The American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition kicks off in Chicago next week.

Water professionals will be in the Windy City in the upcoming days to focus on major water-sector issues, share knowledge with their peers, learn the latest water community trends, and get in the know about regulatory updates and actions.

Association: American Water Works Association

Conference: Annual Conference & Exposition

Venue: McCormick Place

Location: Chicago

ACE2016 begins on Monday morning with an opening general session featuring one of the most recognized faces in weather, The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore. A look at what else is on tap:

Tour de force. Attendees have the option to take part in one of eight facility tours during the course of the conference to get an inside look at how their colleagues work and perhaps pick up a tip or two. Options include a visit to the Shedd Aquarium Water Treatment Plant and Lincoln Park Zoo or the Jardine Water Purification Plant.

Competitive nature. There’s not one or two, but five, competitions and contests happening onsite at ACE16. Among them: the new Hydrant Hysteria, where a two-person team assembles a fire hydrant as fast as possible, and Top Ops, which tests the everyday know-how of water treatment operators in a college bowl format.

Like a boss. AWWA is giving young professionals and students the opportunity to get some face time with water industry leaders. Its low-key meet-up, called Lunch With a Boss, will let these attendees sit face to face with heads of manufacturing companies and general managers of a water utility and ask questions. Speed networking activities will be weaved into the conversations.

Want to learn more about the meeting? Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (#ace16awwa) are your best fountains of information.

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