2021 MN AWWA Annual Conference an In-Person Success

2021 MN AWWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AN IN-PERSON SUCCESS

After a year-plus hiatus, MN AWWA welcomed members and colleagues for the 2021 Annual Conference – in person – in Duluth!

After hosting almost entirely virtual events since March 2020, it was a welcome change to be able to talk to people, facemask to facemask. And while not as highly-attended as some recent years, the Conference still drew more than 500 attendees from all across MN’s water sector!

MN AWWA followed local, state, and CDC guidelines by recommending indoor mask-wearing for all attendees and modifying session rooms to space seating, but the Section was able to adhere to the same program and activities that are normally part of the Annual Conference.

Highlights of the Conference included the Tuesday sporting events, Keynote Speaker, a full Trade Show, competitions in the Exhibit Hall, MAC Social Networking event at the Garden Event Center (formerly’s Grandma’s Sports Garden), multi-track technical sessions, Annual Awards Luncheon, election of new ChairElect and Trustee-at-Large, and member appreciation dinner.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The Annual Conference is always a showcase to announce and recognize recipients of our annual awards. This year, we were able to recognize the 2020 winners in person, and announce our 2021 winners: • Fuller Award: Rick Wahlen,

City of Eden Prairie • Leonard Thompson Award: Chris

Glassing, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe • Jon Eaton Excellence in Volunteering

Award: Michelle Stockness,

Barr Engineering • Operators Meritorious Service Award:

George Springer,

City of New Brighton • Benjamin Mason Award: Dave Harris,

Fischer Harris & Associates • Next Generation Award:

Kevin Young, SEH, Inc. • Andrew Sullivan Leadership Award:

Presented to the WUTT Committee Outgoing Chair Chris Voeltz passed the gavel to incoming Chair Uma Vempati, and announced the election of new chairelect Rob Isabel and Trustee-at-Large Kathryn (Kabby) Jones.

Despite the planning challenges created by shifting circumstances, the Conference team worked diligently and collaboratively to ensure a successful and safe event. Well done, and thanks to all our amazing volunteers!

After hosting almost entirely virtual events since March 2020, it was a welcome change to be able to talk to people, facemask to facemask.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2022! 2022 MN AWWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE September 14-16, 2022 | Duluth, MN

Real challenges require real solutions. WE DELIVER.

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Curious about what’s inside? Take an interactive tour to find out how we use our pilot water treatment plant to ensure the out how we use our pilot water treatment plant to ensure the proper technology and components are selected during final proper technology and components are selected during final design before implementing high-cost treatment solutions. design before implementing high-cost treatment solutions.