I Shouldn't Push My Luck!

AMWUA was pleased to partner with WaterSmart Innovations to award a full scholarship to attend the tenth annual WaterSmart Innovations Conference & Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October of 2017. The conference drew more than 900 participants from 39 states and D.C., as well as from countries around the globe. Since its inception, the conference has served as an invaluable platform to advance water use efficiency and conservation.  We were excited to have Ray join us this year.  

By: Ray Diaz, Water Demand Advisor, City of Goodyear

Hey… what's this email about?  

Oh… oh wow… I… I…I won?!?!?! I can't believe I won! I just won a full scholarship. I’m going to Vegas! Whoo!!!

I was very excited and grateful for being the recipient of AMWUA’s 2017 WaterSmart Innovations Conference scholarship. I didn't know how else to react except to shout out loud and perhaps, maybe, sort of do a small celebratory dance in my office. I just couldn't contain myself, but don't worry, no one saw me!

Seeing that I have never been to the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Expo really added to my excitement and anticipation. What would I see? What would I learn? What is innovation? Would I be transformed into an innovating machine? I had a lot of questions, and my hope was that most would be answered at the conference.    

The conference, for me, started on Tuesday with my first training session at 8:00am. Now what’s Vegas without a little gambling, right? Somehow, I missed the fact that an 8:00am start time would be more feasible if one spent the night before at the actual hotel where the conference was being held. That would make the most sense if you were a sensible person. Apparently that isn’t me. I’m getting up at 2:30am and driving to Vegas that morning to make the 8:00am class. Stop me if you can!

Merriam-Webster defines innovation as the introduction of something new; a new idea, method or device. A quick glance around the conference and you will understand that innovation is truly at the heart of the conference. You won’t be able to escape it. You will see innovation. Just take the “short” hike to the exhibit hall and you will be inundated with the latest tech and services available to enhance water conservation. It doesn’t matter if your conservation efforts are outdoors, indoors, commercial, or industrial, you will find something to help you meet whatever goals you are attempting to achieve. You will hear about innovation through the various training sessions provided. Presenters will share their experiences and results from pilot programs, outreach programs, successful programs, and failed programs. You can even read about innovation. Several poster boards were on display showcasing projects that were completed this past year. It was great to talk with those managing the projects to get good insights into their challenges and hear about their successes.        

Left: Ray with an exhibitor in the WSI Exhibit Hall, Right: Ray attending a conference session. 

I honestly didn’t realize just how much work was occurring all over the country with regard to water conservation. There are so many exciting new ideas going on that there is no way you won’t want to get involved. There is like this force drawing you to want to be more innovative. Okay, maybe there isn’t really a “force,” but there is a strong sense to want to get involved and begin doing something. It’s a sense of not being content with the status quo, but to begin thinking of new and creative ways to look at water conservation. It’s a sense to try something new and fresh. A newfound desire to contribute to this “community” of innovation. It’s very exciting, and I can see why individuals are drawn to the conference each year.                       

The conference overall was great! I highly recommend it to anyone who is involved at any level with water management. You will glean a lot of knowledge. Each session I attended was top notch and very interesting. Each presenter was professional, articulate, and noticeably passionate about the subject they were sharing. My favorite session was called, “Why Consumers Don’t Care About Wasting Water and What We Can Do about It.” It was interesting to see how difficult behavior change can be and how individuals prefer technology to help with water conservation rather than change what they do. I will certainly consider the findings from that session as I begin to develop my own conservation messaging.

It is often said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. However, I can’t see that being the case for me. The greatest take away for me is that our mission to conserve water and be good stewards of this resource is far too important to leave to chance. We need to pursue efficiencies and actively engage in innovative ideas to help our communities in water conservation. It will not just happen. No, I can’t leave behind what I have learned. I should—no, I must—bear the torch and start the fire of innovation within my sphere of influence. How about you?  What new ideas do you have?  

I can’t wait to see what cool ideas are going to be presented at next year’s conference. Yes, I plan on attending again. It was a very good conference, and oh, by the way, I did make my 8:00am class on time.