Full Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – WQA Board Meeting (By Invitation) – Michigan Ballroom

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Registration Open – LaSalle Office

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – COFFEE – LaSalle Foyer
Sponsored by: KDF Fluid Treatment, a Kymera International Brand

10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – The Customer’s Mindset: Focusing on the WQA Consumer Opinion Study – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by the Communications Committee and Industry Research Committee

What consumer trends or opinions are of most value to you? What areas could WQA probe more deeply to give you the information you need in marketing your services or products? Come ready to brainstorm ideas as WQA prepares for its next consumer survey this winter.

11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. – PFAS and Fear of the Unknown (0.1CPD) – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by the Water Sciences Think Tank Advisory Council

With the release of EPA’s rule on PFAS in April of this year, Public Health Officials and Public Water Supplies have shown renewed interest in POU and POE treatment solutions. Is the industry ready to tackle this new challenge? Come prepared to share your thoughts on how the industry can be better prepared to play a key role in improving water quality.

12:20 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  – Waves of Gratitude: Celebrating WQA Volunteers – LaSalle Ballroom
Sponsored by: Chester Paul Corporation

It’s a lunch and a party all rolled up into one!

Join us for a fun, interactive celebration featuring a Chicago-style lunch.

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  – WQRF DoughNation (WQRF fundraising event, separate registration required)
Sponsored by: AO Smith | Brio | Pentair | United Salt (bus sponsor)
Supporting Sponsors: Austin Water Solutions | Stenner Pumps

Join us for an all-new WQRF fundraising experience that centers around a key ingredient – quality water! A bus transports you from the hotel to Rosemont’s one-of-a-kind Crust Brewing and returns you afterward. In between, you’ll experience a brewery tour and tasting, a pizza crust-rolling competition and plenty of great food and drinks to enjoy. See details.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  – Soaring to New Heights in Water Treatment – LaSalle Foyer
Sponsored by: Charger Water Treatment 

The 2024 MYLC Welcome Reception 

An aviation-themed event with delightful drinks and delicious bites. Greet old friends, make new ones and engage in fun activities like our interactive AI photobooth.

7:30 a.m. – 7:50 a.m. – Mentee and Mentor Meet-UP – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by WQA Mentorship Program and WQA Lead Initiative

WQA Mentorship Program mentoring pairs – you’re just gearing up to grow your network, perspective, and impact. LEAD mentees and mentors – you’ve strengthened your industry engagement & leadership. Start your morning off right by exchanging knowledge and experience to help revolutionize the mentee-mentor experience!

7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Registration Open – LaSalle Office

8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. – Breakfast (Provided) – Michigan Ballroom
Sponsored by Pentair

8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – Industry Perspectives – LaSalle Ballroom

Join this interactive session to share valuable insights from both industry-wide and individual perspectives. Participants will explore key industry dynamics, identify common and specific goals, and discuss challenges and values. 

9:50 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

10:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. – Advocacy in Action: Strategies to Strengthen and Safeguard the Industry (0.1 CPD) – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by the Dealers Section, Manufacturer & Supplier Section, and Government Affairs Committee

Dealers and manufacturers play a pivotal role in shaping regulatory frameworks, standards development, and industry best practices. Join fellow WQA members for an interactive discussion on pivotal legislative and regulatory developments effecting your business. During the workshop, delve into a topic of your choice to contribute to enlightening conservations and gain insights into effective advocacy approaches.

11:50 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. – Lunch (Provided) – Michigan Ballroom
Sponsored by: Franklin Water Treatment

1:20 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Leadership Engagement and Development – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by the RISE, THRIVE, and WIN Advisory Council

Be part of the powerful trifecta that is RISE, THRIVE and WIN! See how these advisory councils – for young professionals, women, and industry pros with diverse talent, ideas and experiences – help deepen engagement and participation in the industry and elevate success.

2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer
Sponsored by: Time Investment

2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – Top Value: Maximizing Your ROI from WQA Membership and Events – LaSalle Ballroom

Supported by Events Committee and Membership Committee

What are your goals and objectives each year when you renew your WQA membership and participate in the WQA Convention & Exposition? Come ready to share your ROI wish list to help WQA build strategies to meet your needs. And, if you haven’t yet clearly defined your objectives, leave with ideas to help your team hone in on them.

3:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – BREAK – LaSalle Foyer

3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.  –  Early Findings in WQRF Research Strategy Development (By Invitation) – LaSalle Ballroom

This meeting is for members of the WQRF Board of Directors, WQRF Research Advisory, and the Outreach Advisory Committees only

We will offer a brief overview of the preliminary findings from the WQRF Research Strategy Development project, currently under way with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

3:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  – Dinner on your own

The Westin’s accessible location makes it easy to explore the area. Use the Blue Line L train, taxis, or Uber/Lyft to explore Rosemont or to travel into downtown Chicago for all the excitement and entertainment the city has to offer. Also available is a limited-service shuttle Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for drop-offs and pick-ups to local businesses and attractions within three miles.

9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. – WQA & WQRF After Hours (WQRF Fundraising event; no admission fee, drink tickets may be purchased) – Director’s and Parlor (Lower Level)
Sponsored by: Culligan International | Brio | Jacobi Carbons
Supporting Sponsors: Houston Water Solutions | San Antonio Water Solutions | Trojan Technologies

Sneak away after hours to the H2O Hideaway, our very own “speakeasy” in the Westin Hotel. All MYLC attendees are invited into this cozy setting for libations, conversations, and fun with WQA & WQRF. Your first drink is on us, and additional drink tickets may be purchased for $20, raising funds for WQRF’s ground-breaking research. See details.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Registration Open – LaSalle Office

8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. – Breakfast (Provided) – Michigan Ballroom
Sponsored by: AO Smith

8:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. – WQRF Board Meeting (By Invitation) – LaSalle Salon A

8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – BREAK– LaSalle Foyer

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – State & Regional Synergies – LaSalle Salon C

Supported by the State & Regional WQAs Section

State and Regional Water Quality Associations share a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting water quality within local communities. By fostering collaboration and innovation among our separate organizations, we can better address regional water challenges, share best practices, and advocate for effective policies.

Pre-Read Materials: Summer Updates From Canadian WQA, Florida WQA, Ohio WQA, Pacific WQA, & WQA Wisconsin

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – International Impacts on Water Treatment Businesses – LaSalle Salon B

Supported by the International Section

Come ready to learn how PFAS contamination globally can impact the water treatment industry. We’ll also discuss how tensions between China and Taiwan could lead to supply chain concerns across our industry and others.

9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – BREAK- LaSalle Foyer

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Understanding our Audiences – LaSalle Salon C

In this interactive workshop, participants will work together to define and refine profiles that represent key segments of the water treatment industry. These profiles will help WQA make informed decisions about how to enhance the experience across all programs, resources, and events.

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Water Treatment Business Success Toolkit – LaSalle Salon B

Supported by the Business Operations Committee and Professional Certification & Training Committee

Help WQA-member businesses chart a course for success by identifying WQA resources such as the Knowledge Base, videos of selected business and technical Convention education sessions, and other items that could be part of a membership welcome package to help a new business owner thrive.

10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – BREAK- LaSalle Foyer

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Advancing Water Treatment Solutions for Commercial and Industrial Applications (0.1 CPD) – LaSalle Salon B

Supported by the Commercial and Industrial Section

Explore the latest trends, challenges, strategies, and regulatory developments in water treatment tailored for commercial and industrial settings as we build out a How-To Guide to help members understand the commercial industrial space.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – WQA Mentorship Program – Industry 101 – LaSalle Salon C

Supported by the WQA Mentorship Program

Join us for our inaugural meeting as we kick off the WQA Mentorship Program! Gain a picture of the industry and how we look to WQA members in these mentoring relationships to innovate and break boundaries. Mentoring pairs in the WQA Mentorship Program will be afforded a special opportunity to have their first breakout session together in person.