The Texas Water Development Board Hosts Water for Texas 2017
For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129
Conference will bring together entities and individuals to discuss innovation and the future of Texas water
AUSTIN – (January 11, 2017) – Water for Texas 2017, a conference hosted by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), will bring together industry professionals, public figures, students, and others with an interest in Texas water for in-depth discussions and learning opportunities. The conference will be held January 23-25, 2017, in Austin, Texas, at the AT-and-T Executive Education and Conference Center.
In keeping with the conference theme "Innovation at Work," the event will showcase innovative scientific, planning, and financial solutions to water challenges; demonstrate interactive data and technology; and initiate compelling conversations on water issues that affect all Texans. The agenda features moderated panels, workshops and presentations, demonstrations, sponsored exhibits, and networking-including meet-and-greets with the TWDB Board members.
Attendees will hear from distinguished keynote speakers, including Lieutenant Governor of Texas Dan Patrick; Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar; International Space Station Commander Dr. Leroy Chiao; and Roy Spence, co-founder and chairman of GSD-and-M and co-founder and CEO of the Purpose Institute.
Several members of the Texas Legislature will participate, as well. Senator Charles Perry, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, Representative Eddie Lucio III, and Representative Lyle Larson will share their insights during the "Eye on the Future: Policy Issues for the 85th Legislative Session" panel moderated by Evan Smith, CEO and co-founder of the Texas Tribune. Senator Kirk Watson will join as a panelist for the "Future of Flood: What's on the Horizon" session, and Representative Tracy King will participate in the "Agricultural Water Conservation: Success Stories from the Field" panel. Additionally, Senator Kip Averitt will take part in the "From Awareness to Action: Changing Behaviors to Improve Water Conservation" panel.
To help attendees navigate the concurrent session options, the sessions are offered within the four tracks of Emergency Management and Flood; Science, Technology, and Conservation; Planning and Infrastructure Financing; and Policy and Law. Continuing education credits are available for some sessions, including eight hours approved by the Texas Floodplain Management Association for certified floodplain managers.
Between sessions, attendees are invited to visit the exhibit booths and TWDB Interactive Room. Hosted by the TWDB's Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS) staff, the Interactive Room will feature the Visual Texas display, an immersive Google Earth experience; Virtual Sandbox, an augmented reality sandbox; and other hands-on activities.
During the January 24 awards banquet, the TWDB will announce the winners of the 2017 Innovative Water Supply Awards, which recognize entities from around the state for water achievements in education, conservation, and innovative technology. Also, in celebration of ten years of the TWDB's Rain Catcher rainwater harvesting competition, an All-Star Rain Catcher Award will be presented to a past Rain Catcher Award winner.
Online registration is available through January 18 for $475 (industry), $400 (government), and $200 (student). Onsite registration will be available at the conference January 23 through 25 for $525 (industry), $450 (government), and $200 (student). Single day passes are available for $275 per person (industry and government) and $100 (student). Meals, coffee breaks, conference receptions, and the awards banquet are included in the conference fee.
The detailed conference schedule, session descriptions, and speaker bios may be viewed on the conference website.
The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.