
Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA 2027
Event Date
January 6–7, 2027
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe IOWWA Annual Conference is the flagship educational and trade event of the Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association (IOWWA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the onsite (septic) wastewater industry across Iowa. The 2027 edition marks the association's 28th Annual Conference, combining a multi-track technical program with a trade show floor showcasing the latest equipment and treatment technology.
The conference draws septic system installers, service providers, pumpers, designers, soil evaluators, precast concrete and tank manufacturers, regulators, and county sanitarians. Sessions deliver continuing education relevant to Iowa's CIOWTS (Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems) program, along with regulatory updates from the Iowa DNR and Iowa One Call.
Attendees come for practical, field-focused learning on site evaluation, soil suitability, tank technology, pump sizing, control panels, trench safety, and Time of Transfer inspections. The event pairs classroom education with a hands-on exhibit hall, the popular Roe-D-Hoe excavator contest, a President's Reception, an auction, and strong networking among Iowa's onsite wastewater professionals and suppliers.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the 2027 conference include:
- Keynote speaker: Brian Koski, Owner and CEO of Septic Check, presenting "Building a Legacy: Leading Through Change in the Septic Industry" and a design/build case-study session on challenging sites.
- Expert technical sessions from industry leaders such as Dr. Sara Heger (University of Minnesota) on evolving wastewater, PFAS, and troubleshooting; Mary Tiedemann (Iowa State University) on decoding soil properties; and DMACC instructors on site evaluation and Time of Transfer hydraulic loading.
- Regulatory updates from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Cory Frank), Iowa One Call (Ben Booth), and Iowa DOT motor vehicle enforcement.
- Product and manufacturer training covering poly tanks, watertight precast concrete, control panels and alarms, sewage pump sizing, and biofilter certification.
- The Roe-D-Hoe excavator operating contest, featuring compact electric excavators supplied by equipment sponsors.
- An exhibit hall open throughout the conference, plus a President's Reception and an auction.
Registration
Registration and conference details are available on the IOWWA website (iowwa.com) under the Annual Conference page. Attendees receive a registration packet on arrival, which includes materials such as session question cards.
Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsoring should request the exhibitor or sponsorship contract by emailing penny@iowwa.com or contactus@iowwa.com. Exhibit booth and freight/equipment orders are handled through R & D Events (Cedar Rapids, IA). The trade show is held in the Arena/Exhibit Hall, with large-equipment move-in scheduled by appointment.
History
The IOWWA conference is the annual gathering of the Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association, which supports certification, education, and standards for the state's onsite wastewater industry. The 2027 event is billed as the association's 28th Annual Conference, reflecting nearly three decades of continuous programming. Over the years the conference has grown into a combined education-and-trade event featuring a full exhibit hall, manufacturer training, an equipment auction, and the hands-on Roe-D-Hoe excavator contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 IOWWA conference?
The IOWWA 28th Annual Conference takes place January 6-7, 2027, with a pre-conference day on January 5, 2027. It is held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Who should attend the IOWWA conference?
The conference is designed for Iowa's onsite (septic) wastewater professionals, including installers, service providers, pumpers, designers, soil evaluators, tank and equipment manufacturers, regulators, and county sanitarians. It is especially valuable for those pursuing CIOWTS certification and continuing education.
What can I expect at the conference?
Attendees get a multi-track technical program, a keynote from Brian Koski of Septic Check, regulatory updates from the Iowa DNR and Iowa One Call, and manufacturer training sessions. The event also features a trade show exhibit hall, the Roe-D-Hoe excavator contest, a President's Reception, and an auction.
How do I register or exhibit at the conference?
Conference and registration details are posted on the IOWWA website at iowwa.com under the Annual Conference page. Companies wanting to exhibit or sponsor can request the contract by emailing penny@iowwa.com.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
The DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is the host hotel and is attached to the event space. The venue is in downtown Cedar Rapids just off I-380, about 15 minutes from The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), which the hotel serves with a complimentary shuttle; on-site self-parking is about $15 per day.
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