The American Water Works Association (AWWA) announced the professional program of ACE21 All Virtual, June 14-17, is available in the newly released conference Flipbook.

Jennifer Sara, global director of the World Bank’s Water Global Practice, and AWWA President Melissa Elliott, are the keynote speakers during Monday morning’s Opening General Session. The professional program features a variety of relevant topics, including the following:

• Keynote session: The Last Drop – Cybersecurity: 12:30-1:15 p.m. MT, June 17. The expert panel features viewpoints from academia, respected utility leaders and cybersecurity practitioners. Moderated by AWWA CEO David LaFrance, the panel provides candid and informative dialogue on cybersecurity threats and steps water utilities can take to mitigate risks.
  • Additional cybersecurity sessions: Cybersecurity Policy Update and Practical Solutions (10:30-11:15 a.m. MT, June 14) and Cybersecurity: A Critical Necessity for Water Utilities (11:30 a.m.-noon MT, June 16)
• Keynote session: A.P. Black Research Award: June 14 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. MT
  This year’s awardee, Issam Najm, has focused his 27-year career on strengthening the bridge between the science and engineering of water treatment. His work demonstrates his passion and ability to execute in advancing knowledge of water treatment by innovative applications of fundamental principles of water chemistry and process engineering.
• Wildfire-related sessions focus on addressing impacts on water resources and treatment, as well as the importance of planning and preparedness:
  • Water Resources in Wildlife-Prone Areas: 12:15-1:15 p.m. MT, June 14
  • Wildfire Impacts on Treatment and Distribution: 12:45-1:45 p.m. MT, June 15
  • Solving Source of Supply Water Quality Issues: 12:45-1:45 p.m. MT, June 15
  • Utility Managing and Planning in a Climate of Uncertainty: 11 a.m.-noon MT, June 17
• Gavel passing: AWWA leaders, the Technical & Educational Council and the New England Section celebrate the new AWWA President Dr. Chi Ho Sham: 2-3 p.m. MT, June 17

The Water Quality track covers timely topics, including per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), biological treatment, distribution system water quality, microplastics and an interactive Beyond the Meter – Building Water Quality Poster Session.

Sessions in the Utility Resilience track also feature current issues such as Utility Response to COVID-19, Digital Innovation and Strategy, Security Vulnerabilities in the Wake of COVID-19 and Regional Collaboration and Partnerships Build Resiliency for Smaller Systems.

Registration for the four-day conference is open. Members pay $395 for the full conference. Student members pay $45 for the full conference. Sponsor Showcase only registration is available for $25.

Media note: Accredited members of the media may attend ACE21 All Virtual at no charge. However, they are required to register with AWWA Communications by noon MT, June 11. For media registration, visit AWWA’s Press Room or contact Amber Wilson at 303-652-7704.

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.