Aging infrastructure, resource protection and funding challenges are some of the most important topics in the water and wastewater industry today. All of these are affected by policy, which seems to be in a state of flux lately. Therefore, it seems fitting, if not predestined, that Washington, D.C., will be the site of this year’s 130th American Water Works Assn. (AWWA) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) event.
Last year, more than 11,600 professionals gathered at ACE10 in Chicago. ACE11 promises to bring 13,000 professionals together with a technical program that offers more than 100 in-depth sessions on topics ranging from finance to sustainability to communications and more. More than 500 exhibitors will be available to share knowledge about their technologies on the floor of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
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Attendees not only will get to learn and connect against the inspiring backdrop of the nation’s capital; they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with key House decision-makers affecting change. They are invited to take critical water issues directly to the U.S. Congress through in-person meetings.
Another show highlight is the free seminar on Monday, June 13, at 2 p.m. titled “U.S. Government Export Programs: Helping Your Company Join the Global Marketplace.”
The ACE11 technical program follows the tracks: Distribution & Plant Operations, Engineering & Construction, Executive, International, Legislative & Regulatory, Management, Manufacturers & Associates, Public Affairs, Research, Residuals, Reuse, Small Systems, Special Topics, Universities Forum, Water Conservation, Water Quality, Water Resources and Poster Sessions.
ACE11 workshops are designed to provide the latest information water professionals need to do their jobs more effectively. They will be led by recognized industry leaders and held on Sunday, June 12. A few noteworthy topics include:
• “Bulletproofing Your Instrumentation, Automation and SCADA Systems From Security Breaches.” 9 am. to noon. Learn all about SCADA security. $190 members/$290 non-members/$30 students.
• “Risk Analysis and Management for Critical Asset Protection Methodology Training.” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (includes lunch). Learn about a seven-step methodology that enables asset owners to perform analyses of their risks and risk-reduction options relative to specific malevolent attacks. $235 members/$335 non-members/$60 students.
• “Implementation of the AWWA G-300 Source Water Protection Standard.” 1 to 4 p.m. This workshop will teach professionals how to use the association’s guidebook to develop source water protection programs to meet the various requirements under the G-300 standard. $270 members/$370 non-members/$30 students.
Continue learning throughout the week at the exhibition hall education sessions:
• Instruments & Analysis. T12, Tuesday, June 14, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Presentations include “The Next Generation – TOC Analyzers for the Water Community” by Robert Clifford, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments; “Disinfection By-Products and Solutions” by Leo Zappa, Calgon Carbon Corp.; and “Maximized Field Productivity With Rugged Slate Tablet PCs” by Dan Monahan, Motion Computing.
• Distribution System Assessment & Protection. T13, Wednesday, June 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Presentations include “Hydrant & Valve Assessment and Maintenance” by Michael Simpson and Jeff Morris, M.E. Simpson Co. Inc.; “Polyethylene Encasements – Proven Effective Corrosion Protection” by Brandon Jones, AA Thread Seal Tape Inc.; and “AWWA C303 Bar-Wrapped Pipe” by Timothy B. Kennedy, P.E., Hanson Pressure Pipe.
Professionals also should be sure to carve out enough time to attend special events, including:
•Opening General Session. Monday, June 13, 9 a.m. The official kickoff to ACE11 will include the return of AWWA’s volunteer “On Tap” Band, presentations from the organization’s leadership and a keynote presentation. Notable professionals will be recognized.
• Women’s Networking Event. Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m. Linda Wilson, vice president of diversity and inclusion at Malcolm Pirnie, will lead a discussion on women’s growing prominence in government and address the question, “Could water utilities be doing more?”
• Young Professional Events. Young water industry professionals can enjoy a slew of valuable events aimed at charging up an exciting career. Attend the Young Professionals Water Operations & Advances presentations on Monday, June 13, from 1 to 5 p.m., and do not miss the Career Fair, on Tuesday, June 14, from 1 to 4 p.m.
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