Registration recently opened for the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) annual 2015 collection systems specialty conference. “Collection Systems Taking Center Stage – Seize the Opportunity,” will take place April 19 – 22 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati and will feature tours, diverse technical sessions, and a robust exhibit hall. Join WEF, the Ohio Water Environment Association, and the National Association of Sewer Service Companies in learning more about integrated planning, combined sewer overflows, inflow and infiltration, and more.

After a day of workshops, the technical program will kick off April 20 with a dynamic opening general session featuring James A. “Tony” Parrott, executive director  at the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, and Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Parrott will share his experiences leading a cutting-edge utility in embracing innovative technologies, new management practices, and green infrastructure with the mission of becoming a “utility of the future.” Then, Maynard — host of the national radio program, “The 90-Second Naturalist” — will combine his dynamic communication skills with a display of zoo animals to reinforce his message of environmental protection and conservation. Read more.