Name: Water Quality Technology Conference 2026
Start: 2026-11-15
End: 2026-11-19
Location: Memphis Convention Center

Event overview

Overview

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 runs from November 15-19, 2026, in Memphis, USA.
2Scale and Focus: This conference is a key event for water quality professionals, showcasing the latest technologies and practices.
3Organiser: Hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), with more details available at their official website.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include water quality professionals, engineers, and utility managers who influence purchasing decisions.
5Entry: Registration details and further information can be found on the official conference website.

Why visit

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest technologies and practices in water quality, network with industry experts, and participate in discussions that shape the future of water management. Dates and Venue: Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 runs from November 15-19, 2026, in Memphis, USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include water quality professionals, engineers, and utility managers who influence purchasing decisions.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the water quality sector, enhancing visibility and potential partnerships. Buyer Authority: Attendees include water quality professionals, engineers, and utility managers who influence purchasing decisions. The Water Quality Technology Conference is crucial for addressing the challenges in water quality management and innovation, fostering collaboration.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Water utility managers and treatment plant operators

Environmental and process engineers specialising in drinking-water treatment

Water quality scientists and laboratory managers

Regulatory and compliance officials from state and federal agencies

Public health officials and water safety specialists

Engineering consultants and water utility advisors

Academic researchers in environmental and water science

Instrumentation and monitoring technology specialists

Water resources planners and conservation specialists

Policy leaders focused on drinking-water standards

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Manufacturers of water treatment technologies

Suppliers of water quality testing equipment

Consulting firms specializing in water management

Providers of water infrastructure solutions

Innovators in water conservation technologies

Distributors of environmental monitoring tools

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Advanced water treatment systems - oxidation, biofiltration and membrane processes for drinking water

PFAS and contaminant removal technologies

Water quality monitoring and online sensor instrumentation

Laboratory testing, analytical methods and certified reference materials

Microplastics and particle detection solutions

Disinfection systems including UV, ozone and chlorine technologies

Lead service line and distribution system monitoring programmes

Data, SCADA and digital water utility software

Membrane filtration and separation equipment

Residuals, biosolids and water reuse technologies

Pipe, valve and pump equipment for treatment plants

Technical publications, standards and operator training services

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Main Hall

Memphis Convention Center

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Entrances & gates

Main Entrance

Main Hall

Facilities

Food options

Catering services available

On-site dining

Parking: Parking is available at the venue; confirm rates and access on the venue or organiser site before travel.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

15 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

16 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

17 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

18 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

19 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page.

Who runs the show

Organisers

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Visitors

1,000

Exhibitors

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 is a premier event focusing on advancements in water quality technology, bringing together professionals from the water sector to share insights and innovations. The Water Quality Technology Conference is crucial for addressing the challenges in water quality management and innovation, fostering collaboration among industry leaders. Join the Water Quality Technology Conference from November 15-19, 2026, in Memphis, USA, to explore the latest in water quality.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Water quality professionals, Environmental engineers, Utility managers, Regulatory officials. Dates and Venue: Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 runs from November 15-19, 2026, in Memphis, USA. Scale and Focus: This conference is a key event for water quality professionals, showcasing the latest technologies and practices. Organiser: Hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), with more details available at their official website.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

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

Memphis, Tennessee, USA — the Mid-South hub on the Mississippi River, drawing drinking-water utilities, engineering consultancies, laboratories and treatment-technology suppliers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and the wider Southeast and Midwest United States.

Why it matters

Attending Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 on 2026-11-15 to 2026-11-19 in Memphis 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 regulation and treatment

New and evolving drinking-water rules for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are pushing utilities to adopt advanced treatment.

Microplastics monitoring

Regulators and researchers are standardising methods to detect microplastics in drinking-water sources and supplies.

Data-driven utility operations

Utilities are adopting real-time monitoring, SCADA and analytics to manage water quality across distribution networks.

Advanced treatment and reuse

Biofiltration, membrane and water reuse technologies are moving from pilots into mainstream utility planning.

Lead service line replacement

Lead service line removal is a major funding and compliance priority for North American water utilities.

Workforce and operator training

An ageing utility workforce is driving demand for training, certification and standards-based guidance.

Drinking-water and water-technology trade fair circuit

Book downtown Memphis hotels 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer events in the drinking-water sector cluster between October and February, so confirm dates on each organiser site before booking flights.

Water-quality and treatment buyers typically plan AWWA's specialist WQTC alongside the association's larger annual exposition and the sector's national water-technology shows, comparing exhibitor coverage, technical content and regional reach across each event.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demonstrations for Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 in Memphis.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live instrumentation demonstrations, AWWA committee sessions and supplier negotiations.

Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

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

MEM

Memphis International Airport (Frederick W. Smith International Airport)

Primary gateway for WQTC 2026. Taxi and rideshare ranks are signposted outside the terminal, with typical one-way fares of USD 25–35 to downtown. Rental-car counters and 24-hour parking are on site, and several downtown conference hotels run shuttle services during event week.

~12 miles (19 km) to the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N Main St

to venue

16–22 minutes off-peak

by car

BNA

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Useful alternate gateway when MEM connections are limited; Interstate 40 runs directly between Nashville and downtown Memphis. Only worth the drive if you are combining the conference with a Nashville stop, as no rail link connects the two cities.

~210 miles (340 km) east of Memphis

to venue

3 h 10 min–3 h 30 min by road

by car

LIT

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock)

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock) (LIT) is the main commercial gateway serving Memphis; allow 2 h 05 min–2 h 20 min by road by road or rail to Memphis.

~137 miles (220 km) west of Memphis

to venue

2 h 05 min–2 h 20 min by road

by car

JAN

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Jackson, MS)

Mississippi's main commercial airport, connected to Memphis by Interstate 55. Suitable for delegates combining the conference with utility or laboratory visits in Mississippi.

~190 miles (305 km) south of Memphis

to venue

2 h 30 min–2 h 50 min by road

by car

Hotel tiers

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

The Peabody Memphis

Downtown Memphis

4.5

AWWA conference hotel; complimentary shuttle to the Renasant Convention Center Sunday to Wednesday.

source

Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown

Downtown Memphis

4.3

Downtown property with hot tub and pool, close to the convention center.

Hotel Pontotoc

Downtown Memphis

4.7

Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, bar and kitchen in rooms.

Hilton Memphis

East Memphis

4.0

Breakfast and parking (paid), outdoor pool, fitness center and bar.

Courtyard by Marriott Memphis East/Galleria

East Memphis

3.7

Free parking; drive or rideshare to the downtown venue.

Four Points by Sheraton Memphis - Southwind

Southwind / Southeast Memphis

4.0

Pool and free parking; convenient for airport departures.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis/Germantown by IHG

Germantown

4.2

Free cancellation and hot tub; suburban location north-east of downtown.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Hotel shuttle (WQTC)

Estimated costComplimentary for conference attendees (USD 0)

Best forThe Peabody Hotel to and from the Renasant Convention Center

AWWA states complimentary shuttle service runs Sunday through Wednesday between the Peabody Hotel and the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N Main St, Memphis.TN 38103.

Taxi / rideshare from MEM airport

Estimated costUSD 25-35 typical one-way (estimate)

Best forMemphis International Airport (Frederick W. Smith International Airport) (MEM) to Memphis

Roughly 15-20 minutes to downtown; rideshare pickup and taxi ranks are signposted at MEM.

Public bus (MATA, plan with Moovit)

Estimated costUSD 1-2 per ride typical (estimate)

Best forCitywide Memphis bus routes into downtown

Use the Moovit trip planner for routes and real-time schedules; allow extra time for transfers to the venue.

Rental car or driving

Estimated costUSD 40-70 per day plus parking (estimate)

Best forMEM airport to downtown Memphis

MEM parking lots are open 24/7; some downtown hotels charge separately for parking.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forNashville International Airport (BNA) (BNA) to Memphis

3 h 10 min–3 h 30 min by road; Useful alternate gateway when MEM connections are limited; Interstate 40 runs directly between Nashville and downtown Memphis. Only worth the drive if you are combining the conference with a Nashville stop, as no rail link connects the two cities.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forBill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock) (LIT) to Memphis

2 h 05 min–2 h 20 min by road; Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock) (LIT) is the main commercial gateway serving Memphis; allow 2 h 05 min–2 h 20 min by road by road or rail to Memphis.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forJackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Jackson, MS) (JAN) to Memphis

2 h 30 min–2 h 50 min by road; Mississippi's main commercial airport, connected to Memphis by Interstate 55. Suitable for delegates combining the conference with utility or laboratory visits in Mississippi.

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	Foreign nationals attending business meetings, conventions or conferences who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program	$185.00	Interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate; apply weeks to months ahead of travel
B-1/B-2 combined visitor visa	Visitors combining conference attendance with tourism or family visits around the show dates	$185.00	Same application process as B-1; appointment wait varies by post

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States without a visa for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days. All other foreign nationals must obtain a U.S. visitor visa. Confirm your eligibility on travel.state.gov before booking travel.

Official visa page

Weather

WQTC 2026 falls in Memphis in mid-November: expect mild days (average high around 16-17 C / 61-62 F), cool nights (average low near 5 C / 41 F) and a moderate chance of rain, with roughly 111-115 mm falling across about 7-9 rain days. Bring layers and a compact umbrella.

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.

Tipping and payment

U.S. tipping norms apply in Memphis: 15–20% in restaurants and bars, and USD 1–2 per drink at the bar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a small amount of cash for airport shuttles, bell staff and hotel housekeeping.

Business dress

Business casual — collared shirts, trousers or business dresses — is standard for AWWA technical conferences, and a jacket is useful for evening supplier receptions. Conference rooms are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer is practical during long session days.

Meetings and etiquette

U.S. business meetings start on time and run to a tight agenda; handshakes are the norm and titles are used until a first-name basis is offered. Wear your conference badge in the exhibit hall, and follow Tennessee rules on alcohol — drinks are permitted in licensed venues only, not on the street.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Flights

Destination: MEM

Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Memphis; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

Visa

Most international visitors need a U.S. visitor visa to attend the conference: B-1 for business, B-2 for tourism, or a combined B-1/B-2. The U.S. Department of State lists attending a business convention or conference as a permitted B-1 activity. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may instead travel without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Estimated cost: Approx. USD 185 non-refundable U.S. visa application fee (confirm the current fee on travel.state.gov before paying).

Processing: Applicants schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality. Wait times vary by post, so apply several weeks to several months ahead of the conference.

Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Schedule the interview early and bring your WQTC registration confirmation or organiser invitation to document the purpose of travel at the border.

Official

Hotels

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

Check-in (recommended)

2026-11-15

Check-out (recommended)

2026-11-19

Areas to stay

Downtown Memphis · East Memphis · Germantown · Southwind / Southeast Memphis

Transport

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

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Memphis International Airport (Frederick W. Smith International Airport) (MEM): 16–22 minutes off-peak; Nashville International Airport (BNA) (BNA): 3 h 10 min–3 h 30 min by road; Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock) (LIT): 2 h 05 min–2 h 20 min by road; Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Jackson, MS) (JAN): 2 h 30 min–2 h 50 min by road. Allow road or rail time to Memphis Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibit

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Memphis Convention Center: Downtown Memphis: The Peabody Memphis; Downtown Memphis: Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown; Downtown Memphis: Hotel Pontotoc.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Memphis; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: MATA operates Memphis city buses; use the Moovit trip planner for downtown routes, service alerts and real-time arrival times. Transit is a low-cost option but usually needs one or more transfers, so allow extra time to reach the Renasant Convention Center.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Memphis Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: Average high around 16-17 C (61-62 F) and average low near 5 C (41 F). Daytime highs during November range from about 49 F to 72 F, with overnight lows of 31-53 F, based on AccuWeather and weatherblaze.com records for Memphis.

Seasonality: November is a moderately wet month in Memphis, averaging about 111-115 mm of rainfall across roughly 7-9 rain days, with average relative humidity near 72 percent. Light snow is possible from November through March.

Packing: Pack layered clothing and a light waterproof jacket: mild afternoons in the mid-teens Celsius turn cool in the evening and rain is likely during the conference week. Comfortable walking shoes suit moving between downtown hotels and the convention center.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Tuesday 17 November 2026

Tuesday combines the highest density of concurrent technical sessions with full-day exhibit-hall opening hours at the Renasant Convention Center, so visitors can attend specialist treatment and monitoring sessions in the morning and still complete supplier meetings and product demonstrations in the afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are the practical alternatives if flights or committee meetings dictate a shorter stay.

Confirm registration and conference pass — Register at awwa.org for WQTC 2026, 15-19 November 2026 in Memphis, and check whether an AWWA membership rate applies.

Check U.S. visa status — Confirm whether you need a B-1 business visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, and book the earliest available embassy interview.

Book flights to Memphis (MEM) — Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM) is the main gateway; compare fares six to ten weeks ahead.

Reserve a hotel room — Prioritise downtown Memphis or The Peabody, the AWWA shuttle hotel, for walking or shuttle access to the Renasant Convention Center.

Plan the airport to hotel transfer — Pre-book a taxi or rideshare from MEM (about 15-20 minutes to downtown) or use the AWWA shuttle service.

Build your technical programme — Shortlist sessions on PFAS, microplastics, monitoring and advanced treatment, and note pre-conference workshops and facility tours.

Request meetings with exhibitors — Contact exhibitors and AWWA committees in advance to schedule discussions during exhibit-hall hours.

Prepare travel documents and insurance — Carry passport, visa or ESTA confirmation, registration receipt and travel insurance details.

Check the November weather — Mild days around 16-17 C and cool, sometimes rainy nights; pack layers and a compact umbrella.

Download the event app and schedule — Save the technical programme, exhibit map and shuttle timetable to your phone.

Prepare meeting materials — Bring business cards, capability statements and technical data for follow-up discussions.

Finalise arrival and badge collection — Arrive the day before the opening session on 15 November to collect your badge and settle in.

Side trips

Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum

Graceland and Whitehaven

Networking spots

Exhibit hall B2B zone, Renasant Convention Center

AWWA committee and utility round-table rooms

Downtown Memphis evening venues (Beale Street and Main Street)

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2$150.00
Visa$185.00

Estimated total$335.00

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

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visa_fee

visitor · B-1 business visitor visa

USD 185 / per application

official

visa_fee

visitor · B-1/B-2 combined visitor visa

USD 185 / per application

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status	As of
visa_fee	visitor	B-1 business visitor visa	USD 185 / per application	official
visa_fee	visitor	B-1/B-2 combined visitor visa	USD 185 / per application	official

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 engineers, treatment plant managers and compliance specialists who need to benchmark PFAS, microplastics and advanced treatment options and meet AWWA technical committees in Memphis.

Min. budget

$1,800.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks for flights, downtown hotel and conference registration; longer if a U.S. visa interview is required.

Risks

Downtown Memphis hotel rates rise across the 15-19 November conference week

U.S. visa interview wait times can exceed the travel planning window

Popular technical sessions and facility tours fill early

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Instrumentation, monitoring, membrane, filtration and laboratory technology suppliers targeting North American drinking-water utilities and engineering consultancies.

Min. budget

$6,500.00

Timeline

4-6 months for stand booking, exhibit design and shipping of demonstration equipment.

Risks

Limited exhibit-hall space at a specialty conference

Freight and customs lead time for imported demo units

Stand allocation is decided by AWWA and can sell out

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Suppliers outside the drinking-water treatment sector, or teams already committed to AWWA's larger annual conference and exposition (ACE).

Timeline

Not applicable - review AWWA's other 2026 events instead.

Risks

Missing the specialised water-quality audience

No substitute for the technical sessions and utility networking held on site

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

US Department of State

Gallery

Photos

Official Water Quality Technology Conference 2026 event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Glossary

WQTC: Water Quality Technology Conference, AWWA's annual specialty conference on drinking-water quality science, treatment and monitoring.
AWWA: American Water Works Association, the organiser of WQTC and North America's largest nonprofit association of drinking-water professionals.
PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, long-lasting industrial chemicals that are a central WQTC topic for drinking-water monitoring, treatment and regulation.
Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles found in water sources; detection methods, health relevance and removal are recurring WQTC themes.
Contaminants of concern: Substances such as PFAS, lead and disinfection byproducts that regulators and utilities prioritise for monitoring and treatment.
Biofiltration: A treatment process using biologically active filter media to remove biodegradable organic matter and improve the stability of drinking water.
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs): Compounds such as trihalomethanes formed when disinfectants react with organic matter; utilities must control them to meet water quality rules.
Membrane filtration: Pressure-driven separation such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis used to remove particles, pathogens and dissolved contaminants.
B-1 business visa: The U.S. visitor visa category used by foreign professionals attending a business convention or conference such as WQTC.
Utility: A municipal or regional water provider responsible for treating and supplying drinking water; utility staff are the core WQTC audience.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

American Water Works Association

awwa.org
Lang: EN
organiser_social
Water Quality Technology Conference
Lang: EN
event_social

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