private Destinations Director, Neva is currently leading Royal Caribbean's Private Destination Islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Her team provides strategic direction to the existing sites and designs and implements the operational aspects of future private islands and beach clubs. 

Neva attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and has two degrees; International Business (Bachelors) and Business Administration (Masters). She is passionate about continuous education and holds an IAAPA Attractions Executive certification. 

Her experience in both the industry's operational and administrative sides has allowed her to maintain excellent guest service, efficient and safe operation, and profitable performance for resorts and attractions domestically and internationally. She offers the insight of a certified hospitality professional who has presented at multiple conferences and events for the waterpark and attractions industries.

Scott Deisley has been the Managing Director of Safety Skills Training and Jeff Ellis International for the past six years, now serving clients in over 40 countries. Prior to that Scott served in senior roles with Atlantis the Palm, Palace Entertainment, Jumeirah International, Schlitterbahn and the Morey Organization dating back to 1987. In these roles he has led teams to open expansions as well as full world class parks, been on teams that have added nine world’s first rides. and led Wild Wadi, Atlantis the Palm and SST/JEI to ISO certifications.

Scott Serves on the IAAPA Waterpark Committee. He has also held roles with Ellis & Associates including Instructor, Instructor Trainer, Auditor, National Faculty, International Aquatic Safety School Director, Program Development Committee Member, and Program Review Committee Member. In 2016 Scott was awarded the WWA Al Turner Commitment to Excellence Award.