Full Schedule

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

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

Hosted 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.

11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. – PFAS and Fear of the Unknown

Hosted 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.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  – Lunch Party!
Sponsored by: Chester Paul Corporation

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  – BREAK

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  – WQRF DoughNation (WQRF fundraising event, separate registration required)
Sponsored by: Brio | Pentair | United Salt (bus sponsor)
Supporting Sponsors: 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.  –  Welcome Reception
Sponsored by: Charger Water Treatment 

7:30 a.m. – 7:50 a.m. – Mentee and Mentor Meet-Up: WQA Mentorship Program and WQA LEAD Initiative WQA Mentorship

Mentee and Mentor Meet-Up: 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!

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

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – Interactive Workshop (TBA)

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – BREAK

10:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. – Advocacy in Action: Strategies to Strengthen and Safeguard the Industry

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.

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

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

Supported by the RISE, THRIVE, and WIN Advisory Councils.

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.

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

Hosted 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.

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

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

9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. – WQA & WQRF After Hours (WQRF Fundraising event; no admission fee, drink tickets may be purchased)
Sponsored by: Culligan International | Brio | Jacobi Carbons | 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. – 8:50 a.m. – Breakfast (Provided)

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

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

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.

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – International Impacts on Water Treatment Businesses Supported by the International Section

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.

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Interactive Workshop (TBA)

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

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.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Advancing Water Treatment Solutions for Commercial and Industrial Applications;

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

Industry 101 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.