WEFTEC is the best place for water professionals to learn, connect, and explore new, transformative ways to manage water. More than 20,000 water professionals and over 1,000 water companies will attend the Water Environment Federation (WEF)’s 88th annual technical exhibition and conference at McCormick Place in Chicago, Sept. 26-30.

CAN’T MISS EVENTS FOR MONDAY, SEPT. 28 (all taking place at McCormick Place South):

The Opening General Session: Leading a Water Resource Recovery Revolution

The 2015 plenary promises to unite, uplift, and inspire attendees with motivational programming built around the theme of resource recovery. The program will feature remarks from WEF President Ed McCormick and a keynote from documentary filmmaker Rob Stewart, who will discuss his film, Revolution. The OGS will also be livestreamed via www.weftec.org. Grand Ballroom, S100, NEW TIME: 8:15-9:30 a.m. CDT. No badge required.

Global Center Inauguration: Where the World of Water Meets

Marcus Jadotte, Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce and Michael H. Shapiro, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the U.S. EPA’s Office of Water, will officially open the Global Center and kick-off an exciting morning of international programming, networking, and business opportunities. As the only water show selected to be a part of the U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and International Trade Administration, WEFTEC will host international trade specialists from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce to provide matchmaking assistance and export trade counseling to international attendees and U.S. exhibitors. WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby, 9:45 a.m. CDT

The Impact of Leadership: Culture, Communication, and Community in Great Water Cities

Moderated by MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, the program will feature a keynote from EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Stan Meiburg followed by a discussion of global thought leaders who are driving transformational shifts in water management: Felicia Marcus, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board for the State of California; Tony Parrott, Executive Director of the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District; Lars Schroeder, CEO of Aarhus Water Ltd,; and Susan Story, President and CEO of American Water. The GWC Session will also be livestreamed via www.weftec.org. Grand Ballroom, S100, NEW TIME: 10:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. CDT. No badge required.

The WEF Stormwater Institute “Rainfall to Results: The Future of Stormwater” Press Event

WEF will release a new publication, Rainfall to Results: The Future of Stormwater. The release of the report coincides with the launch of the WEF Stormwater Institute and details pathways to improving the condition and management of stormwater systems in the United States and beyond. The event will include remarks from national stormwater experts, an overview of report findings, and a brief Q&A. Open to all attendees. Grand Ballroom, S100 Lobby, 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m. CDT

Session #220: Infrastructure Economics

Moderated by Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and featuring an impressive line-up of influential water sector leaders: Patrick Decker, President and CEO of Xylem, Inc.; George Hawkins, General Manager of DC Water; Heiner Markhoff, President and CEO of GE Water; and Susan Story, President and CEO of American Water. Room N228, 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. CDT

The BREW Tank: Water Startups Pitch to our Experts

Modeled after TV’s Shark Tank, award-winning startups pitch their ideas to water sector experts including investors, advisors, industrial and municipal customers. Hall A, Booth 358, Innovation Showcase, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. CDT

No matter where you live or what part of the water sector you represent, water unites us all. Register today and be a part of One World. One Water. One Event.

About WEF

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.

WEBSITE: www.weftec.org, www.wef.org; 

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WEFTEC; 

TWITTER: @WEFTEC, #WEFTEC2015