What Canadian attendees can expect at WEFTEC 2026

The Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) returns to New Orleans, Louisiana, September 26–30, bringing together the global water, wastewater and stormwater community—including many Canadian professionals and companies.

ES&E Magazine has gathered some of the highlights Canadian attendees can expect at WEFTEC 2026. Be sure to say hello to our team and pick up a copy of our October issue at the Ontario Pavilion, Booth 4009. ES&E is also supporting the Alberta/Canada trade mission at Booth 4510.

Conference and Exhibition: By the Numbers

WEFTEC 2026 will feature more than 125 technical sessions, covering topics ranging from frontline operations and compliance to circular water economy strategies.

According to WEF, the sold-out exhibition will bring together more than 950 exhibitors showcasing the latest water and wastewater products, technologies and real-world solutions.

Overall, WEFTEC expects to attract more than 23,000 water professionals from over 100 countries. Pre-conference workshops take place September 26–27, while the technical sessions and exhibition run September 28–30.

Canadian Pavilions at WEFTEC

ES&E Magazine is proud to support the two Canadian trade missions participating in WEFTEC this year. Located in the International Pavilion area, the Ontario and Alberta pavilions will showcase water and environmental technologies from Ontario and Alberta.

The Ontario Pavilion at Booth 4009 will feature:

• E M Fluids Inc.
• Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine
• EnviroSim Associates Ltd.
• Kraken Sense
• Kusiar Project Services Inc.
• LaSalle Agri Inc.
• UV Pure Technologies
• VAHN-TECH International Inc.

The Alberta/Canada Pavilion at Booth 4510 will feature:

• 2S Water Incorporated
• ACC Water Solutions
• Djapana Energy Solutions Inc.
• FREDsense
• Hydrasurvey Ltd.
• Lotic Technologies Inc.
• Swat Water
• Swirltex Inc.

The Canadian Icebreaker at WEFTEC

A can’t-miss event for many Canadian attendees, the 2026 Canadian Icebreaker takes place on Sunday, September 27, from 6–9 p.m. at Fulton Alley in New Orleans.

Organized by the Water Environment Association of Ontario, the event will bring together Canadian water professionals and friends for an informal evening of networking, food, bowling and games. Registration is $110 per person. Visit the WEAO Icebreaker web page for details and to register.

Operations Challenge

During the annual Operations Challenge at WEFTEC, wastewater collection and treatment professionals demonstrate their skills and knowledge through a series of timed events based on real-world operating challenges.

Competition events take place on the exhibition floor at Booth 8739 on Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29. Be sure to cheer on the sole Canadian team, “Dung Deal” from the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA).

Student Design Competition

The WEF Student Design Competition gives university students practical design experience while introducing them to careers in water and wastewater engineering and science.

More than 100 students are expected to present solutions to real-world water challenges across three categories: Wastewater Design, Water Environment Design, and Circular Water Economy. The competition and awards ceremony take place on Sunday, September 27.

Canadian teams have a strong history at the competition, with the University of British Columbia winning in the 2025 Water Environment Design category, and the University of Waterloo winning in the same category in 2022. This year’s competitors include the Toronto Metropolitan University Water Flow team, which won the 2026 WEAO Student Design Competition with its proposed upgrades for an urbanized stormwater retrofit plan in Newmarket, Ontario.

Also competing is Team BioWise Solutions from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, which won the 2026 BCWWA Student Design Competition.

Be sure to cheer on the Canadian students as they represent their schools and regional water associations on the international stage.