FAQs
General Convention Information
What is the WQA Convention & Exposition?
The WQA Convention & Exposition is the most comprehensive annual gathering of water treatment professionals in North America. The event connects industry professionals with technologies, know-how, education, training, networking and business opportunities in one convenient location.
Where and when is the show being held?
The 2024 WQA Convention & Exposition is March 5-7 in the South Building of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Education sessions are offered all three days, and the Exposition is March 6 & 7. On March 4, several pre-convention programs will be offered at the convention center: WQA Business Boot Camp, the WQRF Symposium and the Commercial/Industrial Reverse Osmosis Sizing Workshop.
How do I get the Convention App?
Download the WQA Convention app from the Apple Store or Google Play, click on the “2024 Event” button, then log in using the same email address you used to register for Convention and your badge number (available on your registration confirmation email). You can use the app to connect with exhibitors or other attendees (be sure to make your contact information visible!), to set a personal convention schedule, to check out the Expo, to take notes during education sessions and much, much more!
When is the 2025 Convention?
The 2025 Convention and Exposition will be held April 22 – 24 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, CA. Education sessions will be offered April 22 – 24, and the Exposition is April 23 – 24.
Attending the 2024 Convention
How much does the convention cost?
See our pricing and registration information on the Pricing page.
How do I book my hotel room?
WQA offers fantastic rates at hotels in Orlando – some with shuttles to the OCCC or within walking distance to the venue. See our hotel information and book your stay today.
Do I have to be a member of WQA to attend the conference and exposition?
You can attend the WQA Convention & Exposition without being a member of the Water Quality Association (WQA). However, WQA members pay a reduced registration fee, and new members get free convention registration in their first year of membership. For WQA membership information, visit wqa.org/membership .
I am not a resident of the United States; can I attend the show?
International visitors are welcome. You can register through our online registration portal .
Letters of Invitation are no longer required to obtain a U.S. Visitor Visa, and therefore WQA does not issue them. For information on the visa process and required documentation, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html#documentation .
Can you help me with conference/trade show accessibility?
Information on Orange County Convention Center and hotel room accessibility, scooter rentals, and service animals is available on our website.
Is there a separate fee to attend the Networking Reception?
No. Admission to the Networking Reception, which is from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, is included with your convention badge.
Exposition
What are the trade show hours?
The exposition hall will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, March 6, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 7.
Can I bring my kids to the Expo?
Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the exposition at any time. If you will need childcare services while at the Convention, you can book in advance through this recommended service: https://www.destinationsitters.com/
Someone tried to sell me the WQA Convention list. Is it legit?
We are aware of firms offering to sell the WQA Convention Attendee list. If you receive solicitations from such companies, please know that they are not affiliated with WQA, they have not been authorized to sell our list and we have not given them our list. Also, be assured that we have had no data breach and that your contact information with us is secure. If you are contacted by anyone other than WQA or our official partners, we highly recommend that you do not respond and certainly do not pay for any list that is offered.
Education Sessions
Is there a separate fee to attend the education sessions?
No, your registration fee includes all education sessions on the Convention schedule. However, a separate fee is required for any Pre-Convention Programs you might choose to attend on March 4. That fee can be paid at the same time you register for Convention.
Can I take a professional certification exam at Convention?
No, we are not offering Professional Certification exams at the 2024 Convention. However, once you have met qualifications, you can take the exam online at your convenience. Please contact Daniel LeBlanc, WQA’s Professional Certification Coordinator, to set up your exam session.
Pre-Convention Events
What is the WQA Business Boot Camp all about?
Back for a seventh great year, WQA Business Boot Camp is a one-day intensive workshop that gives you the tools to help run your business. It will be held on March 4, the day before the convention starts, at the Orange County Convention Center. Additional fee applies.
What is the WQRF Symposium?
The WQRF Symposium is an educational event to bring together scientific experts for shared strategies and solutions to PFAS contamination in drinking water. The event runs all day at the OCCC on March 4. Additional fee applies.
What is the RO Workshop?
The Commercial/Industrial RO Sizing workshop is a half-day problem-solving workshop for understanding and practicing sizing of RO systems for commercial and industrial applications. It is held at the OCCC in the afternoon of March 4. Additional fee applies.
Convention Policies
What is WQA’s Convention COVID policy?
You can find the latest information on the COVID policy on our Health and Safety Policy page.
What is the 2024 cancellation policy?
Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing on or before Jan. 31, 2024, to waterquality@xpressreg.net. All refunds will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee (a $100 fee will apply to Boot Camp and WQRF Symposium). Substitution of registration is permitted without penalty. After Jan. 31, 2024, all registration fees are non-refundable.
Note: Don’t forget your Convention badge each day – the reprint fee is $25.00.