What's happening at WEFTEC 25?
Key Highlights
- The conference will highlight the confluence of water and AI, with dedicated sessions and exhibits throughout the week.
- Key events include the inspiring opening general session featuring Travis Mills and the Jammin’ for Water fundraiser.
- New features like the WEF Community Hub provide networking, relaxation, and educational opportunities in a central location.
- Operations Challenge remains a highlight, showcasing frontline professionals protecting public health and the environment.
WEFTEC is back in Chicago for 2025 with a focus on emerging trends in the industry including AI. Editors at Wastewater Digest submitted a Q&A to the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to answer some of the key questions about this year's event. Alyson Moses, managing director, marketing & communications, at WEF, answered questions about the event, which takes place Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
Wastewater Digest: How does the theme of this year’s event relate to the water industry in 2025?
Alyson Moses: WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality conference and exhibit of its kind in North America. WEFTEC is organized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and it’s truly where the water community connects on big ideas and creates real solutions.
At WEFTEC 2025, attendees can expect to see new technologies, hear bold ideas, and discover real-world solutions redefining how we can come together and solve water and environmental challenges.
One of WEF’s strategic goals is to lead the transformation to the circular water economy, a $47 billion dollar opportunity for U.S. utilities, and at WEFTEC, you can explore all that entails.
Stay tuned this year for news that will take us forward on the confluence between water and AI. We’ll share more during our opening general session, Sept. 29 at 8:30 a.m. and in our Water and AI booth theatre space on the exhibition floor starting at 11 a.m. Sept. 29 and continuing throughout the week.
WWD: We expect PFAS, workforce issues and funding to be top of mind for attendees. What other topics do you anticipate will carry conversation among professionals this year?
AM: Absolutely. I hear Operations Challenge, our water sector skills training competition featuring more than 50 teams, is always fun to watch. I can’t wait to see the people who are on the front lines protecting public health and the environment in action. Attracting the water workforce of tomorrow is a top priority for WEF, so I’m very excited to witness the energy these professionals bring to their work.
AI is, of course, top of mind for everyone, and that includes the water community.
WWD: Looking at the week’s events, what would you consider to be the must-attend events for WEFTEC attendees?
AM: Don’t miss the opening general session, which we affectionately call OGS. Travis Mills, an Army veteran and quadruple amputee has a really inspiring story and will share his personal resilience journey. Resilience is such a critical skill, both in life, and for the future of our water sector.
I’m also looking forward to the Jammin’ for Water fundraiser on Saturday night.
WWD: What are this year’s new additions, and what made them so important to include?
AM: Every year, we want to provide a more exciting, impactful WEFTEC experience for our members and partners in the water sector. In the WEF Community Hub, we’re launching a new way to network, relax, and recharge at WEFTEC. For the first time, you can renew your WEF membership, explore new communities, and unwind all in one welcoming space.
Some people don’t realize that WEF is the organization behind WEFTEC. Our staff, volunteers, and 75 association partners are actively involved in creating this event.
The WEF Community Hub is centrally located in the North Hall of McCormick Place, and there will be a variety of speakers and interactive sessions covering WEF educational and training programs, research, and more. Stop by to see our new publications, learn more about WEF’s role in driving the Circular Water Economy, and network at our Member Mixer.
WWD: What do you hope every attendee leaves the show with this year?
AM: Our amazing executive director Ralph Erik Exton always says, “Get your hands wet.”
Our hope is that attendees leave with a renewed passion for their work with water after collaborating with other water quality professionals, discussing practical applications, and learning about actionable solutions from industry experts.
Every year, people thank WEF for the invaluable connections they made at WEFTEC and share how the event has impacted them both personally and professionally.
WEFTEC is where the entire industry — from executives to operators to students — comes together. Can’t wait to see you there!