International Desalination Association Adds A Fourth Track To Technical Program For 2011 World Congress

Third Pavilion Added to Exhibition; IDA Announces Other Highlights

The International Desalination Association (IDA) announces that both the Technical Program and the Exhibition at the 2011 IDA World Congress will be the most extensive in the 26-year history of the event. A fourth track has been added to the Technical Program, and the Exhibition, initially scheduled to encompass two pavilions, now spans three pavilions of prime exhibit space.

Themed Desalination: Sustainable Solutions for a Thirsty Planet, the 2011 IDA World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse takes place September 4-9, 2011 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Western Australia.

The Technical Program will include an estimated 300 presentations, made orally or in poster format, offering approximately 30 sessions in four tracks. The poster presentations will be available on digital screens, courtesy of sponsor Future Pipe Industries. The Call for Papers produced nearly 400 extended abstracts, the greatest number ever received for review.

With more than 4,900 square meters of prime exhibition space, the World Congress Exhibition has surpassed previous events. To date, 123 exhibition spaces have been sold to 90 companies. The 2011 World Congress Exhibition offers a third more space than the 2009 World Congress in Dubai, which set the previous record.

Other World Congress highlights include:

• Keynote remarks by Sir Richard Branson delivered via satellite during the Opening Ceremony. Famous for his achievements as an entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group and for his world record-breaking attempts, Branson has built the Virgin Group into a business empire, and is also deeply committed to using business as a force for good. A Question and Answer session will follow his remarks.

  A rousing and inspirational official start to the World Congress, the Opening Ceremony also includes a stirring welcome-to-country as well as addresses by key government officials and industry executives. It is sponsored by Osmoflo.

• Welcome Reception, sponsored by Degrémont and Suez Environnement, offering delegates a time to mingle and experience Australia's world-renowned hospitality.
• NCED Australian Cultural Night at the world famous Perth Zoo. A ferry ride across the Swan River at dusk – followed by a short walk to the Zoo – heralds an evening of closeup viewing of Australian animals, a sampling of sumptuous Australian cuisine and West Australian wines, and entertainment by Australia's first citizens and world class Australian artists, sponsored by the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination.
• Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation. Held at the conclusion of World Congress week, this festive event celebrates the accomplishments of the most distinguished paper authors and presenters as well as other industry luminaries.
• Plant Tours and Educational Workshops. Complimenting the Technical Program and Exhibition are exclusive, behind-the-scenes plant tours to two of Australia's most sophisticated desalination facilities. Three workshops will be held on the last day of the World Congress Week.

The IDA World Congress is widely recognized as the premier event for the global desalination community. Held every two years, it is attended by top decision makers in all aspects of desalination and water reuse from around the world. This year marks the first time the World Congress will have been held in Australia, home to some of the most advanced desalination plants in the world.

The Australian Water Association is the Strategic Partner and Water Corporation, Principal Sponsor, for the 2011 World Congress.

Registration is now open. For the latest information about the World Congress, please visit www.idadesal.org.

About IDA
The International Desalination Association is a non-profit association that serves more than 2,400 core members in 60 countries and reaches an additional 4,000 affiliate members. Its membership comprises scientists, end-users, engineers, consultants and researchers from governments, corporations and academia. IDA is associated with the United Nations as part of a growing international network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For more information, visit www.idadesal.org.

SOURCE: International Desalination Association