The 2018 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment and Transport Show is set to prove why it is the largest U.S. trade show in the wastewater industry. Taking place from Feb. 21-24, the event will host hundreds of companies in downtown Indianapolis.

More than 600 exhibitors will present thousands of new products at the Marketplace Expo. It’s be where attendees can not only learn about the latest technology in the industry, but also put them to the test.

The Marketplace will stretch out over 350,000 square feet, and will be open from Feb. 22-24 at the Indiana Convention Center.

“Attendees come for three key reasons: to see the new products, equipment and technology — both on display in the booths and in action through live demonstrations; to gather CEUs, or just to get better at what they do; and to network and enjoy the parties and events. It is an electric atmosphere at the WWETT Show,” says Danny Green, senior marketing manager.

Attendees will also have their pick of plenty of educational opportunities.   

“The WWETT Show offers education that covers the full spectrum of the wastewater industry. There are 22 topic tracks with more than 100 sessions. Forty-five different states and organizations are offering CEUs. Plus, there are onsite certification training sessions and technical tours. It’s really a comprehensive program, all achieved within three days in one convenient location,” Green says.

The educational opportunities, also taking place at the convention center, are split into five different sectors: four-hour comprehensive courses, 60-minute education sessions, 90-minute education sessions, association courses and/or certification, networking events, and, new this year, technical tours.

The technical tours will be working in conjunction with the Citizen Energy Group. Taking place Friday, Feb. 23, visitors will get a tour of the secondary treatment system and control room at the Belmont Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to the WWETT website: “The plant has a capacity of 300 million gallons per day (MGD) and accepts flows from a combined sewer system. The secondary treatment system includes an air nitrification system installed in 2012 and an oxygen nitrification system that was constructed in 1967. The oxygen nitrification system was converted to an air nitrification system in 2012 and expanded to handle wet weather flows of 300 MGD.”

Two of the three technical tours have already sold out.

That won’t be the only new component at this year’s show. For the first time, the WWETT Live! event will have a Safety Zone. This area will offer a collection of hands-on sessions using live, exhibitor-provided products and machinery at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Topics covered in the Safety Zone include: Vacuum Truck Safely, Confined Space Entry Equipment, Build-a-box Modular Trench Box, and Pipe Plug Proper Use and Inspection. Each subject will be led by an instructor in a 50-minute course.

Less than a mile away from Lucas Oil will be an event favorite at a new location. This year’s Industry Appreciation Party is moving to the Indiana State Museum. On Feb. 23, attendees can listen to Scott Sharrard and the Brickyard Band; explore the exhibits of the museum, such as the popular Power of Poison Exhibition; and watch the new Marvel movie, “Black Panther,” in the IMAX Theater.

Industry veterans know what the show has to offer. This year, first-time attendees will be accommodated with an educational session and networking event of their own to make sure they are ready for the largest show in the wastewater industry.

The New Professional Networking event provides an opportunity for young members of the industry to eat lunch with the WWETT Advisory Board, allowing them to make connections that could help their businesses.

Green has a couple of tips that could help first-time attendees get the most out of their experience: “Review the website, get a good sense of all that will be offered and determine what will be of most interest to you. If you are taking classes, register for your schedule in advance. It is a requirement if you want to get certificates of completion for your classes after the show.”

For additional information leading up to the event, you can visit wwettshow.com.