TRADE SHOWS: WEFTEC Attracts More Than 17,000
— Dec 01, 2009
A total of 17,722 water professionals and 995 exhibitors attended WEFTEC.09, the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) 82nd annual technical exhibition and conference, Oct. 10-14 in Orlando, Fla. This year’s strong showing reinforces the importance of WEFTEC for promoting information and technology exchange among water professionals and as an invaluable venue for business opportunities in the water quality field.
“As always, this year’s exhibition was very well attended and was a great forum for identifying business opportunities and generating new leads,” said Kevin Marsh, Vice President of Flow Sales with the Hach Company. “Hall traffic was brisk and we were pleased to see an increased number of senior-level professionals visit our booth, many of which showed serious interest in our products.”
“We know there’s a recession out there and it has not passed us by,” added WEF Executive Director Bill Bertera. “But this year’s numbers are a strong indication that WEFTEC is where people come to do business…to learn about the latest developments and research in the water quality field. We will continue to meet the needs of our members and the water profession…especially as municipal and private sector revenues are challenged by the economy.”
The conference featured a high-quality technical program of 122 technical sessions, 31 workshops, nine facility tours, and several high profile events. Of particular interest to attendees was a special session featuring Peter Silva, the new Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water. Silva discussed his priorities for EPA’s water program, the status of stimulus funding for water infrastructure, and the Obama Administration’s agenda for the national water program.
Other highlights included 2008-2009 WEF President Rebecca West passing the gavel to incoming President Paul Freedman, as well as the induction of the 2009-2010 WEF Officers and Board of Trustees.
WEFTEC 2010 is scheduled for Oct. 2-6 in New Orleans.
