Public Officials to Confront Today’s Water Issues at ACE10 in Chicago
AWWA convenes elected, appointed leaders at ‘World’s Water Event’
Denver, CO (Vocus) April 16, 2010
Water commissioners, council members, mayors and other public officials will gather at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago, Ill. June 20-24 to immerse themselves in the latest water issues and solutions during the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE10 (http://www. awwa. org/ace10)).
Public officials will engage in a specialized learning program that includes a three-session, 12-hour certificate program, a Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus, and a networking reception.
Officials can also choose from more than 550 water-related presentations of interest to broader audiences at McCormick Place, and experience more than 500 exhibits featuring water technology solutions.
“Public awareness of water issues continues to grow, and public officials have to be at the top of their game to deal with the hard decisions related to water management and stewardship,” said Michael Bell, chair of AWWA’s Public Officials Forum and board member of the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority in South Carolina. “The education and discussion at ACE10 will help elected and appointed leaders serve their communities with confidence and a clearer understanding of our common challenges.”
Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus
Chicago Water Commissioner John Spatz will provide the opening address during the Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus, to be held Tuesday, June 22 from 8-11:30am. The event – free to public officials who are registered at ACE – also includes speakers who will discuss water communications challenges facing public officials, and tabletop discussions on everything from resource management to finance to workforce solutions. Contact Trish Allen at tallen(at)awwa(dot)org, 303-734-3471 to register. Event sponsors include Aclara, Arcadis, Black & Veatch and Wachs Water Services.
Public Officials Certificate Program
For the second year, public officials registered at ACE10 will have an opportunity to earn the AWWA Public Officials Certificate by participating in three 4-hour courses on June 20-22. Content for the June 22 course, “Water 201: Water Utility Management,” is entirely new, allowing those who have already earned the certificate an opportunity to further expand their knowledge. Courses 1 and 2, to be held June 20 and 21, are “Introduction to Water and Sewer Operating Environments” and “Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Operation and Maintenance.” Renowned water educator Frederick Bloetscher, PhD, P. E., author of Water Basics for Decision Makers (http://apps. awwa. org/EbusMain/Default. aspx? TabId=55&ProductID=6655)], will teach the courses.
“Public officials earning the AWWA certificate will be well-positioned to make informed, smart decisions that impact water management, hiring, finance and more,” Bell said.
Public Officials Reception
Public Officials will have an opportunity to discuss common concerns and share ideas in a relaxed setting during this networking event in Monday, June 21.
ACE10 is the largest and longest-running water event of its kind, featuring a professional program with 550 presentations in 100 separate sessions and in-depth workshops. Among the topics covered will be infrastructure maintenance, climate change, conservation and water efficiency, water resources management, legislative and regulatory issues, managing in a down economy and public affairs. More than 500 exhibitors will also be on-site at McCormick Place, West Building, showcasing the latest products and services available to help ensure safe water.
Registration Information: ACE10 registration information is available at www. awwa. org/ace10 (http://www. awwa. org/ace10)]. Those wishing to register for the Public Officials Reception or Breakfast Caucus should fill out a special registration form (http://www. awwa. org/files/ace10/formincludes/ACE10PublicOfficialsRegistrationForm. doc) and email it to Trish Allen at tallen(at)awwa(dot)org, fax it to 303-795-1989, or call 303.734.3471. You may also register at the AWWA Public Officials kiosk in the registration lobby at the McCormick Place Convention Center, West Building. You must be a registered ACE10 attendee to participate in the public officials events.
Media Note: Accredited members of the media may attend ACE10 at no charge. However, they are required to register with AWWA Public Affairs. For media registration, please visit the Press Room at www. awwa. org or contact Deirdre Mueller at dmueller(at)awwa(dot)org or 303-347-6140.
Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has more than 60,000 members worldwide, and its 4,500 utility members serve 80 percent of America’s population.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
Contact:
Greg Kail
303-734-3410
Gkail(at)awwa(dot)org
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