Activities, Events, and Meetings

Monday, June 22 │ 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Charles Fishman, Keynote Speaker

Join us for an energizing ACE26 opening! The ACE26 Opening General Session will begin an impactful conference, highlighting award recipients, remarks from AWWA, and our inspiring keynote.

Charles Fishman is a journalist and author who is one of the most forceful, challenging and inspiring public voices on water issues. The author of multiple best sellers, Fishman’s water book, The Big Thirst: The Secret Life & Turbulent Future of Water, has changed how people think about water, how they manage it, and how they talk about it. The Big Thirst does something few water books do: it restores a sense of wonder about water, along with a sense of urgency.
Fishman has spent much of his career focusing on innovation and how to make it happen in the real world. His experience and insight makes him the perfect person to kick off this year’s conference theme around water heroes, and also to speak to AWWA’s long-term vision of Water 2050.

Community Impact Starts Here

Sunday, June 21 │ 2:00-5:00 p.m.
ACE Registration Area

Kick off ACE with purpose. The Sunday Giveback Activity brings Water Heroes together for a hands-on service experience that supports both local communities and global hygiene initiatives. During ACE26, attendees can take part in the Soap Saves Lives Experience, assembling 500 sustainable hygiene kits that benefit the D.C. metro area and communities worldwide.

All are welcome, no pre-registration required. Simply look for the signs near ACE Registration at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Join us to assemble one kit, or many!

The ACE26 Committee Meetings schedule will be released in April 2026.

Please check back!

Monday – Wednesday
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Witness the excitement and cheer for our ACE competitors in events such as Pipe Tapping, the AWWA Meter Challenge, Top Ops, and Tap Water Taste Tests.

Monday, June 22 │ 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Welcome to the ACE26 Exposition! Join us immediately following the Opening General Session for dedicated time with exhibitors.

Monday, June 22 │ 7:30-8:15 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Pre-registration is required. This program will help first-time attendees learn how to maximize your conference experiences and develop lasting connections.

Sign up during registration, or email service@awwa.org to have this event added to your existing registration. Welcome to all our first-time attendees!

Wednesday, June 24 │ 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Marriott Marquis Hotel

This is a ticketed event for award winners and guests.

George Warren Fuller Awards are presented annually by the American Water Works Association to the sections’ respective selected members for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, brilliant diplomatic talent, and constructive leadership that characterized George Warren Fuller’s life. Pre-registration, additional payment, and a ticket are required for entry.

Monday, June 22 │ 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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.

Join us on Monday at 1:30 for the ACE26 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.

Monday, June 22 │ 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
International Lounge: Booth 2343 in Exhibit Hall

Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with other international participants at ACE and acquaint yourself with the International Lounge. Registration is not required. Simply show up and enjoy the conversation.

Monday, June 22 │ 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Innovation Hub: Booth 119 in Exhibit Hall

Join us in the Innovation Hub for the No Water No Beer Happy Hour! Meet water professionals highlighting the need for safe and clean water to make goods — like our favorite beer and refreshments.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Connect with leading companies and top universities shaping the future of water. Tuesday’s job and education fair offers a chance to engage with potential employers across the water sector. Plus, take advantage of AWWA’s flash resume review.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

10 Years, 10 Leaders: Celebrating and Showcasing Excellence in Lead Service Line Replacement
Hosted by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaboration

The Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative is a cohort of 29 national organizations committed to accelerating the full replacement of lead service lines across the country. For ten years, the Collaborative has helped communities build effective LSL replacement programs through shared tools, cross-sector knowledge exchange, and highlighting innovative solutions. In this session, the Collaborative will recognize individuals and organizations doing exceptional work to advance LSL replacement across 10 categories, including community engagement, leveraging effective partnerships, enhancing equity in LSL programs and others. Through panel discussions, honorees will share insights on what’s made their approaches effective and how that may be transferable to other programs.

Monday – Wednesday
Walter E. Washington Convention Center │ East Salons A&B

Thank you AWWA members!

Built for connection and designed for members. Stop by to network, recharge, and enjoy lounge-only events, plus a chance to win a free trip to ACE27 and other prizes. Connect with fellow water professionals. Take a break. Come back anytime.

Monday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Monday, June 22 │ 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Dr. William Becker, Keynote

The A.P. Black Award was established in 1967 in honor of Dr. A. P. Black to recognize outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply rendered over an appreciable period. This year’s winner is Dr. William Becker.

A Vice President and former Corporate Water Leader for Hazen and Sawyer, Dr. Becker has also served as Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Colorado Boulder and is an Adjunct Professor in the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department at Columbia University. Join us in celebrating his more than 40 years of excellence in the drinking water field.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Open to elected or appointed public officials only  (Ticketed event)

Public Officials Breakfast & Caucus: free to elected and appointed public officials attending the conference. Registration for this special program is required, and is open to elected or appointed public officials only. Sign up during the standard registration process and you will be contacted with additional details prior to June.

ACE features many student and young professional-focused events, including an icebreaker Scavenger Hunt, Lunch-with-the Boss, AWWA Job & Education Fair, the Emerging Leaders Reception, and more! We invite students and young professionals of all levels to attend these events to network with meet peers working in the water sector. Explore the ACE Student & YP page for all events and details.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:40 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center │ Exhibit Hall Booth 1939

People’s Choice Tap Water Taste Test:

All ACE attendees are invited to sample and rate some of the nation’s best-tasting tap water, at the People’s Choice tap water taste test. Utility winners from the section level have provided samples to be tasted and judged by you – the conference attendees! Stop by Booth 1939 on Tuesday, June 23 from 10:30 a.m until 12:30 p.m. for the People’s Choice Tap Water Taste Test.

Best of the Best Tap Water Taste Test:

An expert panel of judges will sample and rate the best of the best tap water from around the country. Utilities that won their section’s taste test sent samples for our expert panel of judges, including a water sommelier, to rate and determine the Best of the Best Tap Water. Come watch the proceedings at booth 1939 on Tuesday, June 23, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center │ AWWA Pavilion – Exhibit Hall Booth 2139

Meet and mingle with the Transformative Water Leadership Academy! Come say hi and learn how this program can benefit you, your utility and your community. Everyone is welcome to attend this casual networking event and learn more about the Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA). Coffee will be provided.

Tuesday, June 23 │ 12:00-1:15 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Molly Blume, Keynote  (Ticketed event)

Join us for our annual keynote luncheon and purchase your ticket today to hear from Molly Bloom, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and the inspiration behind the Hollywood film Molly’s Game.

Sunday, June 21 │ 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Laurel Hill Golf Course

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals while supporting Water Equation’s mission of investing in the next generation of the water workforce.

Wednesday, June 24 │ 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center │ 3rd Floor Ballroom Foyer
Free and open to all ACE attendees!

The ACE Wrap Party kicks off at 5:00 p.m., immediately following the Presidential Gavel Passing Celebration. The annual ACE Wrap Party is the perfect place to kick back, unwind, and celebrate a week well spent with your fellow water community members.

Location details to be announced.