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 Students and Young Professionals Reception. We invite young professionals of all levels to attend these events (and to compete) 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.

Including– Flash Resume Review and Interview! (3:30pm – 5pm) Bring your resume for review and practice your interviewing skills! Plus – Water Equation is providing professional headshots!

Student & YP Events

Monday, June 22, 2026	7:30–8:15 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 Here is a fun way to meet some of your peers and explore the Exhibit Hall at the same time. Meet in Room 107, 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 community leaders who will inspire you, take your career to the next level, or learn about a committee you can join. Registration is not required; just grab lunch and show up.
	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.
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.
	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.
	6:00–7:30 p.m.	Emerging Leaders Reception Location: TBA 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).
Wednesday, June 24, 2026	8:30–10:30 a.m.	Young Professionals (YP) Committee Meeting Location: Room number TBA 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.

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.”