Excitement Building for ACWA Fall Conference in Indian Wells by Dave Eggerton Nov 18, 2022 Voices on Water We’re less than two weeks out from our 2022 Fall Conference & Exhibition, and I can’t wait to reconnect with so many members of the ACWA community when we gather in Indian Wells. Once again, our conference will serve as an information hub where you can access the latest news and emerging developments on every facet of the California water space. Above and below ground water storage, climate change impacts, funding opportunities, advances in innovation and what’s next within the ever changing legislative and regulatory landscape – if it affects your agency or organization, you will come away better informed and more prepared as a water professional. Don’t forget to check out the Exhibit Hall, which will feature an array of services and product displays specific to the water industry. The conference will deliver this valuable information over three days of forums, programs, panel discussions, roundtable talks, ACWA committee meetings and region meetings. In addition, two exciting keynote speakers will share insights on water issues you won’t find anywhere else. This will include Ambassador Marco Sermoneta, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, who will discuss how Israel has addressed its unique water challenges and welcomes collaboration with California regarding water management. George T. Whitesides, Board Chairman of Megafire Action, will deliver a second keynote address touching on an incredibly vital topic within our industry. Whitesides helps lead the first organization focused solely on enacting policies to solve the crisis we face with historically catastrophic wildfires, aiming to give prevention and mitigation the same emphasis as suppression and emergency response. Former Chief of Staff at NASA among his many leadership roles, Whitesides is applying Silicon Valley innovation to address some of the greatest challenges of climate change. In addition to great keynote speakers along with all the information and opportunities to learn more, networking and camaraderie always stands out as among the most rewarding experiences at conference. It’s a quality that cannot be truly replicated virtually, which is among several reasons why we are not offering a live, simultaneous remote option; however, selected portions will be recorded and available following the conference. I feel strongly about hosting conferences in person because there is an intrinsic value to an in-person gathering that’s apparent in every part of the experience. Seeing one another personally, sharing information face to face and simply enjoying each other’s company drives so much of the anticipation leading up to a conference. It’s really at the core of why we do it, and why I urge people to personally join us in Indian Wells and at future ACWA conferences. This isn’t to say ACWA is leaving the virtual space behind entirely. Far from it. Looking at it from a strategic perspective, we will continue utilizing remote meeting technology such as Zoom where it makes the most sense, as with some committee, region and working group meetings throughout the year, where eliminating long-distance travel can be clearly measured in cost savings, greater efficiency and more convenience. Meanwhile, registration numbers reflect the growing excitement and anticipation among attendees, with more than 1,000 people having registered and that number is rising. If you missed the Nov. 11 deadline for online registration, onsite registration will be available. ACWA conferences are constantly evolving toward creating the best possible experience for attendees. We rely on surveys to guide that process, so if you’re attending, please plan on filling out a post-event survey that you’ll receive in your email. With that, I wish everyone safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. And then, see you in Indian Wells!.
