Track Descriptions
BENCHMARKING & PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT With multiple objectives and users , water utilities must consider numerous complex and often interrelated , factors when optimizing performance . Benchmarking and performance optimization programs can help to provide a practical first line of defense against many of today ’ s water quality challenges . Join program leaders as they explore the associated benefits including more efficient and effective system operations , improved water quality and public health for utility customers , increased energy efficiencies , and potentially significant cost savings for utilities .
COMMUNICATING / CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 .
DATA MANAGEMENT & SYSTEMS Utilities need innovative solutions and advanced technology in order to thrive despite new and mounting challenges . Engage in discussions with water utility leaders to overcome barriers and accelerating innovation within the water sector . Uncover ways to optimize your system as industry leaders present the latest technological advances to be more effective and efficient at operating your utility . Topics include using data to optimize operations , GIS and advanced analytics , and data utility management techniques .
DIVERSITY , EQUITY , AND INCLUSION Join water sector professionals to discuss the most important and challenging issues related to Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion . Hear from others to better understand , identify concerns , and learn how we can overcome barriers together . This engaging conversation will feature utility perspectives , challenges encountered , and collaboration successes .
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS Come discover the latest cutting-edge information related to contaminants in drinking water . These sessions focus on the latest results and approaches to meeting drinking water issues and provide case studies and lessons learned .
FINANCE , ACCOUNTING & RATES Join this exciting series as industry leaders explore key questions , challenges and solutions related to current financial trends , including financial impacts challenges due to the global pandemic . Experts will cover a range of topics including an examination of current financial trends , providing a perspective from the credit agencies , exploring publicprivate partnerships , tackling affordability issues within water utilities , and demonstrating how to successfully navigate funding for infrastructure projects
MANAGEMENT – 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 operational budgets while optimizing levels of service . Attendees will explore lessons learned in developing an effective asset management program , effectively communicating these benefits and techniques , and further explore strategies for optimization and advanced analytical tools .
MANAGEMENT – OPERATION AND 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 .
RISK MANAGEMENT / RESILIENCY / EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Discover how utilities are preparing for , responding to , and recovering from all types of hazards , including natural disasters , accidents , malevolent events and the COVID pandemic . Industry leaders will share actions taken to respond to the pandemic by developing new approaches , and improving resiliency programs .
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