Summer 2014
| NCRWA.COM
23
T
he North Carolina Rural Water Association’s Annual Conference &
Exhibition, one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for the
State’s water and wastewater professionals, once again delivered on its
mission statement: “To provide our water and wastewater membership
with the highest quality support services possible.” The 2014 Conference
offered top-notch education sessions, a packed exhibit hall, and an
abundance of networking opportunities, sure to provide professional
growth to all attendees. The collaborative effort of the NCRWA
Conference Committee and NCRWA staff presented one of the most well
attended events in NCRWA history.
EDUCATION & EXHIBIT HALL
As always, NCRWA looks for ways in which it can meet the needs of both
attendees and vendors. The Conference offered 29 breakout sessions plus
two “for credit” system tours. Breakout sessions included four tracks:
Operation/Maintenance; Regulatory/Legislative; Special Topics; and
Backflow/Cross Connection. Attendees had plenty of opportunities to
get their required 6 hours of continuing education, and Professional
Engineers could have received up to 9 professional development hours.
There were 30 minute breaks scheduled between breakout sessions,
other than the lunch break, giving attendees more opportunity than ever
to spend time walking the show hall and networking with exhibitors.
NCRWA also offered four optional Certification Courses, a Trenching
& Shoring class, and the illustrious Utility Management Certification
School. These additional sessions brought in well over 100 system
employees who were encouraged to participate in Conference activities
and to visit vendor booths. The majority of attendee and vendor feedback
has been extremely positive, but we encourage all attendees and vendors
to submit any ideas that could help make the Conference more successful
to
. Your feedback is much appreciated!
NETWORKING EVENTS
NCRWA’s networking events are great ways to get to know others in
the industry in a fun, relaxed environment. You will read more about
these events throughout the magazine, but just a few notes: The golf
tournament sold completely out a few weeks before the event (sign up
golf teams EARLY next year!!!). The Clay Shoot boasted some amazing
giveaways. And, the Corn Hole top two teams battled it out in the Exhibit
Hall for all Meet & Greet attendees to watch. The Awards Banquet
entertainment won rave reviews from attendees, calling comedian Frank
King “Outstanding” and “Hilarious”, and as always the dinner company
is the best you can find anywhere! If you missed any of these event
opportunities this year, you are encouraged to participate in 2015. The
professional relationships you make at an NCRWA Conference can help
you throughout your career in the industry.
2015 NCRWA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
Planning for 2015 began the day we left Greensboro in May, reading
through all the Conference surveys full of great ideas and information
that we will use to make 2015 an even better experience for attendees
and vendors alike. Mark your calendars now for May 12 - 14, 2015. The
Conference will once again take place at the Sheraton Four Seasons/
Koury Convention Center, Greensboro.
Visit
to see all Conference photos.
Conference Recap
By Amy Everett, NCRWA
