The 80^th Annual International Water Conference was a celebration that took place on November 10-14, 2019 in Orlando, FL. It brought together over 900 end users, researchers, practicing engineers, educators, suppliers and contractors from 25 countries to learn unbiased details about the latest applications available in the industry, get educated on current technology, and hold wide ranging discussions with their peers active in water treatment.

The conference opened on Sunday with an IWC Golf Outing “Scramble” at the Disney Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Additionally, three Continuing Education Workshops were available for attendees to get one on one instruction from professional instructors. Following these activities, we officially opened the IWC Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits at the Get Acquainted Reception, along with a special “birthday cake” to celebrate the 80th Anniversary IWC!

The Conference program officially opened on Monday morning with four early morning technical sessions. The morning concluded with the IWC Keynote Session, featuring keynote presenter Charles Fishman, author of The Big Thirst, who delivered an interesting address to more than 300 attendees. In addition, the IWC Annual Awards were presented (for full details, visit: https://eswp.com/water/awards/). Following the Keynote Session, a strolling buffet luncheon was provided throughout the IWC Exhibit Hall,  then four technical sessions filled out the afternoon. On Monday evening, attendees traveled to the Wyndam Hotel at Lake Buena Vista for the 80^th Anniversary Dinner. IWC Executive Committee Member Mike Soller, serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Dinner, invited three IWC Alumni to share what the IWC means to them. To end the night, the comedy improv group “We Bring the Funny” entertained the crowd by bringing IWC attendees to the stage to entertain the audience.

Technical Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday morning were filled with 48 additional presentations; all carefully peer-reviewed for quality and to ensure they are non-commercialism. Presentations at the IWC are followed by a Prepared Discussion-a thoroughly considered, different perspective on the topic. Each session would end with an open floor discussion when all audience members and presenters can fully interact-ask questions, seek clarification, and raise alternative viewpoints. Along the way, luncheons and receptions gave attendees additional opportunities to network with one another and visit with Exhibitors to continue the learning experience. Following the conference proper, attendees could stay on for 18 additional Workshops offered on Wednesday afternoon thru Thursday. To view the Technical Program and Workshop content, visit: https://eswp.com/water/overview/)

Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference and we hope to see you for the 81^st Annual International Water Conference taking place on November 8-12, 2020 at the Marriot Rivercenter in San Antonio, TX.