By Emily Onheiser, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown
This year marked my fifth time attending WEFTEC, and each time I attend, I seem to come away with something a little different. After spending time walking the floor, seeing new technologies, and talking with people from across the industry, this year's conference left me thinking about not only where the water industry is heading, but also the people who will help take it there.
One of the biggest things that continues to stand out to me is the people. WEFTEC brings together some incredibly knowledgeable and passionate people from across the water industry, and some of the best parts of the conference happen in the conversations and on the exhibition floor. Whether talking about new technology, challenges facing the industry, or simply sharing experiences, there was always an opportunity to learn something from someone else. Those conversations and connections are a big part of what makes an event like WEFTEC valuable.
Another thing that stood out to me was that for vendors, WEFTEC seems to be about more than simply selling products. With so many companies exhibiting, having a presence at WEFTEC almost feels like a statement of credibility. Being there says that a company is investing in the industry, keeping up with new technology, and wants to be part of the conversation. Of course, companies are there to make connections and generate business, but there also seems to be a certain prestige that comes with being part of such a major industry event.
I also noticed how much software and digital technology was being showcased. Alongside the traditional pumps, treatment equipment, and controls, there was a strong focus on data, automation, monitoring and AI. It seems clear that software will continue to play a bigger role in how we operate and optimize our water and wastewater systems.
One question I kept coming back to, however, was how we bring the next generation into the industry.
I think part of the answer is creating opportunities for people who are new to the industry. We need to be willing to welcome those with less experience, give them a chance to learn, and make room for new ideas and perspectives.
The water industry has so many knowledgeable and experienced people, and WEFTEC was a great reminder of that. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge to share, and I think we have an opportunity to make sure that knowledge is passed on to the next generation. Sometimes giving someone an opportunity, introducing them to the right people, or simply taking the time to have a conversation can make a much bigger difference than we realize.
I left WEFTEC thinking less about any one product I saw and more about the people, conversations and direction of the industry. The technology is exciting, but so are the people behind it. WEFTEC reminded me that the future of water will depend not only on the innovations we develop, but also on how willing we are to share our knowledge, welcome new people into the industry, and give the next generation the opportunity to be part of it.