AWWA’s ACE24 kicks off in Anaheim, transforming water’s future

More than 10,500 water professionals from around the world convened today at the Anaheim Convention Center for the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 143rd Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE24) to collaborate on creating a sustainable and resilient future for the water community.

ACE24, themed “Transforming the Future of Water,” features 18 professional tracks, 190 sessions and more than 700 presentations covering a wide range of water sector topics through June 13. The conference also showcases more than 440 water technology providers and innovators in more than 1,000 booths.

The Opening General Session featured Pat Mulroy, senior fellow at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law and former general manager at Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas. In her keynote, she addressed the changing role of the water professional and emphasized how critical this evolution will be for the well-being of communities and economies, especially in the context of climate change.

“The future of water depends on partnerships,” said Mulroy. “When water professionals recognize the strength in our collective expertise and act with audacious leadership, we can manage and overcome the complex challenges facing our communities, especially those intensified by climate change.”

AWWA President Pat Kerr also addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of water professionals in fulfilling the promise of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as well as the need to look to the future with the Water 2050 initiative.

“The Safe Drinking Water Act has served, and continues to serve, as a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence in water management and to the protection of public health,” Kerr said. “And let’s never forget that it is the steadfast commitment from water professionals – all of you in this room – who make the lofty goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act a reality every day.”

ACE24 marks the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and several events and discussions will be held throughout the conference to commemorate this milestone and highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities for ensuring safe drinking water for all.

This year’s conference theme also aligns with AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative, a collaborative exploration that seeks to establish a long-term vision for the future of water and chart a course for a successful and sustainable water sector.

“Water 2050 urges us to think innovatively, plan strategically and collaborate synergistically to address the evolving complexities of water management in the coming decades,” said Kerr. “The goal of Water 2050 is not to predict the future of water; rather, the goal of Water 2050 is to shape the future of water.”

To learn more about the conference agenda and to register, visit the ACE24 webpage.

Media note: Accredited members of the media may attend ACE24 at no charge. However, they are required to register with AWWA Communications. For media registration, please visit the AWWA Press Room or contact Megan McDowell at 920-493-0532.

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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 vital 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.