stormwater_congress_2015Registration and housing is now open for the 2015 Stormwater Congress. The conference is cohosted with WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) 88th annual technical exhibition and conference. Both events are scheduled for September 26 – 30 at McCormick Place in Chicago. WEF is now featuring a new registration interface, but as in previous years, Stormwater Congress registration still gives attendees access to all that WEFTEC has to offer and vice versa. Just be sure to register by July 15 to receive the best rate.

Attendees listen to the sold-out 2014 Stormwater Congress luncheon speaker. Image credit: Oscar & Associates

Attendees listen to the sold-out 2014 Stormwater Congress luncheon speaker. Image credit: Oscar & Associates

In 2015, the Stormwater Congress will offer more than 30 stormwater-specific technical sessions and workshops. This robust program includes a vanguard luncheon speaker as well as stormwater policy and research updates. Forward-thinkers will share municipal stormwater program innovations, stormwater program funding options, integrated planning frameworks, flooding and resiliency solutions, and the effects of green infrastructure on groundwater. Additionally, session speakers will cover all the basics, including guidance on green infrastructure maintenance and asset management, tools for low impact development design, and solutions for common construction challenges. Separate sessions will focus on stormwater solutions specific to transportation systems, combined sewer overflow settings, and urban areas. Attendees can also learn more about monitoring and modeling and quantifying the effects of structural and nonstructural stormwater controls. Take a quick glance at the 2015 Stormwater Congress Program.

For more information on local issues, WEF is working with the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management and the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, which is facilitated by the Metropolitan Planning Council. Additionally, WEF is hosting a facility tour that will explore urban flooding solutions at four sites, demonstrating how the Collaborative’s work is translating to real world effects. Read more about the tour under T7.

Theresa Connor of the Water Environment Research Foundation talks to an attendee after her presentation in the Stormwater Pavilion Theater. Image credit: Oscar & Associates

Theresa Connor of the Water Environment Research Foundation talks to an attendee after her presentation in the Stormwater Pavilion Theater in 2014. Image credit: Oscar & Associates

Located on the WEFTEC exhibition floor, the Stormwater Pavilion is filled with exhibitors featuring traditional and cutting-edge stormwater products and services. This year’s Stormwater Pavilion is set to be the largest yet, with 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) already sold. The pavilion also includes a theater with short, interactive stormwater presentations and two networking receptions. Attendees can access the WEFTEC exhibit hall and Stormwater Pavilion at no charge through the complimentary exhibition registration. However, this option does not include the full technical program.

Additionally, this year’s annual Community Service Project, organized by the WEF Students & Young Professionals Committee will involve constructing a rain garden and learning garden at Pershing Magnet School in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on September 26. The project will serve as a tool for further education related to water, the environment, and green infrastructure. Registration for the service project is free and open to all conference attendees and their guests. Read more.

Finally, attendees will have access to the 2015 WEFTEC technical program and award-winning exhibition, which includes 135 technical sessions, 29 workshops, 7 local facility tours, numerous events, and more than 1,000 exhibitors. Annually, WEFTEC hosts more than 22,000 attendees from around the world and all sectors of water quality.