American Water Works Association - ACE - AWWA

Name: American Water Works Association - ACE - AWWA
Start: 2027-06-13
End: 2027-06-16
Location: San Diego Convention Center

Event overview

Overview

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: ACE 2027 runs June 13-16 at the San Diego Convention Center, California.
2Scale and Focus: This premier water conference is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and features 450 exhibitors.
3Organiser: The event is organised by the American Water Works Association, with more details available at awwa.org.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include water utility managers, engineers, and policymakers influencing water management decisions.
5Entry / Access: Registration is available online, with early bird discounts offered until April 21, 2027.

Why visit

Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders, participate in hands-on workshops, and network with peers, enhancing their knowledge and skills in water management. Dates and Venue: ACE 2027 runs June 13-16 at the San Diego Convention Center, California. Scale and Focus: This premier water conference is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and features 450 exhibitors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include water utility managers, engineers, and policymakers influencing.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions, connect with key decision-makers, and gain visibility in the water sector, maximizing their return on investment. Scale and Focus: This premier water conference is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and features 450 exhibitors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include water utility managers, engineers, and policymakers influencing water management decisions. ACE is crucial for advancing water management practices, fostering.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Water utility managers and operations staff

Water utility executives and general managers

Environmental and civil engineers

Consulting engineers and infrastructure planners

Regulatory agency and public health officials

Water quality and treatment specialists

Academics, researchers and laboratory scientists

Infrastructure providers and technology innovators

Equipment and service suppliers to the water sector

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Water treatment technology providers

Infrastructure and construction firms

Consulting services for water utilities

Environmental monitoring equipment manufacturers

Software solutions for water management

Pavilion hosts for water-related innovations

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Water treatment chemicals and technologies

Pipes, fittings, and valves for water distribution

Water quality testing equipment

Leak detection and repair solutions

Smart water management systems

Sustainable water resource management tools

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego, California, USA

Attend

Entry & tickets

Full Conference
Discounted price for members.
$1,025.00
Student Member
Special rate for student members.
$45.00
Virtual Only
For members attending virtually.
$395.00

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Visit the registration page for more details.

Registration deadline

2027-04-21

Who runs the show

Organisers

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2026

estimate

Visitors: 12,000

Exhibitors: 480

This edition

2027 · San Diego

Visitors: 10,000

Exhibitors: 450

Next edition

Not announced yet

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The American Water Works Association's Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) is a premier event for water professionals, featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an exposition showcasing the latest technologies in the water sector. ACE is crucial for advancing water management practices, fostering collaboration among water professionals, and addressing the challenges facing the water sector today. Join the American Water Works Association for ACE 2027 from June 13-16 at the San Diego Convention.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Water utility managers and operators, Environmental engineers, Regulatory agency representatives, Water quality specialists. Dates and Venue: ACE 2027 runs June 13-16 at the San Diego Convention Center, California. Scale and Focus: This premier water conference is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and features 450 exhibitors. Organiser: The event is organised by the American Water Works Association, with more details available at awwa.org. Buyer Authority: Attendees include water.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

North America — United States (California). AWWA ACE rotates among major U.S. and Canadian cities and serves the municipal drinking-water and wastewater-adjacent sector, with growing international attendance from utilities, engineering consultancies and treatment-technology suppliers.

Why it matters

Attending American Water Works Association - ACE - AWWA on 2027-06-13 to 2027-06-16 in San Diego lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

PFAS and emerging contaminant compliance

New US federal and state rules are driving utilities to detect and treat PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water.

Digital and AI-driven water operations

Utilities are adopting AI, analytics and remote monitoring to improve leak detection, asset management and operational efficiency.

Water reuse and supply resilience

Drought, growth and climate pressure are pushing cities toward potable reuse, desalination and resilient supply planning.

Aging infrastructure and lead service line replacement

Utilities are accelerating pipe, valve, meter and hydrant replacement programmes, including lead service line removal.

Workforce and operational continuity

An aging water workforce is driving demand for training, certification and knowledge-transfer programmes.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

SAN

San Diego International

San Diego International (SAN) is the main commercial gateway serving San Diego; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to San Diego Convention Center.

to venue

by car

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 20–30 metered fare

Best forSan Diego International (SAN) to San Diego Convention Center

About 3 mi and 10–15 minutes on Harbor Drive; airport taxi plaza serves Terminals 1 and 2; confirm before travel.

bus

Estimated costUSD 2.50 one-way (PRONTO fare)

Best forMTS Route 992 (San Diego Flyer) — SAN terminals to downtown and Santa Fe Depot

Runs every 15–30 minutes and stops near Broadway, two blocks from the convention center; pay with PRONTO card or app; confirm before travel.

metro

Estimated costUSD 2.50 one-way; USD 6 day pass

Best forMTS Green Line Trolley to Convention Center station

Green Line stops at Convention Center station on Harbor Drive, a two-minute walk from the hall; confirm before travel.

train

Estimated costUSD 37–42 from Los Angeles (coach); COASTER USD 5.50–7 within San Diego County

Best forAmtrak Pacific Surfliner / COASTER to Santa Fe Depot

Santa Fe Depot is three blocks from the convention center; Pacific Surfliner connects LA, Anaheim and Santa Barbara; confirm before travel.

rideshare

Estimated costUSD 8–20 for downtown trips; USD 18–35 from SAN

Best forUber / Lyft across downtown San Diego and to the venue

Drop-off at the convention center is on Harbor Drive; expect surge pricing on peak show mornings and after the closing keynote; confirm before travel.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Citizens of countries without Visa Waiver Program access — including India, China, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and the Philippines — who attend ACE for meetings, sourcing or technical sessions.	$185.00	Consular interview appointment plus adjudication typically 4–12 weeks; apply 3–6 months ahead for June 2027.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for business for 90 days or less.	$21.00	Usually approved within 72 hours; apply at least one week before departure.

Visa Waiver Program nationals (including the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, France and South Korea) do not need a visa for business stays of 90 days or less but must hold an approved ESTA obtained only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Official visa page

Weather

San Diego in June is mild and dry, with daytime highs of 69–75 °F (21–24 °C) and overnight lows of 60–65 °F (16–18 °C). June is the city's driest month — roughly 3 mm (0.12 in) of rain over 1–3 days — and mornings often start under a marine-layer cloud that burns off by midday. Business-casual attire works in the halls, so pack light layers, a light jacket for evening receptions and sunscreen for outdoor events on the bayfront.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

U.S. carriers Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile deliver strong 5G coverage across downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Valley and the convention center. International visitors can buy a prepaid SIM at SAN airport or a downtown carrier store, or install a travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Saily) before departure for instant U.S. data. Complimentary Wi-Fi is standard in convention-center halls, the bayfront hotels and most cafes; bring a power bank as charging points on the show floor are limited.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in the United States: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, USD 1–2 per drink at bars, USD 2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping and USD 1–2 per bag for porters.

Business dress and greetings

Business casual — collared shirts, chinos or slacks — is standard for technical sessions and the exhibit hall; a blazer is useful for supplier meetings. Handshakes are the norm and first names are used quickly.

Small talk and scheduling

Meetings start on time and small talk is brief; exchanging business cards or LinkedIn details after a demo is common practice. Alcohol is widely available but never expected at business meals.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: SAN

Fly into SAN (San Diego International) for the fastest transfer to the venue; U.S. and international itineraries usually connect through Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle or Los Angeles. For cheaper fares or nonstop long-haul service, compare LAX and SNA and add a 1.5–2.5 hour drive or an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner connection. Book 6–10 weeks out for the 13–16 June 2027 conference, as June is peak San Diego leisure season.

Visa

Most foreign nationals traveling to the United States to attend a business convention or conference need a B-1 visitor visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and hold an approved ESTA. Apply well before the June 2027 show.

Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Business activities allowed under a B-1 visa include attending a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference and negotiating contracts. Visa Waiver Program travellers may enter for business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA via the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Check-in (recommended)

2027-06-13

Check-out (recommended)

2027-06-16

Areas to stay

East Village / Bayfront — adjacent to San Diego Convention Center · Gaslamp Quarter — 10 min walk, skybridge link to Petco Park · Little Italy — 15 min walk or a short trolley ride to the venue · Marina District — 5–10 min walk to the venue · Marina District — next door to the convention center

mid range

USD 300-450/night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: San Diego International (SAN): San Diego International (SAN) is the main commercial gateway serving San Diego; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to San Diego Convention Center.. Allow road or rail time to San Diego Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near San Diego Convention Center: East Village / Bayfront — adjacent to San Diego Convention Center: Hilton San Diego Bayfront; Marina District — next door to the convention center: San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina; Marina District — 5–10 min walk to the venue: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout San Diego and pick up from designated zones at SAN Terminals 1 and 2 and drop off on Harbor Drive at the convention center. Expect USD 18–35 from the airport to a downtown hotel and USD 8–20 for trips within the Gaslamp Quarter, with surge pricing during peak conference mornings. Metered taxis wait at the airport taxi plaza and at downtown hotel ranks.

Public transit: MTS Route 992 (San Diego Flyer) runs between SAN and downtown every 15–30 minutes, and the MTS Green Line Trolley stops at Convention Center station, a two-minute walk from the hall. Fares are USD 2.50 one-way with a PRONTO card and a USD 6 day pass covers unlimited trolley and bus travel. Santa Fe Depot, three blocks from the venue, is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and the COASTER commuter rail.

Parking: The San Diego Convention Center operates an underground garage entered from Harbor Drive, with event parking typically USD 15–30 per day; nearby downtown lots and hotel valet run USD 20–45. Spaces fill quickly on peak show mornings, so pre-purchase parking or arrive before 9 a.m. Electric-vehicle charging and accessible spaces are available in the on-site garage, and oversized-vehicle parking can be arranged in advance.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: June 2027 (13–16 June)

Temperature: Daytime highs 69–75 °F (21–24 °C); overnight lows 60–65 °F (16–18 °C).

Seasonality: June is San Diego's driest month, with about 3 mm (0.12 in) of rain over roughly 1–3 days; expect morning marine-layer cloud over the bay that clears to sunny afternoons.

Packing: Pack light layers for cool marine-layer mornings and warm afternoons, business-casual attire for sessions and the exhibit hall, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket for evening events.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Tuesday, 15 June 2027

Tuesday carries the densest technical-session programme and the fullest exhibit hall after Monday's opening, so attendees can combine deep-dive sessions on PFAS, lead service lines and digital metering with booked supplier meetings. Arrive Monday morning if you also need the opening general session and awards, and keep Wednesday for closing sessions and contract follow-ups.

Confirm passport validity and US entry requirements, applying for a B-1 visa or ESTA well in advance — US business visits require a B-1 visa or Visa Waiver Program ESTA; consulate appointments can take several weeks.

Register online for ACE 2027 and book flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN) — Registration and housing are handled through the official ACE site at ace.awwa.org.

Reserve a hotel in Downtown, Bayfront or Little Italy close to the San Diego Convention Center — June is peak season, so reserve early for the Gaslamp Quarter, Bayfront or Little Italy.

Download the conference programme and exhibit hall floor plan, and shortlist technical sessions and exhibitors — Prioritise sessions and booths that match your utility or engineering priorities.

Plan airport-to-hotel transport by rideshare, shuttle or the San Diego Trolley — SAN is about 3 miles from the venue; the Trolley also serves downtown.

Request meetings with exhibitors and schedule B2B appointments before the show — Pre-booked meetings make short exhibit hall time more productive.

Confirm CEU and PDH needs and check the technical session schedule — Bring documentation if you need professional development credit.

Pack business-casual attire, light layers for cool June mornings and comfortable walking shoes — Mornings are cool with marine-layer cloud and afternoons are warm.

Save registration confirmation and badge details, and download the event mobile app if available — Have your QR code ready for faster badge collection.

Prepare meeting materials, business cards and note-taking tools for the exhibit floor — Plan how you will capture vendor quotes and contact details.

Arrive in San Diego, collect your badge and reconfirm your hotel-to-venue route — Arriving early avoids queues at registration on day one.

Side trips

La Jolla and Torrey Pines

Coronado Island

Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget$115.00/nightMid-range$175.00/nightPremium$265.00/night

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
Per diem × 2$150.00
Visa$185.00

Estimated total$565.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visitor_ticket

visitor · Full Conference

USD 1025 / per person

organiser_published

visitor_ticket

visitor · Student Member

USD 45 / per person

organiser_published

visitor_ticket

visitor · Virtual Only

USD 395 / per person

organiser_published

visa_fee

visitor · B-1 Business Visitor Visa

USD 185 / per application

organiser_published

visa_fee

visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)

USD 21 / per application

organiser_published

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visitor_ticket	visitor	Full Conference	USD 1025 / per person	organiser_published
visitor_ticket	visitor	Student Member	USD 45 / per person	organiser_published
visitor_ticket	visitor	Virtual Only	USD 395 / per person	organiser_published
visa_fee	visitor	B-1 Business Visitor Visa	USD 185 / per application	organiser_published
visa_fee	visitor	ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	USD 21 / per application	organiser_published

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Water utility managers, engineers, operators and regulators who need to evaluate treatment equipment, software and services and attend technical sessions for CEUs.

Min. budget

$1,325.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks for registration, flights and a downtown San Diego hotel.

Risks

Downtown San Diego hotel rates rise sharply during large June events

US B-1 visa or ESTA lead time for international attendees

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Equipment OEMs, treatment technology firms and service providers targeting North American water utilities and consulting engineers.

Min. budget

$5,962.00

Timeline

4-6 months to secure stand space, build a booth and ship demo units.

Risks

Prime hall positions sell out early

Freight, rigging and electrical deadlines are strict

Return depends on pre-booked buyer meetings

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Suppliers with no North American water utility sales channel and no plans to engage the US municipal water market.

Timeline

Not applicable, as travel and exhibit costs are avoided.

Risks

Missed buyer meetings and lost visibility against competitors in the US water sector

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

US Department of State

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from American Water Works Association - ACE - AWWA

Official American Water Works Association - ACE - AWWA event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

What are the registration deadlines for ACE 2027?

Early registration is open until April 21, 2027. Visit the registration page for more details.

How many exhibitors are expected at ACE 2027?

ACE 2027 is expected to feature around 450 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies in the water sector.

What is the expected attendance for ACE 2027?

The conference is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees from the water community.

Where can I find the conference agenda?

The complete agenda is available on the ACE 2027 webpage.

What is the theme for ACE 2027?

The theme for ACE 2027 is 'The Future of Water is 2050', aligning with AWWA's Water 2050 initiative.

What types of products are exhibited at ACE?

The ACE exhibit hall covers pipes, valves, meters and hydrants, engineering services, tanks, membrane filtration systems, laboratory equipment, security and wastewater technology.

Does ACE include workshops and facility tours?

Yes. ACE runs workshops and technical tours, including visits to advanced environmental water and wastewater laboratories that perform large-scale testing.

Glossary

ACE: Annual Conference & Exposition organized by the American Water Works Association.
AWWA: American Water Works Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to managing and treating water.
PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of human-made chemicals that are resistant to water, grease, and oil.
CEUs: Continuing Education Units, a measure used in continuing education programs.
PDHs: Professional Development Hours, a measure of time spent in professional development activities.
Potable water: Water that is safe to drink and meets drinking water quality standards.
Wastewater: Used water from homes, businesses and industry that must be treated before it is released or reused.
Membrane filtration: A treatment process that pushes water through fine membranes to remove particles, microbes and dissolved contaminants.
WQTC: Water Quality Technology Conference, AWWA's technical conference focused on drinking water quality.
WSI: WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition, AWWA's event focused on water efficiency and conservation.

Also known as

Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

AWWA ACE 2027
American Water Works Association ACE
AWWA ACE San Diego
ACE 2027 San Diego
AWWA annual conference 2027
American Water Works Association conference
AWWA ACE
water treatment chemicals expo
water distribution pipes valves trade show
water quality testing equipment expo

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

American Water Works Association

awwa.org
Lang: EN
organiser_social
ACE 2027
Lang: EN
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AWWA LinkedIn
Lang: EN
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AWWA YouTube
Lang: EN
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AWWA Facebook
Lang: EN
organiser_social
AWWA Instagram
Lang: EN
organiser_social
AWWA Twitter
Lang: EN
organiser_social

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