The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA’s) Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) is headed to Toronto, Canada, this summer.
From June 11 to 14, professionals in the water industry — plant managers and owners, operators, consultants, engineers and technical professionals — will attend educational sessions to better their professional careers, network with their peers, and learn about the latest products and industry innovations.
AWWA is expecting a well-attended event with around 10,000 attendees from 80 countries, including 1,000 utilities in attendance. Those attendees will visit with 450 exhibitors on the show floor to see the latest and greatest products, and will attend 440 premier presentations over four days on the latest research, applications and projects.
Water 2050
Last year, AWWA unveiled Water 2050, a strategic initiative and mission to think about the future of water through a long-term lens and with a focus on solving the impossible. 50 years ago, water professionals could not imagine some of the technologies and advancements that we consider commonplace today, and Water 2050 dares the industry to think big and envision what technologies can solve the problems of the future.
AWWA also notes that Water 2050 requires breaking outside the water industry bubble and sharing water’s story with partnerships and cross-sector collaborations that address water challenges from beyond the jurisdiction of water utilities.
To achieve these goals, AWWA identified five pillars of focus: sustainability, technology, economics, governance, and social and demographics.
Sustainability refers to establishing a new utility paradigm for a climate resilient water future that focuses on the value of water in a circular economy. Technology focuses on the acceleration of innovation that will transform the water industry to achieve a secure future that applies those technologies as “The Great Water Equalizer.” Economics dares professionals to reimagine the water economy, embrace new and innovative models, and mobilize the water community for a resilient and sustainable economic future.
Governance takes a look at a one water approach to governance by optimizing business models and utility missions that also promote innovation and sustainability through collaborative work environments. The social and demographic pillar sets its sights on public interest and public trust while also addressing the shifts in population in urban and rural areas to create community-driven water solutions to manage limited water supply while maintaining equity for all.
Think tanks have been hosted for each of these pillars over the past year since the announcement, and the reports and findings will be shared during ACE this June. WW
Important Times & Dates
Registration
- 7:30 to 5 p.m. June 11 through June 13
- 7:30 to 3 p.m. June 14
Opening General Session
- 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 12
Exhibit Hall Hours
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12
- 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm. June 13
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14
Sessions Hours
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 12
- 8:30 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. June 13
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14