ACE

ACE, the Annual Conference and Exposition of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), serves as a crucial platform for public officials overseeing water resources to make informed decisions for their utilities and communities. Organized by the AWWA, an international, non-profit scientific and educational society founded in 1881, this annual event is dedicated to advancing total water solutions and effective water management. The AWWA is recognized as the world's largest organization of water supply professionals, representing approximately 50,000 members as of 2024. The upcoming edition, ACE27, is scheduled for 2027.

The event's target audience includes public officials such as elected and appointed officials, mayors, water and wastewater board commissioners, and council members from North America and globally. It also attracts a broad spectrum of water professionals, including engineers, operators, and utility managers, alongside academics, students, and young professionals. AWWA members, encompassing water utilities, treatment plant operators, scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, and regulators, also form a significant part of the attendees.

Participants can explore an extensive exhibition floor, which featured over 1,000 booths at ACE26 (2026). The conference also offers a rich array of concurrent programs designed for professional development and networking. These include the Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus (2026), Public Officials Certificate Courses, Workshops & Tours, and specialized competitions like Top Ops and Pipe Tapping. Other highlights include the AWWA Meter Challenge, Tap Water Taste Tests, an Innovation Hub, Water Equation at ACE, and sessions on Diversity in Water, providing a comprehensive experience for all water sector stakeholders.