ACE18 Onsite Program ACE18 Program Digimag | Page 5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Colleagues and Friends Welcome to the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas. As a water community, we are living and working in challenging times; we have experienced an unprecedented number and magnitude of natural disasters over the past year. As water professionals, we’ve had to react as first responders with dedication to serve the public—sometimes even having to leave our own families’ emergencies. My hope is that as we come together over the next week, we’re able to take the lessons learned from these experiences and grow both individually and as a sector. I’d like to extend a special welcome to our international guests. My goal over the past year has been to place a focus on personal relationships and the value we receive by listening to different perspectives. While diversity can come in many forms, from professional background to age or gender, the unique personal experiences you bring to our conference help all of us to become better water professionals. I’d also like to welcome the students, young professionals, and veterans who are attending. You play a critical role today in transforming our future. I encourage you to take advantage of the first-timers’ events and the young professionals’ program, and to learn more about the scholarships available through AWWA’s Sections and the Water Equation. I’m sure all of you will enjoy the Exposition, which showcases more than 450 exhibitors and has expanded learning opportunities on the show floor. The professional program will deliver over 100 unique sessions with more than 500 expert presenters covering timely topics that are relevant to a global water audience. I encourage everyone, no matter where you are in your career, to take a moment to look through this program to find the sessions that will help you excel. And, be sure to spend some quality time walking the exposition floor and enjoy this opportunity to meet with colleagues and friends. Welcome to Las Vegas! Brenda Lennox AWWA President ACE18 CONFERENCE | AWWA.ORG/ACE    1