High-profile national and international speakers will headline some of the most highly anticipated events of WEFTEC 2015, which will take place Sept. 26-30. The Water Environment Federation’s 88th annual technical exhibition and conference kicks off this weekend at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Monday, Sept. 28 

AAEES, AIDIS, WEF Breakfast: This even will feature a keynote from Catherine A. O’Connor, director of engineering for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), who will discuss “Recovering Resources, Transforming Water: Phosphorous Recovery and Other Sustainability Initiatives at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.” Room, S103c, 7:15-8:30 a.m. Ticketed event. 

The Opening General Session: Leading a Water Resource Recovery Revolution: The program will feature remarks from WEF President Ed McCormick and a keynote from documentary filmmaker Rob Stewart, who will discuss his film, Revolution. The OGS will also be livestreamed via www.weftec.org. Grand Ballroom, S100, NEW TIME: 8:15-9:30 a.m. CDT. No badge required. 

Global Center Inauguration: Where the World of Water Meets: Marcus Jadotte, assistant secretary for Industry and Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce and Michael H. Shapiro, deputy assistant administrator for the U.S. EPA’s Office of Water, will officially open the Global Center and kick-off an exciting morning of international programming, networking and business opportunities. WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby, 9:45 a.m.  

The Impact of Leadership: Culture, Communication, and Community in Great Water Cities: Moderated by MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre, the program will feature a keynote from EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Stan Meiburg followed by a discussion of global thought leaders: Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board for the State of California; Tony Parrott, executive director of the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District; Lars Schroeder, CEO of Aarhus Water Ltd,; and Susan Story, president and CEO of American Water. The GWC Session will also be livestreamed via www.weftec.org. Grand Ballroom, S100, NEW TIME: 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. CDT. No badge required. 

The WEF Stormwater Institute “Rainfall to Results: The Future of Stormwater”: WEF will release a new publication, Rainfall to Results: The Future of Stormwater. Featured speakers include Ed McCormick, Mike Beezhold, senior planner with CDM Smith, and Karen Sands, manager of Sustainability for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage Distrcit. Grand Ballroom, S100 Lobby, 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 

Stormwater Congress Luncheon: This event will feature a keynote address from Antonio Riley, regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, who will discuss resiliency and climate, flood response, disaster preparedness and the agency’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Room S106, 12-1:15 p.m. Ticketed event. 

AEESP/WEF Scientists Luncheon: This event will feature a keynote address from Peter Vanrolleghem, a professor specializing in modeling, monitoring and control of water systems at the Université Laval in Quebec, who will discuss “Integrated Modeling of the Urban Wastewater System: Back to the Future.”Room S103c, 12-1:30 p.m. Ticketed event. 

Session #201: 19th Annual AEESP/WEF Lecture and Utility Considerations will feature a keynote from Mark van Loosdrecht, professor in environmental biotechnology for Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, who will discuss “Aerobic Granular Sludge: Development and Experiences.” Jim McQuarrie, chief innovation officer for the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District of Denver, Colo., will provide the utility considerations response. Room S504d, 1:30-3 p.m. 

Session #220: Infrastructure Economics: Moderated by Kevin Shafer, executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and featuring: Patrick Decker, president and CEO of Xylem, Inc.; George Hawkins, general manager of DC Water; Heiner Markhoff, president and CEO of GE Water; and Susan Story, president and CEO of American Water. Room N228, 1:30-5 p.m.  

Perspectives from the 7th World Water Forum: Moderated by Ed McCormick and featuring Zuwhan Yun, professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University; Helmut Kroiss, president, International Water Association; Bernard Tan, deputy director, Singapore PUB; Torgny Holmgren, executive director, Stockholm International Water Institute; Dale Jacobson, governor World Water Council, Principal DD Consulting; Yosuke Matsumiya, director, International Division, Japanese Sewage Works Association; and Sarantuyaa Zandaryaa, program specialist, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (invited). Global Center, WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Sept. 29 

Global Center Session: How is the Water-Energy Nexus Being Addressed in the U.S. and Beyond?: Featuring Amy Emmert, senior policy advisor for American Petroleum Institute; Jon Freedman, global government affairs leader for GE Power & Water; Tom Moroney, vice president R&D, Wells & Facilities Engineering for Shell; and Amro Farid, associate professor of engineering, Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. WEF Plaza, Grand Concourse Lobby, Global Center, 9 a.m.  

Collection Systems Luncheon will feature a keynote address from Phil Hubbard, special assistant for compliance assurance, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, who will share his utility’s fascinating story about the process and reasoning involved in their journey toward regionalization. Room S103c, 12-1:30 p.m. Ticketed event. 

Wednesday, Sept. 30 

First Annual Women in Water Networking Breakfast: Informing, Connecting, and Inspiring Current and Future Female Water Sector Leaders: Science, technology, engineering and math historically have attracted fewer women; the water sector is no exception. This inaugural event welcomes women from various disciplines – engineering, operations, research, management and communications – for peer-to-peer networking and provides an environment for sharing successes and discussing challenges faced both professionally and personally. Featuring a keynote presenation from Debra Shore, commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and panel discussion with: Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew; Sandra Ralston, principal, Consensus LLC; Cathy Gerali, district manager, Denver Metropolitan Wastewater District; Nancy Love, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan; Eileen O’Neill, WEF executive director; Mariyana Spyropoulos, MWRD president of the Board of Commissioners; and Cindy Wallis-Lage, Water Group president, Black & Veatch. Room S105b, 7:30-9:00 a.m. Ticketed event, space limited. 

About WEF 
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.