Communicators

In today’s fast-paced news and social media world, water professionals must be top-tier communicators to build trust in their organizations.

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Kelly Dearing Smith

Join Us at ACE!

Whether you are a full-time communications/public affairs pro, a leader who defines and shares your organization’s message, or just the only available voice at a small utility, ACE has opportunities to grow your skillset.

Take advantage of sessions or workshops on crafting clear messages on lead service line replacement and PFAS contamination, establishing relationships with media, navigating risk or crisis communications scenarios, designing social media campaigns, and many other communications topics. Share your experiences with fellow water communicators and learn from people who “have been there before.”  Build a network of colleagues and friends to help you communicate with confidence in your community.

No matter what kind of water communicator you are, there is something for you at ACE.

Communications Professionals At ACE 1
Event Highlight

H2O Communicators Meet & Greet

1:30-3:00 p.m. | Monday, June 22

Join us for the Water Communications Meetup! Come network and meet fellow water communicators in an informal setting. This is the perfect event to connect with water communications professionals at ACE.

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ACE26

Featured Sessions

There is a new track at ACE26! The Power of Engagement: Communicating with Clarity showcases that, in the water community, communication is more than just messaging; it’s essential. Utilities are finding creative ways to educate, engage, and empower their audiences. Attendees will learn how to clarify complex topics, turn projects and regulations into communication opportunities, and use creativity and strategy to build trust and understanding.

Communicating Under Pressure: Building Trust Before, During, and After a Crisis

Track: Communicating with Clarity

10:15-11:45 a.m.| Tuesday, June 23 

Effective communication is critical—whether inspiring change, resolving conflict, or guiding the public through emergencies. This session explores how to build trust and influence through proven behavioral science techniques and real-world crisis experience. Learn practical tools to communicate clearly under stress, foster confidence, and maintain credibility when it matters most.

Building Trust Through Thoughtful Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Track: Communicating with Clarity

3:00-4:30 p.m. | Tuesday, June 23

Thoughtful communication and genuine understanding of stakeholder concerns are essential to advancing major utility initiatives. This session explores how utilities are educating, engaging, and empowering their communities—through long-term infrastructure programs, stakeholder alliances, and affordability outreach. Learn how transparent, consistent communication not only informs but also builds lasting trust and partnership between utilities and the people they serve.

Elevating Utility Communication: Seizing Opportunities to Inform and Inspire

Track: Communicating with Clarity

8:30-10:00 a.m. | Wednesday, June 24

From large-scale meter upgrades to redesigned water quality reports and dynamic social media strategies, utilities are using a range of communication tools to reach and resonate with customers. This session highlights how projects and regulatory updates can serve as opportunities for clear, consistent, and multi-channel communication that simplifies complex topics, improves understanding, and enhances customer engagement.

Water Heroes in Action: Service Providers Powering Asheville’s Recovery

Track: Communicating with Clarity

10:15-11:00 a.m. | Wednesday, June 24

A Case Study in Community Partnership with presentations on Hurricane Helene recovery and how to build a community network.

Engaging the Next Generation: Creative Approaches to Water Education

Track: Communicating with Clarity

1:15-2:45 p.m. | Wednesday, June 24

Utilities are finding innovative ways to make water education come alive—using creativity, storytelling, and hands-on experiences to inspire curiosity and connection. This session explores strategies to engage students, community members, and leaders in understanding the vital work behind every drop.

 

Communications

Pre-Conference Workshop

PCW08: Successful Infrastructure Communications through Asset Management

Sunday, June 21, 2026  |  1:00–5:00 p.m.

This workshop will discuss: 1) communication strategies for connecting management of the utility’s infrastructure to stakeholder satisfaction, 2) how to successfully communicate with different audiences, and 3) how asset management data can be used to support effective communications. Participants will also learn how to develop a communications plan using a simple template and hear from peers with successful asset management communication processes.

Learn More

ACE25

Track Spotlights for Communicators

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

Explore All Tracks

 

Water Utility Management

Water providers play a crucial role in supporting the public and their communities. Water utility managers can expand their responsibilities by adopting a broader community stewardship role as part of their water service mission. Learn how to increase benefits, reduce impacts, and deliver service fairly across the entire service area.

Water Education & 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 2050 & The Future of Water | Roundtable Sessions

The Water 2050 initiative aims to create a secure, sustainable, and resilient water future for everyone. Sessions will cover current and future work in finance and affordability, real-time monitoring, technological innovations, circular water economies, one-water governance, the water workforce, and community involvement.

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What Attendees Are Saying
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