If you’re passionate about water and building a strong, diverse and inclusive water workforce of the future, you need to be at WEFTEC 2019, especially the Opening General Session.
Officially kicking things off on Monday, September 23 in the Grand Ballroom from 8:30 to 9:40 a.m, the Opening General Session, will build on the 2019 conference theme of ReGeneration: Workforce. This event will set the tone for attendees with a keynote presentation from Dr. Lera Boroditsky, an Associate Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of California San Diego and Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Cultural Psychology.
Boroditsky will bring a unique perspective to the topics of workforce development, diversity and inclusion by sharing her research into how differences in language can shape the way we think, perceive and respond to each other. By learning to recognize and overcome potential biases, communication nuances and preconceptions, water professionals can improve how we work together, mentor each other and recruit new talent into the water sector. (Read a Q&A with Boroditsky)
Rounding out the program will be a local welcome from Commissioner and President of the Metropolitan Water District of Greater Chicago Kari Steele and remarks from three WEF leaders: 2018-19 WEF President Tom Kunetz, retiring WEF Executive Director Eileen O'Neill, and incoming WEF Executive Director Walt Marlowe.
Other highlights include a preview of the soon-to-be released documentary, Brave Blue World, and an inspirational performance from Musicality, a renowned Chicago-based group of young performers from various backgrounds who blend their power vocals into harmonic sounds and thrilling performances.
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Closing Session
If you have an opening, you need a closing! New this year, this fun and light-hearted wrap of the 2019 experience will include a “WEFTEC through the Years” performance from Kunetz and his friends from Chicago’s famed Second City improv group.
