San Diego Convention Center

WEST is the largest naval conference and exposition on the U.S. West Coast, co-hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and AFCEA International. Now in its fourth decade, this three-day event serves as the leading platform for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and their supporting industry partners to discuss maritime operations, naval technology, and sea service priorities. The U.S. Naval Institute and AFCEA International will host the 37th annual WEST Conference from 16-18 February 2027, where attendees hear from senior DoD and DHS officials in panel and keynote discussions while exploring the latest platforms, leading-edge technologies, and state-of-the-art networking capabilities that support the Sea Services' operations. AFCEA's and USNI's role is to convene industry, academia and defense leaders to address evolving threats, particularly in the Pacific region. More than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who live in the San Diego area depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides; senior military and government officials talk directly to the operators to gain valuable feedback, and industry leaders attend because they are able to connect with decision-makers and operators over the three-day event.

The **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.