Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The IOWWA 28th Annual Conference will take place from January 6-7, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.
This event will bring together professionals from the onsite wastewater industry, including regulators, contractors, and engineers, to discuss the latest advancements and best practices in wastewater management.
Attendees will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits through various sessions and workshops led by industry experts.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: IOWWA 28th Annual Conference runs January 6-7, 2027 at DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids, IA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference focuses on onsite wastewater treatment systems, featuring expert speakers and breakout sessions.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association, dedicated to educating members and the public.
- 4Entry: Registration is open; check the official website for details.
Why visit
The IOWWA 28th Annual Conference will take place from January 6-7, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the IOWWA conference offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of industry professionals. Gain visibility, generate leads, and connect with potential clients in the onsite wastewater sector. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Manufacturers of septic systems and components, Suppliers of wastewater treatment technologies, Contractors providing installation services. Position your offer across septic tanks.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Regulators overseeing wastewater management
Installation contractors specializing in septic systems
Maintenance contractors for onsite wastewater systems
Soil scientists and environmental engineers
Manufacturers of wastewater treatment technologies
Educators and trainers in the wastewater field
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of septic systems and components
Suppliers of wastewater treatment technologies
Contractors providing installation services
Consultants specializing in environmental compliance
Educational institutions offering training programs
Service providers for maintenance and inspections
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Concrete and plastic septic tanks, compartments and baffles
Risers, lids, safety covers and tank access hardware
Effluent filters, outlet screens and pump vault screens
Aerobic treatment units, blowers, air lines and media
Pumps, floats, alarms, control panels and dosing timers
Pressure distribution, distribution boxes and gravel-less chambers
Mound and fill media systems for constrained sites
Soil evaluation tools, augers, probes and profile documentation kits
Time-of-transfer inspection forms, cameras and reporting software
Septic pumping, hauling and service equipment
Installer safety equipment, confined-space and gas monitoring gear
Regulatory compliance guidance, permitting references and certification training
Location & Facilities
Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Cedar Rapids, USA
Facilities
Parking
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex in Cedar Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex in Cedar Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
Completed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Cedar Rapids, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-01-06 to 2027-01-07, Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA in Cedar Rapids covering Concrete and plastic septic tanks, compartments and baffles, Risers, lids, safety covers and tank access hardware, Efflu gives energy buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex (host venue hotel)
Best choice if you want to move between sessions and your room without going outside in Iowa winter. Book early; the host block is the first to fill.
Downtown Cedar Rapids upper-midscale hotels
Reasonable fallback when the host hotel is full; check whether breakfast and parking are included, since those swing the real nightly cost.
Cedar Rapids suburban and Collins Road corridor hotels
Works for exhibitors hauling equipment or crews arriving by truck; budget parking and allow extra time in snow.
Extended-stay suites in the Cedar Rapids metro
Sensible for multi-night exhibitor stays; ask for the weekly rate and confirm the drive to downtown at peak hours.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from CID to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forEastern Iowa Airport (CID) to DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Short road transfer into downtown Cedar Rapids. Rideshare pickup is at the airport's designated zone; taxis are metered. Allow extra time in snow or freezing rain.
Public bus (Cedar Rapids Transit)
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.50-1.75 single one-way ride; confirm current fare
Best forCedar Rapids Transit fixed-route service between the airport corridor and downtown
Cheapest option but schedule-limited, with possible transfers and a walk to the convention complex. Check the current route map and service hours before relying on it for an arrival-day transfer.
Downtown parking ramp
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-14 per day; confirm rates on the ramp signage
Best forDaily parking in downtown Cedar Rapids ramps near the convention complex
Practical for drive-in attendees and exhibitors with a vehicle or trailer. Ramps within a few blocks of the venue fill during large downtown events, so arrive early on the first morning.
Host hotel parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-16 per night; confirm with the property
Best forSelf-parking at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Convenient if you are staying in the host hotel, especially in winter when an outdoor walk is the alternative. Ask at booking whether parking is bundled into your rate.
Walking
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forDowntown hotel cluster to the convention complex
Most downtown properties are within a short walk of the venue, which is the simplest option in good weather; use boots with grip and allow time when pavements are icy.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from DSM to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forDes Moines International Airport (DSM) to DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Weather
Cedar Rapids in early January sits in the Iowa winter: expect cold days near or below freezing and a realistic chance of snow or ice on pavements and roads. Pack insulated layers, waterproof boots and a warm coat for the walk between the DoubleTree convention complex and any overflow hotel. Live forecasts were not captured for the exact fair dates, so check the National Weather Service Cedar Rapids forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Meeting style
This is a state association working meeting, not a consumer home show: sessions are practical, questions from the floor are normal, and county sanitarians and contractors often debate rule interpretation in the same room. Introduce yourself with your role and county - for example installer, pumper, soil evaluator, sanitarian or engineer - because that determines which answers apply to you.
Dress
Business casual dominates: jeans or work trousers with a collared shirt are common among contractors, while agency staff and engineers tend to wear slacks and a sweater or jacket. Skip the suit unless you are presenting or meeting a supplier formally.
Winter practicalities
Cedar Rapids in the conference season is genuinely cold, with snow and ice on pavements and roads. Bring an insulated coat, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots with grip, keep a scraper in any rental car, and build a buffer into airport transfers when freezing rain is forecast.
Tipping and payments
US norms apply: 15-20 percent on restaurant service and a dollar or two per bag for hotel staff. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in downtown Cedar Rapids, but keep some cash for small purchases and tips.
Exhibit floor etiquette
Suppliers expect technical conversations rather than a quick scan. Ask about service intervals, part availability in Iowa and code references, and take a card so follow-up is easy. If a sanitarian or engineer is at a booth, let them finish the compliance question before cutting in.
Local driving
Downtown Cedar Rapids is compact and parking ramps are signed clearly, but winter road treatment can slow the morning commute. If you are staying outside downtown, add ten to fifteen minutes to your first-day drive and check the Iowa DOT road conditions site before setting out.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cedar Rapids; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Cedar Rapids; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex: DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex (host venue hotel); Downtown Cedar Rapids upper-midscale hotels; Cedar Rapids suburban and Collins Road corridor hotels.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cedar Rapids; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.
Parking: On-site parking is available at DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Typically cold, around or below freezing in early January; exact fair-week range not captured - check NWS Cedar Rapids before travel.
Seasonality: January is a winter month in eastern Iowa: precipitation most often arrives as snow or freezing rain rather than steady rain, and short daylight hours mean evening sessions finish after dark. Build a buffer into airport transfers in case of snow delays.
Packing: Typically cold, around or below freezing in early January; exact fair-week range not captured - check NWS Cedar Rapids before travel. January is a winter month in eastern Iowa: precipitation most often arrives as snow or freezing rain rather than steady rain, and short daylight hours mean evening se
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Fourteen days out: confirm your IOWWA registration status and which days you are attending, then block your work calendar so installs or pump-outs are not scheduled against session time.
T-2
Fourteen days out: download the current iowwa.com schedule and mark the sessions that match your certification renewal needs, plus any county-specific rule update you want to raise with sanitarians.
T-3
Ten days out: book the downtown hotel or confirm the reservation at the DoubleTree complex, and check the cancellation policy given Iowa winter weather.
T-4
Ten days out: book the flight into Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) and decide the CID to downtown transfer - rideshare, taxi or Cedar Rapids Transit - so you are not arranging it at the baggage carousel.
T-5
Seven days out: check the National Weather Service Cedar Rapids forecast for the travel window and pack insulated layers, gloves and waterproof boots with grip.
T-6
Seven days out: list the three equipment questions you want answered on the floor, for example ATU service intervals, riser height options or chamber sizing for a difficult site.
T-7
Five days out: collect business cards, your certification numbers and any system designs or site photos you want supplier or engineer feedback on.
T-8
Five days out: confirm continuing-education requirements with your certifying body so you know which session types count and what documentation they want.
T-9
Three days out: print or save the venue address and parking options for the DoubleTree convention complex, and note the daily ramp rate you expect to pay.
T-10
Two days out: check for airline or road advisories on the Cedar Rapids corridor and adjust arrival if freezing rain is forecast.
T-11
One day out: pack a charged phone, a notebook for rule citations and a folder for handouts, since much of the value is in the details staff quote verbally.
T-12
Day of: arrive early for badge pickup, walk the floor once to locate the tank, filtration, pump and soil-tool suppliers you need, then work the session schedule.
T-13
Day of: attend at least one regulator-facing session, because county interpretation of SSTS rules changes how your installs get approved.
T-14
After the show: send follow-up emails within a week, log the rule references you collected, and file CEU documentation before the next renewal cycle.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA registration concourse
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Septic tanks and components and Wastewater treatment technologies solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA in Cedar Rapids.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Septic tanks and components and Wastewater treatment technologies products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,250.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Cedar Rapids show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Who should attend the IOWWA conference in Cedar Rapids?
Iowa onsite wastewater professionals: septic installers and pumpers, site and soil evaluators, county sanitarians, environmental health staff, consulting engineers, realtors and lenders who deal with time-of-transfer inspections, plus manufacturers and distributors of tanks, risers, filters, aerobic units, pumps and chambers. It is a state association working meeting rather than a general consumer home show.
Is the IOWWA conference open to the public or aimed at the trade?
The content is written for people who permit, install, inspect, service or sell onsite wastewater systems, and for the agencies that regulate them. Homeowners with a failing septic system should contact their county environmental health office for permits and a licensed contractor rather than plan to attend as consumers.
Where does the conference take place and how do I get there from the airport?
The listed venue is the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is the commercial airport serving the city; from CID you can take a rideshare or taxi into the downtown core, or use Cedar Rapids Transit bus service if the timing suits your arrival. Confirm the hotel's own transfer options with the property before booking.
Will sessions earn continuing education credit for Iowa installers and sanitarians?
Continuing-education credit is a standard reason contractors and county staff attend, but approved hours vary by edition and by profession. Check the schedule and credit statements published on iowwa.com for the specific year you are attending, and keep your own attendance records for your certification file.
What will I actually see on the exhibit floor?
Expect the equipment that ends up on an Iowa job site: concrete and plastic tanks, risers and lids, effluent filters, pump and dosing packages, control panels and alarms, aerobic treatment units, distribution boxes, gravel-less chambers and pressure distribution components, plus soil evaluation tools, inspection software, safety equipment and pumping/service trucks. Supplier staff are usually the technical people who can answer specification questions on the spot.
Is there content for county sanitarians and consulting engineers, or is it installer-focused?
The Iowa SSTS programme is a shared responsibility between regulators and the installing trade, so sessions typically address rule interpretation, site evaluation, system design and inspection findings from both perspectives. Engineers and sanitarians generally use the conference to align on how designs and inspections are being reviewed in the field.
Can my company exhibit or sponsor at the IOWWA conference?
Exhibiting and sponsorship are handled by the association. Current booth availability, pricing and sponsor packages are published on iowwa.com or available from the association office - they are not fixed on third-party listing pages, so request the current prospectus before committing budget.
How do I register, and what does it cost?
Registration runs through the association's own site, iowwa.com. Fees differ for members, non-members, single-day attendance and exhibitors, and they change year to year, so use the current registration page or contact the IOWWA office rather than relying on an older rate.
What is parking like at the DoubleTree convention complex?
Downtown Cedar Rapids has ramp and surface parking within a few blocks of the convention complex, and the host hotel has its own parking arrangements for guests. Rates are set by the operator and change, so check the hotel page or the ramp signage on arrival - budget roughly the downtown daily rate rather than airport parking rates.
What should I pack for a winter conference in Cedar Rapids?
Iowa winter weather is the main practical risk: bring an insulated coat, layers, gloves and waterproof boots with grip for the walk between the hotel and the convention complex, and allow extra time if snow is forecast. Check the National Weather Service Cedar Rapids forecast in the final week before travel rather than relying on seasonal averages.
Is the conference a good place to find a contractor for my property?
The floor is built for trade buyers, not homeowner referrals. If you need work done, ask your county environmental health office for the list of certified installers serving your county, then use the conference to compare equipment and practice if you are already in the trade.
Glossary
- Onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS)
- A decentralized system that treats and disperses household wastewater on the property it serves, typically a septic tank followed by a soil absorption area. In Iowa the regulatory term used is subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS).
- SSTS (subsurface sewage treatment system)
- Iowa's term for an onsite system regulated under the state's subsurface sewage treatment rules. The designation drives permitting, installation standards, inspection and time-of-transfer requirements that IOWWA conference sessions address.
- Septic tank
- A buried, watertight settling tank that separates solids and grease from liquid effluent before the liquid moves to a soil treatment area. Tank sizing, compartment configuration and baffle condition are recurring inspection points.
- Soil absorption field (drainfield)
- The below-grade area where pre-treated effluent infiltrates into unsaturated soil for final treatment. Design depends on soil morphology, depth to limiting layers and projected daily flow.
- Soil morphology and site evaluation
- The field assessment of soil texture, structure, color and redox features used to judge whether a site can treat effluent and how large the absorption area must be. Evaluators document profile descriptions and limiting conditions.
- Percolation (perc) test
- A field measurement of how quickly water moves through a soil profile, historically used to size absorption areas. It is one input among several in modern site evaluation and is read alongside profile descriptions.
- Aerobic treatment unit (ATU)
- A packaged system that uses an aerated chamber and bacterial processes to reach a higher treatment level than a conventional septic tank, often needed on constrained sites or for reduced separation distances. Blowers, air lines and media need scheduled service.
- Effluent filter
- A removable device at the tank outlet that retains suspended solids and protects downstream pumps, distribution boxes and the soil treatment area. Filters must be cleaned or replaced on a service interval.
- Dosing and pump systems
- Pumps, controls, floats and timers that deliver effluent to a distribution network in measured doses, used for pressure distribution, mound systems and sites where gravity flow is not possible.
- Mound system
- A raised soil treatment bed built above the natural grade, used where separation to a limiting layer is too shallow for a conventional in-ground field. It relies on a specified sand or fill media and pressure distribution.
- Risers and lids
- Access extensions that bring tank openings to or near final grade so tanks can be inspected and pumped without excavation. Iowa inspection practice looks closely at secure, gas-tight lids.
- Time-of-transfer inspection
- An evaluation of an existing SSTS performed when a property changes hands, documenting condition, compliance and needed corrections. It is a routine work stream for Iowa inspectors and a common reason contractors attend the conference.
- Certified installer and sanitarian
- The two roles most visible at an Iowa onsite wastewater event: the contractor who installs or repairs systems, and the county or state environmental health professional who permits, inspects and enforces. Sessions are written for both sides of that relationship.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA 2027
- Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association - IOWWA Cedar Rapids 2027
- Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association 2027
- Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association Cedar Rapids 2027
- Cedar Rapids USA
- Conference Cedar Rapids 2027
- Conference Conference Cedar Rapids
- Septic tanks and components
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.