Call for Abstracts
Join us at the upcoming NWEA conference for an opportunity to share your insights and innovations in education! We invite you to submit abstracts for presentations that explore new ideas, research findings, and best practices in assessment and learning. Don't miss this chance to contribute to a dynamic conversation shaping the future of education!
The deadline for abstract submissions is Extended till September 26, 2026 11:59 PDT
Keynote Speakers
Casey Mentzer
Treatment Plant Director
Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility
Casey is the Treatment Plant Director for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, where he leads the planning and strategic direction of northern Nevada's largest wastewater treatment plant. He is a professional chemical engineer and a Nevada Grade IV wastewater operator. Casey also holds seats on the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission and Nevada Water Innovation Institute. Casey has also been involved for the past ten years with the Nevada Water Environment Association having served as president in 2022.
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Dwayne E. Smith,
Director of Engineering / County Engineer
Washoe County Community Services Department
Dwayne is the Director of the Engineering and Capital Projects for Washoe County Community Services and serves as the Washoe County Engineer for the County Commission. With over three decades of engineering and construction experience, he oversees all public works for Washoe County, managing infrastructure projects spanning buildings, parks, transportation, and
utilities. Since joining the County’s Department of Water Resources in 2006, Dwayne has focused extensively on utility engineering, and he currently holds management responsibility over wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater utilities. He also serves as the chair of the Nevada Water Innovation Institute, bridging the gap between engineering and education.
Schedule Overview
2027 Annual Conference Schedule at a Glance
February 22–25, 2027
Join water professionals from across Nevada and the surrounding region for four days of education, networking, professional development, and collaboration. The conference brings together operators, engineers, regulators, students, manufacturers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, discover new technologies, and strengthen professional connections.
Please note: The schedule below is preliminary and subject to change as speakers, events, and session details are finalized.
Monday, February 22 – Pre-Conference Training and Welcome Events
Begin your conference experience with optional operator training and pre-conference workshops offering in-depth instruction on specialized industry topics. In the evening, join fellow attendees for the official Welcome Reception and NWEA Mixer to reconnect with colleagues and build new professional relationships.
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9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Operator Exam Training, Grades 1–2
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1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Operator Exam Training, Grades 3–4
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1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Conference Registration
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6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Welcome Reception and NWEA Mixer
Tuesday, February 23 – Conference Day 1
The conference officially begins with opening remarks and a keynote presentation, followed by a full day of educational programming across three concurrent technical tracks. Attendees will also have opportunities to visit the Exhibitor Hall, connect with industry representatives, and learn about new technologies, products, and services supporting the water environment profession.
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Breakfast and Registration
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8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – Opening Remarks
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8:15 AM – 9:00 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation
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9:00 AM – 11:20 AM – Technical Sessions
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11:20 AM – 12:50 PM – Awards Lunch
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12:50 PM – 5:10 PM – Technical Sessions
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5:10 PM – 7:40 PM – Student Poster Competition and Exhibitor Hall Reception
Wednesday, February 24 – Conference Day 2
Continue your conference experience with another full day of technical presentations, networking opportunities, and discussions focused on emerging trends, innovative technologies, and best practices within the water environment profession. Educational programming will continue across three concurrent technical tracks.
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Breakfast and Registration
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8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – Opening Remarks
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8:15 AM – 9:00 AM – Keynote Speaker Presentation
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9:00 AM – 11:20 AM – Technical Sessions
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11:20 AM – 12:50 PM – Midday Break
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12:50 PM – 5:10 PM – Technical Sessions
Thursday, February 25 – Technical Facility Tours
Conclude the conference with guided tours of local water and wastewater facilities. These tours provide attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at treatment processes, operational best practices, utility infrastructure, and emerging technologies in action.
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Technical Tour 1 – Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID)
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Technical Tour 2 – Tahoe Reno Industrial General Improvement District (TRI-GID)
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Facility Tour Window: Approximately 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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1:00 PM – Conference Concludes
Specific departure and return times may vary by tour. Advance registration is required, and capacity is limited.
Please Note: Facility tours are weather permitting.
Facility tours are weather dependent and may be modified, delayed, or canceled due to snow, hazardous road conditions, facility operating conditions, or other inclement weather. Updates will be provided to registered attendees as conditions are assessed.
2026 Sponsors
Our sponsors make professional development, scholarships, student engagement, and educational events possible.
We sincerely appreciate their continued support of the Nevada Water Environment Association
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Women in Water
Scholarship Sponsors
Student Poster
Sponsor
2026 Exhibitors and Sponsors
