News | June 8, 2012

Futurist, Trends, And Innovation Expert To Deliver Keynote Address At The Opening General Session Of WEFTEC 2012

Source: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC

Jim Carroll will talk about innovation and transformation strategy

Jim Carroll, a respected author, columnist, media commentator and consultant who links future trends to innovation and creativity, will deliver the keynote address during the Opening General Session of WEFTEC 2012 this fall in New Orleans, LA. The opening session will kick off the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) 85th annual technical exhibition and conference, a five-day event that is expected to draw thousands of water quality professionals and exhibitors to the New Orleans Convention Center from September 29 to October 3, 2012.

As one of the world’s leading international futurists, trends and innovation experts, Carroll has provided strategic guidance and insight to some of the most prestigious organizations in the world. He is recognized worldwide as a thought leader and authority on global trends, rapid business model change, business transformation in a period of economic uncertainty, and the necessity for fast paced innovation.

“We live and work in a period of unprecedented change”, said Carroll. “Intelligent infrastructure concepts continue to emerge from the hypothetical to the real while new design methodologies and concepts challenge water professionals to keep ahead of these fast paced developments. I'll cover the key trends that will provide challenge in the future and outline how to turn them into opportunity."

The theme of this year’s Opening General Session will focus on “A New Direction for WEF” and tie into the organization’s new Strategic Direction that was announced earlier this year. Carroll’s presentation on innovation and transformation strategy is expected to frame the larger program theme and provide some tools and tips for how to achieve a higher level of success through significant, transformative change.

“This is a very exciting time for the water profession and specifically for the Water Environment Federation as we continue on this new path to drive innovation in water, enrich the expertise of the water sector, and increase awareness of the value of water,” said WEF Executive Director Jeff Eger. “We believe that Mr. Carroll’s insights and experiences will help reframe the important work of the water sector in the twenty-first century and reveal the incredible opportunities that come from a relentless focus on innovation and creativity.”

Scheduled for Monday, October 1 in the Conference Auditorium of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, the opening session will also feature remarks from Eger and 2011-2012 WEF President Matt Bond as well as recognition of the 2012 Stockholm Junior Water Prize winners.

Recognized as the largest annual water quality conference and exhibition in the world, WEFTEC 2012 offers access to 142 technical sessions, 24 workshops, more than 1,000 expert speakers, six facility tours, and nearly 900 exhibitors (to date). In addition, this year’s event will include a new Innovation Pavilion, Stormwater Pavilion, expanded exhibition hours, new mobile sessions, and more!

Don’t miss out — register by July 13 to receive the Super Saver Discount. Visit www.weftec.org for registration information and for the latest conference details.

About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.

SOURCE: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC