This Year’s Theme

As we navigate the current waves of change—across our industries, our communities, and our own lives—there are many opportunities to learn, lead, adapt, and grow.

Being “anchored in purpose” reminds us why we do our work in the energy, water, and environmental fields. It grounds us in our collective values, connects us to one another, and sustains us as individuals as we meet the moment.

We warmly invite you to join us at the 2026 AWWEE Conference to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our purpose, our peers, and the tools we need to navigate what comes next.

Programming

The 2026 AWWEE Conference will offer three days of meaningful connection, professional development, and industry focused learning designed to inspire and empower professionals across the water, energy, and environmental sectors.

Our Programming Committee is thoughtfully curating a dynamic program that reflects this year’s theme, Navigating Waves of Change: Anchored in Purpose. Sessions will explore timely industry challenges, emerging trends, leadership development, innovation, resilience, and strategies for navigating change while staying grounded in purpose and community.

Attendees can expect a mix of keynote presentations, general sessions, breakout discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster both learning and connection.

Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

The Exchange is AWWEE’s mentoring program, designed to foster meaningful connections and create opportunities for shared learning between mentors and mentees.
Current and past participants, as well as those interested in joining The Exchange in the future, are invited to connect, share experiences, and build relationships with others in the AWWEE community. Join us for a relaxed networking happy hour to reconnect, make new connections, and learn more about The Exchange!
Join us for a welcome reception. Enjoy food, drinks, and connections with fellow members of the AWWEE community.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Keynote Speaker & Bio:
Courtney Jenkins, CEO of Opterra Energy Services
A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and clean energy, Courtney Jenkins brings extensive experience leading transformative infrastructure projects and building high performing organizations.
Opening Keynote Session:
Drawing on her leadership experience, Courtney will share insights on building strong organizational cultures that embrace change, foster growth, and empower people to thrive.
Speaker:
Lori Mitchell, Director at San Jose Clean Energy
Session Title & Description:
Data Centers Beyond the Headlines: Impacts & Innovations
Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other digital services are driving unprecedented data center growth, placing these facilities at the intersection of California’s energy, water, and environmental priorities. This session will separate fact from fiction while exploring today’s impacts and emerging solutions that support more sustainable digital infrastructure growth.
Breakout 1.1
Speakers:
Andrea Roess; Managing Director at DTA
Courtney Bonas; Energy Savings Project Director at the California Department of General Services
Rachel Hobbs; Senior Vice President at Home Run Financing
Nicole Steele; Director of Climate Policy at Amalgamated Bank
Session Title & Description:
Scaling Climate Action in California: Innovative Residential & Commercial Solutions Through Cross‑Sector Partnerships and Public–Private Financing
Explore how California agencies, private lenders, and community partners are advancing residential and commercial decarbonization through coordinated financing strategies, including ESPCs and PACE, to support clean energy, water conservation, and environmental improvements.
Breakout 1.2
Speakers:
Barbara Lloyd; Director at Cadiz, Inc.
Maria Echeveste; Director at Cadiz, Inc.
Joseph Miller; Managing Director at Montague DeRose & Associates
Corey McCullough; Managing Director at Montague DeRose & Associates
Session Title & Description:
Innovations in Water Distribution and Management
This panel will explore innovative public and private partnerships supporting the sustainable delivery of clean, affordable water. Using the Mojave Groundwater Bank as a case study, panelists will highlight infrastructure, financing, environmental stewardship, and water management strategies connecting California’s major water systems.
Breakout 1.3
Speakers:
Nancy Diaz; DEIAB and EEO Officer; Environmental and Social Justice Executive at California Public Utilities Commission
Kelley List; Principal, Water Resources at Rincon Consultants
Laura Busch; Deputy Chief Financial Officer at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Molly West; Financial Planning, Rates and Revenue Analyst at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Session Title & Description:
Designing for Everyone: Equity in Utility, Climate & Infrastructure Solutions
Focus on equitable and inclusive access and inclusive design to ensure water and energy solutions benefit all communities.
Breakout 2.1
Speaker:
Jena Thompson; Certified Leadership Coach, Facilitator and Storyteller at Ocelot Company
Session Title & Description:
Own Your Voice: Leading with Confidence and Clarity
Learn how to advocate for your ideas and lead with authenticity.
Breakout 2.2
Speakers:
Emily P. Otis; Director, Deputy Water Practice & Bay Area Lead at Bodewell Group
Rachel Gaudoin; Community and Legislative Affairs Manager at Monterey One Water
Jennifer Howard; Strategic Planning, Workforce Development & Leadership SME at SMUD
Session Title & Description:
Navigating Change and Uncertainty in the Water and Energy Industries
Real stories and tools for navigating transitions and uncertainty.
Breakout 2.3
Speakers:
Lana J. Haddad; Deputy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Brenda Martinez; Workforce Development Manager at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Wendy Macy; Chief People Officer at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
April Coady; Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs and Water Efficiency at Eastern Municipal Water District
Valerie Gaeta Phillips; Owner, President and Executive Recruiter at Bob Murray & Associates
Session Title & Description:
Casting the Widest Net: How to Capture Talent, Develop Staff, and Grow Leadership
Strategies and tools for developing talent, nurturing high performing teams, and mentoring future leaders.
Speaker:
Mariana Chavez-Vazquez, P.E.; General Manager at San José Regional Wastewater Facility
Session Title & Description:
The New Rules: How Climate Change Is Rewriting California's Playbook
Climate change is reshaping how infrastructure is planned, designed, financed, and operated across California. Panelists will explore how their organizations are adapting to increasing climate risks, improving resilience, and collaborating across sectors to meet California’s climate and economic goals.
Speakers:
Jennifer Persike; Founder and President at Jennifer Persike & Company
Meena Westford; Director of Imported Water at San Diego County Water Authority
Megan Poage; Vice President, Strategy and Markets at Golden State Clean Energy
Monzerrad Fierro; Undergraduate Researcher / Economics Student at University of San Francisco
Session Title & Description:
Leading Across Generations: Turning Differences into Strengths
Explore how multiple generations in today’s workforce are reshaping leadership, communication, and collaboration.

Friday, November 6, 2026

Instructors:
Haley Munson; Public Affairs Officer, Eastern Municipal Water District
Skyler Munson; Executive Assistant, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Session Title & Description:
Twin-yasa Yoga Flow: Reset and Recharge
A refreshing yoga session designed to help you pause and reset. We’ll focus on staying anchored in purpose through mindful movement, stretching and breath work. No yoga experience necessary, just come ready to flow, recharge and reconnect.
Breakout 3.1
Speakers:
Malia Turner; Senior Principal Business Analyst at Hazen and Sawyer
Wendi Heie; Principal Engineer at Rancho California Water District
Session Title & Description:
From Roadmaps to Results: Bridging Data Strategy and Decision-Making
Explore how organizations are leveraging data to transform infrastructure systems enabling smarter, more efficient operations.
Breakout 3.2
Speaker:
Jessyca Sheehan; Executive Vice President & Partner at Lucas Public Affairs
Session Title & Description:
Crisis Ready: How to Navigate the Unexpected
This session explores how water, energy, and environmental professionals can stay grounded in their values while navigating uncertainty and change, offering a practical framework for leading with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Breakout 3.3
Speakers:
Shavonne Turner; Administrative Services Manager at Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Zyanya Ramirez; Senior Administrative Services Specialist at Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Session Title & Description:
Rooted Again: Rebuilding Culture, Morale, and Identity After the Storm
This session explores how the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority overcame organizational and cultural decline through a leadership-driven reset focused on rebuilding trust, restoring pride, and reconnecting staff and communities to its mission.
Speakers:
Barbara Hale; Retired Assistant General Manager, Power at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Ni Lee; Assistant General Manager, Engineering & Operations at Alameda Municipal Power
Rosa Cucicea; Senior Vice President, Director of the Clean Energy & Public Sector Banking Divisions at River City Bank
Session Title & Description:
Path to Power
Path to Power is one of AWWEE’s signature events, bringing our community together for a unique opportunity to learn from women we admire as they share their career journeys, the experiences that have shaped their paths, and the lessons they have learned along the way. More than a conversation about professional success, Path to Power offers an opportunity to connect, find inspiration, and gain meaningful insights to help each of us navigate our own careers with greater purpose and confidence.
Keynote Speaker & Bio:
Desiree Adaway, Founder and Principal of The Adaway Group
With more than 35 years of experience, Desiree Adaway helps leaders and organizations navigate complex change while building cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and care.
Closing Keynote Session:
In this interactive keynote, Desiree will explore what it means to live our values, especially during times of change. Attendees will leave with practical tools for building stronger workplace cultures and helping teams stay connected, accountable, and anchored together through waves of change.
Optional facility tour at Monterey One Water - Explore one of California's leading water recycling facilities and learn how innovative treatment and water reuse technologies are helping build a more sustainable and resilient water future. Registration is $20 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a guided facility tour, and lunch on site. Space is limited to 80 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is now open so be sure to secure your spot now!

Registration

We look forward to welcoming professionals from across the water, energy, and environmental sectors for three days of learning, networking, and professional growth.

Registration Information:

Available August 8 through October 2, 2026

AWWEE Member (Public Agency / Non-Profit): $1,050
AWWEE Member (Private Company): $1,150
Non-Member (Public Agency / Non-Profit): $1,250
Non-Member (Private Company): $1,350
AWWEE Member - Student: $400
- Active AWWEE Student membership required. Join here!
- Currently enrolled at an accredited college, university, community college, or vocational/technical program
- Student email required for registration
- Student ID may be requested if verification is needed

Cancellations requested on or before October 1, 2026, are eligible for a refund, less a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 1, 2026.

Justify Your Attendance

Investing in the 2026 AWWEE Conference means bringing valuable knowledge, insights, and connections back to your organization. Gain technical expertise, learn from industry experts and peers, explore emerging trends and solutions, and build relationships that can support your work long after the conference ends.

Why Attend?

Deepen Your Technical Expertise
Gain practical knowledge and fresh perspectives from professionals working across water, energy, and environmental fields.
Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Explore emerging technologies, evolving policies, innovative approaches, and the challenges shaping our industries.
Learn from Experts and Peers
Hear from experienced leaders and practitioners who are tackling real-world challenges and developing solutions.
Build Meaningful Connections
Connect with colleagues, potential collaborators, mentors, and leaders from across California and beyond.
Bring New Ideas Back to Your Organization
Return to work with insights, strategies, and ideas that can inform projects, strengthen your team, and help your organization navigate change.
Be Part of a Community
Experience a conference built around connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing the fields we serve.

What You'll Bring Back

New technical knowledge and industry insights
A broader understanding of emerging trends and challenges
Practical ideas and approaches you can apply to your work
New professional connections and potential collaborators
Fresh perspectives to share with your team and organization

Need approval to attend?

Use our customizable Justification Letter Template to make the case for your attendance and demonstrate the value the conference can bring to your organization.

Conference Hotel Accommodations

The official conference hotel for the 2026 AWWEE Conference is the Portola Hotel & Spa, ideally located along Monterey's scenic waterfront and within walking distance of conference activities, restaurants, shops, and local attractions. The Portola Hotel & Spa is a LEED Gold-certified, eco-friendly hotel, making it a natural fit for AWWEE's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Learn more about the hotel's sustainability practices.

Conference attendees are eligible for a special group rate of $275 per night at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Staying at the conference hotel offers the convenience of being just steps away from conference sessions and events, while providing additional opportunities to connect with colleagues, speakers, sponsors, and industry leaders throughout the conference.

To receive the discounted conference rate, reservations must be made through the official AWWEE conference booking link. Reservations may also be made by calling 1.866.711.1734 and mentioning “AWWEE 2026”.

By booking within the official AWWEE hotel block, you'll enjoy the convenience of staying where conference activities take place while helping support the overall success of the conference. Staying together enhances networking opportunities and fosters the connections that make the AWWEE Conference such a valuable experience.

Reservation Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT, or until the room block sells out. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and availability is limited. We encourage you to reserve your accommodations early.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL

Sponsorship Opportunites

Support the 2026 AWWEE Conference and connect with professionals across the water, energy, and environmental fields. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, with options designed to increase visibility, support professional development, and strengthen connections within the AWWEE community.

À la carte sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations interested in supporting specific conference experiences. Sponsors of à la carte options do not receive other sponsor benefits.

Sponsorship Packages

Lighthouse - Contact AWWEE

Flagship - Starting at $10,000

Horizon - Starting at $7,500

Pathfinder - Starting at $5,000

Navigator - Starting at $3,500

Voyager - Starting at $2,000

Note: Active AWWEE members receive discounted sponsorship pricing.

À la Carte Options

Ad in Conference App & Website - $750

Attendee Headshots - $1,500

Branded Wi-Fi Network - $7,000