A line-up of national and international speakers have been confirmed to headline events at WEFTEC 2014. The Water Environment Federation’s 87th annual technical exhibition and conference will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Sept. 27 to Oct, 1.
The following is a sampling of notable speakers and high profile events. Click here for a list of WEFTEC 2014 featured speakers by topic.
Monday Sept. 29
The Opening General Session kicks off the conference with a theme of “Embracing Change in a Disruptive Age.” Featuring remarks from WEF President Sandra Ralston and recognition of the Water Environment Research Foundation’s 25th anniversary, the keynote address will be delivered by transformative innovation expert, Luke Williams. 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Great Hall.
Water Works: Investing Together for a Stronger America Press Event will include an overview of the newly released national report, “The Economic and Labor Impact of the Water Sector,” and the exclusive opportunity to discuss it with influential leaders and decision-makers. Featured speakers: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy; Cedric Grant, executive director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans; Harlan Kelly, Jr., general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities; David St. Pierre, executive director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; and WEF President Sandra Ralston. 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., Great Hall Foyer, immediately following the Opening General Session.
The Global Center Inauguration will feature the Honorable Ken Hyatt, deputy under secretary for international trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, who will welcome 18 trade delegations and officially open this year's Global Center. 9:10 a.m., WEF Plaza, Hall G.
The Great Water Cities Session will distill and examine important lessons learned about sustainable water management from the world’s leading water cities. Featured speakers: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy; Jean-Luc Bertrand-Krajewski, professor of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning Department of National Institute for Applied Sciences in Lyon, France; and Duncan Gibb, executive GM of Stronger Christ Church Infrastructure Rebuild Team, Christ Church, New Zealand. 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Great Hall.
The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread Charting New Water Press Event will feature the exclusive launch of their new report, “New Shores: Seizing the Future for Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Freshwater Resources.” Featured speakers: Dr. Lynn Broaddus, environment program director at The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread and George Hawkins, general manager of DC Water. 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., Great Hall Foyer, immediately following the Great Water Cities Session
Stormwater Congress Luncheon will feature remarks from Joanne M. Mahoney, Onondaga County executive, who will share her experiences in making her county more sustainable with a comprehensive stormwater management plan. Ticket required. 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Room 276.
AEESP/WEF Scientists Luncheon will feature a keynote address from Dr. Lutgarde Raskin, the Altarum/ERIM Russell O’Neal professor of environmental engineering at the University of Michigan. Dr. Raskin is a pioneer and scholar in the application of molecular techniques to characterize and study the dynamics of complex microbial communities in a variety of water quality control processes. Ticket required. 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room 260.
AEESP/WEF Lecture will feature a special keynote from Dr. JB Neethling, technical director for Wastewater at HDR Eng. Inc. Dr. Neethling’s keynote, “Implementing New Technology in Rapidly Changing Environment,” will be complemented by a presentation from Ted Henefin, general manager of Hampton Roads Sanitation District. 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Room 347.
Tuesday Sept. 30
Collection Systems Luncheon will feature a keynote address from Linda Daly, director of the Jefferson Parish Department of Sewerage. Daly will talk about the department’s past, present and future collection systems programs and efforts. Ticket required. 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Room 260.
Wednesday Oct. 1
Water Works: Investing Together for a Stronger New Orleans Press Event is a complement to Monday’s "big picture" press event but will have New Orleans-specific content. Using the national study as context (see Monday's Water Works press event description), this discussion will highlight the direct impacts and expected outcomes for the city, including potential links with the New Orleans Economic Opportunity Strategy. Featured speakers include: Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.), New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, and Cedric Grant, executive director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Hall G Lobby.
Source: Water Environment Federation
