Dear Editor: I read with interest your editorial in the November/December 2004 issue of Industrial WaterWorld ("A Merging of Interests,"). My business is a long-standing member of the Association of Water Technologies which is comprised of regional water treatment companies that range in size from one-man operations to substantial organizations. Prior to joining AWT, employees of my company attended the International Water Conference on a regular basis because it was the only venue available to us to further our technical knowledge in water treatment. Although quite interesting, the bulk of the technical sessions were geared toward treatment in heavy industrial applications which we do not pursue.
Unlike IWC and the Water Quality Association, attendance at AWT conferences has continued to grow steadily since its inception. In my opinion, the sustained growth is a result of well rounded programs that address business issues in addition to technical ones. This is important since virtually all AWT members are independent business people.
I agree with James Datesh that the water treatment industry is fractured and merging conferences would be difficult at best. Of all the players, the best fit would probably be a joint AWT/WQA conference. It appears, at least on the surface, there are a number of similarities in the membership of each association.
Jay Mullis,
Vice President
Guardian IPCO Inc.
Birmingham, AL
