Iowa Rural Water Association - IRWA Annual Conference 2027
Event Date
February 15–17, 2027
Location
Des Moines, IA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Iowa Rural Water Association (IRWA) Annual Conference is the premier training and networking event for water and wastewater professionals across Iowa. Organized by the Iowa Rural Water Association, it brings together system operators, utility managers, community and rural water system decision makers, board members, and industry vendors for several days of technical education, professional development, and exhibits. The 2027 conference is scheduled for February 15–17 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center within the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines.
Attendees come from Iowa's public water and wastewater utilities, along with regulatory professionals, funding agencies, and associate members who supply the industry. IRWA exists to serve these systems by providing technical assistance, education, and leadership in legal and legislative affairs, and the Annual Conference is a cornerstone of that mission.
The conference is worth attending for its combination of continuing-education sessions, an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services, and valuable peer networking. IRWA members receive discounted registration, making it an affordable professional-development opportunity for utilities of all sizes throughout the state.
Show Highlights
- Technical training sessions and continuing education for water and wastewater operators, drawn from a Call for Presentations process.
- Exhibit hall where associate members and industry suppliers showcase products and services to utility decision makers.
- Best Tasting Water Contest — Iowa communities and regional systems submit one-quart glass samples, judged on taste, bouquet, and clarity. The winner is announced at the Award Reception and earns a trip to compete at the National Rural Water Association's Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C.
- Award Reception, held Tuesday afternoon, recognizing achievements across the Iowa water community.
- Skywalk-connected host hotel and venue in downtown Des Moines for a convenient winter-conference experience.
Registration
Attendee registration is handled online through the IRWA conference page, and booth/exhibitor registration is managed separately under the event's Exhibitor Information. At the time of research, online attendee registration for the 2027 conference was listed as not yet available (closed), so prospective attendees should monitor the official conference page for the opening of registration. IRWA members receive discounted registration fees. Presenters can submit through the conference's Call for Presentations form. Host-hotel room reservations were scheduled to open in October 2026.
History
The Iowa Rural Water Association was formed in the mid-1970s to provide up-to-date, professional training and technical assistance to Iowa's water and wastewater systems statewide. Governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors of water-supply and wastewater professionals, IRWA is a member-driven organization supported by membership dues, conferences, and grant programs. The Annual Conference has become one of the association's premier training events, hosted in downtown Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 IRWA Annual Conference?
The 2027 conference runs February 15-17, 2027 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center within the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, in downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
Who should attend the IRWA Annual Conference?
It is designed for Iowa's water and wastewater professionals, including system operators, utility managers, board members, and community and rural water system decision makers, along with associate members and vendors who serve the industry.
How do I register for the conference?
Attendee registration is handled online through the IRWA conference page, with booth registration managed separately under Exhibitor Information. IRWA members receive discounted registration fees, so check the official page for the current registration opening.
What is the host hotel and room rate?
The host hotel is the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, connected to the Iowa Events Center by skywalk. The 2027 room rate starts at $157 per night, with online reservations opening in October 2026.
What is the Best Tasting Water Contest?
Iowa communities and regional systems can enter a one-quart glass sample judged on taste, bouquet, and clarity. The winner, announced at the Award Reception, advances to compete at the National Rural Water Association's Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C.
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