Attendance up over 10%, record exhibitors at International Water Conference

• Industrial water treatment showcase issues call-for-papers for 69th annual event in San Antonio, Oct. 26-28, 2008.

The organizers of the International Water Conference -- the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania -- have announced a call for papers for the 69th annual event, which will take place for the first time in San Antonio, TX, on Oct. 26-28, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the famed San Antonio Riverwalk. The event, founded in Pittsburgh, PA, was held for the first time outside of that city in 2005, when it was hosted by Orlando, FL.

"As one of the most noteworthy international technical forums for industrial water treatment, we have a proud history of showcasing challenges and solutions of this dynamic industry, celebrating the remarkable achievements and advances in industrial water treatment over nearly 70 years," ESWP executive director Dave Teorsky said. "The IWC brings together end users, researchers, practicing engineers, managers, educators, suppliers and contractors. If you have information well-suited to a large and knowledgeable audience, the IWC is the place for your presentation."

Orlando also hosted this year's event, held Oct. 21-25 at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. It drew a total attendance of 561 people, representing a more than 10% increase from the previous visit to Orlando and nearly 25% from the 2006 event in Pittsburgh, noted Teorsky. They came from over 22 different countries and 37 states. There also were a record high 50 exhibitor spots. The conference included more than 70 different technical papers and reports, with over 50 prepared discussions following presentations. There also were more than 110 people registered for Continuing Education Workshops that followed the conference dates.

"This year's conference addressed resurgence of nuclear power as a promising energy source for the future," said Bechtel's Kumar Sinha, general chairperson of the event. "Keeping up with future trends, the 2008 IWC will expand its resources to address refinery wastewater treatment issue, encouraging refinery personnel in the San Antonia area and nationally to find a niche at this conference for future participation."

Teorsky added that San Antonio was chosen for the 2008 IWC "to break into the West Coast," and that he hopes the Houston-area industrial base of Texas also will provide support for the move.

For guidelines on submitting an abstract for papers to be presented in San Antonio, click here.

Some suggested topics include:
-- Process Water Preparation
-- Cooling and Process Water
-- Steam Generation
-- Wastewater & Recycle
-- Desalination Principles & Approaches
-- Resurgence of nuclear power
-- Refinery Water and Wastewater Treatment
-- Treatment of FGD Purge Streams

The International Water Conference is dedicated to advancing new developments in the treatment, use, and reuse of water for industrial purposes and the training of new engineering and operating personnel to the best practiced principles and techniques in the industry. The heart of the IWC is the technical presentation. Abstracts for these presentations are welcome from all segments of water treatment. For more information, contact 412-261-0710 or eswp@eswp.com or visit www.eswp.com/water/.

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