WEF Shares Program Details for WEFTEC 2016

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) shared program details for its 89th annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, WEFTEC. More than 20,000 water professionals and 1,000 water companies will attend the event at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

As the world’s largest annual water quality conference, WEFTEC provides value for every member of the water profession. The programming gives water professionals the tools and connections they need to leave a strong water legacy for future generations through best practices, technology and transformative innovation. Attendees can choose from traditional presentations, panel sessions, knowledge development forums, mobile sessions, hands-on workshops, Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) sessions and numerous events.

Featuring presentations from more than 1,000 water sector experts, the programming features water issues in the following focus areas: collection and distribution systems; energy production, conservation and management; facility operations and maintenance; wastewater treatment; industrial issues, including mining and petro-chemical industries; oil and gas; innovation; laboratory practices; leading edge research; nutrient management; public officials; residuals and biosolids; stormwater, green infrastructure and wet weather; utility management; water reclamation and reuse; water resource recovery facility design; and water supply and management.

The exhibition will be open Monday to Wednesday, Sept. 26 to 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitor hospitality events and private demonstrations will be held Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 and 27, 5 to 6 p.m.

Co-sponsored by BlueTech Research and ImagineH20, the Innovation Showcase and Innovation Pavilion will feature products and programming to encourage ideas and creativity in the water sector. The showcase embraces learning through exhibits, educational sessions, and networking events covering innovation trends in the industrial and municipal markets; financial innovation and investment opportunities; piloting and partnering with new technology companies; and innovation in regulations. Located within the Showcase, the Innovation Pavilion will feature exhibits from entrepreneurs, thought leaders and those who challenge the status quo with new technologies, approaches and business opportunities. Also featured in the Pavilion will be the winners and finalists of several awards: The Imagine H20 Innovation Prize, BlueTech Forum and WEF Innovative Technology Awards. Located next to the pavilion will be the Innovation Row, which will feature the Wisconsin Water Innovation Pavilion/The Water Council/The BREW, the Water Environment Research Foundation and others.

The third annual Stormwater Congress is a conference-within-a-conference that is co-located with WEFTEC 2016. Featuring 15 specifically-tailored technical sessions and workshops and more than 70 speakers, the program spotlights all pressing aspects of storm water management, including regulations and policies; flood impacts and mitigation; stormwater and transportation systems; green infrastructure benefits; financing challenges and more. Other features include an expanded Stormwater Pavilion; networking reception; and a special luncheon with keynote from Palencia Mobley, deputy director and chief engineer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s green infrastructure and MS4 program, who will discuss the city’s new benchmark for storm water, CSOs and climate resilience.

The WEF Learning Lounge offers a variety of presentations, 17 mobile sessions, a trivia contest and networking opportunities. The popular mobile sessions provide an alternative learning experience by allowing attendees to walk the exhibit floor and interact directly with presenters. Guided tours will connect attendees with multiple experts who will discuss key topics in the industry, including aeration, chemical disinfection, water & wastewater, advanced oxidation, UV disinfection, sewer operations, energy management and more. Learning Lounge session topics include a first-time WEFTEC orientation; Water Environment Research; effective tools for rising water professionals; and conference-designed fitness breaks.

In addition to services for international attendees, the Global Center will feature more than a dozen special sessions and events highlighting important global topics and business opportunities. WEFTEC is the only water show selected to be a part of the U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program sponsored by the U.S. Deptartment of Commerce and the Intl. Trade Administration. Speakers include: Michael H. Shapiro, deputy assistant administrator, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Landon Van Dyke, senior advisor, energy & sustainability, U.S. Department of State.

Register today for WEFTEC 2016. Complimentary registration for WEFTEC 2016 is available for credentialed media representatives.