Excitement builds as information begins to pour out about the upcoming Puget Sound Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association’s Water Works Conference 2010 Tacoma.
Given the abundance of world class attractions and educational opportunities available during this year’s conference to be held in Tacoma, Wash. May 12-14, it’s never been easier to wet your whistle with activities designed for water professionals. An electric mix of education, events and locales make Water Works Conference 2010 Tacoma a must attend event. Whether you are a conservation technician, water quality specialist, engineer, customer service representative, water system manager, water treatment operator, or a water system manager, the Tacoma conference is sure to educate and entertain.
Start your experience early with pre-conference seminars Wednesday, May 12. Come learn during sessions that addresses a variety of water topics. Take an in-depth look at Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems or take a comprehensive seminar on Asset Management. If you want to more knowledge about local water projects throughout the Tacoma area, you can get hear about Tacoma Water’s McMillin Reservoir project and Fruitland Mutual Water’s Well 4 Tank. Other opportunities include a seminar on maintenance in the distribution system, which includes presentations on leak detection, flange bolting, fire hydrant maintenance and repair and various other topics. Young professionals interested in pre-conference events can attend a half day seminar by day about teambuilding and networking skills then participate in the annual YP scavenger hunt by night.
The conference’s technical program officially begins with six concurrent sessions Thursday, May 13 following the opening ceremony featuring northwest native and national caliber motivational keynote speaker Greg Bennick. Choose from topics about customer service, resources and conservation, engineering, distribution, Water for People and public officials. Friday, May 14 choose from seven concurrent technical sessions during the morning and afternoon. These include presentations hosted by Water Quality, Small Systems, Engineering, Water Treatment, Distribution, Conservation, and Public Officials. Friday afternoon offers technical sessions sponsored by Conservation, Engineering, Research, Water Treatment and Research, Water Quality, and Public Information and Financial Management.
After engaging in technical and training opportunities, take a moment to relax and enjoy Tacoma. You won’t have to go far to find attractions and entertainment because the conference location is in the center of everything. Most events will take place around the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center and the close by Hotel Murano, the official conference hotel. The hotel itself is highly regarded by the well respected Conde Nast Traveler magazine, which recently ranked the hotel as one of the top 10 hotels in the nation. The establishment’s large collection of world-class glass art is elegantly displayed throughout the building, providing an eye-catching experience. Both the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center and the Hotel Murano are just minutes from the city’s free modern Light Rail system, which provides easy access to two of Tacoma’s hottest places, the Tacoma Art Museum, home to Dale Chihuly’s glass art, and the Theater District where you’ll find historic live theaters, antiques, coffee and gourmet food.
In the Museum District, the conference “Fun Night” will take place at the world renown Museum of Glass International Center for Contemporary Art where you’ll find an array of Pacific Northwest art and other infamous installations. Approach the museum from downtown Tacoma and you’ll get to stroll across the 500-foot-long Chihuly Bridge of Glass, which connects the museum to Tacoma’s downtown core. The structure provides sweeping views of the city and hosts an exclusive outdoor collection of Chihuly glass art (be sure to search for the seven hidden glass cherubs). While visiting the museum, you can explore 21st century glass art, participate in hands-on art projects, view engaging videos about the process of making glass art and even find take home treasures in the museum’s gift shop. Guests can also experience live glass blowing inside the museum Hot Shop amphitheater – a working glass studio. Delicious local salmon cuisine will also be provided.
If you are a sport fanatic, you won’t want to miss the golf tournament at nearby Eagle Pride Golf Course at Fort Lewis. This top rated 27-hole championship golf course, driving range and practice facility will be open to registered conference attendees. Come put your golf skills to the test and enjoy friendly competition with fellow water professionals with the right amount of challenge. This event will also include prizes and lunch.
Water Works 2010 Tacoma will also provide opportunities to showcase specialized skills through various competitions. During the highly competitive Water Tapping competition, four-person teams can compete to see who can tap into a pressurized water main with no leaks in the fastest time. This event always draws a huge crowd. Bragging rights are also up for grabs as utilities compete for the best tasting water. These events and others allow water professionals demonstrate their savvy technical skills.
Don’t miss your chance to tap into these educational opportunities and events. Mark your calendar and register early for Water Works 2010 Tacoma. Registration begins January 4. Visit pnws-awwa.org for more information.