Water sector uniting – virtually – to explore challenges and solutions

All are on tap at AWWA’s Virtual Summit Sept. 23 - 24, as the water sector’s top experts explore today’s most relevant topics.

Speakers and panels will deliver more than 50 concise, interactive sessions through an online platform, sharing the latest thinking on such topics as water treatment advances, drinking water contaminants, innovation and technology, utility leadership, infrastructure solutions, sustainable water and public trust.

Throughout the two days, attendees can engage with colleagues around the world, exchange ideas during technical sessions and live chats, and connect with sponsors to explore solutions and schedule demonstrations. Sessions will be available on-demand for 30 days after the event to registered attendees.

“During a time when water professionals have worked so hard to adapt to challenging conditions while maintaining safe, reliable water services, we’re excited to offer this opportunity for them to share knowledge and innovations,” said Barb Martin, AWWA’s director of engineering and technical services. “When we unite, we help move the water sector forward.”

A Virtual Summit sampling

On the first day of the technical program, a panel of water sector leaders will discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilities around the world. They will explore what changes have resulted from the pandemic, possible ramifications for the future, and even some possible positive impacts.

Speakers: Clifford Chan (pictured right), General Manager, East Bay Municipal Utility District; Nathan Ohle, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Community Assistance Partnership; Cathie O’Toole, General Manager, Halifax Water; Jennifer Sara, Global Director, World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice; Moderator, David LaFrance, AWWA Chief Executive Officer.

On the second day, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will discuss topics ranging from water infrastructure financing and current regulatory issues to cybersecurity, risk and resilience and integrated planning.

Speakers: Jennifer McLain (pictured left), EPA’s Director of the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water; Andrew Sawyers, EPA’s Director of the Office of Wastewater Management; Moderator Tracy Mehan, AWWA Executive Director of Government Affairs.

The closing session will feature a candid conversation about public trust and communication in the water sector. In today’s rapidly evolving digital media landscape, a water utility has more opportunities than ever to engage with customers and the broader community. However, it takes only an instant for a water utility to find itself on the losing end of misinformation campaigns or social media attacks. Panelists will discuss the opportunities and tensions utilities encounter in the digital world.

Speakers: Seth Siegel (pictured right), author of Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink; Melissa Elliott, AWWA President and Director of Strategic Communication Services, Raftelis; Susan McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, Great Lakes Water Authority; George Hawkins, Founder and President, Moonshot LLC; Moderator David LaFrance, AWWA Chief Executive Officer.
 
Early registration for the Virtual Summit ends Sept. 11.