What's in the water at WWEM 2024: Explore the latest industry innovations

Water, wastewater, and environmental monitoring

As the water and wastewater industry continues to evolve, professionals across the sector look forward to events that provide the latest information, cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. The Water, Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring (WWEM) conference is a must-attend for the industry, and the 2024 edition promises to be the most significant yet. Taking place on the 9th and 10th of October in Hall 2 of The NEC in Birmingham, WWEM 2024 is set to be the UK's most important industry gathering since 2022, featuring numerous highlights that make it unmissable for anyone involved in the sector.

A comprehensive event with unmatched access

Registering for WWEM 2024 will not only grant you access to its packed technical programme and exhibition, but will also provide entry to AQE 2024, the air quality and emissions event, which will be running in parallel. The co-location of these two major events at The NEC creates a unique opportunity for attendees to explore a full spectrum of environmental monitoring topics in one venue.

The main purpose of the WWEM events, which began in 2005, is to provide the latest information on the regulations, standards, methods and technologies relating to the testing and analysis of water and wastewater. By bringing the whole sector together, including laboratory, online and field monitoring, the WWEM events provide a unique learning opportunity. As a focused event, visitors are able to meet regulators, accreditation organisations, members of standards committees, academics, researchers, method developers, instrumentation experts and a wide variety of stakeholders in environmental analysis.

The event's schedule is packed with over 100 hours of free technical workshops and presentations, ensuring that there is something for everyone. For those in laboratory analysis, regulatory compliance, data management, and emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), WWEM 2024 offers invaluable insights. These sessions are designed not just to inform but to provide practical advice that professionals can implement in their work environments.

A hub for innovation and networking

With over 200 leading suppliers from the water and environmental monitoring sectors gathered in one place, WWEM 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity for laboratory technicians and industry professionals to compare products, source new instruments, and explore the latest innovations. This face-to-face interaction with suppliers can often save months of outreach and research, streamlining the procurement process and keeping you ahead of the curve.

One of the event's highlights is the Early Career Researcher Poster Competition, hosted by the Sensors for Water Interest Group (SWIG). This competition shines a spotlight on the best new research in the sector, offering young researchers a platform to present their work and gain recognition from industry veterans. The winner will be announced at the gala party, but throughout the event, attendees can view the posters and learn about the groundbreaking projects being undertaken by the next generation of industry leaders.

Technical programme

WWEM 2024 is structured around seven parallel conference rooms, each dedicated to a specific aspect of water and environmental monitoring. This allows attendees to tailor their experience to their specific interests and needs:

• Digitalisation in Water Monitoring: Two of the conference rooms will focus on the various forms of digitalisation in water monitoring, covering topics from remote sensing to AIoT. These sessions will explore how digital tools can enhance efficiency and accuracy in monitoring processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Current regulatory requirements and provide insights into upcoming changes, helping attendees stay ahead of the curve in compliance matters.
• Industry Case Studies: Real-world examples of solutions implemented across different sectors, offering practical advice and lessons learned from successful projects.
• Section 82 of the Environment Act: Dedicated entirely to discussions on compliance with this crucial piece of legislation, this is essential for anyone involved in environmental management and policy.
• Flow, Level, and Pressure Monitoring: Achieving high-quality monitoring in these areas is critical for many applications, and this track will provide in-depth guidance and the latest advancements.
• New Monitoring Technologies: A spotlight on the most recent innovations in monitoring technology, from new sensor designs to advanced analytical methods.

Highlighted sessions for laboratory professionals

Laboratory scientists and environmental managers from all industries that test and analyse water quality industry will benefit from the WWEM technical programme. Addressing some of the key issues facing us today, the programme will provide essential information to scientists working in environmental, food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical laboratories.

On Day 1, the Demonstration Forum will present a session on using remote earth observation techniques to identify and locate sewer exfiltration, a crucial aspect of maintaining water quality. Additionally, a session will explore how discrete analysis can effectively address the challenges of colorimetric analysis in complex sample matrices, providing robust solutions for laboratories. Day 2 will continue to highlight innovation, with sessions on digitalising microbiology for faster, more accurate results, and the use of data analytics to detect and localise background leakage, ultimately reducing water loss. The conference will also showcase real-world applications of Artificial Internet of Things (AIoT) in water monitoring, underscoring the potential of these technologies to revolutionise the industry.

The Monitoring Innovations Forum on Day 2 will introduce new methods for sampling and analysing fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, providing critical insights into the environmental impact of these substances. Hamamatsu will present their photonics technologies, which enhance the precision and speed of water quality analysis. Other important discussions will focus on the challenges of sampling groundwater for PFAS using fluoropolymer-based samplers and introducing Hydro-Sphere, a scalable visualisation platform for water quality monitoring. These sessions collectively offer a comprehensive overview of the current and future state of water monitoring and analysis technologies.

The future of monitoring on display

WWEM 2024 is more than just a conference; it is a glimpse into the future of water, wastewater, and environmental monitoring. With a focus on the latest technologies, regulatory changes, and practical solutions, the event is a must-attend for anyone involved in these fields. The combination of informative sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to see the latest products and services from over 200 suppliers makes WWEM 2024 an unparalleled event for professional development and industry advancement.

A gala celebration of excellence

The WWEM 2024 gala party, is scheduled for 18:30 pm on the first day (9th October) at the Vox Venue within the NEC Campus. This elegant event will include a drinks reception and a three-course dinner, complete with half a bottle of wine per guest, all for £140 plus VAT. While black tie attire is encouraged, it is not mandatory, making it an accessible event for all attendees. The gala is more than just a social occasion; it is an opportunity to celebrate excellence within the industry, with awards being handed out in various categories. For the first time, attendees will have the chance to vote directly for these awards online, making the recognition process more inclusive and reflective of the industry's views.

Register today

WWEM 2024 at The NEC in Birmingham promises to be the most important water and wastewater monitoring event in the UK. Whether you're a laboratory technician, an environmental manager, or a policy-maker, the event offers something for everyone. From the gala party celebrating industry excellence to the focused conference tracks and the extensive exhibition, WWEM 2024 is your gateway to the future of environmental monitoring. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and stay ahead in your field. Registration is now open – don’t miss out.

WWEM 2024: FACTS & FIGURES

• Exhibition dates: Wednesday-Thursday 9-10 October 2024
• Venue: Hall 2, The NEC in Birmingham, UK
• Opening hours: Wednesday 9.30-17.00, Thursday 9.30-16.30.
• https://www.ilmexhibitions.com/wwem  and www.ilmexhibitions.com/aqeshow
• Free tickets are available online.

Register today for your visitor pass