It was a pleasure to connect with many of our utility partners at AWWA ACE in Las Vegas last week!
The overall theme of ACE this year was “Innovating the Future of Water.” As was the case last year, the expo floor included an area dedicated to innovation. There were many presentations touching on advanced technologies, several of which involved EMA staff.
EMA’s Terry Brueck and City of Minneapolis Water Treatment and Distribution Service’s Marie Asgian presented from their paper “When is AMI More Than Just New Technology,” that showed the benefits Minneapolis will reap from their AMI implementation. Download the presentation.
Terry Brueck presents with Marie Asgian of City of Minneapolis Water Treatment and Distribution Service at ACE 2018.
Bob Daly from EMA and Mary Smith from the Water Research Foundation co-presented “IWS Communication; Challenges & Security Risks for Water Utilities.” Bob and Mary reviewed the findings of Water Research Foundation Project Number 04670, which surveyed utilities about their current Intelligent Water Systems and provided summaries of communication and security considerations for the most popular systems. Download the presentation.
Bob Daly presents with Mary Smith of the Water Research Foundation (not pictured) at ACE 2018.
EMA moderated the panel “Utility Communication Technology Options – What Are the Important Considerations for A Smart Water/Smart City Infrastructure.” The session included presentations and panel discussions from utility thought leaders such as Biju George from DC Water and David Hughes from American Water, and vendors such as Bluefield Research, Sensus, Verizon, and Senet.
In addition to participation in the conference seminars, EMA staff attended many AWWA Committee meetings held throughout the week.
The social highlight of the week was EMA’s reception for clients and their guests at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Response to our invitations was overwhelming, and the location proved to be a great setting for mingling with utility peers and enjoying the aquarium. Judging by the conversations, smiling faces, and overflow into the outdoor entertaining area, the event was very memorable.
With the excellent program of seminars, important committee meetings, vendor discussions and meetings with clients, EMA associates found there was no time to even set foot outside of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Thanks to all our partners who attended and helped make ACE 2018 a huge success.
