WEFTEC 2020 Show Preview-print

The world's largest annual water quality event is going to look a little different this year. The Water Environment Federation's Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) is going virtual with an online platform and lineup that is designed to offer interactive education, an exhibitor showcase, and networking experiences.

Conference & Exhibition Hours
October 5–9 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT
Dedicated Exhibitor Hours: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm EDT

Dubbed WEFTEC Connect, the virtual experience expects to provide more than 400 on-demand technical sessions, networking, live product demos, solution sessions, exhibitor showcase, and more. “While we will miss seeing water professionals in person in New Orleans this October, WEF is extremely excited to create a digital place for us to gather and to continue our tradition of delivering premier water education and exhibitions to the world,” said WEF President Jackie Jarrell in a press release.

Entrepreneur René Rodriguez kicks of WEFTEC Connect with opening keynote.

WEFTEC Connect will kick off — and close — with keynote addresses that promise to "provide inspiration and advice on how you as a water sector professional can adapt and thrive during challenging times." Getting things started on Monday, Oct. 5, in a presentation titled "Clarity Through Crisis," entrepreneur René Rodriguez will share his strategies for reframing adversity and harnessing the power of courage. On Friday, Oct. 9, the closing keynote session will feature three speakers — Zenia Tata of X-PRIZE Foundation, Dalberg Group's Henrik Skovby, and an invited guest from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — who will illustrate through their own stories how the water sector can "lean into the curve" during times of uncertainty, using innovation to shape the future.

Throughout the five days of WEFTEC Connect, attendees will have access to hundreds of on-demand technical sessions across dozens of topic areas, including Industrial Issues and Treatment Technologies, Residuals and Biosolids Management/Energy, Stormwater Management, and Research and Innovation. In addition, select presentations will be live-streamed and allow interactive Q&A with the audience.

While you can't "walk the aisles" this year, there will be no shortage of innovative technologies to explore. WEFTEC Connect will offer a virtual exhibitor showcase featuring a fully searchable lineup of companies offering product overviews, videos, and resources. Attendees will also be able to set up virtual appointments and live chat with exhibitors.

And while WEFTEC Connect offers serious educational opportunities, it doesn't skimp on fun. A virtual rendition of WEFTEC's Operations Challenge will see two-person teams competing remotely in three categories: process control, laboratory, and collections. Judges will score each team in real time and the winners in each category will be announced at the Operations Challenge awards ceremony on Thursday, October 8.

Looking for a physical activity for a good cause? Consider participating in Moving Waters, a virtual bike/run/walk challenge to benefit Water For People. Between Oct. 2 and Oct. 12, participants can move at their own pace and submit their activity logs. You could be one of the top ten contenders recognized at the close of the contest!

If a night at the movies is your thing, WEFTEC Connect has you covered. On Monday, Oct. 5, you'll have an opportunity to screen the highly acclaimed Brave Blue World documentary, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers.

Other opportunities to interact with your WEFTEC friends and colleagues include live networking roundtables, trivia night, and happy hour.

For a complete schedule of WEFTEC Connect events and to register, visit weftec.org. WT