Before the conference 

Know that it’s impossible to do everything. Check back in with the priorities and learning objectives you set for yourself (or with your employer) before the conference to help you choose between all the technical content, networking events, and visiting the exhibit hall. 

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.

Transportation

Event Transportation Systems will provide airport shuttles from New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)., as well as complimentary charter buses between conference hotels and the convention center. For airport shuttle pricing, booking details, and the full hotel shuttle schedule and routes, click below.

Convention center 

For directions, parking information, mobility services like scooter and wheelchair rentals, and other helpful resources available at the convention center 

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 2026 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. 

During 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 Orientation on Monday, September 28, 2026. 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 Community Hub (Booth 6322, Booth Hall G) to learn the benefits of WEF membership, the technical communities we serve, and our other educational events.  

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 2026 Online Planner to foster future collaborations. 

Stay charged

Make sure to fully charge your phone, tablet, or laptop each night, and pack your charger in your bag each morning. If you need to plug in during the day, don’t leave your devices unattended while charging. 

Start networking 

Geaux local: explore New Orleans & save 

Make the most of your time in New Orleans with Geaux Local, an exclusive discount program for WEFTEC attendees. Enjoy special offers and discounts from participating local restaurants and businesses throughout the city. 

Visit the Geaux Local page to explore available offers. 

After the conference 

Follow up with new contacts 

Send an email to those you’ve networked with. Follow them on social media and connect with them on LinkedIn. 

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.