2019 Utility Management Conference Program 2019 Utility Mgmt Program | Page 5

Track Descriptions
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Water Infrastructure represents major capital investments
for a community and maintaining the value of these
investments is important. Adopting a sound asset
management approach offers utilities a way to make
better decisions about capital and operations budgets while
optimizing levels of service. Attendees will explore lessons
learned in developing an effective asset management
program and effectively communicating these benefits and
techniques and will further explore strategies for optimization
and advanced analytical tools.
BUSINESS PRACTICE / ORGANIZATIONAL
OPTIMIZATION
Continuous improvement is an objective sought by all utilities
throughout the industry. With multiple objectives and users,
numerous and often interrelated factors must be considered
when attempting to optimize performance. Throughout this
track, attendees will explore a variety of approaches for
utility optimization ranging from partnering and collaboration
to preparing for the future through financial resiliency and
organizational alignment. Additional sessions focus more
acutely on opportunities to optimize personnel, capital
resources, and data management.
COMMUNICATING VALUE TO CUSTOMERS
AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS / PUBLIC
INVOLVEMENT
Engaging and effectively communicating with key
stakeholder groups is a critical and essential skill for all
water professionals. Sessions will highlight best practices
and effective communication strategies implemented by
water industry professionals when conveying critical
messages, aligning communities, and ensuring an efficient
and positive customer experience.
FINANCE, ACCOUNTING & RATES
Join the discussion as industry leaders explore key
questions, challenges, and solutions related to current
financial trends. Session will highlight public-private
partnerships, tackle affordability issues within the water
industry, and demonstrate how to successfully navigate
funding for key infrastructure projects. As one of our most
popular topic areas, there is a wide variety of sessions,
workshops, and special topic focus sessions available to
attendees to delve into a variety of issues and corresponding
solutions of the day.
LEADERSHIP AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
Utilities are faced with unprecedented managerial, financial,
and technical challenges daily, with workforce remaining a
top concern of water and wastewater utility managers. Join
industry experts for discussions on strategic workforce
solutions, innovative training, development opportunities,
and case studies of effective programs. Attendees will also
learn how to identify future workforce leadership resources
necessary to effectively manage a utility.
MANAGEMENT–INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
& TECHNOLOGY
Innovation in the world of utility management takes many
forms, including innovative technology. Utilities are seeking
innovative solutions and advanced technologies in order to
meet new and mounting challenges. This track will highlight
sessions on advanced data analytics in utility operations as
well as emerging technologies in information management.
MANAGEMENT–INFRASTRUCTURE
Discover the latest best practices for maintaining and
managing your utility’s infrastructure. Learn from experts
in project delivery and management as they discuss the
business side of running a successful utility. Compare
diverse approaches to infrastructure management, such as
addressing service line replacement, tackling unregulated
contaminants, and understanding the prevalence of water
main breaks. An additional special topic session will focus
on understating the WIFIA program, associated benefits, and
successful case studies.
MANAGEMENT–OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE
Efficient design, management & operation of a utility’s
distribution system and treatment plants is vital to your
utility’s performance. Come hear about the benefits of the
latest operational efficiencies, opportunities for efficiency
through consolidation, and techniques for controlling
the process.
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