WEFTEC 2026 is the 99th edition of the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition & Conference, the largest annual water‑quality event in North America, and it builds on nearly a century of steady growth, record attendance, and strong industry impact. It takes place in New Orleans from September 26–30, 2026, continuing WEFTEC’s role as a global hub for water and wastewater innovation, networking, and professional education.

WEFTEC 2026 overview

Dates: Conference September 26–30, 2026; Exhibition September 28–30, 2026.

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Scale and audience: Positioned to connect over 20,000 water professionals from more than 100 countries and 50+ industries, including utilities, consulting, technology providers, regulators, researchers, and manufacturers.

Focus: Full water cycle – wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, reuse, industrial water, digital water, sustainability, and resilience.

The 2026 program combines a large technical conference (multi‑track sessions, workshops, forums) with a major exhibition showcasing equipment, digital solutions, and services across the global water sector.

Technical program and education

WEFTEC’s technical program is built through a rigorous, peer‑review process, selecting abstracts, full session proposals, and workshops focused on practical solutions and cutting‑edge science.

Key elements you can expect in 2026:

100+ technical sessions covering treatment technologies, nutrient removal, biosolids, reuse, stormwater, climate resilience, asset management, digital water, and more.

In‑depth workshops (half‑day and full‑day) offering hands‑on training and deep dives into specialized topics such as advanced treatment, integrated planning, and data‑driven operations.

Student and young‑professional activities (design competitions, career fair, mentoring events) that support workforce development.

The “Schedule at a Glance” shows that 2026 activities span five days at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with pre‑conference workshops and student competitions on September 26–27 and core conference and exhibition activity from September 28–30.

Exhibition and business platform

WEFTEC is widely recognized as the largest annual water‑quality exhibition in North America, with 1,000‑plus exhibitors in recent years and a strong record of sold‑out floors.

For 2026 in New Orleans:

Exhibitors: 800–1,000 companies are expected, based on recent WEFTEC editions in Chicago and New Orleans.

Exhibit focus: Treatment equipment, pumps, sensors, automation, analytics, stormwater and green infrastructure, mbranes, chemicals, consulting, and software.

Value: Exhibitors use WEFTEC to launch products, meet utility leaders, find partners, and understand emerging needs in areas like AI, energy, and climate resilience.

The exhibition is integrated with on‑floor theaters and “Power Hours” that drive traffic and create informal learning and networking opportunities.

History and evolution of WEFTEC

WEFTEC’s roots go back to the formation of the Water Environment Federation (originally the Federation  of Sewage Works Associations) in 1928, when the board hosted its first technical meeting in Chicago.

 That initial gathering has grown into WEFTEC, now the world’s largest annual water‑quality event in

terms of exhibition size and breadth of programming Some historical milestones that show its growth and success:

1946: WEFTEC set an attendance record of 812, reflecting post‑war expansion in water and wastewater infrastructure.

2006 (WEFTEC.06, 79th edition): Hosted 17,632 attendees and a record 965 exhibiting companies using 245,155 net square feet of exhibit space; this officially established WEFTEC as the largest annual

water‑quality exhibition in the world.

2007–2008: WEFTEC.08 hit new records with 21,950 attendees and 1,111 companies using 290,000 net  square feet, the largest event in its 81‑year history at that time.

2019 (WEFTEC 2019): 22,500 registrants and 992 exhibitors across 294,000 net square feet, one of the

 largest crowds in a decade, reaffirming WEFTEC’s global leadership.

2024 (WEFTEC 2024): More than 21,000 registrants, a 19% increase over the prior New Orleans edition, and a sold‑out floor with 1,000+ exhibiting companies.

2025 (WEFTEC 2025): 98th edition, described as the largest water and wastewater quality event in the U.S., drawing over 20,000 professionals and more than 1,000 exhibitors.This consistent pattern of record or near‑record attendance, expanded exhibit space, and increasingly global participation underpins WEFTEC’s reputation and commercial success.

Indicators of success and impact

Several dimensions show how successful WEFTEC has become and why 2026 is expected to continue that  trajectory:

Scale and growth

Attendance has climbed from hundreds in the mid‑20th century to tens of thousands in recent years, with modern editions typically surpassing 20,000 registrants.Exhibit space has repeatedly set records, reaching around 290,000–294,000 net square feet at WEFTEC.

08 and WEFTEC 2019, and selling out again in 2024.

Global reach and diversity

WEFTEC 2024 hosted 40 trade delegations from 38 countries, and recent marketing materials highlight participation from 100+ countries, confirming the event’s global reach.Delegations span utilities, industry, academia, start‑ups, and governments, making WEFTEC across‑sector platform for water solutions.

Technical leadership and innovation

WEFTEC has consistently been used to launch major initiatives, such as climate‑change resolutions, water‑security challenges, and the Water‑AI Nexus Center of Excellence, linking AI and digital tools with water management. Keynotes and technical sessions often address leading topics like endocrine‑disrupting compounds, virtual water, circular water economy, and resilient infrastructure, influencing policy, research, and utility practice.

Community, workforce, and education

WEFTEC includes Operations Challenge (elite operator competition), community service projects, student design contests, stormwater and green‑infrastructure awards, and workforce‑focused pavilions.These activities highlight not just technology, but also operator skills, community engagement, and workforce development, which are crucial for long‑term sector uccess.

Why WEFTEC 2026 matters

Coming after strong editions in Chicago (2025) and a record‑breaking New Orleans event in 2024, WEFTEC 2026 is ositioned to further expand participation and deepen the focus on resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation in the water sector. Being the 99th edition, it also serves as a lead‑in to the centennial WEFTEC 2027, so WEF is likely to emphasize strategic themes, global collaboration, and high‑profile content.

In practical terms, WEFTEC 2026 offers:

A proven platform for product launches and business development for equipment and technology suppliers.

One of the most comprehensive continuing‑education opportunities available for water‑sector professionals.

A high‑impact networking environment where utilities, regulators, and solution providers shape how water and wastewater systems will evolve over the next decade.