AAKS 2026 Educational Program
Conquering The Northface – Rethink how Craftmanship and culture can scale globally.
KENT WALLACE
Bottom Drain Dynamics – Master one of the most important and misunderstood parts of modern pond construction.
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ANA ARNTSON
Better Together – Discover how the strongest contractors are growing together, and why it matters now.
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DAVID TYREMAN
How to Grow While Other Panics – This keynote challenges the instinct to sell harder and reveals more powerful advantage: RELEVANCE.
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DR. JENA QUESTEN
What Every Fish Vet Wishes You Knew – Learn the key tips and insights every fish vet wishes you knew to keep your koi healthy and thriving.
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The Deep End – A Live Professional Pond Build
An All-American Koi Show Experience in Partnership with the Pond Professionals Alliance and The Deep End Podcast!
This dedicated koi pond build is a live, hands-on pond build created to bring top pond professionals together for an unforgettable build experience…while delivering a meaningful benefit to Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary.
This immersive three-day workshop places participants directly on an active jobsite, working side-by-side with industry leaders to build a pond from the ground up. From layout and planning to construction, troubleshooting, and professional best practices, this is real-world experience…not theory or just classroom talk.
Led by Eric Triplett (The Pond Digger/The Deep End ‘Podcast’) and Hector Mardueño (W. Lim Corporation/All-American Koi Show) and supported by the Pond Professionals Alliance, The Deep End gives builders, serious hobbyists, and industry professionals direct access to proven techniques used in high-level, professional pond installations.
Workshop Details
• Dates: March 24–26
• Ideal Arrival: March 23
• Format: 3-day, hands-on pond build w/classroom talk on Friday
• Registration Fee: $175 (NOTE: This is an add on to the Educational Classes Friday/Saturday)
This special add-on pond build experience supports the greater mission of the event, with Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary receiving a gorgeous properly built koi pond and proceeds from The Deep End “add on” going directly to the Pond Professionals Alliance!
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, connect with other professionals, or be part of a build that gives back, The Deep End is where learning, collaboration, and purpose come together!
Spots are limited. Come ready to work, learn, and jump in to The Deep End!
