It Is So Nice to See You: ACE Is Back!

Abstract

“More than 20 years ago, the Webb team set out to build the most powerful telescope that anyone has ever put in space. . . . Today we can say that design is going to deliver.” —Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission I readily admit, the time since ACE19 has been trying. The decisions to cancel ACE20 and ACE21 were hard to make. The tipping point in each case was AWWA's commitment to protecting public health—a commitment that extends beyond the delivery of safe drinking water to include safety at AWWA events for members and water colleagues around the world. As we know all too well, there was no possible way to hold ACE safely in 2020 and 2021. All of which makes this year that much more special. So, what do we have in store for ACE22? To start with, we will open the conference with a talk that is nothing short of out of this world. The opening-session keynote speaker is Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. My hope is he will talk about his work finding water on Mars and what it means for us here on Earth. Also, I suspect he will speak to the importance of the James Webb Space Telescope—the world's largest and most powerful space science telescope, which has the ability to view distant worlds around other stars. Speaking of looking forward, AWWA will officially launch its Water 2050 program at ACE22. This program will focus on water in the mid-century and the drivers that will take us there. The idea behind Water 2050 is that, by understanding these drivers—sustainability, technology, economics, governance, and social and demographic factors—water professionals can take steps to create our desired water future. As is the case for many things, Water 2050 (like NASA's Webb telescope) requires starting the work well in advance of needing the results. The reality is that in water years, 2050 is not that far away, so starting now is critical. At ACE22, the easiest way to learn more about AWWA's Water 2050 is to visit the AWWA pavilion on the exhibit floor. If you are an emerging professional (or the mentor for one), look for announcements at ACE about AWWA's Transformative Leaders Academy. This yearlong program is a mix of virtual and face-to-face events. It focuses on the leadership skills needed by the next generation of water leaders—those who will take us to 2050. We are fortunate to have partnered with WaterNow Alliance on this program and to have received a grant that allows us to waive the tuition for this inaugural year. The technical programs will be chock-full of the information you need, including the latest on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the newest thinking from the US Environmental Protection Agency, and approaches to addressing cybersecurity. Check out the full ACE program on the AWWA Events app. As you would expect, the exhibit floor will be a great place to reconnect with business partners. The exhibitors are ready to greet you and provide updates. Many events like the Tapping Contest, Hydrant Hysteria, and Best of the Best water taste test will also be on the exhibit floor. And stop by the Innovation Hub, powered by Isle Utilities, to learn about emerging technologies and innovation. Wednesday evening, everyone can gather at the Wrap Party to celebrate the tradition of passing the gavel. This year's gavel-passing will not only symbolize a change in leadership but also how the water community is emerging stronger after facing three years of previously unknown challenges. Finally, I have a feeling that many ACE events will begin with someone saying, “It is so nice to see all of you!” I chuckle every time I hear that phrase, yet I know that people say it because it is true. Over the past three years, we have missed being together and now, as with other COVID-related limitations, that too can come to an end. See you at ACE22!