WaterSmart Innovatons Conference & Expo - AWWA 2026
Event Date
October 21–23, 2026
Location
Portland, OR
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryWaterSmart Innovations (WSI) is a specialty conference and exposition presented by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), taking place October 21-23, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. It is a conference focused only on conservation and sustainability, and one of the most comprehensive specialty conferences for water professionals who want to learn more about water conservation and how it meets sustainable management practices to make their utility more resilient.
WSI also features dedicated wildfire, source-water protection, and water-energy nexus programming to help attendees take home real-world examples and fresh ideas for improving their conservation and sustainability practices. The event combines a full professional program, pre-conference workshops and facility tours, and an exhibit hall showcasing innovative water solutions.
Attendees include water resource planners and engineers, conservation and green infrastructure professionals, municipal water and wastewater utility staff, consultants, government agency representatives, water quality specialists, and public affairs managers. It is an opportunity to gain insight into innovative technologies, strategies, and programs, and to learn about exciting new ways to engage customers in how to manage their water resources.
Show Highlights
- Professional Program: Featuring tracks of sessions on sustainability, resilience, outreach, outdoor water use, resource management and protection, and more.
- Specialized Programming: Dedicated wildfire, source-water protection, and water-energy nexus programming.
- Pre-Conference Workshops: Hands-on sessions such as Water Conservation Programs 101, Commercial Cooling Tower Water Conservation, Benefit-Cost Analysis, and Scenario & Adaptive Planning.
- Facility Tours: Local tours including the Portland Water Bureau Bull Run Watershed tour, the Clackamas River Water Providers treatment plant tour, and the Willamette Water Supply System tour.
- Exhibit Hall: Product demos and innovative water solution providers, bringing together water resource planners, engineers, and municipal water and wastewater utility staff to explore water management.
- Student & Young Professional Activities: A casual peer meet-up and a "Lunch with the Boss" networking session with water profession leaders.
- Continuing Education: Certificates of Completion and operator CEUs pre-approved in several states including Colorado, California, Illinois, Florida, and Wyoming.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 WaterSmart Innovations Conference is open; attendees who sign up by September 21 receive early-bird rates. Register through the AWWA online registration portal.
Registration types and early-bird / regular member rates include:
- Full-Conference Registration (Best Value): $595 member early / $695 member regular; $695 non-member early / $795 non-member regular. Includes educational sessions, exposition, reception, and lunches (workshops and tours available for an additional fee).
- Speaker Rate: $495 member early (validation required).
- Student Rate: $65 member early.
- Exhibits Only (non-booth staff): $70 member early; includes access to the exposition and exhibit hall events.
- Pre-Conference Workshop: $90-$180.
- Pre-Conference Facility Tour: $90-$180.
- Spouse/Guest Registration: $65; includes access to the exposition and reception.
Note that early-bird deadlines are set at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 21, with regular rates applying on or after September 22. Cancellations must be received in writing; those dated by the early-bird deadline receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee.
History
WaterSmart Innovations has served as a platform to help local communities achieve greater water efficiency and conservation since its inception in 2008. The event is now presented by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), which has expanded it with content from AWWA's Sustainable Water Management Conference. WSI highlights cutting-edge solutions in efficiency, green infrastructure, and customer engagement. The conference travels to different U.S. cities; the 2025 event was held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Nevada, and the 2026 edition moves to Portland, Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is WaterSmart Innovations 2026 taking place?
WaterSmart Innovations 2026 is held October 21-23, 2026 (Wednesday-Friday) at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, Oregon.
Who should attend WaterSmart Innovations?
The conference is designed for water resource planners and engineers, conservation and green infrastructure professionals, municipal water and wastewater utility staff, consultants, government agency representatives, water quality specialists, and public affairs managers. It focuses specifically on water conservation and sustainability.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is open through the AWWA online portal. Full-Conference registration starts at $595 for members and $695 for non-members at the early-bird rate; sign up by September 21 to receive early-bird pricing. Student, speaker, exhibits-only, and guest rates are also available.
What is the official conference hotel and how do I book?
A room block is reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton Portland, about a half-mile (5-10 minute walk) from the Oregon Convention Center. Book by September 30 for the $169 group rate using only the official AWWA link, as the block may fill first.
How do I get to the Oregon Convention Center?
The MAX Light Rail stops directly at the Convention Center, roughly a 5-minute ride with trains every 15 minutes or less, and the MAX Red Line connects to Portland International Airport. The City of Portland provides complimentary MAX passes for WSI attendees, and an 800-space underground parking garage is available onsite.
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