There is a misconception out there that the IWA is “all academic”.  This ‘may’ have been ‘mostly’ true many years ago, but over my 12 year involvement, I have seen the focus on utilities and utility management grow significantly.  The theme of the last World Water Congress in Copenhagen was “Smart Cities” and we hosted a successful Utility Leaders Forum.  For Toronto this summer, we have developed another strong Utility Leaders Forum over 3 days (Mon-Wed). 

The Utility Leaders Forum will run every afternoon from the Monday through the Wednesday;

Monday        –    Keynote speaker – Peter Gleick, author

• AWWA’s Water 2050 program – an interactive session
• Utility Leaders Reception at Toronto City Hall – must register

Tuesday       –    Water and the Circular Economy – panel session

• Water Security & Resilience – panel session
• Water Canada Awards at Second City! – tickets available

Wednesday   –    Climate Change & Adaptation – panel session

• Bringing It All Together – panel and interactive session
• Utility Leaders Closing Reception – by invitation for utility leaders

The Utility Leaders Forum is all presentations ‘by’ utility leaders and ‘for’ utility leaders.  The concept is that, in addition to the leadership networking, utility leaders can share their experiences – challenges, successes, and lessons learned. If you are a utility leader attending the congress, you should get an invitation to participate in this ‘invitation-only’ event, but if you are NOT a utility leader (perhaps a consultant or solution provider), you can apply to participate in the audience for these sessions. If you are having troubles signing up, let me know.

Meanwhile, there will be 4,000 delegates from around the world and just as many attending the Exhibition floor.  Remember, visiting the Exhibition is free – you just need to register.  So make plans to attend the IWA’s World Water Congress & Exhibition and be sure to drop in to see us in the Canada Pavilion!  Book your room as soon as you can !!     

Check it all out at: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition – Shaping our water future