Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

AWWA promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in publications, training and event programming, and standards development. At ACE, we show our inclusion for all our members and attendees in our programming, our staff, and our mission.

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Diversity & Inclusion in Water at ACE

Diversity and inclusion is on the agenda at AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition (held each June). One of the global water community’s largest and most prestigious gatherings, ACE features educational sessions and networking events focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

Each year, we invite all ACE attendees to join fellow thought leaders to discuss issues facing the water community. ACE is the perfect opportunity to explore the many facets of how DEIB shows up in the water industry.

We offer a wide array of sessions on diversity in leadership, community engagement, communication, and career empowerment. This year, we are hosting our Water 2050 session with members of Water 2050’s Equity, Access, and Community Engagement Strategic Implementation Team members. We aim to foster a culture where everyone has a personal connection to – and shared responsibility for – our water future.

AWWA believes diversity, equity, and inclusion create a vibrant, informed, and equitable water community. We hope to see you at ACE!

ACE26

DEIB Featured Sessions

Sustaining Equity: Embedding DEIB into the Fabric of the Water Industry

Track: Water Utility Management

8:30-10:00 a.m. | Tuesday, June 23

In this session, explore how DEIB initiatives can evolve from isolated initiatives to enduring institutional practices.

People, Belonging, and Culture: Rebranding, Rethinking, and Refreshing our DEIB Strategy

Track: Water Utility Management

10:15-11:45 a.m. | Wednesday, June 24

The landscape for DE&I has drastically changed and we have no choice but to change with it. With all the political, social and financial headwinds facing DE&I, let’s take a step back and consider the best approach for moving forward. In this track, we will feature several organizations who have done just that. Instead of adopting the extreme position of either stopping completely or boldly forging ahead without any consideration of the changing realities, these leaders in our industry have rebranded, rethought and refreshed their DE&I strategy positioning themselves for long-term success.

Event Highlight

Join Us for the Water Industry Luncheon

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 12:00–1:15 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Ticket Prices (valid through April 24):
Member: $85 per person or $850 per table of ten
Non-Member: $95 per person or $950 per table of ten

Relax and enjoy the catered lunch with your peers and listen to a variety of speakers, including our exciting ACE26 keynote speaker, Molly Bloom. The luncheon’s capacity is limited and a ticket purchase is required. You may register for the luncheon along with your ACE registration.

Learn More

ACE26

Diversity Track Spotlights

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

Explore Our Tracks

Advances in Water Treatment

Explore recent developments in water treatment challenges and solutions. Topics include best practices for conventional/biological filtration, inorganic contaminant control, optimization of treatment system performance, and more. Engage with case studies that offer practical examples of successful solutions in action, or with our 101 Series for fundamentals.

Water Education and 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 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.

What Attendees Are Saying

“The water sector thrives when we recognize that behind every pipe, pump, and policy is a person — a neighbor, a community member, a voice that deserves to be heard and respected. Technical skills are essential, but empathy, communication, and trust are what transform projects into progress.”

Nicole E. Brown

Area Growth Lead, Water, Gannett Fleming

“ACE is one of my favorite industry conferences. As someone who’s been active in DEIB for several years I always enjoy the diversity-related technical sessions, networking events and committee meetings. It’s also a great place to connect with colleagues and make meaningful connections.”

Donnell Duncan, P.E., S.E.

Associate Vice President, Arcadis

“As a relatively new attendee to ACE, it has quickly become the premier event of the year. The amount of energy put into highlighting different voices and perspectives across the water industry is second to none. From sessions to networking to social events, the representation of diversity in the programming is considered and thoughtful. Everyone is welcome, and that feeling is baked into the fabric of ACE.”

Amanda Jones

Tucson Water