
AWWA | American Water Works Association 2027
Event Date
June 13–16, 2027
Location
San Diego, CA
Expected Exhibitors
450
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) is the flagship event of the American Water Works Association and one of the oldest and largest water conferences in the world. Billed as North America's largest annual drinking water conference, ACE brings together professionals from every segment of the water sector — utilities, engineers, scientists, regulators, operators, consultants, academics and manufacturers — to advance the future of safe, sustainable water.
The program pairs a large exhibition floor with a rigorous technical education agenda spanning more than 20 tracks and hundreds of sessions. Attendees explore new technologies on the expo floor, earn continuing-education credits, take part in signature operator competitions, and network across a global community focused on challenges such as aging infrastructure, capital financing and long-term water supply.
ACE27 will be held June 13–16, 2027, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. It is worth attending for utility staff and vendors who want to stay current on water and wastewater technology, share expertise, build industry relationships, and reconnect with the mission-driven purpose of working in water.
Show Highlights
- Exhibition floor with more than 450 exhibitors showcasing water and wastewater products, equipment and services.
- Educational programming across more than 20 tracks and hundreds of technical and professional-development sessions.
- Continuing education — attendees can earn AWWA Certificates of Completion by scanning in and out of sessions; AWWA applies to state and provincial operator agencies for credit.
- Signature competitions, an honored ACE tradition, including Pipe Tapping, Top Ops, the AWWA Meter Challenge and the Tap Water Taste Test.
- Innovation Hub highlighting emerging technologies and startups.
- Networking for operators, students and young professionals, international attendees, public officials, academics, consultants and communicators.
- Focus on the sector's Water 2050 vision and the annual State of the Water Industry priorities.
Attendance
AWWA has historically described ACE as drawing more than 12,000 water professionals, and it is promoted as North America's largest annual drinking water conference. Attendees represent every segment of the water industry, including utility operators, engineers, scientists, regulators, public officials, consultants, academics, students and young professionals. AWWA itself is the largest nonprofit scientific and educational association dedicated to water, with approximately 50,000 members.
Registration
Registration for ACE27 in San Diego is scheduled to open in January 2027. Registration is handled through AWWA, where attendees can select their pass and add ticketed items such as workshops and tours during the registration process.
Key points based on AWWA's typical process:
- Register online via the official ACE registration page once it opens.
- Add optional Workshops & Tours and ticketed events during registration (these often have limited availability).
- Book lodging only through AWWA's official housing partner to avoid hotel-scam solicitations.
For the prior edition, AWWA required written cancellations, with refunds (minus a 25% administrative fee) available up to a stated deadline and no refunds afterward, though substitute registrants were welcome. Confirm current deadlines and pricing on the official registration page. Registration questions can be directed to service@awwa.org.
History
ACE is the annual conference of the American Water Works Association, which was established in 1881 and is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. With roughly 50,000 members, AWWA works to improve public health, protect the environment and strengthen communities through better water. ACE is described as one of the oldest and largest water conferences in the world and rotates among major U.S. and Canadian cities each June. Recent editions include ACE25 in Denver, ACE26 in Washington, D.C., and the upcoming ACE27 in San Diego (June 13–16, 2027).
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
The San Diego Convention Center is the main convention center in San Diego, California, located in the Marina district of downtown San Diego. This modern facility includes a 615,700-square-foot exhibition hall, an 80,700-square-foot ballroom and 123,400 square feet of breakout meeting space. Its ground-floor exhibit space is divisible into seven halls. The center's best-known feature is the Sails Pavilion, a 90,000-square-foot exhibit and special event area. The venue offers panoramic views of both the city and the bay and is ideally situated within a mile of thousands of first-class hotel rooms and about 10 minutes from the airport.
Parking
- On-site private vehicle parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center's underground garage located below the building (roughly 1,900-1,950 vehicles). Underground parking is accessible via Harbor Drive, a daily parking rate applies, and overnight/24-hour parking is not available.
- On the corner of Harbor Dr. and Park Ave., there is a 2,000-space parking structure adjacent to the Hilton Bayfront.
- Off-site parking is available at numerous nearby lots and garages in downtown San Diego, many within walking distance, and metered street parking is available in some areas.
- A limited number of EV charging stations are available, along with ADA-compliant parking stalls with nearby elevator access.
Getting There
The Convention Center is conveniently located just three miles from San Diego International Airport and less than one mile from the Amtrak station. Getting to the airport takes approximately 10-15 minutes by car or shuttle. The San Diego Trolley has two stops directly in front of the building, at Harbor Drive/First Avenue and Harbor Drive/Fifth Avenue, and the Trolley links downtown, Old Town and Mission Valley hotels to the Convention Center and also connects to the Mexican border. The free FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) system provides free transport in the downtown area via an app. A quick, free shuttle at the airport connects to the consolidated rental car center, featuring over a dozen rental car agencies.
Nearby Hotels
The convention center sits in a vibrant downtown setting within a mile and a half of more than 11,000 first-class hotel rooms, including four headquarter hotels, and about 10 minutes from the airport. There are over 13,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, with plenty more options in neighboring districts. The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is adjacent to the center, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter directly outside offers additional lodging options. WEST publishes official hotel blocks; attendees should be aware that companies unaffiliated with the official WEST hotels may claim to offer 'reduced' rates, and it is recommended not to use such services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the next AWWA ACE?
The next Annual Conference & Exposition, ACE27, will be held June 13-16, 2027, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.
Who should attend ACE?
ACE is designed for professionals from every segment of the water industry, including utility operators, engineers, scientists, regulators, public officials, consultants, academics, students and equipment or service providers. It is North America's largest annual drinking water conference.
How do I register for ACE27?
Registration for ACE27 is scheduled to open in January 2027 through AWWA's official ACE registration page. During registration you can also add ticketed items such as workshops and tours.
What happens at ACE besides the educational sessions?
ACE features a large exhibition floor with more than 450 exhibitors, an Innovation Hub, extensive networking events, and signature operator competitions such as Pipe Tapping, Top Ops, the AWWA Meter Challenge and the Tap Water Taste Test.
Can I earn continuing education credit at ACE?
Yes. Attendees can earn AWWA Certificates of Completion by scanning their badges when entering and exiting educational sessions, and AWWA applies each year to state and provincial operator agencies for credit recognition.
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