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Angeles, CA � August 2011 � Los Angeles will host the largest and most
significant water quality event in North America when the Water Environment
Federation (WEF) convenes for its 84th Annual Technical Exhibition and
Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), October 15-19.
The event, with an anticipated attendance of more than 17,000 and a total
of 32,000 room nights reserved, will have a significant impact citywide
with nearly $30 million in revenue.
�We�re
extremely pleased to welcome WEF back to Los Angeles,� said Mark Liberman,
president and CEO of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
�This global group of distinguished water quality professionals will get
to experience a revitalized Los Angeles � a city that has significantly
changed since they last convened here in 2003. Since the rebirth of Downtown
L.A., our office is fielding calls from associations wanting to return
to L.A. for their annual conventions.�
Founded
in 1928 with a mission to preserve and enhance the global water environment,
WEF�a non-profit educational organization made up of 36,000 international
water quality professionals�provides access to the latest in water quality
development, research, regulations, solutions and cutting-edge technology.
Touted
as the largest annual event for water quality professionals in the world,
delegates will be making the pilgrimage from as far away as Asia. Keynote
speakers include Dr. Rita Colwell, a distinguished professor from the University
of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University�s Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Colwell, who will address the delegates during the Opening General
Session, is a world-renowned expert on waterborne diseases and the 2010
recipient of the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize. Doc Hendley, founder
and president of Wine to Water, a non-profit aid organization focused on
providing clean water to needy people worldwide and a 2009 CNN Hero, will
take to the podium as well.
Delegates
will be divided among several Downtown L.A. properties as well as hotels
in Hollywood and the Westside. In addition, those attending will have an
opportunity to tour some of L.A.�s local facilities, such as the city�s
sewer system and the Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant. In the evening,
attendees and their spouses can enjoy the dining and entertainment opportunities
at LA LIVE, Hollywood & Highland or Universal Studios Hollywood and
its famed CityWalk.
�Los
Angeles was recently awarded the 2011 U.S. Water Prize from the Clean Water
America Alliance for Integrated Water Resource Plan, so it seems apropos
that our organization would hold its annual convention in L.A. The LEED-EB
Gold Certified Los Angeles Convention Center fits well with our conference
mission to provide a forum for knowledge and exchange within the water
and wastewater fields,� said Jeanette Brown, president of WEF. �Los Angeles
has undergone the most remarkable transition since our last convention
was held here in 2003. There are so many incredible restaurants, entertainment
venues and wonderful cultural institutions coupled with beautiful open
spaces to walk around and enjoy.�
The
Water Environment Federation�s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference
(WEFTEC), which proves to be one of the city�s most important conventions
of the year, gets underway at the LACC October 15-19. More than 17,000
national and international delegates are expected to attend. WEFTEC offers
an unparalleled opportunity to view the latest technologies and services
for water environment preservation, restoration, and sustainability. This
year�s conference is expected to feature 1,000 exhibiting companies who
will occupy all three halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
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WEFTEC�s
educational offerings range from basic training to cutting edge research
and in-depth discussion of critical water policy issues. The WEFTEC 2011
technical program, which features a special technical session devoted entirely
to California water issues, currently includes more than 100 presentations
in 114 technical sessions, 35 workshops and eight local facility tours,
including a special hands-on workshop at the Tillman Water Reclamation
Plant. This facility and the Los Angeles-Glendale Reclamation Plant are
the leading producers of reclaimed water in the San Fernando Valley. The
special technical session will feature presentations and papers by top
regional experts on a range of innovative water reuse projects such as
groundwater replenishment, desalination, and wastewater recycling. For
more information about WEFTEC, visit www.weftec.org.
About
LA INC.
LA
INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit
business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los
Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel.
Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city�s
official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the
official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com.
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Media
Contact:
LA
INC.
Carol
Martinez
VP,
Media Relations & Communications
213-236-2357
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