The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Assn. (WWEMA) 41st Washington Forum, April 15 to 17, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., will offer attendees an inside track on, “New Opportunities in the Current Regulatory and Legislative Framework.”
Decisionmakers from every area of the industry—regulatory, legislative, trade and the municipal and industrial markets—will share their insights to help manufacturers and their representatives understand how best to position their companies for success in an ever-changing market environment. Among the sessions:
• Municipal Market Outlook. Three utility executives will share how their organizations are “Changing the Way Business is Done,” with a focus on innovations in technologies; funding programs; and water, wastewater and storm water runoff management systems. Panelists will include Leonard Gipson, Philadelphia Water Department; George Hawkins, DC Water; and Paul Gagliardo, American Water.
• Impacts on Current and Future Markets. A group of federal, state, industrial and private sector speakers will discuss key topics affecting current and future markets, including “Buy American,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) technology clusters, hydraulic fracturing, new pump efficiency requirements and more.
• Construction Industry Outlook. Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, will examine the economic indicators for construction in general and water projects in particular.
• EPA Regulatory Update. EPA Directors Andrew Sawyers (Office of Wastewater Management), Peter Grevatt (Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water) and Elizabeth Southerland (Office of Science and Technology), will share their departments’ priorities for 2014 and beyond.
• Congressional/Advocacy Update. Several of the industries’ top players will share the very latest news and information regarding legislative initiatives that could prove to be game changers for the water industry, including the proposed Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Authority and efforts within Congress to remove volume caps for tax-exempt private activity bonds for water and wastewater infrastructure. Panelists will include Tom Curtis, American Water Works Assn.; Bruce Morgan, Water Policy Associates; and Ben Grumbles, U.S. Water Alliance (invited).
• Expanding International Markets. Three trade executives will discuss programs aimed at helping U.S. companies increase exports and business overseas. Panelists will include Maureen Hinman, International Trade Administration; Craig O’Connor, Export-Import Bank of the United States; and Nathan Younge, U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
In addition to the educational program, the conference provides numerous opportunities for networking and informal idea-sharing. The Washington Forum is open to both members and non-members of WWEMA.
Source: WWEMA
