Dear Readers,
It’s my distinct pleasure to continue a long-standing tradition in the partnership between the Water Quality Association and Water Conditioning & Purification International by writing the February edition of Viewpoint. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite every one of you to attend our annual convention and exposition, WQA Aquatech USA, which will be held in Las Vegas, NV, April 21-24. Whether you make it a point to attend every year or haven’t been to WQA Aquatech USA in a few years, we think you’ll be pleased with the improvements we’ve made; they are strategically designed to deliver even more value to participating companies and attendees.
WQA Aquatech USA has always been an unrivaled event for accessing information relevant to the water quality improvement industry. This year, we’ve taken a new approach by developing five different learning tracks to accommodate the varying needs of industry professionals.
The Water Treatment Basics track is ideal for anyone new to water treatment or seeking a review of introductory concepts. Participants will learn about common water- borne contaminants, installing equipment according to basic codes and several types of common treatment technologies.
The Residential Applications & Regulatory Matters track focuses on regulatory trends and technologies at the forefront of modern residential water treatment. Participants will learn about innovative advancements in electrochemical water treatment, ion exchange and water conservation.
The Commercial Applications track highlights the specific needs of various sub- sectors of the commercial water treatment market. This track also features a behind-the- scenes tour of water technology behind the Las Vegas show Le Rêve – The Dream, which utilizes a one-million gallon water tank!
The Process Water Applications track is designed to build the learner’s technical capabilities to pursue the ‘middle market’ between commercial and heavy-industrial applications. We will cover such topics as reverse osmosis system design, water reuse in beverage manufacturing and plumbing and instrumentation diagrams.
The Business Operations & Management track offers information and techniques to help water treatment industry professionals improve work performance and grow their business. This track is ideal for representatives of dealer companies with limited experience in the water treatment marketplace.
The learning and exchange of ideas that will take place at WQA Aquatech USA won’t be limited to the educational sessions. If you’re looking for technical advice, the trade show is a great place to find it. We will facilitate ‘Ask the Expert’ Q&A Roundtables in special lounge areas on the trade show floor. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about select products and services directly from the experts in a relaxed, informal setting.
If you want to build your credibility and expertise by pursuing professional certi- fication through WQA, you’ll have ample opportunities to experience WQA’s Modular Education Program (MEP) first-hand. There will be a MEP Café next to the WQA booth and you will have an opportunity to log in and test out the new program at several edu- cational sessions. WQA Education & Professional Certification staff will be on hand to explain how to leverage the MEP in achieving professional certification.
Whether it’s at our educational sessions, networking with fellow industry profes- sionals or checking out the latest products on the trade show floor, we’re confident you’ll leave WQA Aquatech USA with plenty of valuable information that can help you grow your business. I encourage you to visit www.wqa.org/Aquatech for more information or to register for WQA Aquatech USA 2015. I look forward to seeing you there.
David Westman
Interim Executive Director, Water Quality Association