The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has unveiled a robust educational program for its 2026 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE26), June 21-24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

This year’s program features more than 440 presenters across 20 tracks, including 205 educational sessions and 16 Innovation Hub sessions.

The ACE26 educational program also echoes the conference theme, “Water Heroes,” highlighting the expertise and leadership of the professionals who protect public health and deliver reliable water service for their communities every day.

Through expert-led conversations, real-world case studies, and collaborative learning sessions, ACE attendees will gain knowledge they can apply directly to their work in utilities, consulting, research and policy. Program tracks include the following:

• Infrastructure Management – preserving critical water infrastructure assets through condition assessments, risk management, data-driven budget decisions, and capital planning.
• Communicating with Clarity – strategies to translate complex topics, turn projects and regulations into communications opportunities, and use creativity and strategy to build trust and understanding.
• Water Resources Planning, Protection & Management – strategies for protecting and managing water resource portfolios through conservation, potable reuse, watershed protection, groundwater management, and long-term resilience planning.
• Financial, Management and Legal – examining risk, resilience, corporate responsibility, regulatory complexity, bond ratings, and funding sources facing today’s C-suite water leaders.
• Utility Risk & Resilience – strategies for assessing and strengthening utility resilience against extreme weather and cyber threats, including provisions under America’s Water Infrastructure Act.
• Water 2050 and the Future of Water – exploring current and future work in finance and affordability, real-time monitoring, technological innovation, circular water economies, One Water governance, workforce development, and community engagement.

“This year’s program reflects both the scale of the challenges facing the water sector and the achievements of the professionals rising to meet them,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “Water is the world’s most vital resource, and ACE is where those responsible for it come together to exchange ideas, confront real-world issues, and strengthen the systems their communities rely on.”

ACE26 is expected to draw more than 11,000 attendees from across the water community and will feature a 450-booth exposition showcasing the latest technologies, equipment and services supporting the sector.

To learn more about the conference agenda and to register, visit the ACE26 webpage.