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
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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!
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Join us for a welcome reception. Enjoy food, drinks, and connections with fellow members of the AWWEE community.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
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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.
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Data Centers Beyond the Headlines: Impacts & Innovations
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Breakout 1.1
Scaling Climate Action in California: Innovative Residential & Commercial Solutions Through Cross‑Sector Partnerships and Public–Private Financing
Breakout 1.2
From Roadmaps to Results: Bridging Data Strategy and Decision-Making
Breakout 1.3
Designing for Everyone: Equity in Utility, Climate & Infrastructure Solutions
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Breakout 2.1
Own Your Voice: Leading with Confidence and Clarity
Breakout 2.2
Navigating Change and Uncertainty in the Water and Energy Industries
Breakout 2.3
Casting the Widest Net: How to Capture Talent, Develop Staff, and Grow Leadership
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The New Rules: How Climate Change Is Rewriting California's Playbook
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Leading Across Generations: Turning Differences into Strengths
Friday, November 6, 2026
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Reset and Recharge: Yoga for Leaders
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Breakout 3.1
Innovations in Water Distribution and Management
Breakout 3.2
Crisis Ready: How to Navigate the Unexpected
Breakout 3.3
Rooted Again: Rebuilding Culture, Morale, and Identity After the Storm
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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.
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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.
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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
Subject to verification
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.
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
Audio/Visual Options:
Branded Logo Light Stencils - $1,600
LED Digital Posters - $5,500
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Pathfinder Level
Navigator Level
Voyager Level
Marketing Partner
Tour Partner
Additional Sponsor Support
Lanyards/Name Badges - Sponsored by The Energy Coalition
AWWEE Co-Branded Drinkware - Sponsored by Law Office of Jennifer F. Novak
AWWEE Co-Branded Notebook - Sponsored by CalCCA
Monterey One Water Tour Transportation Support - Sponsored by Trellis-Strategy
Branded Hotel Key Card - Sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
AWWEE Lapel Pins - Sponsored by Phyllis Currie Consulting
Coffee Station - Sponsored by Association of California Water Agencies
Snack Break - Sponsored by Pasadena Water & Power