Annual Conference &amp; Expo 2026

Amelia Mioranza

Innovation Hub booth inquiries

AWWA Sales Team

Innovation Hub sponsorship opportunities

AWWA International Support

International attendee inquiries and visa invitation letter requests

AWWA Conferences Team

General conference attendee questions

AWWA Education Services

Presenter and moderator support

Margo Hatton, CFRE

Golf tournament sponsorship and Water Equation contact

Julie Kauffman

Senior Manager of Corporate and Community Engagement, Water For People

What's on

Programme

AEESP Lecture

Educational Sponsor Session

TBA

Event days

10:15 AM–8:30 AM

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Charles Fishman

Award-winning journalist and bestselling author

Opening General Session Keynote — Water Heroes and Water 2050

Manny Teodoro

Professor and author @ University of Wisconsin–Madison

Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years (session TUE072)

Molly Bloom

Bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker

Water Industry Luncheon keynote

Leslie Corcelli

Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water @ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The BABA Balance: Water Heroes Bridging Policy, Products, and Projects — BABA Framework and Implementation Update

Jared Baker

PE @ Garney Construction

The BABA Balance: Integrating BABA into Project Delivery

Davis Wolf

The BABA Balance: Heroes in Action — Panel Q&A and Lessons Learned

Michael Morris

Cybersheroes: Zero Trust in OT/ICS Environments — Overview of Zero Trust Principles and Relevance to OT/ICS Environments

Ahmik Hindman

Cybersheroes: Zero Trust in OT/ICS Environments — Technology Stories

Kenneth Crowther

Xylem

Cybersheroes: Zero Trust in OT/ICS Environments — Segmentation Strategy (and Microsegmentation)

Jason Pennington

Endress+Hauser

Cybersheroes: Zero Trust in OT/ICS Environments — Stories About Implementations and How to Make Zero-trust Real

Kenneth Hayes

Superpowering Water Utilities: Harnessing AMI, Decision Analysis and Advanced Monitoring — Current Challenges Facing Water Utilities

Kevin Barnes

Fluid Conservation Systems

Superpowering Water Utilities: Leak Detection and NRW Mitigation

1:45 PM – 3:15 PM

MON014 – Unveiling WRF's Residential Uses of Water Version 3: A Single Family and Multi-Family Study (#5242)

Technical Session

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM

LoRaWAN in Action

Educational Sponsor Session

Technical SessionRoom 144BC

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Collaborative Innovation in Drinking Water: Research Partnerships from Atlantic Canada that Advance Global Priorities

AEESP Lecture

Technical SessionRoom 145B

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

TUE100 AI for Water Practical Guide to Implementation

Technical Session

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

MON054 – Distribution System Water Quality

Technical Session

8:15 AM – 5:15 PM

PCW01 – Biological Filter Evaluation

Pre-Conference Workshop

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Opening General Session Keynote with Charles Fishman

Keynote

Opening General Session3rd Floor Ballroom

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Advancing Digital Maturity in Water Distribution from Models to Operational Intelligence

Topic tracks

Advances in Water TreatmentResearchInfrastructure ManagementDistribution System Operation & ManagementFocus on PFASIntelligent WaterCapital Improvement ProjectsThe Latest on Lead & CopperRegulatory & Legislative ActionsCommunicating With ClarityWater Resources Planning, Protection & ManagementFinancial, Management and LegalUtility Risk & ResilienceWater 2050 and the Future of Water

Co-located events

ACE26 Opening General Session

Separate ticket

ACE26 Sunday Giveback

Separate ticket

Book Signings in the AWWA Bookstore

Separate ticket

Water Industry Luncheon

Separate ticket

Co-located seminars

PCW01: Biological Filter Evaluation

Paid

PCW02: Beyond Control: Emergency Preparedness with and for SCADA Systems

Paid

PCW03: Optimizing Maintenance and Reliability of Vertical Assets for Long-Term Performance

Paid

PCW04: Ozone Basics and Beyond Workshop

Paid

Awards

Best of the Best Water Taste Test

Annual

Regional AWWA section winners of water taste test competitions compete for the title of 'Best of the Best' tap water during ACE26. A panel of esteemed judges rates each water sample on its flavor characteristics. The 2026 events were sponsored by WSP and included 32 regional winners from water tasting competitions across North America

First Place: City of Fredericton, New Brunswick (Atlantic Canada Section)Second Place: Village of Sugar Grove, Illinois (Illinois Section)Third Place: Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Vineyard, Utah (Intermountain Section)

People's Choice Water Taste Test

Annual

The People's Choice Water Taste Test is judged by conference attendees and held alongside the Best of the Best competition at ACE26

Winner: City Corporation, Russellville, Arkansas (Southwest Section)

Pipe Tapping Competition

Annual

The AWWA National Tapping Competition is a 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

Women's Pipe Tapping First Place: Lady Lonestar Tappers, Texas Section, 2:19.33Men's Pipe Tapping First Place: SADM Apodaca, Mexico Section, 1:19.50

Top Ops

Annual

Top Ops is the 'college bowl' of the water industry. Teams of one, two or three water operators compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer competition

First Place: Turbidity Chasers, Indiana SectionSecond Place: Str8 Drippin', Chesapeake SectionThird Place: Floc University, New York Section

AWWA Meter Challenge

Annual

The AWWA Meter Challenge is a fast-paced competition where contestants assemble a specified water meter from a bucket of parts

1st Place: Craig Dalton, South Carolina Section, Time: 34.60

Volunteer of the Year Award

Annual

The AWWA Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes and honors an individual AWWA member who has advanced AWWA through their volunteer time and efforts. Chris Woodcock received the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, honored during the ACE26 Opening General Session and Awards Ceremony

2026 Recipient: Chris Woodcock

A.P. Black Research Award

Annual

Established in 1967, the A.P. Black Research Award recognizes outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply rendered over an appreciable period of time

2026 Recipient: Dr. William Becker, Hazen and Sawyer

Outstanding Young Professional Award

Annual

The Outstanding Young Professional Award recognizes and celebrates young professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the water sector through active involvement in AWWA and advancement of the water profession

2026 Recipient: Stephanie Estabrook, PE, Woodard & Curran

Water Equation Award

Annual

The AWWA Water Equation Awards recognize members or organizations for fulfilling the vision and mission of the Water Equation, which invests in the water workforce through scholarships, students and young professionals. The award presentation occurs at the ACE26 Headwaters Reception on June 20, 2026

Individual AWWA MemberOrganization With AWWA Representation

Government supporters

World Bank Group

Collaborator on the Private Sector Roundtable: Global Investment Opportunities in Water Security at ACE26, advancing its Water Strategy (FY25–30) and Water Forward global initiative

U.S. Department of State

Collaborator on the Private Sector Roundtable: Global Investment Opportunities in Water Security at ACE26

U.S. Department of Commerce

Collaborator on the Private Sector Roundtable: Global Investment Opportunities in Water Security at ACE26

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water speakers led the BABA Framework and Implementation Update educational session at ACE26

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 11,000 visitors · 450 exhibitors

ACE26 is the American Water Works Association's 143rd Annual Conference & Exposition, held June 21, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., under the theme 'Water Heroes.' AWWA forecasts more than 11,000 attendees from 50+ countries, 450+ exhibitors, 800+ utilities represented, and 205 educational sessions across 20 tracks. The exhibit hall features more than 1,100 booths. Water Online's opening-day report stated more than 10,000 water professionals had convened. No final audited post-show totals were published at the time of writing. The conference venue is the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with the Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. as headquarter hotel

Forecast — not final

Visitors

11,000

Exhibitors

450

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Water Heroes Theme
ACE26 was organised around the 'Water Heroes' theme, placing the spotlight on the people behind water systems and the often-unseen work required to keep water safe and sustainable. The keynote from Charles Fishman, author of The Big Thirst, was built around the idea that 'water is having a moon moment' and that the people doing the work every day are the water superheroes
Source
2
Innovation Hub Powered by Isle Utilities
The ACE26 Innovation Hub was a curated space powered by Isle Utilities, designed to celebrate and embrace change, highlight emerging technologies and trends, and engage in meaningful conversations to advance a sustainable and resilient water future. The Hub hosted 16 sessions covering cybersecurity, sustainability, resource recovery, artificial intelligence, and next-generation treatment technologies. (2026 data)
Source
3
Focused Insights Sessions
Specially-labelled 'Focused Insights' sessions at ACE26 provided in-depth content and opportunities for discussion on a range of water topics within the broader technical programme. (2026 data)
Source
4
Expanded Pre-Conference Workshops and Facility Tours
ACE26 offered 9 pre-conference workshops plus facility tours at nearby Fairfax Water, the WSSC Water Bioenergy Facility and the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. (2026 data)
Source
5
Private Sector Roundtable: Global Investment Opportunities in Water Security
ACE26 hosted a Private Sector Roundtable in collaboration with the World Bank Group, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Commerce, advancing the World Bank's Water Strategy (FY25–30) and Water Forward global initiative. The roundtable was held on June 24, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. (2026 data)
Source

Next edition outlook

2026-06-21 – 2026-06-24

confirmed

ACE26, AWWA's 143rd Annual Conference & Exposition, will take place June 21, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., under the theme 'Water Heroes.' AWWA forecasts more than 11,000 attendees from 50+ countries, 450+ exhibitors, 800+ utilities represented, and 205 educational sessions across 20 tracks, including 16 Innovation Hub sessions. The exhibit hall will feature more than 1,100 booths. The conference will be held in a different city from ACE25 (Denver), marking a return to the U.S. capital region

New venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C New theme: 'Water Heroes' 20 professional tracks (down from 22 at ACE25) 205 educational sessions (up from 147 at ACE25) 16 Innovation Hub sessions (up from 15 at ACE25)

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

ACE25 delivered on its 'Elevate' theme by attracting over 11,000 water professionals from around the world to Denver, Colorado, for four days of knowledge sharing, technical education, and technology showcase. The conference ran 22 professional tracks, 147 technical sessions, 15 Innovation Hub sessions, and more than 440 presenters, while the exhibit hall featured more than 450 water technology providers across more than 1,100 booths. AWWA's commitment to sustainability was validated by the Events Industry Council's Platinum Level Certification, achieved through a rigorous third-party audit. The event increased waste diversion from landfill to 43% (up from 21% in 2024), established a new sustainable procurement policy for ACE materials, strengthened the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, and offset all event water use (420,000 gallons) through Water Restoration Certificates. Denver Water won the People's Choice Tap Water Taste Test, while Henrico Water took the Best of the Best title, underscoring the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define the ACE community. The 2025 edition also featured a delegation from the Tokyo Water Group hosted by Denver Water, highlighting ACE's growing international reach

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

ACE25 drew over 11,000 water professionals from around the world, representing utilities, academia, regulatory agencies, service providers, and researchers. The conference attracted more than 120 Denver Water employees alone and hosted an international delegation from the Tokyo Water Group. Attendees engaged across 22 professional tracks, earning Continuing Education Units and Professional Development Hours while participating in expert-led technical sessions with real-world case studies. The event's opening-day press release stated more than 10,000 professionals had arrived from across the globe, and post-show figures confirmed over 11,000 total attendees. The audience spanned the full water community, from public water and wastewater systems to environmental advocates, scientists, and academicians, reflecting AWWA's reach across more than 4,300 utilities that supply roughly 80% of North America's drinking water

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors at ACE25 reached a highly qualified audience of more than 11,000 water professionals, including decision-makers from utilities, engineering firms, and government agencies. The exhibit hall featured more than 450 water technology providers across more than 1,100 booths, providing extensive visibility and direct engagement opportunities. AWWA provides exhibitors with dedicated Exhibit Hall hours, complimentary attendee mailing lists, and inclusion in the interactive online floor plan and mobile app. The conference also offers networking events and team competitions that drive traffic to the show floor, creating multiple touchpoints for exhibitors to connect with prospects. ACE25 exhibitors benefited from AWWA's year-round marketing campaigns promoting the event to over 150,000 global water professionals

Intelligence

Market context

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

North America (primary) with international relevance for the global drinking water sector

Why it matters

ACE26 matters because it is the single largest annual gathering of drinking water professionals in North America, functioning as the sector's de facto annual meeting where procurement decisions, technology roadmaps, and policy priorities converge. For utilities, the event provides structured access to 205 educational sessions across 20 tracks, covering the full spectrum of challenges—from PFAS compliance and lead service line replacement to AI-driven leak detection and cybersecurity for operational technology. The Black & Veatch 2026 Water Report confirms that 66% of utilities rank aging infrastructure as their top concern, 45% expect funding to fall short of needs over the next decade, and 35% are already planning or implementing PFAS treatment. These are not abstract issues; they are budget lines, capital plans, and regulatory deadlines, and ACE26 is where the vendors, consultants, and peers who can help address them are concentrated in one place. For exhibitors, ACE26 offers direct access to more than 10,000 water professionals, including decision-makers from 800+ utilities across 50+ countries. The 450-booth exposition and 1,100+ booth footprint make it the largest water technology marketplace in North America. UBS analysts attending the conference concluded that long-term demand for water infrastructure remains strong despite near-term funding uncertainty, with digital technologies central to reducing non-revenue water and modernizing operations. The event also serves as a barometer for M&A activity, with the American Water–Essential Utilities merger and other consolidations reshaping the competitive landscape. In a sector under simultaneous pressure from regulation, climate, workforce turnover, and technological disruption, ACE26 is where the industry collectively takes stock and charts its next moves

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI and Digital Transformation Move from Pilot to Operational Reality

2026 marked a tipping point for AI adoption in the water sector. What were once pilot programs and innovation lab experiments are now operational realities, with utilities actively using AI for leak detection, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making. The shift from reactive to predictive operations is happening faster than many anticipated. Digital twin technology also advanced significantly, with real-time simulation frameworks enabling utilities to model network conditions and optimize control actions

PFAS Regulatory Pressure and Funding Uncertainty Intensify

PFAS and emerging contaminants remained the defining regulatory issue for 2026. According to the Black & Veatch 2026 Water Report, 51% of utilities identify PFAS drinking water regulations as the greatest source of planning uncertainty, with public water systems required to act by 2029 if levels exceed maximum contaminant limits. While 35% of drinking water providers are already planning or implementing treatment, financial constraints—cited by 31% of respondents—have overtaken regulatory uncertainty as the primary barrier to action. Wastewater systems are now fully inside this challenge, with 80% of respondents with wastewater operations reporting testing influent, effluent, or biosolids for PFAS

Data Centers Reshape Industrial Water Demand Equation

The rapid growth of AI and cloud computing is straining community water systems and emerging as a key regulatory issue for data center development. Through April 2026, U.S. data center spending rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $50.7 billion, up 28.1% from the previous year. State-level responses are intensifying, with California introducing a suite of bills addressing water and energy costs, and Texas directing public utilities to ensure infrastructure costs for data centers are not passed on to ratepayers

Water Utility M&A Consolidation Accelerates

The water utility sector saw significant consolidation in 2026. The proposed $63 billion merger between American Water and Essential Utilities cleared federal antitrust review in August 2026, with shareholders of both companies approving the transaction earlier in the year with close to 95% support. The all-stock deal would create a combined company serving more than 4.7 million water and wastewater connections across 17 states. Separately, Aquarion Water Authority acquired Aquarion Water Co. from Eversource Energy for $2.4 billion in June 2026, and California Water Service agreed to acquire Nexus Water Group's Nevada and Oregon systems for $218 million

Cybersecurity Emerges as Operational Risk for Water Infrastructure

As utilities become more connected and data-driven, cybersecurity risks are increasing just as quickly. In July 2026, a coordinated cyber attack suspected to be by Iranian hackers affected over 100 water systems, according to CISA. NIST released final guidance on secure remote access for water and wastewater systems in June 2026, and the White House launched Project Watershed 250, a six-month pilot stress-testing water utilities in Texas that could serve as a model for protecting water providers nationwide

Workforce Development Becomes Urgent Priority with Federal Investment

The water sector faces persistent skills shortages as aging infrastructure and retiring workers converge. In August 2026, the EPA announced $10.8 million in grant funding through the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program to develop a skilled worker pool for water and wastewater utilities. Veolia launched the Veolia Workforce Academy North America, a free online training program developed in partnership with WEF and AWWA. A 2026 World Bank survey of young professionals across six countries confirmed that low salaries, invisible career paths, and reliance on personal connections remain key barriers to attracting new talent

Cybersecurity for OT/ICS Environments

ACE26 featured dedicated sessions on Zero Trust principles in OT/ICS environments, reflecting the water sector's growing focus on cybersecurity for operational technology. The convergence of digitalization and cyber threats has made securing water infrastructure systems a top priority for utilities of all sizes. (2026 data)

Emerging Contaminants Beyond PFAS

ACE26 discussions expanded beyond PFAS to emerging contaminants including microplastics and the broader need to address pollution further upstream. The conversation at ACE26 touched on regulatory questions surrounding these newer contaminants and the treatment technology pathways available to utilities. (2026 data)

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Black & Veatch 2026 Water Report maps mounting pressures facing US water utilities

UBS: Long-term water infrastructure demand intact despite near-term uncertainty

Calgon Carbon Wins AWWA Innovation Award for PFAS Destruction Breakthrough

American Water leads discussions at ACE26 on water quality and operational resilience

American Water and Essential Utilities merger clears federal antitrust review

Talking Under Water podcast recaps ACE26 insights on affordability, PFAS, and data centers

North American and international water sector event circuit

12 to 18 months for major international events; 6 to 9 months for regional and specialty conferences

The water sector trade show calendar is anchored by AWWA's ACE in June and WEFTEC in the fall, with a growing ecosystem of regional, technical, and innovation-focused events filling out the year. For North American utilities and vendors, ACE and WEFTEC are the two must-attend events. ACE skews toward drinking water, policy, and utility management, while WEFTEC leans toward water quality, wastewater, and operations. Between these anchors, a range of regional conferences (Texas Water, WaterPro) and specialty events (WateReuse Symposium, AWWA Water Infrastructure Conference) provide targeted audiences. Internationally, Aquatech Amsterdam, IFAT Munich, and Ozwater serve as the major European and Asia-Pacific equivalents. Planning a circuit strategy requires balancing breadth of audience against depth of technical content and geographic accessibility

21–24 Jun 2026

WEFTEC 2026

New Orleans, USA

Conference: Sept. 26, 2026; Exhibition: Sept. 28, 2026. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The 99th edition

website

21–24 Jun 2026

AWWA Water Infrastructure Conference 2026

Indianapolis, USA

Confirmed dates listed on Esri's water events calendar. A smaller, more technical event than ACE, suited for infrastructure-focused professionals

website

21–24 Jun 2026

IFAT Munich 2026

Munich, Germany

Confirmed dates on the IFAT website and Xylem's event calendar. Held every two years at Messe München. Enormous scale (over 140,000 visitors) but broader environmental technology scope beyond water

website

Spring Window (March–May)

Aquatech Amsterdam 2027Ozwater'27IFAT Munich 2026Texas Water 2027

The spring window features the major European trade shows and the Asia-Pacific anchor event. Aquatech Amsterdam and IFAT Munich are the two largest international water technology fairs, while Ozwater serves the Southern Hemisphere. IFAT Munich is held biennially (even years)

Summer Window (June–July)

AWWA ACE27

AWWA ACE is the sole anchor of the North American summer calendar. Its timing in June makes it the primary annual gathering for drinking water utilities, regulators, and vendors. No directly competitive event occupies this window

Fall Window (August–October)

AWWA Water Infrastructure Conference 2026WEFTEC 2026ACCADUEO 2027

The fall window is anchored by WEFTEC, which focuses on wastewater and water quality. AWWA's Water Infrastructure Conference provides a smaller, more technical alternative earlier in the season. ACCADUEO fills the European fall slot

Event dates and locations sourced from official event websites (AWWA Future ACE Dates, WEFTEC, Ozwater/AWA, Aquatech Amsterdam, IFAT, Accadueo, Texas Water) and verified against Esri's water events calendar. Where 2027 dates were not yet published, this is noted

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

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

DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The closest airport to downtown Washington, D.C. The airport has its own Metro station (Blue and Yellow Lines) providing direct access to the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station. Taxis from the airport to downtown cost approximately $15

approximately 5 miles (8 km)

to venue

18-20 minutes by car; approximately 22 minutes by Metrorail

by car

IAD

Washington Dulles International Airport

The major international airport for the Washington, D.C. region, handling many international flights. Connected to Washington, D.C. by the Metro Silver Line; take the Silver Line to Metro Center and transfer to the Red, Blue, Orange, or Green/Yellow lines. Taxi or rideshare to downtown costs approximately $60

approximately 27-28 miles (43-45 km)

to venue

45-60 minutes by car; approximately 1 hour by Metrorail

by car

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Offers access to the city via train and other transport options. Serviced by Amtrak and MARC trains to Washington Union Station. The cheapest public transport option is the line 201 bus and bus combination, costing $7-$12 and taking approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

approximately 31-42 miles (50-68 km)

to venue

approximately 1 hour by car

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget / 3-star

Downtown D.C. / Convention Center area (0.2.6 miles)

USD 199–249 / night

Estimated nightly rates for budget and 3-star hotels near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during ACE26. Examples include. The Henley Park Hotel ($239) and The Morrison Clark Historic Inn ($239), both approximately 0.2.3 miles from the venue. Washington Plaza Hotel is also in this range at $335 under the ACE26 block, though standard rates may be lower. Prices are estimates based on comparable convention-period rates at nearby hotels and are subject to change. (2026 data)

Midscale / 4-star

Downtown D.C. / Convention Center area (0.1.2 miles)

USD 259–339 / night

Estimated nightly rates for midscale and 4-star hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center. Examples include Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Convention Center ($219-$289), AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center ($289), Hampton Inn DC Convention Center ($283), and Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill ($339). The ACE26 official housing page lists rates starting from $259. Prices are estimates based on ACE26 room block rates and comparable convention-period pricing. (2026 data)

Premium / 5-star

Downtown D.C. / Convention Center area (0.1.6 miles)

USD 319–429 / night

Estimated nightly rates for premium and 5-star hotels near the Convention Center. Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. is the ACE26 headquarter hotel at $319 plus a $35 destination fee per night. The ACE26 official housing page lists rates up to $429. The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center and The Mayflower Hotel are among the premium options in the official ACE26 hotel list. Prices are estimates based on ACE26 room block rates and are subject to change. (2026 data)

Luxury / Upscale

Downtown D.C. / City Center / Penn Quarter (0.2.0 miles)

USD 350–550 / night

Estimated nightly rates for luxury properties within a short walk or Metro ride of the Convention Center. Washington, D.C. average hotel rates in June 2026 were approximately $287 per night, with luxury properties commanding higher rates. Examples include Grand Hyatt Washington, Conrad Washington DC, and InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf. Prices are estimates based on market data and comparable convention-period pricing. (2026 data)

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Metrorail (WMATA)

Estimated costFares range from $2.25 to $6.75 on weekdays depending on distance traveled; weekend fares max out at $2.50. A SmarTrip card costs $2. Contactless credit and debit cards are accepted directly at faregates. The 1-Day Unlimited Pass is $13.50

Best forThe Walter E. Washington Convention Center sits directly above the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station, served by the Green and Yellow lines. The Red Line's Gallery Place-Chinatown station is a 5-minute walk away. The Metro system connects D.C. with Virginia and Maryland, including service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on the Blue and Yellow lines and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on the Silver Line

Metro is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Washington, D.C. All Metrorail stations offer free Wi-Fi and cell service in tunnels. Metro service hours are Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. midnight, Friday 5 a.m a.m., Saturday 6 a.m a.m., and Sunday 6 a.m. midnight. Transfers between train and bus are free for 2 hours. (2026 data)

Metrobus (WMATA)

Estimated costMetrobus fares are a flat $2.25. Express bus fares are $4.80. Cash is accepted with exact change only. Transfers from bus to bus are free within a 2-hour period

Best forMultiple bus lines stop within a 2-5 minute walk of the Convention Center, including the A49, D34, D40, D4X, D6X, D80, and F19 routes. Bus stops are located at 7th St NW and L St NW, Massachusetts Ave and 7th St, and New York Ave between 7th and 9th Sts NW

Metrobus provides an alternative to Metrorail for shorter trips and areas not directly served by rail. All Metrobuses feature ramps or lifts and priority seating for accessibility. (2026 data)

AWWA Hotel Shuttle

Estimated costComplimentary for attendees staying at participating official ACE26 hotels

Best forAWWA provides complimentary shuttle service between designated official ACE26 hotels and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Shuttle hotels include Capital Hilton, Hamilton Hotel Washington D.C., Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, JW Marriott Washington D.C., Le Meridien Madison Washington D.C., The Mayflower Hotel, The Westin Washington D.C. City Center, and Washington Plaza Hotel

Shuttle service operates Sunday through Wednesday. A detailed schedule is available on the ACE26 website and mobile app. Airport shuttle service is not provided by AWWA. All other official hotels not on the shuttle route are within walking distance of the Convention Center. (2026 data)

Taxi / Rideshare

Estimated costDCA to downtown costs approximately $15; IAD to downtown costs approximately $60-90 depending on traffic and surcharges. Taxi base fare starts at $4.00 for the first 1/8 mile, plus $2.56 per additional mile and a $0.50 passenger surcharge. A $1.00 emergency fuel surcharge may apply

Best forDoor-to-door service throughout Washington, D.C. and to/from all three major airports. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available. Designated drop-off and pick-up areas are located at the Convention Center

Taxi fares increased approximately 20% in 2026, the first fare hike in 12 years. Rideshare pricing varies based on demand and time of day. Attendees should confirm the estimated fare before booking. (2026 data)

Capital Bikeshare

Estimated costSingle rides start at $1 for 30 minutes. Day passes and annual memberships are available. E-bikes carry an additional per-minute charge

Best forCapital Bikeshare (CaBi) operates thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across Washington, D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas. Stations are available near the Convention Center and throughout downtown

Capital Bikeshare is operated by Lyft and is available 24/7. It provides a flexible option for short trips between the Convention Center, hotels, and nearby attractions. Helmets are recommended. (2026 data)

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Foreign nationals who are not citizens of a Visa Waiver Program country and who plan to attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference in the United States. Citizens of VWP countries generally do not need a B-1 visa and may instead travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA	$185.00	7 days to more than 2 years depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate; a $750 expedited interview pilot program launched in 2026 allows eligible applicants at select posts to secure an interview within 10 business days
B-1/B-2 Combination Visitor Visa	Foreign nationals who need to travel to the United States for a combination of business (conference attendance, meetings with business associates) and tourism (vacation, visiting friends or relatives) purposes	$185.00	7 days to more than 2 years depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate; wait times vary by location, season, and visa category
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)	Citizens and eligible nationals of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, including Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom	$40.27	Usually approved within 72 hours, but travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before travel; ESTA is generally valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first

Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa, provided they have an approved ESTA and a valid e-Passport. VWP countries include most European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Chile, Israel, and Qatar. Citizens of all other countries generally must obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions and fairs. ATA Carnets allow exhibitors to bring goods into the United States for ACE26 without paying duty or value-added taxes. The carnet is valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be used for unlimited exits from and entries into the United States and participating foreign countries during that period. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the U.S. guaranteeing association; USCIB has appointed Roanoke Trade and Corporation for International Business (boomerang carnets) as ATA Carnet Service Providers to issue carnets on its behalf. Exhibitors must present the goods and carnet to CBP upon importation and re-exportation. Failure to complete required carnet operations may result in charges of 110% of the duty and import tax

Official visa page

Weather

Washington, D.C. in late June features hot and humid summer conditions. Average high temperatures are approximately 29.6°C (85°F), with 2026 June highs reaching 30.5°C (87°F). Average low temperatures are around 20.2°C (68°F). June is the third-warmest month of the year in the city, and attendees should expect afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity. Light, breathable clothing is recommended along with comfortable walking shoes for the convention center and city

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center sits atop the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metrorail station, served by the Green and Yellow lines. Upon exiting the station, the entrance to the Convention Center is directly across from the Metro escalators. Alternatively, the Gallery Place-Chinatown station (Red Line) is a 5-minute walk from the Convention Center. DCA airport is directly connected to the Metro system via the Blue and Yellow lines. IAD is connected via the Silver Line. Amtrak and MARC trains serve Union Station, which is connected to the D.C. Metro on the Red Line. AWWA provides shuttle service between select official ACE26 hotels and the Convention Center. All Metrorail stations offer free Wi-Fi and cell service in tunnels

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

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

Professional Greetings in Washington, D.C

Washington D.C. has a distinct professional culture. In conversation, locals tend to say 'Nice to see you' rather than 'Nice to meet you,' even at a first introduction — a subtle convention that signals the city's emphasis on ongoing professional relationships. Asking 'Where are you now?' is a common way to navigate the city's revolving-door professional networks without admitting you don't remember someone

Dress Code for Conference and Sightseeing

Business dress in D.C. is generally conservative and understated. Professional business casual (collared shirts, blazers) is appropriate for conference sessions and evening receptions. For sightseeing, jeans and comfortable tops are acceptable at the Capitol, National Archives, and Smithsonian museums. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended

Tipping and Payment Customs

Tipping is customary in U.S. restaurant settings, typically 18-20% of the pre-tax bill for table service. Credit and contactless payments are widely accepted throughout central Washington, D.C., including in the Convention Center area. International visitors should confirm with their card issuer about foreign transaction fees and notify their bank of travel dates to reduce the risk of card holds

Navigating Titles and Formalities

In Washington, D.C., if someone has ever been elected or appointed to a public office, they are typically addressed by that title going forward. When someone has held numerous senior roles, they are often addressed by the most senior title they have ever held. This formality is a distinctive feature of the city's professional etiquette

International Attendee Considerations

Non-U.S. citizens requiring a visa should begin the application process early, as processing times can range from 30 to 90 days. AWWA provides a Visa Invitation Letter Request process to support applications. International attendees are encouraged to check the U.S. Department of State's website for current visa requirements and processing times

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Flights

Destination: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

DCA is the closest airport to the Convention Center (approximately 5 miles) and is directly connected to the Metrorail system. IAD is the primary international gateway and is connected via the Silver Line Metro. BWI is served by Amtrak and MARC trains to Washington Union Station. Attendees should book flights arriving by Saturday, June 20, or Sunday, June 21, to allow time for badge collection and settling in before the conference begins on Monday

Visa

Most foreign nationals who wish to attend ACE26 in Washington, D.C. must obtain a B-1 business visitor visa or a B-1/B-2 combination visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may instead travel without a visa using an approved ESTA. The B-1 visa specifically permits attendance at scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions and conferences. AWWA provides a Visa Invitation Letter Request process for attendees and presenters with the intent to register; the letter supports the visa application but is not itself a visa. AWWA recommends checking with the Embassy in your country about the Visa Waiver Program and other tourism-related details

Processing: 7 days to more than 2 years depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate; apply early as wait times vary significantly by location and season

The estimated cost of $435 reflects the $185 MRV visa application fee plus the $250 Visa Integrity Fee introduced in fiscal year 2025. VWP travelers instead pay $40.27 for ESTA. A $750 expedited interview pilot program was launched in 2026 at select consular posts, allowing eligible B-1/B-2 applicants to secure an interview within 10 business days. AWWA's Visa Invitation Letter is available at no charge through the International Attendees page and requires accurate completion of all form fields. Contact internationalsupport@awwa.org with questions

Official Partner

Hotels

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

Check-in (recommended)

2026-06-21

Check-out (recommended)

2026-06-24

Areas to stay

Downtown D.C. / Convention Center area (walking distance to venue) · Penn Quarter / Chinatown (0.5.0 mile walk or short Metro ride) · Capitol Hill / Union Station (1.0.5 miles, Red Line Metro access) · City Center / Downtown (0.5.0 mile walk or short Metro ride) · Arlington / Crystal City (Metro-accessible, 15-30 minute commute)

Budget / 3-star

$199-$249 per night

Book

Midscale / 4-star

$259-$339 per night

Book

Premium / 5-star

$319-$429 per night

Book

Transport

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

Airport → venue: From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA, ~5 miles): Take the Metro Blue or Yellow Line directly from the airport station to the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station (approximately 20-25 minutes, $2.25-$6.75). Taxi or rideshare costs approximately $15-20 and takes 18-20 minutes. From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD, ~28 miles): Take the Metro Silver Line to Metro Center and transfer to the Red, Blue, Orange, or Green/Yellow lines (approximately 1 hour, $2.25-$6.75). Taxi or rideshare costs approximately $60-70 and takes 45-60 minutes. From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI, ~31 miles): Take Amtrak or MARC train to Washington Union Station, then transfer to the Red Line Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown (approximately 1.5 hours total). Alternatively, the line 201 bus and bus combination costs $7-$12 and takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. (2026 data)

Hotel → venue: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center sits atop the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metrorail station (Green and Yellow lines), with the venue entrance directly across from the Metro escalators. Most official ACE26 hotels are within walking distance or a short Metro ride. AWWA provides complimentary shuttle service between designated official ACE26 hotels and the Convention Center, operating Sunday through Wednesday. Shuttle hotels include Capital Hilton, Hamilton Hotel Washington D.C., Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C. Downtown, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, JW Marriott Washington D.C., Le Meridien Madison Washington D.C., The Mayflower Hotel, The Westin Washington D.C. City Center, and Washington Plaza Hotel. All other official hotels are within walking distance. (2026 data)

Ride-hail: Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Washington, D.C. DCA to downtown costs approximately $15; IAD to downtown costs approximately $60. Taxis are also readily available at all three airports and throughout the city. The Convention Center has designated drop-off and pick-up areas. (2026 data)

Public transit: The Washington Metrorail system connects all corners of D.C. with Virginia and Maryland. The Convention Center is directly served by the Green and Yellow lines at the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station. The Red Line's Gallery Place-Chinatown station is a 5-minute walk from the Convention Center. Rail fares run $2.25 to $6.75 depending on distance and time of day, with weekend maximums of $2.50. A SmarTrip card costs $2 and can be purchased at station kiosks. Metrobus is a flat $2.25. Contactless credit and debit cards can also be tapped directly at faregates. Metro service hours are Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. midnight, Friday 5 a.m a.m., Saturday 6 a.m a.m., and Sunday 6 a.m. midnight. All Metrorail stations offer free Wi-Fi and cell service in tunnels. (2026 data)

Parking: There is no public parking at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center itself. More than 3,000 parking spaces are located within a three-block radius, including surface lots and garages. Nearby options include PMI Parking at 900 New York Ave. NW (144 spaces, $13-$37 daily), City Center Parking at 800 10th St. NW (1,200 spaces, $10-$24 daily), and PMI Parking at 600 Massachusetts Ave. NW (450 spaces, $14-$24 daily). Pricing is subject to change and does not include the 18% D.C. parking tax. SpotHero is recommended for reserving spots in advance. (2026 data)

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: June

Temperature: Average highs approximately 29.6°C (85°F); 2026 June highs reached 30.5°C (87°F). Average lows around 20.2°C (68°F)

Seasonality: June is one of the warmer months in Washington, D.C., with high humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is the third-warmest month of the year. Precipitation averages approximately 4.5 inches (0.5 inches above average) according to long-range forecasts

Packing: Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the hot and humid conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the large Convention Center and the city. An umbrella or light rain jacket is advisable for afternoon thunderstorms. Business casual attire is appropriate for conference sessions and evening receptions

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

7:00 to 8:15 a.mFirst Time Attendee Program (pre-registration required, light breakfast included)
8:30 to 10:00 a.mOpening General Session with keynote speaker Charles Fishman
10:00 a.m:00 p.mExplore the Exhibit Hall; dedicated exhibit time 10:00 a.m:00 p.m
1:00 to 5:00 p.mAttend educational sessions and committee meetings
EveningNetworking receptions and dine at nearby CityCenterDC or along the National Mall

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Tuesday offers the longest exhibit hall hours (10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) and dedicated exhibit time from 4:30–5:30 p.m., plus the Water Industry Luncheon with keynote speaker Molly Bloom at 12:00–1:15 p.m. Tuesday also features the Best of the Best Tap Water Taste Test and a full day of educational sessions, making it the highest-value single day for both exhibit-floor engagement and networking

Register for ACE26 and book hotel through official housing provider Connections Housing — Registration is open. Hotel block closes May 22, 2026 or until sold out. (Guidance)

Book flights and arrange airport transfers — DCA is closest to venue. Book early for best rates. (Guidance)

Review the ACE26 programme and select priority sessions — 205 sessions across 20 tracks. Pre-register for ticketed events and workshops. (Guidance)

Download the ACE26 mobile app and set up your schedule — App available to registered attendees beginning May 2026. (Guidance)

Print or download your registration confirmation and travel documents — International attendees should carry visa invitation letter and passport. (Guidance)

Pack comfortable walking shoes, business casual attire, and a reusable water bottle — Late June in Washington, D.C. is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. (Guidance)

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

7:00 to 8:15 a.m

First Time Attendee Program (pre-registration required, light breakfast included)

Convention Center

8:30 to 10:00 a.m

Opening General Session with keynote speaker Charles Fishman

3rd Floor Ballroom, Convention Center

10:00 a.m:00 p.m

Explore the Exhibit Hall; dedicated exhibit time 10:00 a.m:00 p.m

Exhibit Hall, Level 2

1:00 to 5:00 p.m

Attend educational sessions and committee meetings

Meeting rooms, Convention Center

Evening

Networking receptions and dine at nearby CityCenterDC or along the National Mall

Downtown Washington, D.C

Side trips

National Mall

Historic Monuments and Memorials

Short Metro ride or walk from the Convention Center

A walk or quick jog along the National Mall takes you past the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial — quiet, uncrowded and at their best early in the day. (Recommendation)

CityCenterDC

Shopping and Dining District

Walking distance from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Stroll through CityCenterDC. Palmer Alley is known for its seasonal overhead installations and is an easy, photogenic stop. (Recommendation)

Capital One Arena

Sports and Entertainment Venue

A short walk from the Convention Center

Catch a game or evening entertainment at Capital One Arena, located in downtown D.C. near the convention center. (Recommendation)

Nationals Park

Baseball Stadium

Short Metro ride along the Anacostia River

Nationals Park offers a classic ballpark experience along the Anacostia River for an evening outing. (Recommendation)

Networking spots

Exhibit Hall

Official event venue

Daily dedicated exhibit hours plus Tuesday Happy Hour. Competitions including pipe tapping and Top Ops draw crowds. (Official)

Water Industry Luncheon

Official ticketed event

Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. Keynote speaker Molly Bloom. Ticket required; member $85 per person. (Official)

CityCenterDC

Recommendation — nearby dining and shopping

Walking distance from the Convention Center. Palmer Alley offers photogenic spots for informal meetings. (Recommendation)

Budget

Costs & budget

Cost per 10'x10' booth: Member $4,060; Nonmember $5,800. Corner booth surcharge: $225 per corner. Inline booths include 8' high blue and gray back drape, 3' high gray side drape, identification sign listing company name and booth number (booths less than 300 sq.ft. receive an ID sign), ACE26 exhibitor listing in conference resources, three complimentary exhibitor registrations per 10'x10' booth including professional sessions and networking events, Exhibit Hall 24-hour perimeter security, year-round integrated marketing campaigns and show promotion to over 150,000 global water professionals, and on-site opportunity to reserve booth space for ACE27 in San Diego, California. Exhibitors are responsible for ordering additional equipment within the ACE26 Exhibitor Service Kit. Flooring is required; the aisle will be carpeted in tuxedo. If exhibitors do not have flooring 24 hours before the exhibit hall opens, show management will ask the decorator to install carpet at the exhibitor's expense. (2026 data)