Students & Young Professionals

Advance your career in water at ACE26. Join AWWA at one of the largest gatherings of water professionals around the world to learn current industry topics, innovations, issues, and trends to help solve immediate and future water challenges.

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Advance Your Career in Water

ACE attendees will learn about emerging issues in our industry and connect with a diverse group of water community peers. ACE is intended to challenge our students and young professionals to think critically about our industry (present and future) and to establish lasting connections with peers. There is nowhere like ACE when it comes to finding professionals and peers facing the same issues as your organization and learning how others are addressing the same challenges.

ACE features many student and young professional-focused events, including our AWWA Job & Education Fair, the Fresh Ideas Poster Competition, and the Emerging Leaders Reception. We invite young professionals of all levels to attend these events to network and meet like-minded peers working in the water community.

As we build a better world through better water with AWWA, we hope to bring as many young minds as possible to ACE to connect with companies, utilities, and thought leaders. We offer a discounted rate for students, which can be accessed when you register for ACE.

Event Highlight

AWWA Job & Education Fair

2:00 – 5:00 p.m | Tuesday, June 23 | Location: AWWA Career Center Booth

Network with top companies and select universities in the water industry at this event.

Event Highlight

Pre-Conference Workshop: To Infinity and Beyond! (The Specbook)

Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 1:00–5:30 p.m.
Location: Conference Center: Room 202B

PCW09: To Infinity and Beyond! (The Specbook): Learn to Design, Construct and Operate Water System Equipment using AWWA Standards & Manuals

In this hands-on workshop, attendees will rotate in small groups through six interactive stations, each hosted by a mix of presenters including manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and owners. At every station, participants will engage directly with equipment and systems, gaining practical insight into how to design, specify, operate, and maintain them. They’ll explore the meaning behind technical specifications and learn how each component functions within a broader system. Attendees will also discover how AWWA Manuals and Standards serve as essential resources. A “passport-style” card will track their progress as they move through each station, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Must Register with ACE26 Conference Registration
Rates valid April 25 – June 20: Member: $285 / Nonmember: $370 / Student: $80
Rates valid On-site June 21: Member: $385 / Nonmember: $470 / Student: $80

Learn More

Student & YP Events

Monday, June 22, 2026	7:00–8:15 a.m.	First Time Attendee Program New to ACE? This is a great opportunity to meet other first-time attendees and learn how to navigate this amazing conference so that you get the most out of your experience. Pre-registration required. Light breakfast included.
	10:15-11:30 a.m.	Student & Young Professionals Scavenger Hunt Location: Convention Center, Room 103A Here is a fun way to meet some of your peers and explore the Exhibit Hall at the same time. Meet in Room 103A at 10:15 a.m., where you will learn the rules and get started.
	11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	Lunch with the Boss/Committee: Student & Young Professional Meetup Speak to industry leaders and experts face to face. This is a great opportunity for you to engage in conversation with water industry leaders that may inspire you and take your career to the next level. Registration is not required, and lunch is provided. Limited space offered first come, first serve.
	1:45-3:15 p.m.	MON022: Leaders Assemble: Supporting Emerging Water Professionals \| Conference Center Room 206
	3:30–5:00 p.m.	Lightning Session: Fresh Ideas Poster Participants Location: Convention Center Every year the Section poster winners compete with each other at the ACE Fresh Ideas Poster Competition. Join us to watch the best and the brightest from AWWA’s Sections in a fast-paced lightning session as the Fresh Ideas Poster participants preview their poster presentations.
	4:30–6:30 p.m.	WaterNow Emerging Leader Awards Reception 8:00pm 6:00–8:00 PM \| Location: Flight Club – 641 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 Students & Young Professionals – Come by before or after dinner to play a game while you make lasting connections among your peers and industry leaders. Open to all students and young professionals. (light appetizers and drinks provided)
Tuesday, June 23, 2026	10:00–11:30 a.m.	Fresh Ideas Poster Competition & Display Location: Exhibit Hall The future of water is here! See the best and the brightest from AWWA’s Sections compete live.
	10:30–11:30 a.m.	TWLA Meet and Mingle Location: Exhibit Hall AWWA Pavilion Meet and mingle with the Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA)! Learn how this program can benefit you, your utility, and your community. Everyone’s welcome at this casual networking event. Coffee will be provided.
	1:45–2:30 p.m.	YP Panel on Climate Change & Resiliency Location: Exhibit Hall International Lounge The future of water is global. Join us in AWWA’s International Lounge to learn how Young Professionals from around the world are confronting climate change and strengthening resilient water systems. All are welcome! Q&A and networking to follow the panel.
	2:00–5:00 p.m.	AWWA Job & Education Fair (Highly Recommended Event) Location: Exhibit Hall AWWA Career Center Network with top companies and select universities in the water industry at this event.
	3:00-4:30 p.m.	TUE112: Transforming Disruption Into Innovation for Sustainable Water Management \| Conference Center Room 145B
	6:00–8:00 p.m.	Emerging Leaders Reception Location: Flight Club – 641 New York Ave NW Join us for this fun and interactive evening while you make lasting connections among your peers and industry leaders. Open to all students and young professionals (light appetizers and drinks provided). Space may be limited.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026	8:30–10:30 a.m.	Young Professionals (YP) Committee Meeting Location: Marriott Marquis Hotel Open to all students and young professionals (35 and under). Join the AWWA YP Committee to discuss and provide your perspective on the conference activities, career connections, publication and scholarship opportunities, student chapters…. and learn about engagement opportunities.
	1:15-2:45 p.m.	WED082: Creative Solutions to Urgent Infrastructure Challenges \| Conference Center Room 147B
	3:00-4:30 p.m.	WED112: Projects with Purpose: Young Professionals Tackling Global Water Challenges \| Conference Center Room 202B

Make the Case to Attend ACE

ACE enables students and young professionals to attend professional development sessions, educational sessions, workshops, and more. AWWA provides a thorough justification toolkit for students and young professionals who wish to attend ACE to help you plan and budget for your trip to the conference. Our toolkit will guide you through selecting workshops, exhibitors, and other programming you would like to attend and how to justify the expenses to your employer or university.

Justification Toolkit

ACE26

Track Spotlights for Students & Young Professionals

Build your ACE itinerary and team up with your fellow water heroes!

Explore All Tracks

Poster Session

Take advantage of this great opportunity to interact directly with presenters. Poster presentations will be held in a dedicated session room with the posters rotating in groups, sorted by topic. The poster authors will be present for the full duration of each poster session to provide attendees with the opportunity for in-depth discussion about their topic.

Water Education & the Workforce

Developing a skilled and diverse workforce capable of addressing complex issues such as aging infrastructure, emerging technologies, and sustainability is essential. Training and education programs are vital in equipping professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the modern water landscape.

Water Quality Challenges

This track highlights the latest results and methods for addressing drinking water issues. Topics include PFAS, algae, manganese and inorganic contaminants, non-point source pollutants, microbial and emerging contaminants, DBPs, and premise plumbing. Examine the connections between drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater from a water-quality perspective.

What Attendees Are Saying

“I’m a P.E. new to the water industry, and this conference was an excellent introduction to the world of water! The educational sessions offered a deep dive into an array of fascinating topics. I have a newfound appreciation for the colossal effort and collaboration required to ensure safe and accessible water.”

“My first time at ACE was a great experience! I had the privilege to present and the entire process was smooth and high-class!”

“My first time at ACE was nothing short than amazing! The networking, exhibits, and information learned from the educational sessions will stick with me throughout my water journey!”

“I found ACE to be the perfect place to learn more about industry trends and how I can take some shared knowledge back to benefit my utility.”