Organisers of WEFTEC 2020 have decided to cancel its October meeting in New Orleans and make it a fully virtual event called WEFTEC Connect, with registration opening on 13 July and programming scheduled from 5-9 October.
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) had previously decided to offer a hybrid form of the event with both in-person activities for those that wished to attend as usual alongside virtual components or a fully virtual event. However, with existing government orders at both state and local level restricting the congregation of large groups plus current travel restrictions, organisers took the decision to make WEFTEC fully virtual.
WEFTEC Connect will use the latest online learning platform to create an immersive experience for attendees. It is being carefully shaped to be responsive to feedback gathered from water professionals on preferred education and participation options. It will include a blend of live and pre-recorded technical content, data-driven connections between participants, 1:1 appointment scheduling with exhibitors, live chats between individuals or groups, virtual meeting rooms for networking and product demonstrations and access to educational content and the exhibitor showcase for a full year.
“Our top priority is always the health and safety of everyone at WEF events,” says WEF executive Director Walt Marlowe. “We look forward to seeing the water community online at WEFTEC Connect in October. And we will be ready to welcome you in person next year at WEFTEC 2021 in Chicago.”
