Member Benefits Highlight: Networking by Kayla Bronson 2013 Spring New York Water Event & Expo ne of the many benefits that members appreciate again and again through AWWA is the opportunity to network with other professionals in the water industry. There are events at all levels of AWWA: local, section-wide, and national/ international. The Young Professionals Committee is looking to hold regional events throughout the state. NYSAWWA committee members are really trying to improve their efforts on getting members together to socialize throughout the year closer to home. The New York Section has a few events to help you network with others in your field. One of our main purposes is to provide training for operators and engineers. We do this through our training sessions throughout the year plus our larger conferences in the spring (New York Annual Water Event and Expo) and the fall (Tifft Symposium). We offer breaks that encourage networking between sessions, as well as social activities. At the Water Event and Expo, we have receptions and a banquet. Our exhibit halls are usually full of vendors, and you can always find new things to learn from them, too! We also have many committees you can join, no matter what your interests in the water industry are. Check out wwww.nysawwa.org to see a list or contact Kayla at the Section Office. On a national/international level, ACE offers many opportunities to network – the exhibit hall, trainings, receptions, contests, committees, and workshops. At ACE, there are professionals from around North America that are there to learn, compete, and network. A trip to ACE will guarantee new connections – you’re bound to meet someone new! There are many more benefits to being a member with AWWA. Contact Kayla Bronson, Member Relations Coordinator, NYSAWWA, if you have any questions on your membership. 2013 Fuller Award Winner, Gary Male, of C T Male, and Past Chair, Amanda Bauner, of Greeley and Hansen. Fuller Award Winners present at the 2013 Banquet at the New York Water Event & Expo in Saratoga Springs, NY. O The Exhibit Hall at our conferences is a great place to network with other NYSAWWA members, and get a rubber duck, too! Employees of the NYC DEP accepted the NY Section Safety Award at the Banquet. 24 SPRING/SUMMER 2013 AqUARIUS