First Time Attendees

Every year, hundreds of people attend their very first WQA Convention & Exposition. If one of those people this year is you, we hope you’ll benefit from these tips and details we’ve gathered here to help you take advantage of the full convention experience, from education sessions to the trade show to the many networking opportunities:

•  The Convention website is your friend.  Look here for the most up-to-date information for everything from reserving your hotel room to figuring out which booths you want to visit at the trade show to deciding which education sessions are not to be missed.

• Download the app. The Convention App is your pocket guide to everything you need to know at the convention. You can create your own personal education schedule, use the interactive trade show floor map, get real-time information you need and connect with other convention-goers electronically. Registered attendees can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play, click on the “2024 Event” button, then log in using the Convention registration email address and badge number (available on your registration confirmation email). 

• Boost your skills. The convention offers dozens of education sessions and other learning opportunities on topics ranging from water contaminants to chloride discharge to technical techniques to business operations topics. If you’re certified, many of the sessions offer Continuing Professional Development toward your recertification. Check out the full schedule and make note of what you want to attend and how much credit you can earn.

• If you’re a dealer, consider Boot Camp. The WQA Business Boot Camp is held the day before the convention – March 4 this year. It’s a full-day intensive session about all aspects of running a successful water treatment business. You’ll walk away with specific, concrete steps you can take to improve your business operations  — and with a roomful of new friends to help you get the most out of your convention experience.

• Arrive early. In addition to Boot Camp, you can take advantage of other “extra” events on March 4.  You could take the popular Commercial / Industrial RO Sizing Workshop, for example, or you might be interested in our WQRF Scientific Symposium. But even if you’re not taking part in these Pre-Convention events, you’ll want to arrive in Orlando the evening before Convention starts in order to hit the ground running the morning of March 5.  You will need time to pick up your convention badge and check out the new convention venue before education sessions start, some as early as 8 a.m. Don’t miss out!

• Get to know your colleagues at the Networking Reception. This night of drinks, appetizers, music and networking is a fun, relaxing way to meet new people, and it’s included with your convention registration. You might see old friends or, better yet, meet some new people who can share great ideas with you.

• Visit WQA Central on the Trade Show Floor. Once the trade show opens, you’ll see the great big WQA Central booth right in the middle of all the action. Stop by if you have questions about Gold Seal product certification, professional certification and training, membership or the Water Quality Research Foundation. We can also give you directions, show you how to use the app or just share a big, friendly in-person hello and thank you for coming!

• Check out the Trade Show. Here’s where you can meet vendors or suppliers, check out new technology, or make important connections. The interactive trade show map on the Convention App allows you to search for vendors by company name or type of business so you can plan in advance which booths are not to be missed.

• Get plugged in with WQA. Did you know that most committee, advisory councils and membership sections meet during the convention? Keep an eye out for the full convention schedule for things that might interest you, and (unless it specifically says “invitation only”) you are welcome to sit in and see what they’re up to.

We hope these tips have answered all your convention questions, but, if not, check out our FAQ page or email us and we’ll try to help.