WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) premiere event, will return to New Orleans, Sept. 26-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality conference in North America and more than 23,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors are expected in 2026.
This year’s show is expected to buzz with interactive technical sessions, groundbreaking product debuts, and collaborative workshops spanning a range of water technology innovations. Attendees will dive into the latest advancements, explored forward-thinking technologies and approaches, and forge valuable connections – all fueled by a shared commitment to water quality and environmental stewardship.
Jammin’4Water
Before all of the educational session begin and the exhibit hall opens, the water community will take the stage as the 12th annual Jammin’4Water returns Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to midnight at Generations Hall in New Orleans. Jammin’4Water brings together water professionals for a night of live music, community and a shared commitment to expanding access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene around the world.
In 2026, Jammin’4Water officially joined the WEF Events portfolio as the signature community benefit event leading into WEFTEC. Since its inception, Jammin’4Waterhas raised more than $650,000 for global water charities and service initiatives, turning one night of music into an impact that reaches far beyond the stage.
Opening General Session & Keynote Speaker
WEFTEC 2026 Opening General Session Speaker, Diana Kander, will challenge water professionals to unlock one of the most powerful yet underutilized drivers of innovation: curiosity. Kander will explore how teams can overcome the limitations of expertise, challenge long-held assumptions, and uncover new opportunities for improvement. While experience remains essential, organizations that continue to question, learn, and adapt are often best positioned to innovate.
WEF said Kander’s message is particularly relevant for water professionals tasked with solving complex problems while preparing for the future. An entrepreneur, bestselling author, and innovation strategist, she helps organizations build cultures that embrace experimentation, creativity, and continuous learning.
Kander’s session will begin on Monday, Sept. 28, at 8:30 a.m. to officially kick off WEFTEC 2026.
Water-AI Nexus
Entering its second year, the Water-AI Nexus™ is expanding its role as a global hub for knowledge and collaboration at the intersection of water and artificial intelligence.
Founded by the WEF, Amazon, The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and Leading Utilities of the World, the Water-AI Nexus brings together leaders in utilities, technology, academia, finance and other sectors around two interconnected priorities:
At WEFTEC 2025, the Water-AI Nexus Theater presented a series exploring the critical confluence of artificial intelligence and water, a feature that will return in 2026. Attendees can explore the Water-AI Nexus Stage in Hall G, Booth 6310 on the exhibition floor, with dedicated programming focused on real-world applications, utility implementation, water and data center infrastructure, policy, cybersecurity, workforce considerations, and more.
Celebrating one year since its launch, the Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence recently announced the addition of Veolia, WaterISAC, Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, and Rural Community Assistance Partnership as the next participants in its Advisory Council, alongside the launch of workforce development programs and foundational insight reports for sustainable water use.
Click here to view the complete Water-AI Nexus Stage schedule.
The WEFTEC exhibit hall will be open on Sept. 28-29, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sept. 30, 8:30 – 3:30 p.m.
For more information, visit weftec.org.
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