Kate Cline: Why should water professionals attend the event?
Larry Deutsch: There are many reasons why water professionals should plan to attend WQA Aquatech USA, but the top four are to learn practical solutions and cost-effective strategies from industry experts; to discover new technologies, products and distributors; to network with colleagues and experts; and to take home innovative ideas to make them more effective at their jobs.
Cline: What are some new features of this year’s convention?
Deutsch: There will be lots of new things to look forward to at this year’s event. Regardless of whether someone attends every year or has not attended in several years, we think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with these improvements, which are designed to deliver even more value to participating companies and attendees. This year’s show will have a focus on education and networking, most noticeably with our new “Ask the Expert” Q&A sessions. We will be setting up several lounge areas around the trade show hall where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about select products and services directly from the experts in a relaxed, informal format.
Cline: What are some can’t-miss events?
Deutsch: The Welcome & Networking Reception is one event that should not be missed. We are holding it at the XS Nightclub at the Encore at Wynn Hotel, which was named hottest nightclub in the world by Condè Nast Traveler.
Cline: What kind of education sessions will be offered at this year’s show?
Deutsch: Attendees can expect a diverse
mix of education sessions this year. In fact, we have designed five different learning tracks to accommodate the needs of all types of water treatment professionals: Water Treatment Basics, Residential Applications & Regulatory Matters, Commercial Applications, Process Water Applications, and Business Operations & Management.
Cline: Describe the new mobile app. What features does it offer?
Deutsch: The WQA Aquatech
USA mobile app is a new tool we are offering this year, designed to give attendees a more interactive experience. Some of the key features include:
- The ability to download presentation slides and handouts from educational sessions;
- The ability to take notes or draw on those presentation slides;
- Digital access to the event schedule with the ability to select specific events as favorites;
- Digital access to the list of exhibitors and the ability to keep a log of the exhibitors you have visited;
- A QR code scanner for accessing more digital content;
- A direct link to the educational session and convention evaluation site; and
- The ability to share information with peers.
Cline: How can water professionals become more involved with the show?
Deutsch: There are plenty of opportunities to become involved with WQA Aquatech USA. As of the date of this interview, we are still accepting exhibit space reservations, recruiting speakers for select education sessions and seeking experts for the Ask the Expert Q&A sessions. Our New Product Showcase is a great way for companies to show off the products and services they have unveiled in the past year. Furthermore, several sponsorship opportunities remain.
Cline: How can Aquatech attendees participate in the Car Wash Show and OneShow?
Deutsch: To give business owners and operators the chance to take in as much as possible, the International Carwash Assn., National Automatic Merchandising Assn. (NAMA) and WQA will offer a discounted one-day trade show-only pass to one another’s shows. WQA attendees will be able to attend NAMA OneShow and the Car Wash Show on Thursday, April 23. Tickets can be purchased for $25 each at the registration desks of the respective shows. The passes are good for the trade shows only and do not include
educational sessions or social events.
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