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TORONTO, ON – The world’s water community will gather in Toronto later this week to explore the future of safe water, gain knowledge of and insight into cutting-edge research and best practices, and experience the latest products and services available to the water community.
The American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE07), to be held June 24-28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), typically draws more than 12,000 attendees. The largest conference of its kind, this major convention is expected to produce significant revenue for Toronto’s hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. The MTCC estimates it will have an overall economic impact of over $22 million in direct spending.
ACE07, the World’s Water Event, features a professional program with more than 500 presentations from experts across the North American water community. This year marks the 125th AWWA annual conference. Topics covered will include engineering and construction, water resources management, conservation and reuse, distribution, legislative and regulatory affairs, public communication, and emerging issues.
In addition, the ACE07 Exposition will feature 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services available to help ensure safe water. These exhibitors will offer expert insight and hands-on understanding for everything from pipes to valves, meters to hydrants, engineering services to tank-related companies, membrane filtration systems to laboratory equipment, and security to wastewater. The New Product Technology Showcase will highlight the newest and most innovative products and technology available.
In addition, ACE07 will feature the always entertaining Pipe-Tapping Contest -- a fast-paced competition of skill in which water operators from across North America work against the clock to open a cement-lined, ductile iron pipe and install a tap. A second competition – a “Best of the Best” Water Taste Test – will pit water utilities from across North America competing for the prize of best tasting tap water.
“We are excited to be holding our annual conference and exhibition in a city as vibrant, diverse, and beautiful as Toronto,” said AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr. “Toronto also has a particular international appeal, so it’s an ideal place to meet about water issues affecting people throughout the world.”
Among the featured speakers will be education, environment and youth advocate and newly minted politician Justin Trudeau and CBC Radio host Bob McDonald.
Trudeau, who will speak from 1-1:45 p.m. on Monday, June 25, is active with Katimavik, Canada’s leading national youth volunteer-service program. He works to increase the engagement of Canada’s youth towards their country, their communities and their environment. He is also involved with the Canadian Avalanche Foundation, promoting intelligent risk-taking and safety awareness; and wilderness groups such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Most recently, Trudeau followed in the footsteps of his famous father, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, when he won one of the most hotly contested local nomination battles in the country as the new Liberal Party candidate in the Montreal, Quebec riding of Papineau.
McDonald, who speaks from 8-8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 26, has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years. He is the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program heard by nearly a half-million people across Canada.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this large group of water specialists at the MTCC,” added Barry Smith, the MTCC’s CEO. “Water safety affects the health of millions of people around the world. Ensuring we continue to have a good supply of clean water is vital,” he said.
About AWWA
Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has over 60,000 members worldwide, and its 4,700 utility members serve 80% of America’s population. For more information, please visit AWWA’s website at www.awwa.org.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
About the MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility and one of the finest in North America. With more than 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, it is considered a world-class, tier-one facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 12,000 events, entertained nearly 40 million guests and has had a multi-billion dollar direct and indirect economic impact on the City and Province. For further information about the MTCC please visit www.mtccc.com.
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For Further Information Please Contact:
Heather Evans Greg Kail
Marketing Manager Senior Public Affairs Manager
MTCC AWWA
(416) 585-8126 (303) 734-3410 OR (303) 913-0063
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