Call for abstracts

Shape our Water Future - Submit an Abstract

One of the keyways AWWA accomplishes our mission of knowledge exchange is through conferences and educational programs built upon public Calls for Abstracts (CFAs).

Whether a 10+ year presentation-veteran or a student with an innovative idea, we welcome you to submit an abstract today.

This is a valuable way to showcase your expertise, connect with others in the field, and contribute to the overall knowledge and progress of the water sector.

call for abstract

AWWA actively encourages ALL to take part in this critical mission of knowledge exchange.

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How To Submit

Submission Guidelines

To ensure the smooth processing of abstract submissions, it is essential to follow guidelines provided by AWWA:

  • Complete your submission by the deadline: Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered, so it is advisable to submit early to avoid any last-minute issues.
  • Do not submit on behalf of others: Abstract submissions should only be made by the authors themselves.
  • Avoid duplicate submissions: Abstracts with the same title and/or content submitted under different categories will not be accepted. You may submit abstracts to multiple conferences’ open calls.
  • Provide all required information: The online submission form requires data in all fields marked as "Required" for successful processing.
  • Comply with the abstract size limitation: The abstract text should not exceed 3,000 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
  • Text-only: Abstracts should be submitted as text only, without any graphics, attachments, or additional material.
  • Review submission confirmation messages: After submitting an abstract, it is important to review the confirmation messages for details related to the submission. You will get additional follow up communications from our Presenter Services team. Please add educationservices@awwa.org to your safe-senders list in anticipation of this outreach.

Session Structure, Special Topics, and Workshops

Session Structure

A standard 90-minute Educational Session at an AWWA conference is typically comprised of three 22–25-minute individual presentations on a like topic, with time for moderated Q&A. We are also open to evaluating other session formats.

Special Topic Sessions

Special Topic Sessions (STS) are in depth sessions (1 - 3 hours), in alignment with our Educational Program focus, submitted by a single facilitator and representing a single topic. These are often panels or Q&A driven.

STS facilitators are required to obtain and submit presentation agenda/length, presentation titles, and presenter names during the submission process. If a Special Topic Session is accepted, each presenter will receive an acceptance notification; Facilitators should make sure all presenters are aware of your submission in advance.

Preconference Workshops

Preconference Workshops (PCW) are an interactive meeting, hosted by a facilitator, in which a small group goes through a series of educational activities or modules. These occur prior to an event’s opening general session and typically have additional registration fees.

PCW facilitators are required to outline presentation agenda/lengths, presentation titles, and presenter names during the submission process. PCWs can be half-day or full-day. As the facilitator, please select which option works best for the workshop but note this may be amended in the submission process.

If your PCW is accepted, each presenter will receive an accepted notification; Facilitators should make sure all presenters are aware of your submission in advance.

PCW facilitators are required to provide materials for the electronic attendee notebook. These materials are due 3-4 weeks prior to the conference date. These can consist of all the presenter biographies, presentations, articles, worksheets, etc. Note: PCW attendee notebook materials are not included in the conference proceedings.

Rating Criteria

The conference planning committee evaluates abstracts based on specific rating criteria. These criteria include:

  • Quality of the abstract: The quality of work, project design, and its relevance to the conference theme will be considered.
  • Originality of the work: New information or concepts, or substantial improvements to existing theories.
  • Usefulness of the work: Abstracts that report actual benefits and widespread applications are highly valued. The committee considers if the work is useful to the water industry and if it concludes anything new that would otherwise be ignored.
  • Presentation: The presentation's relevance, speaker's dynamic skills, and local connection to the conference site will be taken into account. Obvious sales pitches will not be ranked well.

Abstract aspects will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with the best receiving a rating of 5, and averaged. The rating will determine the acceptance and presentation format of the abstract.


Helpful Resources

Which Event is Right for You?

Abstract Submission

Creating an Outstanding Abstract

Acceptance Rate

 

AWWA Presenter Services

Camilo Luero
Camilo Luera
Sr. Coordinator
cluera@awwa.org
Olivia Fontaine
Olivia Fontaine
Coordinator-2
ofontaine@awwa.org
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Contact us directly
at 800.926.7337
for assistance
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