Texas Water 2020 - Virtual

TW2020 virtual initials color RGBT

RESCHEDULING & REFORMATTING ANNOUNCEMENT

Texas WaterTM 2020 has been reformatted. We will hold a virtual conference July 15-17. This is a Wednesday through Friday instead of a Tuesday through Friday.

There are a number of live and pre-recorded events! Go to WEAT's

For more information concerning attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor registration click the button below or go to txwater.org




Announcement_3_13_20.pdf

Important Info & Featured Events at Texas Water 2020

Registration

Online Registration will soon be open at txwater.org. Contact the WEAT office for your WEAT/WEF Member number.

Opening General Session | Keynote Speaker: Rep. Dade Phelan

Texas Water is excited to welcome Chairman Dade Phelan in providing the keynote comments at the 25th anniversary of Texas Water. The address will take place during the Opening Session at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 1.

Chairman Phelan authored and sponsored some of the most important water legislation in the 86th Texas Legislature, including HJR 4, which allocated $800 million to the new state flood infrastructure fund. He has advocated for water infrastructure funding and flood mitigation and flood funding. Phelan is one of three house members appointed to the State Water Infrastructure Fund for Texas Advisory Committee, which oversees the operation, function and structure of the state water fund, and assists the Texas Water Development Board in achieving its goal of providing $27 billion in state water plan projects over the next 50 years.

President's Party Virtual Happy Hour- More Information Coming Soon

Texas Water Awards Ceremony- WEAT Virtual Awards

Join us in celebrating your incredible colleagues and their contributions to our industry!

Space is limited, register today!

WEAT 2020 Award Recipients

YP Virtual Happy Hour- More Information Coming Soon

Student Design Competition

City of Pflugerville Central WWTP Expansion, BNR and Solids Improvements

This year's SDC was held virtually on April 2, 2020 - Watch the 2020 Competition!

Winners were announced April 15, 2020 - Watch the 2020 Awards Ceremony!

The WEAT Student Design Competition gives students the opportunity to design and present a project based on a real-world wastewater treatment plant design problem.

This year's teams: from Texas Tech University, University of Houston, Lamar University, Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Tecnológico de Monterrey.

The prompt this year is focused around the City of Pflugerville’s Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pflugerville, TX. Students shall propose design alternatives to construct new facilities required for expanded capacity, rehabilitate existing facilities and convert from a chemical nutrient removal facility to a biological nutrient removal facility, and upgrade the existing solids handling facilities.

Women in Water Celebration

Monday, June 22 | 10:30 am | Zoom

The Women in Water celebration highlighted a group of amazing women who shared their stories of achievement in their careers. The panel included TCEQ Deputy Director L'Oreal Stepney, TCEQ Commissioner Emily Lindley and Fort Worth Water Deputy Director Laura Wilson.

Recording Coming Soon!

Curtis Smalley Environmental Event

The Curtis Smalley Environmental Event honors the legacy of Curtis Smalley. His contribution, leadership, mentorship, dedication to service and passion for the water industry left a significant impact. He was a driving force to include the environmental event as part of Texas Water to provide fellowship for colleagues and an opportunity to give back to the community in a fun and engaging manner. We will be holding a virtual seed planting event in his memory, with more information to come.

Dodson's Drive Virtual Fun Run

July 13- Noon July 16

The Dodson’s Drive Fun Run, established in 2011 to honor the late Kenneth Dodson, provides funding for scholarships and to send young professionals to the annual Young Professionals Summit.

The 2020 Fun Run will be a virtual race starting on July 13. Runners must submit their times and electronic proof of completion to Cox racing by noon on Thursday, July 16. You can you aps such as Strava log or Fitbit log to track your time electronically.

Awards for the winning runners will be presented at the Virtual YP Reception.

Water Reuse Workshop: From Fundamentals to the Future

April 1, 1:20–5:20 pm

This workshop will provide attendees with a fundamental understanding of water reuse in the unique Texas context. The workshop will cover everything from the regulatory basis to the logistics of implementing reuse. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive panel discussion with experts from the field specifically focused on funding options for reuse. Case studies detailing a variety of reuse applications will be presented with speakers from leading utilities in the reuse field including San Antonio Water Systems, Wichita Falls, El Paso, Round Rock, McAllen, and San Marcos presenting real world applications and results. The workshop will also look toward the future of water reuse in Texas and specifically address the workforce needs with a focus on operator licensure efforts.

No additional fee. Pending approval for 4-hours TCEQ water and wastewater hours.

Sponsorship Information

First - thank you so much for your patience and understanding while we have confronted the various challenges brought on by the current situation we all find ourselves in. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life for all of us, and we hope that you and yours are doing as well as possible during these troubled times. This has definitely been unlike any year in the 25-year history of Texas Water. We have had to make decisions that we never thought we’d need to make. You should’ve heard by now that Texas Water 2020 will be a Virtual Conference. Over the last few weeks, we’ve developed a completely new experience that we’re actually very excited about.

Your sponsorship has always been necessary to help make Texas Water happen. That’s true now more than ever, as we pioneer our first virtual conference.

Consider a few things about the opportunities for a Texas Water Virtual Conference:

· Water and wastewater operators are still required to receive training for their licenses. Engineers still need professional development hours and an ethics hour. Texas Water has secured commitments from the majority of the previously scheduled Technical Program presenters and received approval from TCEQ for the training to count as it would have at the in-person Conference. Attendees will have access to ALL of the Technical Sessions and will not be limited by the need to be physically present, as would be the case at an in-person Conference. The plan is for the Technical Program sessions to remain online for a number of months after the Conference, for continued and repeated viewing.

· All currently registered attendees will be automatically registered for the virtual conference at their current registration level. We even believe there’s a possibility for increased attendance, as many utilities and firms search for training options for their employees that do not include travel costs and the associated safety concerns.

So, we’re hoping for robust attendee participation. But we understand that you need to realize value for your sponsorship. Here’s how we’re going to make sure that your organization’s generous support is recognized by our participants:

· Sponsorship recognition with your logo on the Texas Water Conference home webpage with hyperlink to your website (Texas Water has not previously done this).

· Sponsorship recognition with your logo in all Texas Water email correspondence with hyperlink to your website (Texas Water has not previously done this).

· Sponsorship recognition with logo during the virtual technical program, through a “PBS-Style” Acknowledgement. We are going to be placing brief insertions before the technical presentations indicating that the session was “Brought to you by…” or “Made possible by…” and also include the sponsors contact information. Diamond Sponsors will have the opportunity to be recognized in front of two (2) technical presentations of their choosing (on a first-come, first-serve basis). Platinum Sponsors will have the same opportunity to be recognized in front of one (1) technical presentation of their choosing.

· If you sponsored a specific event, you’ll receive special sponsorship recognition at that event, should it take place virtually.

· Sponsorship recognition with your logo in the virtual Conference Program with a hyperlink to your website.

· Special THANK YOU section with sponsorship recognition and your logo in the post-Conference issues of the WEAT and TAWWA Association magazines (Texas WET and Texas H2O).

· And lastly: special recognition at Texas Water 2021 for your dedication and loyalty in standing by the 2020 Conference during these uncertain times.

We hope these opportunities persuade you to continue your support of the Conference. Texas Water is more than just another trade show. It’s the premier educational and networking event for the water and wastewater industry in the region. The event supports the tireless work of the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association, allowing them to provide much needed advancement in the clean water and drinking water professions. In these difficult days, standing by us means more than ever, and we can’t thank you enough. But we’ll definitely try, and we can’t wait until we’re able to do so in person.

Exhibitor Information

Dear Texas Water Exhibitor,

First - thank you so much for your patience and understanding while we have confronted the various challenges brought on by the current situation we all find ourselves in. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life for all of us, and we hope that you and yours are doing as well as possible during these troubled times. This has definitely been unlike any year in the 25-year history of Texas Water. We have had to make decisions that we never thought we'd need to make. You should've heard by now that Texas WaterTM 2020 will be a Virtual Conference. Over the last few weeks, we've developed a completely new experience that we're actually very excited about.

However, many of you have expressed concern about your exhibitor opportunities given the lack of an in-person conference. Consider a few things about the opportunities for a Texas Water Virtual Conference:

  • Water and wastewater operators are still required to receive training for their licenses. Engineers still need professional development hours and an ethics hour. Texas Water has secured commitments from the vast majority of the previously scheduled Technical Program presenters and received approval from TCEQ for the training to count as it would have at the in-person Conference. Attendees will have access to ALL of the Technical Sessions and will not be limited by the need to be physically present, as would be the case at an in-person Conference. The plan is for the Technical Program sessions to remain online for a number of months after the Conference, for continued and repeated viewing.
  • All currently registered attendees will be automatically registered for the virtual conference at their current registration level. We even believe there's a possibility for increased attendance, as many utilities and firms search for training options for their employees that do not include travel costs and the associated safety concerns.

So, we're hoping for robust attendee participation. But how are we focused on keeping our exhibitors involved?

Your virtual exhibit booth will include:

  • the Product Theatre, where you can upload promotional videos or recorded webinars
  • the New Product Showcase, where you can display a 3-D image of your latest offering
  • the Online Directory, with all your contact and company information searchable by company, product category, or product
  • Exhibitor Chat, where you can make appointments to meet with attendees and discuss your company's offerings
  • Participation in the Texas Water (Virtual) Door Prize Game. We're moving the longstanding tradition online. Registered attendees will have to search your Virtual Booth for the associated keyword to get entered in a drawing for great prizes.
  • A listing in our Virtual Conference Program with an active hyperlink to your website/email
  • Full access to the entire Attendee list with contact information
  • Special THANK YOU section in the post-Conference newsletters for WEAT (Texas WET) and Texas AWWA (Texas H2O) recognizing you for standing by the Associations during this difficult period.

IMPORTANT: All Texas Water 2020TM Virtual Features will be public facing through the Texas Water website. Meaning participation with your booth is not solely limited to Texas Water attendees.

Of course, we understand that a Virtual Exhibit Booth may not be what you had in mind when you registered for Texas Water 2020TM. We get it - it wasn't our original plan either. We want to offer some incentives to encourage you to stay with us through these difficult times:

  • 15% off your exhibitor booth at Texas Water 2021 (with a 2020 price lock guarantee, meaning even if booth prices go up in 2021, you'll be locked in at the 2020 price for the purposes of the 15% off)
  • Every year at the end of the Texas Water Conference, we usually do a drawing for one free booth at the next year's Conference. This year, all Texas Water 2020 Virtual Exhibitors will be entered in the free booth drawing for Texas Water 2021, and we will be drawing 10 times, meaning you'll have ten chances to win a free booth at Texas Water 2021!
  • Priority booth selection for Texas Water 2021 (you'll get to pick your booth before anyone who wasn't in the 2020 show)
  • Recognition at the Texas Water 2021 Conference for your unwavering support in 2020.
  • Ten complimentary exhibitor booth staff badges at Texas Water 2021 (regular amount is four badges per booth)
  • Complimentary tickets to the Exhibit Hall Box Lunch and Awards celebration for each booth staff badged personnel - up to the full 10 each booth is allowed (regular amount is 2 tickets per booth)
  • We're always trying to figure out new ways for vendors to connect with customers at Texas Water 2021. As a Texas Water 2020 Virtual Exhibitor, you'll get the right of first refusal on any new promotional innovations at Texas Water 2021 (i.e. mobile presentations, exhibitor forum sessions, etc.)

We hope these opportunities persuade you to continue your support of the Conference. Texas Water is more than just another trade show. It's the premier educational and networking event for the water and wastewater industry in the region. The event supports the tireless work of the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association, allowing them to provide much needed advancement in the water and wastewater professions. In these difficult days, standing by us means more than ever, and we can't thank you enough. But we'll definitely try, and we can't wait until we're able to do so in person.

Technical Program- Coming Soon

Conference Program- Coming Soon

Gloyna Breakfast- Check In Next Year!

Held in honor of Dr. Earnest F. Gloyna, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at the University of Texas, and his distinguished career in the water industry. The breakfast will not be a part of the 2020 Virtual Program, but we will hold a rescheduled breakfast at a later date, to be announced.

Operations Challenge- Check In Next Year!

Our 2020 Operations Challenge was held virtually, stay tuned for information about a virtual Awards Ceremony & Sponsor Thank You Event using Zoom. Details TBA.

2020 participating teams: TRA CReWSers, TRA Waste Warriors, NTMWD North Texas Rangers, NRH POOseidonts, DWU Aqua Techs, DWU Central Snappers, Houston Drip Squad, Houston Bayou City Brawlers, City of Fort Worth Regulators, LA Wrecking Crew, Metro WW Double Duty and City of Surprise Turdologists.

Texas Shoot Out- Check In Next Year!

April 1 - 3 PM- 5 PM, Exhibit Hall

Who is the fastest draw on cutting a piece of 8-inch SDR 35 pipe with a hand saw? It’s time to show who really has the quickest hands in Texas at the annual Texas Shoot Out.This competition is designed to demonstrate elements of the Operations Challenge’s Collection event. The event is open to all. The $5 entry fee proceeds go to Curtis Smalley Memorial Fund. First place in all events will receive a plaque. Contact Grace Sober for more information and to sign up.

Grace Sober

Ops Challenge Coordinator

WEAT Swag Sale- Check In Next Year!

Look for the WEAT swag booth where staff and volunteers will be selling hats, notebooks, coffee cups, tote bags, and more. All proceeds benefit the WEAT Scholarship Fund.

Innovation Lounge- Check In Next Year!

March 31 – April 2

The Texas Water™Conference has always promoted innovation and creative design to solve some of our most complex water problems. The Innovation Lounge highlights innovative and advanced technologies from across North America. Don’t miss this opportunity to check out these new technologies while collaborating with your colleagues in the new Texas Water™ 2020 Innovation Lounge inside the Exhibit Hall.

There is NO additional fee to visit the Innovation Lounge.

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