Conference: October 16-20, 2021
Exhibition: October 18-20, 2021
WEFTEC Online: November 16-18, 2021
The Water Environment Federation’s 94th annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) will be held Oct. 16–20 in Chicago, and online Nov. 16–18 for those unable to attend the in-person event.
Last year, the world’s most comprehensive gathering of wastewater professionals and thought leaders became a virtual event, dubbed WEFTEC Connect, due to concerns over COVID-19. This year, however, Chicago’s McCormick Place will host the event, with public health protocols in place, including requirements for every individual who participates in the program to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide results of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of arriving at registration to pickup their badge.
Participants will also be required to “wear a well-fitting, properly positioned face mask when visiting the exhibition, attending sessions and meetings, riding shuttle buses, and engaging with other participants at WEFTEC functions,” according to WEF leadership.
For both the in-person and online event, educational topics covered include automation and data analytics, collection systems, emerging contaminants, industrial market changes, nutrient management, pathogens and indicators, process intensification, residuals and biosolids, resiliency and sustainability, stormwater, utility management, and workforce issues.
Technical presentations will highlight the work of water quality experts, and participants can gain CEUs for attending. Collection systems and distribution, disinfection and public health, research and innovation, facility operations and maintenance, residuals and biosolids management/energy, stormwater management, water reclamation and reuse, and industrial issues and treatment technologies are just some of the educational tracks to choose from.
The Operations Challenge, in which utility teams compete to earn the highest score in five different events, will be held for its 34th year during the festivities in Chicago.
Due to physical distancing requirements at McCormick Place, this year’s challenge will be limited to 36 teams, with returning 2020 Division I champion Controlled Chaos facing off against 2019 champion Elevated Ops. Other longtime favorites L.A. Wrecking Crew, TRA CReWSers, and Team HRSD will compete Monday and Tuesday in the exhibit hall.
More than 600 companies will showcase their products or services throughout eight pavilions during the exhibition. The exhibit hall is one of the best places to view new technology and chat with companies face to face. For more highlights, read on for this year’s exhibitor showcase. WW
For the most up-to-date information about health precautions or other information about WEFTEC21, visit www.weftec.org.
