The 91st annual Water Environment Federation‘s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) will be held Sept. 29–Oct. 3 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
WEFTEC is aimed at bringing together water quality professionals from around the world with the best water quality education and training possible. The expansive show floor provides access to the most cutting-edge technologies in the field, serves as a forum for domestic and international business opportunities and promotes peer-to-peer networking.
The exhibition and technical program continue to grow. Last year’s event in Chicago drew more than 32,000 attendees and more than 1,640 exhibitors from at least 128 countries, setting a new record for the show.
Educational, community-focused programming
Featured events and programming for 2018 will begin on Sat., Sept. 29 with Jammin’4Water at the historic Carver Theater. Organized and hosted by Water Charities Fundraising, water quality professionals attending WEFTEC will perform an eclectic mix of musical entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the WEF Community Service Project.
The Students and Young Professionals Committee will host the 11th Annual WEF Community Service Project to offer attendees the opportunity to give back to the conference host city. Volunteers will spend the day at the Treme Recreation Community Center, where they will construct a bioswale and an educational green infrastructure graphic.
Another give-back event is the 11th Annual "Pedal with a Purpose" that involves a casual 25-mile bicycle ride through the historical neighborhoods of New Orleans. Proceeds support Water For People.
Other events and sessions include:
Opening General Session: Be a Hero. Water’s Worth It — The opening general session will be anchored by a keynote from Kevin Brown, a motivational speaker and author of The Hero Effect. His message will follow remarks from 2017-2018 WEF President Jenny Hartfelder and WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. The keynote will also tie into the relaunch of WEF’s popular Water’s Worth It grassroots public awareness campaign.
Scientists’ Luncheon — Produced by WEF in collaboration with the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists and the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, this event will celebrate leading academics and researchers, and the important role they play in advancing the science and technology of environmental protection.
Women in Water: Inspiring, Informing, Connecting — This event will involve a peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and advice in support of women in the water industry. Female water sector leaders will represent a variety of disciplines, including engineering, operations, research, management and communications.
Water For People Bash — This kickoff event will include music, food and drinks. Proceeds will support Water For People’s mission to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all and sustained by strong communities, businesses and governments.
Students & Young Professionals Networking and Career Fair — This is an opportunity for young attendees to expand their knowledge of the water quality industry and acquire better interviewing skills. Top environmental firms from the U.S. and Canada will be present to meet informally with attendees.
Operations Challenge — Wastewater collection and treatment operator teams will compete in a series of tests to demonstrate the best combination of precision, speed and safety.
