WEFTEC® 2015 Opens On September 26

Thousands of water professionals, companies expected in Chicago, Sept. 26-30

WEFTEC is the best place for water professionals to learn, connect, and explore new, transformative ways to manage water. More than 20,000 water professionals and over 1,000 water companies will attend the Water Environment Federation (WEF)’s 88th annual technical exhibition and conference at McCormick Place, Sept. 26-30.

The world’s largest annual water quality event provides the latest developments, technologies, and services for water preservation, restoration, and sustainability. Representing all water, all the time, the 2015 technical program and award-winning exhibition is a toolbox for attendees to build a personalized learning experience by choosing from 135 technical sessions, 29 workshops, seven local facility tours, 17 mobile sessions, and numerous high-profile events.

The high quality technical programming will delve into the most timely water issues within the following focus areas: collection & distribution systems; energy production, conservation & management; facility operations & maintenance & wastewater treatment; industrial issues, including mining & petro-chemical industries; oil & gas; innovation; laboratory practices; leading edge research; nutrient management; public officials; residuals & biosolids; stormwater, green infrastructure & wet weather; utility management; water reclamation & reuse; water resource recovery facility design; and water supply & management.

As the world’s largest assembly of water and wastewater product and services, as well as the launch point for many new products, WEFTEC’s award-winning exhibition will provide access to more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, equipment demonstrations, and leading technical experts. The exhibition will be open Mon-Wed., Sept. 28-30 from 8:30 am-5:00 pm; exhibitor hospitality events and private demonstrations will be Mon-Tues, Sept. 28-29, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

The Innovation Showcase, Hall A, Booth 358
Co-sponsored by BlueTech Research and ImagineH20, the Innovation Showcase and Innovation Pavilion will feature products and programming to encourage ideas and creativity in the water sector. The showcase includes nearly 20 educational sessions categorized under three focus areas: Water Sector Entrepreneur Forums, WEFTEC Exhibitors’ Innovative Solutions, and Operations Ingenuity Contest Winners as well as two high profile networking receptions.

The popular Innovation Pavilion, located within the Showcase, will feature exhibits from entrepreneurs, thought leaders and those who challenge the status quo with new technologies, groundbreaking approaches and business opportunities. Also featured in the Pavilion will be the winners and finalists of several notable awards: the Imagine H20 Innovation Prize, BlueTech Forum, and WEF Innovative Technology Awards. Located next to the pavilion will be the Innovation Row, which will feature the Wisconsin Water Innovation Pavilion/The Water Council/The BREW, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and others.

Stormwater Congress & Pavilion, Hall A, Booth 213
The second annual Stormwater Congress is a conference-within-a-conference that is co-located with WEFTEC 2015. Featuring 17 sessions and more than 70 world-class speakers, the program spotlights all pressing aspects of stormwater management including regulations and policies; flood impacts and mitigation; stormwater and transportation systems; green infrastructure benefits; financing challenges, and more. Other features include an expanded Stormwater Pavilion; networking reception; and a special luncheon with keynote from Antonio Riley, regional administrator, HUD Midwest, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, who will discuss the agency’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Learning Lounge, WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby
Stop by the WEF Learning Lounge to listen to a variety of presentations, start one of 17 mobile sessions, join a trivia contest, and network. The popular mobile sessions provide an alternative learning experience by allowing attendees to walk the exhibit floor and interact directly with presenters. Guided tours will connect attendees with multiple experts who will discuss key topics in the industry, including aeration, chemical disinfection, water & wastewater 101, advanced oxidation, UV disinfection, sewer operations, energy management, and more. Learning Lounge session topics include a first-time WEFTEC orientation; Water Environment Research; effective tools for rising water professionals; and conference-designed fitness breaks.

Global Center, WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby
The WEFTEC Global Center is where the world of water meets. In addition to services for international attendees, the Global Center will feature more than a dozen special sessions and events highlighting important global topics and business opportunities. WEFTEC is the only water show selected to be a part of the U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and the International Trade Administration. High profile speakers include: Marcus Jadotte, Asst. Secretary for Industry and Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce and Michael H. Shapiro, Dep. Asst. Administrator, Office of Water, U.S. EPA.

No matter where you live or what part of the water sector you represent, water unites us all. Register today and be a part of One World. One Water. One Event.

Complimentary registration for WEFTEC 2015 is available for credentialed media representatives. Click here (http://www.weftec.org/press_room/page.aspx?id=63) for complete details.

About WEF
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. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. For more information, visit www.wef.org.