The 2015 Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), held in Chicago September 26-30, 2015, was an important opportunity for SOWC, represented by Executive Director, Brenda Lucas, to solidify relationships with Ontario water companies and meet international companies interested in SOWC.

More importantly the annual conference was a great success for the Canadian/Ontario water industry in general. Considerable efforts were made by the federal government and the Ontario provincial government to create networking opportunities for Canadian companies. “Seeking Synergies, Developing Solutions”, a reception hosted by the Quebec/Ontario governments to introduce each other’s industry leaders of water and wastewater treatment was attended by over 50 companies with various products, technologies, and services. Of further significance for the Ontario water industry was the attendance of the Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, which helped boost Ontario’s presence at WEFTEC 2015.

As part of their ‘Canada @ WEFTEC 2015’ initiative, the federal government invited Canadian water companies to a panel of distinguished speakers who discussed opportunities in the U.S. market for Canadian firms. The panel was followed by ‘B2B’ (Business to Business) meetings between Canadian firms and local water/wastewater municipalities and engineering firms.

WEFTEC 2015 was another success for the rapidly growing water industry in Canada and SOWC is looking forward to attending next year’s conference in New Orleans.