Abstract submission for the 2026 Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium is now CLOSED.

Call for abstract proposals open: January 26, 2026, 12:00 AM CST

Deadline to submit: March 9, 2026, 11:59 PM CDT

The Alliance for Water Efficiency’s 4^th Annual Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium is an event that brings together professionals, thought leaders, and experts from across the water efficiency and conservation industry. Attendees reflect our diverse membership – from water utilities and policymakers to a range of consultants and companies. Our Symposium consistently delivers a meaningful, high-impact experience for attendees. The event will be held August 4-6, 2026, in Chicago, IL.

What We Are Looking For

• We are seeking abstract proposals focused on actionable research, practical resources, and interactive learning for water efficiency and conservation professionals.
• Abstract proposals may include concepts, case studies, emerging challenges, lessons learned, and perspectives that can be combined with others to create program sessions through our collaborative program development process.
• We believe everyone has something to offer, and we need all voices at the table.
• We want to explore both core industry topics and the new and emerging side of our industry.

Co-Creating Our Symposium Program

We take a collaborative approach to developing our program. Co-creation entails:

• Submitted abstracts help us identify themes, perspectives, case examples, and expertise that can be combined in different ways to create dynamic, balanced sessions on key water efficiency and conservation topic areas.
• Once an abstract is accepted, we pair groups of speakers based on their identified topic area and assign them into sessions in the Symposium Program.
• The session planning process typically includes participation in two planning meetings throughout the Spring. We work closely with speakers to refine submitted concepts to create each session in the Symposium Program.

As a result of this process, the Symposium session structure will likely evolve from the original abstract proposal, reflecting our commitment to deliver dynamic, engaging, and impactful experience to both speakers and attendees.

We look forward to hearing your ideas!

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Please submit the following information via the Whova call for abstract:

• Biography and headshot
• Your abstract proposal
• Additional details about your abstract to help us develop the program

Notes on the submission system:

• You will need to log into your Whova account or create one to submit an abstract.
• This system only allows one submission per e-mail, though we celebrate your many ideas. If you’d like to submit another abstract, you may use an additional email and/or submit it with a co-author.
• Character limits include spaces.
• Note that topics are labeled as “tracks” in the new abstract system. You can select up to three tracks.

Topics/Tracks

• Affordability / Equity
• Aging Infrastructure, Leaks, and Water Loss
• Alternative Water Sources
• Conservation & Efficiency Programs: Implementation, Evolution, & Innovation
• Corporate Water Stewardship
• Climate Change / Extreme Weather
• Demand Forecasting & Planning
• Drought Planning & Response
• Education, Outreach, and Behavior Change
• Funding Sources / Utility Financial Resilience
• Outdoor Water Use
• Policy (Federal, State, Local)
• High Water Users / Emerging Uses
• Technology and Data Management

Selection Process

The AWE review committee will evaluate all abstract proposals based on subject matter relevance, originality, and potential impact. We also aim to have a balance of representation across geography, organization types, speaker perspectives, and more. We plan to notify accepted speakers by early April 2026.

We look forward to receiving your abstract proposals and welcoming you as a speaker at the 2026 Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium! For program-related questions or inquiries, please contact research@a4we.org. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact contact@a4we.org.