Robert ‘Bob’ Maisner, President , Water Quality Association
Water treatment professionals and industry leaders are always looking for opportunities to improve the lives of others through effective water treatment. It’s no secret these are challenging times when it comes to water quality around the country, as well as the world. When it comes to staying on top of research, the latest trends and innovation, there is no place better than the annual WQA Convention & Exposition. This year’s Convention in Denver, CO (March 26-29, wqa.org/convention) promises to be one of the best. Not only is Denver an amazing city surrounded by picturesque mountains and plenty of sunshine, but everything about the convention and trade show is focused on helping our attendees serve their customers and improve the lives of others.
Whether it’s emerging contaminants, Wells 101 or addressing chloride discharge, our education sessions will help attendees know how to position their companies in the months ahead. We’ll have top-level industry speakers who can address these challenges from hands-on experience. The trade show floor promises to be one of the best with a full array of products and services on display. There are plenty of hot topics, such as the regulatory climate for businesses, the impact of the new tax law, the door-to-door water treatment scams from this past summer and the growing problem of counterfeit filters. Technical issues include everything from the impact of well construction to addressing PFCs.
We are going to have a fantastic Opening General Session. The program features David LaFrance, CEO of the American Water Works Association and keynote speaker Ross Shafer, author and Emmy-award winning TV host and comedian. We’ll also be giving out a brand-new award this year. Our Excellence Award will honor two of our member companies that went above and beyond when it comes to excellence in business operations, innovation or customer service.
We are also excited to have a full day Business Operations Boot Camp which takes place on Sunday, March 25, the day before the convention officially opens. It’s a full-day intensive workshop aimed at our dealers, primarily. Attendees will get new tools and practical tips they can take back to their dealerships or companies and really improve their organization as well as their bottom line. Presenters include Tim Miles, Michael Thompson, Denise Urbans and John and Derek Packard. Topics range from strategic planning, succession planning and cutting overhead, to how to coach without being a drill sergeant. (Learn more at wqa.org/bootcamp)
The WQA Convention & Exposition is also a great way to network and reconnect with colleagues and friends. We all need to break out of our routine, raise our level of knowledge, get inspired to try new ideas and stay on top of the changing trends and new research in the industry. When you consider all that the Convention & Exposition has to offer, it’s a tremendous bargain and a tremendous opportunity.
This is good time for me to thank our members for making it the amazing organization and industry that it is. We need each other to build for the future and continue to work for the betterment of water quality everywhere.