WEFTEC 2026 Opens With Over 23,000 Expected Attendees
WEFTEC 2026 opens in New Orleans with more than 23,000 attendees expected and more than 135 technical sessions, over 20 of them on AI.
Water Environment Federation expects more than 23,000 water professionals, exhibitors, and industry leaders at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans. The annual technical exhibition and conference includes more than 135 technical sessions, including over 20 focused on artificial intelligence. This year’s event puts special emphasis on the Circular Water Economy and developing the next generation of water professionals. More than 70 countries will be represented at the event.
Technical Program And AI
The Opening General Session launches the event with WEF leadership and keynote speaker Diana Kander. More than 200 volunteers review and curate every session in the technical program. Its AI sessions explore topics ranging from utility operations and predictive analytics to workforce development and responsible AI adoption.
The Water-AI Nexus™ Center of Excellence enters its second year with more than 20 Advisory Council organizations. Its sessions examine AI for Water and Water for AI, including AI applications for utility operations, infrastructure planning, resilience, and water-efficient AI infrastructure.
Circular Water And Workforce Development
The Circular Water Economy Pavilion will present water reuse, potable reuse, nutrient recovery, energy generation, and drinking water innovation through the principles of Reduce, Recover, and Regenerate. The program examines how circular strategies can deliver environmental benefits and economic value for utilities and communities.
New for 2026, the Workforce Hub is sponsored by Raftelis and Jacobs. It offers live demonstrations, networking, presentations, and hands-on learning experiences focused on operator excellence, career pathways, and professional growth.
Global Innovation And Utility Collaboration
Sponsored by WSP, the International Pavilion and Global Hub include seven country and regional pavilions representing 54 participating companies. Presentations, panels, and networking events will cover resilient infrastructure, partnerships, and water management approaches from around the world.
The new Utility Pavilion brings public water and wastewater utilities together with solution providers to discuss aging infrastructure, workforce development, regulatory compliance, resilience, and sustainability. The Innovation Pavilion will also host the Innovation Showcase, presented by WEF, BlueTech Research, and Imagine H2O, alongside a Discovery Zone for startups and first-time exhibitors.
Operations Skills On Display
Operations Challenge returns for its 39th year with 60 teams from 26 Member Associations, including competitors from Canada and the United Kingdom. Teams advance through qualifying competitions before competing in laboratory analysis, process control, collections systems, maintenance, and safety events modeled on wastewater operations.
The new Green and Blue Stages will add exhibitor and industry presentations on infrastructure planning, stormwater management, automation, collection systems, resilience, and asset management.
Planning The Event
Attendees can use the WEF Events mobile app and online planner for schedules, exhibitor information, session details, maps, and event updates throughout the week.
