Press Release

(Washington, D.C. – July 19, 2024) – Hundreds of clean water professionals will gather at the Buffalo Hyatt Regency July 23-26 to discuss a range of relevant topics during the National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ (NACWA) Utility Leadership Conference and 54th Annual Meeting. Convening with the theme, “Dealing with Disruption: A New Approach for the Water Sector,” the conference will examine disruptive trends with the goal of helping essential clean water agencies get ahead of key challenges and seize the opportunity to best serve their communities and customers. 

"NACWA's Utility Leadership Conference brings together water leaders throughout the country", said NACWA President and Buffalo Sewer Authority General Manager Oluwole "OJ" McFoy. "We are excited to host this year's event here in Buffalo, bringing hundreds of water professionals to the famed Great Lakes. Buffalo is an excellent host city due to its proximity to natural water resources, rich culture, and friendly people. We look forward to engaging the best and brightest water leaders during this unparalleled conference."  

“At a time when clean water utilities are facing unprecedented challenges and pressures, it is more important than ever for utility leaders to embrace new strategies and unconventional ways of thinking,” said Adam Krantz, NACWA CEO. “With a backdrop of the historic City of Buffalo and the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, NACWA is thrilled to provide the venue to cultivate the necessary conversations to advance the water sector.”  

Conference Highlights  

• Keynote and Panel Discussion: AI… The Big Picture and What May Be Coming Water’s Way. July 25, 9:50-10:40 a.m. Although the impacts of artificial intelligence in the water sector are just beginning, utilities can learn from how disruptions from AI are taking shape within the sector and how these compare to experiences outside the sector. Panelists will discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of using AI in operations from data analysis and decision-making addressing workforce challenges. 

• Panel Discussion: How Community Engagement Drives Better Outcomes. The Buffalo Case Study. July 25, 10:50-11:40 a.m. Officials from the Buffalo Sewer Authority will discuss the successes and ongoing challenges of community engagement. 

• Panel Discussion: What Can the Clean Water Sector Learn from Alternative Perceptions? July 25, 3:50-4:55 p.m. Utility leaders’ preferred approaches to longstanding challenges often differ from environmental groups and other organizations. This discussion will offer a venue for utility leaders to listen to the perceptions of these organizations and alternative opinions from within the sector.

Media Contact:
Rahkia Nance | NACWA Communications Director
(202) 533-1809, rnance@nacwa.org  

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ABOUT NACWA 

For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.