The Water Environment Federation’s annual Technical Exhibition & Conference (WEFTEC) drew more than 20,000 attendees to the Windy City, Sept. 27 – Oct. 1, for the largest annual tradeshow for water professionals in North America.
WEFTEC’s technical program in 2025 featured more than 130 technical sessions and 20 in-depth workshops.
During the Opening General Session on the morning of Sept. 29, Ralph Exton, WEF Executive Director, welcomed attendees and introduced Kari Steele, President of the Board of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and WEF President, Howard Carter. The three discussed building a resilient workforce, empowering communities, and leading the shift to a Circular Water Economy.
Keynote speaker Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee and Army veteran, shared his own story of overcoming unimaginable challenges in the face of adversity. Beyond the main stage, WEFTEC’s Exhibition Floor was packed with immersive theaters and interactive experiences including live panel discussions and innovation pavilions.
One of the most anticipated features this year was the Water-AI Nexus™ Theater, a three-day series exploring the critical confluence of artificial intelligence and water. With data center growth driving up water and energy demands, sessions tackled everything from AI’s role in utility operations to preparing the water workforce for the GenAI era. The Center of Excellence was a collaboration between WEF, Amazon, Leading Utilities of the World, and the Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America, attracting a global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water.
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