Young Professionals Summit
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Young Professionals Summit 2026
The Next Wave: Navigating Water Sector Currents
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC, March 24, 2026
The WEF/AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Summit is the premier water and wastewater industry workshop for young professionals. Join other young leaders by exploring your role in water and discussing how you can best serve the water sector at large. This skills development workshop provides supplemental training and networking opportunities to emerging leaders and students in the water sector. This year’s event will focus on developing awareness of evolving water sector challenges and opportunities, and build skills specific to emerging leaders in the industry.
Jointly hosted by the Water Environment Federation and the American Water Works Association, this event will allow attendees to:
- Foster meaningful peer connections that support career growth and advance the future of the water sector.
- Develop interpersonal and leadership skills within the context of the water and wastewater industry.
- Broaden understanding of the water sector through increased awareness of industry roles, challenges, and opportunities.
Registration will open January 6, 2026.
YP Summit attendees in Dallas, Texas on February 11th, 2025.
Schedule
Plan to be in Charlotte from March 22 - 24 to join us for all the YP Summit-related activities. Events that week will include:
- Sunday, March 22
- Pre-Summit Activity
- Monday, March 23
- WEF Member Association (MA) YP Leaders Workshop
- AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Leader Training Day
- WEF Emerging Young Professionals Leadership (EYPL) Workshop
- Welcome Reception
- Tuesday, March 24
- Young Professionals (YP) Summit
- Networking Reception
- March 24–27
- Utility Management Conference
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Member Super Saver | Non-Members Super Saver |
|---|---|---|
| Young Profesional | ||
| 2026 YP Summit | $220 | $300 |
| 2026 YP Summit + UMC | $395 | $500 |
| Students | ||
| 2026 YP Summit | $0 | $80 |
| 2026 YP Summit + UMC | $75 | $175 |
Attendance Justification Toolkit
Access several tips and a sample letter to guide you in your request for approval to attend YP Summit. Access the toolkit.
Sponsoring
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 YP Summit? Email WEF staff Amy LaTessa to express your interest.
Utility Scholarships
WEF and AWWA will both be providing scholarships to utility representatives attending. Read more and apply:
- WEF YP Utility Scholarship
- WWA Water Equation – information coming soon
Questions
Please contact WEF staff Claudia Trapp.
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