WEFTEC's Growth Continues
Record-setting numbers of 21,950 attendees and 1,111 companies using 290,000 net square feet of exhibit space have designated WEFTEC.08 – the Water Environment Federation's 81st Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference – as the largest event its 81-year history, according to an Oct. 28 press release.
The previous records of 19,929 attendees, 1,017 companies and 268,405 net square feet of floor space were set at WEFTEC.07 in San Diego.
President Adam Zabinski officially launched Phase I of WEF's new Web site www.wef.org establishing the organization as the 'go-to' resource for the world's best science, engineering, and technical practices in water quality. The new homepage includes WEF's first Water Blog, which will alternate with Water Heroes' features and WEF news. A new gateway – "Access Water Knowledge" offers entry to WEF periodicals and e-proceedings as well as 17 new Knowledge Centers.
The Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago received a standing ovation from the 800 attendees for his speech, "Making Chicago a Global Leader in Water and Sustainability," given in a session on water infrastructure and sustainable innovations.
"Whoever is the next President of the United States needs to address what has been an inadequate level of federal investment in our infrastructure, including water systems, roads, bridges, highways, public transportation, and school construction," he said.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were represented by Cameron Davis and Marianne Horinko, respectively at a campaign forum. Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.) and State Senator Carole Pamkau also participated in the session, which was attended by over 400.