Your One-Stop Guide to All Things WEFTEC 2017

WEFTEC 2016 attendees explore the exhibition. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

WEFTEC 2016 attendees explore the exhibition. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

Even in its 90th year, the annual Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC®) continues to grow while maintaining top-notch content.

Something for everyone

Water quality professionals from around the world will congregate Sept. 30–Oct. 4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place for the largest water quality conference and exhibition in North America. The conference features more than 1000 companies using 28,242 m2 (304,000 ft2) of exhibition space and more than 200 events. WEFTEC registrants can take advantage of this opportunity to attend expert-led lectures and seminars, to network with peers, and to see groundbreaking technology.

PrintThe conference program covers a diverse array of topics for all water sector professionals. WEFTEC 2017 offers

  • 138 technical sessions;
  • 14 mobile sessions;
  • 24 Innovation Pavilion sessions;
  • 10 Stormwater Pavilion sessions; and
  • 27 workshops.

When you arrive

WEFTEC 2016 attendees line up to register. WEFTEC 2016 attendees explore the exhibition. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

WEFTEC 2016 attendees line up to register. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

Visit the WEFTEC 2017 registration booth, located in hall B, level 3 of the convention center’s north building. Pre-registered attendees will check in to receive a name badge. Others will be able to register on-site.

Download the WEFTEC 2017 mobile app to access up-to-the-minute conference information and build a personal schedule. The WEFTEC 2017 Conference Program and Exhibitor Guide also can help you find specific events by time or topic area.

Participating in WEFTEC events may help attendees earn continuing education units, professional development hours, or contact hours. Learn more about earning educational credits online.

Follow @WEFTEC on social media and join in the conversation using #WEFTEC17.

Featured events

WEFTEC also represents an opportunity to engage with new perspectives, leave a lasting mark on the local water environment, and watch sector leaders in action. Learn more about some of these events below.

Opening General Session and WEFTalks Series

Oct. 2, 8:30–10:15 a.m., room S100

Fredi Lajvardi will give a keynote speech during the WEFTEC 2017 Opening General Session that focuses on mentoring a new generation. Photo courtesy of Keppler Speakers Bureau (Washington, D.C.).

Fredi Lajvardi will give a keynote speech during the WEFTEC 2017 Opening General Session that focuses on mentoring a new generation. Photo courtesy of Keppler Speakers Bureau (Washington, D.C.).

In 2004, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics educator Fredi Lajvardi led a team of disadvantaged high-school students to victory over engineering universities in an underwater robotics competition. Lajvardi will bring his message of promoting mentorship during his keynote speech.

In a new format for WEFTEC 2017, Lajvardi’s address will be immediately followed by a collection of short, insightful speeches by water leaders. This WEFTalks series will offer perspectives from all sides of the sector. The first WEFTalks session will feature

  • Tom Ferguson, vice president of programming, Imagine H2O (San Francisco);
  • Joan Rose, co-director of the Center for Water Sciences, Michigan State University (East Lansing);
  • Carla Reid, general manager, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Laurel, Md.); and
  • Ifetayo Venner, global leader of water supply and treatment, Arcadis (Amsterdam).

30th Operations Challenge 

Oct. 2, 11 a.m.–4:15 p.m. and Oct. 3, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., booth 7007, hall B

Operations Challenge 2017 LogoDuring this competition, talented water and wastewater professionals will showcase their skills at various duties of water resource recovery facility operators. To bring glory back to their utilities and sponsoring organizations, competitors must work in teams to excel in the Process Control, Laboratory, Safety, Collection Systems, and Godwin Maintenance events.

10th WEFTEC Community Service Project

Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Volunteers install plants at New Orleans City Hall during WEFTEC 2016 Community Service Project. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

Volunteers install plants at New Orleans City Hall during WEFTEC 2016 Community Service Project. Photos courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

At WEFTEC, innovation and community service aren’t just idle buzzwords. Since 2008, volunteers have helped improve the water environment of WEFTEC host cities by completing green infrastructure projects in public areas.

During WEFTEC 2017, volunteers will construct bioswales and an outdoor classroom at Manierre Elementary School (Chicago). Registration for the project is free and open to all WEFTEC registrants and their guests. Participants receive transportation between the project site and Hilton Chicago, as well as a t-shirt, lunch, and an exclusive ribbon for WEFTEC badges.

Stormwater Congress

Stormwater Congress 2016 attendees network during a reception event. Photo courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

Stormwater Congress 2016 attendees network during a reception event. Photo courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

Learn from stormwater thought-leaders during 15 specially tailored technical sessions and workshops. These events educate about all aspects of stormwater management. The Stormwater Pavilion, located in the 100/200 and 300/400 aisles of hall A, will be the hub for stormwater exhibitors.

WEF Plaza offers resources for members from around the world

Stop by the WEF Plaza to find new books and other publications, membership information, members-only areas, resources and events for international members, the Mix with Members reception, and huddle rooms for on-site meetings. This area includes the WEF

  • bookstore,
  • membership booth and member lounge,
  • Global Center, and
  • awards display.
A Spot the Croc winner poses with Niles the Crocodile at WEFTEC 2016. Photo courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

A Spot the Croc winner poses with Niles the Crocodile at WEFTEC 2016. Photo courtesy of Oscar & Associates.

The bookstore will host its Spot the Croc competition. Participants who can locate Niles the Crocodile, the WEFCOM mascot, among the bookstore shelves will be entered into a drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader loaded with a WEF e-book. Drawings will be held daily, Oct. 2–4. Also, purchase many of WEF’s latest publications in the bookstore.

WEFTEC 2017 articles in WEF Highlights

WEFTEC 2017 articles in Stormwater Report

August WEFTEC 2017 Preview in WE&T

  • “The best keeps getting better: Come celebrate nearly a century of excellence at WEFTEC® 2017”
  • “I’d like to speak to your supervisor: How to get approval to attend WEFTEC® 2017”
  • “Innovative and interactive learning: WEFTEC® 2017 will feature several workshops that give hands-on opportunities and enhanced interaction”

September WEFTEC 2017 Preview in WE&T

  • “WEFTEC® 2017 marks many milestones”
  • “Taking a chance on the next generation: Opening General Session speaker discusses how to motivate and inspire youth”
  • “Expand your network at WEFTEC 2017: Know all of the many places and spaces to gather”
  • “Operations Challenge XXX: Honing operator skills for 30 years and counting”
  • “New and notable at WEFTEC® 2017”
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