WEFTEC Insider's Guide
Discover the essential tips and insights to make the most of your first WEFTEC experience with this guide, designed to help you navigate every stage: before, during, and after the conference.
Registration
Learn more about your conference registration, fees, Letter of Invitation, policies, badge pick up, and more.
Workshops and facility tours may require additional fees.
Hotel
Book your hotel room to get the best rates at hotels in the WEFTEC room block. Convention Management Resources, Inc. (CMR) is the official hotel reservation supplier.
Book your Hotel
Transportation
Complimentary charter bus service will run between official conference hotels and the convention center.
See Shuttle
Inclusive Experience
For information on how to get to the convention center, parking details, and available services and amenities such as scooter rentals, ATMs, coat check, and more!
Visit McCormick Place Amenities
What to Wear?
The dress code is business casual. Bring comfortable, low-heeled, closed-toe shoes and a light jacket. Dress in layers to ensure a productive and comfortable conference experience, as it is often warm in the exhibit halls and cooler in the session and meeting rooms.
Plan your Agenda
Create a personalized agenda using the Online Planner, available now, or the WEFTEC 2025 App, launching late summer. The app serves as your pocket guide for the conference, allowing you to create your schedule, navigate the exhibit hall, get real-time updates, and connect with others.
View the Online PlanerDuring the Conference: What to Expect
Arrive Early for Registration
Arrive with plenty of time on the first day to pick up your badge. You can usually expect a line at registration — especially on the first day — so plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before your first session or event. Some rooms will reach capacity quickly and arriving late could mean you won’t get access to the room.
First-Timer's Orientation
Attend the WEFTEC 101 First Timer's Orientation on Monday, September 29, 2025. This is a great opportunity to get additional tips and meet other First-Time Attendees.
Identify Fellow First Timers
Easily spot other first-timers by the “First Timer” ribbon on their badge, making it easy to identify new friends.
Visit the Exhibit Hall
Here’s where you can meet vendors or suppliers, check out new technology, or make important connections. While exploring the exhibition, don't miss the exciting Operations Challenge, where wastewater operators demonstrate their skills in various events.
During the conference: Navigating WEFTEC
Get to Know WEF
The organization that produces the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) annually. Stop by the WEF Hub (Booth 4059, South Hall) to learn the benefits of WEF membership, the technical communities we serve, and our other educational events. You can also explore the WEF Bookstore, have a professional portrait/headshot taken, and pick up a Fill It Forward sticker for your refillable water bottle.
Food and Beverage
Concession areas will be available throughout the convention center for attendees to purchase food and beverages. Meals are not included. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle.
Badge Safety
Your conference badge allows you admission to the conference. Be Safe - if you are going out to a non-conference function, remove your name badge. Wearing your conference badge identifies you as a tourist and makes you a target for scammers and thieves.
Partner with Friends or Colleagues
It’s not possible to do everything, so decide in advance who will attend each session and take notes for each other. You could then meet after the sessions, or wait until you get home, to regroup and discuss.
Allow Enough Travel Time
Plan for adequate travel time between sessions and prepare for walking. The convention center is big, so allocate enough time to move between the exhibit hall and breakout sessions —especially since you may have impromptu conversations with folks you meet in the hallways!
Ask a Question
Facilitators and moderators usually reserve time at the end of each session for audience questions. Write down your question in advance and make sure it’s related to the discussion. Don’t forget to state your name and your organization so that people can remember you.
Network and Share Information
Try not to spend your time with friends or colleagues you already know. Use WEFTEC to meet new people and expand your network. Set a goal to meet new people each day. Share contact information through business cards, LinkedIn, social media, email, QR codes, or the WEFTEC 2025 Online Planner to foster future collaborations.
Engage and Network Using the App
Take your networking to the next level by engaging with other attendees through the app. With features like plan your agenda, networking and more, the app provides everything you need to connect and interact with fellow participants. Join discussions, and collaborate with others who share your interests.
After the Conference
Complete the Post-Conference Survey
WEFTEC emails a post-conference survey to all registrants. This survey is important because it will help us improve future conferences. Please take a few minutes to share your experiences.
Code of Conduct
WEF is committed to providing a professional, safe and welcoming environment during its in-person and virtual events for all water professionals and their guests. WEF expects all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, media, and other participants to uphold our commitment to diversity and inclusion by helping us provide a positive conference environment for everyone.
Read the Code