There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the 2017 PNCWA Conference, but the technical program is the heart and soul of the annual event. This year, conference organizers received a record 275 abstracts! From the submissions, organizers take care in creating a diverse program that speaks to all levels of PNCWA, from every region and from every aspect of the water industry. Conference organizers have worked hard to make sure that everyone—from engineers to operators to non-technical workers—will be able to fill their schedules with exciting educational opportunities. Special thanks to Technical Program Chair Corinne DeLeon of Seattle Public Utilities and the volunteer Technical Program Committee.

Don’t forget, you can read updated abstracts and information about the program here. Plus, on the official PNCWA 2017 app, you can keep track of your schedule, get pertinent info, and follow along live on Twitter. Download it from your app store today.

This year we have several new programs we’re especially excited about. Here’s what the technical program has in store for you:

Diversity and Leadership Track

In addition to the quality engineering and technical programs you've come to expect from PNCWA, we’re hosting our first Diversity and Leadership Track. On Monday, you’ll be able to attend talks on cultivating leadership, recognizing unconscious bias, developing diversity in the workplace, and creating inclusive engagement. The day will close with a panel moderated by Sharon Ostendor, last year’s PNCWA President. Monday, October 23, Sessions 1A and 1B

Social Justice and Equity Track

On Tuesday, attendees can go to the first-ever Social Justice and Equity track. In this track, you’ll learn about creating affordable rates, what equity is and how it intersects with the wastewater industry, and how you can embed social justice in the work you do. Tuesday, October 24, Sessions 7 and 13

Innovative Technology Track

Our innovative technology track explores new and updated technologies, including talks on aerobic granular sludge, chemically enhanced primary treatment, membrane-aerated biofilm reactors, and more.  “We were looking for presenters and products that had pilot projects or studies they had actually implemented,” says organizer Corinne DeLeon.  “The track isn’t just about concepts—these talks are based on data.” Tuesday, October 24, Session 10

Mobile Sessions

For the first time ever, PNCWA is hosting several mobile sessions on the exhibitor floor. This is a chance to get outside a classroom environment and watch a live demonstration of new technology directly from vendors. PNCWA was extremely strict about the kind of information conveyed, which is why these presentations will not be sales pitches and will instead grants CEUs to attendees. Tuesday, October 24, 10:30am–12pm at the Exhibitor Hall

Plant Tours

We’re very excited about the four—four!—plant tours offered at this year’s conference. On Monday, there is a combined trip to Clean Water Services’ Rock Creek and Forest Grove Treatment Facilities. On Tuesday, you can visit Vancouver’s Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility and Vancouver’s Westside Water Reclamation Facility. Registration is not required for tours, but they are first-come first-served. And don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes!

 Thanks again to our organizers and Conference Champs: