Why ACWA Conferences Matter by Marwan Khalifa Apr 25, 2025 Voices on Water What we do affects every single person in California because water is life. Few professions can capture their ultimate purpose with such clarity. Contrast fulfilling that vital purpose against what it really takes: dozens of professional skill sets working within a vast array of water agencies serving a wide variety of purposes and communities. This spans agricultural water suppliers to urban agencies, wholesalers and retailers, all operating within a statewide system that ranges from organizations employing hundreds of workers in major urban centers to teams of two or three people serving tight-knit rural communities. For California’s water industry, it all comes together twice a year during ACWA conferences. Personally, one of so many reasons I look forward to ACWA conferences is being around people who get water, and by extension get me, and who share a passion for learning more about what we do and how to do it better. No matter what your role, an ACWA conference is for everyone within the water industry, regardless if you are new to the field, in the middle of your career or a seasoned water professional. Next month’s ACWA Spring Conference & Expo in Monterey will be no different and it will be my 13th ACWA conference; however, I will be experiencing it for the first time from another perspective. Seeing how the association works from the inside has given me a deep appreciation for the massive effort undertaken by ACWA staff to consistently make conferences successful, rewarding and highly informative events. Their work delivers on all fronts when it comes to what conference attendees value most — gaining information, making connections, enjoying networking, learning about innovations and continuing education opportunities. That said, no organization on earth operates within a vacuum of flawless perfection. One of my priorities is transforming ACWA into a world class organization and elevating its position as a leading voice on state and federal water policy, as well as how we can provide the most valuable and relevant service to members. Water will always be essential, and so will the ACWA community. Let’s keep learning from each other, growing together and shaping the future of water in California. I look forward to seeing you in Monterey.
