Effective Utility Management Seminar
November 16-17, 2026
Memphis, TN
Effective Utility Management (EUM) Seminar
Today’s water sector utilities face a daunting array of tough challenges from rising costs and aging infrastructure. These challenges are becoming more complex, from workforce recruitment to rapidly evolving technology, as well as building a strong workplace culture. The Effective Utility Management (EUM) framework is designed to help water and wastewater utility managers make informed decisions and practical, systematic changes.
Coming Soon
Registration opens in June 2026.
Dates & Location:
November 16-17, 2026
Renasant Convention Center
Memphis, Tennessee
2026 Registration Fee:
$495 Member
$695 Non-member
Who Should Attend this Seminar?
Water & Wastewater Utility Management
Utility Directors
Utility Operations Managers
Consultants
Utility Finance Professionals
Seminar Program
What is the Effective Utility Management framework? EUM was developed by the USEPA, in collaboration with AWWA and several other water-sector associations. The framework is designed to help water and wastewater utility managers make informed decisions and practical, systematic changes.
In August 2024, EPA and industry partners released a modernized version of the Effectively Managed Utilities Primer to reflect the changes in water utility management over the past several years. This effort was guided by a select group of utility leaders from around the country. Attend this seminar to jumpstart the application of EUM at YOUR utility!
What You Will Learn
How EUM can fit into your utility’s management practices.
How to use a tool based on the Ten Attributes to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement.
How to use the ANSI/AWWA Management Standards to identify where to start with your priorities from the EUM assessment.
Five Keys to Management Success:
- Continual Improvement Management Framework: About the relationship between EUM and the best practices of continual improvement including Charles Deming’s P-D-C-A (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
- Strategic Business Planning: How to link your EUM priorities to strategic goals and objectives.
- Performance Measurement: How to develop and use SMART measures to track and report your progress.
- Knowledge Management: About the practices and programs that other utilities are using to capture and manage organizational knowledge.
- Leadership: How utility managers are tackling the leadership challenges of the day in the water sector.
How the EUM framework has been incorporated into a variety of tools and programs and how you can access the wealth of resources to help your utility improve.
What EUM Can Do for Your Utility – The Ten Attributes
EUM will help your utility achieve the 10 attributes of effectively managed utilities:
- Regulatory and Reliability Performance
- Customer Experience and Satisfaction
- Workforce Development
- Operational optimization
- Financial viability
- Infrastructure strategy and performance
- Enterprise resiliency
- Community sustainability
- Water resource sustainability
- Stakeholder understanding and support
Program Agenda & Hours
Day 1 – Stay tuned for 2026 dates!
Check-In: Please check in at the table between 8:30 – 8:50 a.m. The Seminar will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1.
Breakfast is not included. Coffee will be provided.
Day 1 Morning Agenda:
Introduction to EUM and the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities
Assessment Using Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities
Noon: Group Lunch – included on Day 1 only.
Day 1 Afternoon Agenda:
Review Assessment Results and Link Priorities to Best Practices
Overview of the Five Keys to Management Success
Key #1 – Continual Improvement Framework
Key # 2 – Strategic Business Planning and Management
Wrap up and Look Ahead for Day 2 – adjourn at 4:15 p.m.
Day 2 Morning Agenda:
Day 2 begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Coffee will be provide.
Key # 2 – Strategic Business Planning and Management (cont.)
Key #3 – Measurement
Noon: Lunch Break – Day 2 Lunch is on your own. Several restaurants are within walking distance.
Key #4 – Knowledge Management
Key #5 – Leadership
Day 2 Afternoon Agenda:
EUM Applications and Resources
Getting Started at Home
Post-Test and Evaluation
Wrap-up & Adjourn by 4:15 p.m.
All times Pacific, and agenda is subject to minor adjustments.
Renasant Convention Center & Peabody Memphis Hotel
255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 (Convention Center)
149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 (Peabody Memphis)
The Peabody Memphis offers a magnificent bridge between the “Blues City’s” celebrated past and cosmopolitan present. The Peabody Memphis is legendary for its charm, elegance, gracious hospitality, and rich history. This Memphis icon, opened in 1869, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is famous for its five resident Mallard ducks, who march daily through the lobby at 11am and 5pm. When you’re ready to experience Memphis’ most unique and distinctive hotel, the Peabody is waiting.
*Shuttle service will be provided to/from the Convention Center and Hotel during show hours
Book Your Room Today!
The EUM seminar will be co-located with AWWA’s WQTC Conference, with a shared hotel block.
Reservations at the Peabody Memphis are now open. The conference hotel block will remain open until Friday, October 23, or until sold out – whichever occurs first.
Alert: AWWA is aware of multiple unauthorized organizations contacting attendees to solicit hotel rooms. Reservations made through these unauthorized solicitors cannot be guaranteed by AWWA and could result in hidden charges, unusual restrictions, or incorrect hotel placement. You may report fraudulent activity to awwaconferences@awwa.org.
Meet Our Expert
Jim Ginley
Owner
Jim Ginley Consulting, LLC
Read Bio
Seminar Registration Cancellation Policy: AWWA must receive cancellations in writing. Phone cancellations are not accepted. All cancellations dated more than four weeks prior to seminar’s first day will receive a refund, minus a 25% administrative fee. Within four weeks of the seminar start date: cancellations will not be refunded; however, substitute registrants are welcome. Email requests for substitutions or cancellations to service@awwa.org.
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