As a conference official attendee at this year’s WEFTEC 2022 I got the chance to experience and explore all that WEFTEC has to offer.

The Expo hosted over 600 Exhibitors spread over 1 1/2mile in the conference center. So many vendors and products to familiar yourself with and the innovation pavilion was amazing to see what new technology is being created and projects being formed to create a better and more sustainable planet.

One of the things that I enjoyed he most at WEFTEC was the opportunity to see that there are so many other Wastewater companies out there besides my own plant. I also really liked walking the expo floor and being able to meet
with Vendors of products currently being used at my WWTP. I was able to ask questions about the equipment or problems I may have had in the past or present. I did participate in the Operator Challenge and while it was humbling, it was eye opening to see just how far behind I am compared to other operators across the nation.

By going to WEFTEC, I gained a lot of knowledge of new products that can help to bring my plant into the future. It also gave me ideas on how we can improve our current equipment through upgrades, service visits and meetings with vendors. This knowledge will also give me a better understanding of what is available and comparable for replacement or expansion and allow me to negotiate for those things with confidence.

I believe if someone has the opportunity to go to WEFTEC they should. The knowledge you can gain with experience and networking can only improve an operator’s future development. Having a scholarship will also ease the financial burden of going to WEFTEC and allow people to attend that otherwise would not have due to the cost. If this committee continues, I recommend any operator should consider joining and leading future operators.