Give Back to our Host City

“Sweet home Chicago!” At WEFTEC 2025, the impact extends well beyond the convention center. Each year, WEFTEC offers opportunities for attendees to give back, strengthening our connection to the host city. This year, we’re proud to continue that tradition through initiatives that make a lasting difference in the local community.

On-Site Activities

Join Us for a Meaningful Volunteer Experience in Chicago

We invite you to stop by the Hilton Chicago and the McCormick Place Convention Center to participate in our Meal Kit and Hygiene Kit Building Activities. These events are made possible through the generous support of our Sustainability Partner, Xylem.

Sept. 27: Meal Kit Building at the Hilton Chicago
Sept. 29 – Oct. 1: Hygiene Kit Building at McCormick Place

Volunteers will assemble meal kits for children facing food insecurity and hygiene kits for families experiencing poverty in the Chicago area. Your participation will make a direct impact on the local community.

Together with Xylem, WEFTEC is cutting down on single-use waste by encouraging attendees to carry refillable water bottles outfitted with Fill it Forward stickers. Every scan records your impact and contributes to global clean water and hygiene projects — proving that simple daily actions can create meaningful, lasting change.

Official WEFTEC Sustainability Partner:

Community Engagement

Dive deeper into community service with Water Palooza. This annual event, held the Friday before WEFTEC, is an educational fair at an elementary school. Students engage in activities that highlight the importance of water conservation and environmental stewardship. To volunteer, contact Jack Connors at jconnors@wef.org.

For the WEF Community Service Project, scheduled for September 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., get ready to build, plant, and create a new outdoor learning space at Aldridge Elementary School in Chicago. The project will feature native plantings, pollinator gardens, and species showcases that support the school’s garden club and STEM curriculum. To sign up, add this event to your WEFTEC registration (it’s free!). If you’ve already registered, you can contact customer service and ask them to help you add this event to your profile.

Why Participate?

By taking part in these activities, you’ll support the vibrant Chicago community while connecting with other water professionals who share your commitment to building sustainable communities. No matter your role — buyer, learner, operator, or innovator — there’s a place for you to get involved and give back. Let’s join together to make a lasting impact on our host city. Together, we can grow stronger communities and a stronger water future. Come ready to give back — Chicago is waiting for you.