WEFTEC 2025 Opens in Chicago with Bold Vision for Resilient Water Future

WEFTEC 2025, the Water Environment Federation’s flagship event, kicks off this week with a powerful message: resilience, innovation, and community are driving the future of water. From high-profile keynotes to immersive theater sessions, the conference is showcasing the sector’s transformation toward a Circular Water Economy and preparing the workforce for the GenAI era.

Opening General Session: Leadership, Strategy, and Resilience
Grand Ballroom, Level 1

The Opening General Session set the tone for the week, with Ralph Exton, WEF Executive Director, welcoming attendees and introducing Kari Steele, President of the Board of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and WEF President, Howard Carter. Together, they emphasized building a resilient workforce, empowering communities, and leading the shift to a Circular Water Economy. Keynote speaker Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee and Army veteran, shared his own story of overcoming unimaginable challenges in the face of adversity. Beyond the main stage, WEFTEC’s Exhibition Floor is packed with immersive theaters and interactive experiences.

Technical Program and Education

WEFTEC’s technical program is built by a passionate, dedicated team of over 200 volunteers who carefully review and curate every session. With more than 130 technical sessions and 20 in-depth workshops, the program offers something for everyone. It’s one of the most wide-ranging and well-rounded educational offerings in the industry.

Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence Explores Confluence between Water and AI
Booth 6706-North Hall B

One of the most anticipated features this year is the Water-AI Nexus™ Theater, a three-day series exploring the critical confluence of artificial intelligence and water. With data center growth driving up water and energy demands, sessions are tackling everything from AI’s role in utility operations to preparing the water workforce for the GenAI era. The Center of Excellence is a collaboration between WEF, Amazon, Leading Utilities of the World, and the Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

WEF Leads the Transformation to the Circular Water Economy
Booth 2555-South Hall A2

WEF is driving the shift toward a Circular Water Economy. In the dedicated theater, presenters will showcase how they are applying the 3Rs - (Reduce, Recover, Regenerate) - to turn challenges into opportunities. Attendees will discover how circular strategies can unlock billions in value while building a more sustainable future.

Innovation Pavilion & Technology Spotlight: Ideas in Action
Booth 6706-North Hall B-1

The Innovation Pavilion Theater is packed with breakthrough technologies and bold ideas. From discussions on the economics of water innovation to learning about the latest R&D and early-stage tech, sessions highlight real-world solutions to today’s biggest water challenges.

Technology Spotlight Theater Sessions
Booth 4203-South Hall A-1

These sessions connect technical ideas with real-world equipment and solutions. Each one is bite-sized, topic-focused, and open to all WEFTEC attendees.

Global Center – Tackling Global Water Challenges
Booth 7801-North Hall B-1

At the Global Center, international experts are convening to address pressing issues like PFAS, deep-tunnel infrastructure, and smart water management. The sessions are spotlighting scalable solutions from around the world and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Product Launchpad Theater – What’s New and What’s Next
Booth 1452-South Hall

The Product Launchpad Theatre gives companies an opportunity to roll out their latest product lines and share innovative solutions. From Gen Storm and Sewer & Flood Modeling to Building Resilient Pressure Pipelines, you will get an inside look at the innovations shaping the future of water.

Operations Challenge: The Ultimate Skills Showdown
Booth 6740-South Building

Hailed as the “Sewage Superbowl,” and back by popular demand, Operations Challenge draws crowds and media attention for a high-energy competition with real-world relevance, displaying the talent and teamwork of wastewater professionals. Teams compete in five timed events that mirror real-world scenarios, from process control to safety. It’s a thrilling showcase of expertise and dedication that underscores the critical role of operators in keeping our systems running. Check out the front-page story: ‘We’re Trying to Be No. 1 in the No. 2 Business’: Inside the Sewage Super Bowl - WSJ

WEF Community Hub
Booth 7500-North Hall B1

Stop by to meet Travis Mills after the Opening General Session, pick up some new WEF merch, and get your free WEF member hat! While you are there, spend some time learning about engagement opportunities during our three days of community engagement programming. Join us to connect with fellow community members during the Community Hub Mixers, Monday (3:00–4:30 pm) and Tuesday (3:30–4:30 pm).

Activation Zone
Booth 3859-South Hall

New this year, the Activation Zone is a place to recharge featuring a French Press coffee, charging furniture, pop-up shops, and even a Lego Minifig Bar. It’s a fun and functional way to take a break and connect.

WEFTEC’s Sustainability Efforts
Booth 7308-North Hall

Reflecting the sector’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience, attendees are encouraged to use refillable bottles. Stop by to pick up your sticker and track your impact with Fill it Forward in support of global clean water and hygiene projects.

Here’s to a safe, inspiring, and impactful WEFTEC 2025. See you there!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alyson Moses, WEF Managing Director, Marketing and Communications, (954) 562-7023 | amoses@wef.org

 

About WEF

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF's mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental wellbeing. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org.