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Our Theme

Water management in Ohio continues to adapt and innovate, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and resilience. It is crucial to reflect on our achievements while also looking ahead to the challenges that lie before us. This year, our focus shifts to the dynamic future of water resources, encapsulating the urgent need for innovative strategies to enhance the stewardship and management of water systems for all communities.

DRAFT AGENDA CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2025 Conference Keynote Announcement

We are pleased to share that Julie Waechter, Chief Program Officer at DigDeep, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 WMAO Annual Meeting and Symposium. DigDeep is a human rights nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every person in the U.S. has access to clean running water and sanitation at home.

Under Julie’s leadership, DigDeep has expanded water access throughout the country by bringing clean water and sanitation to more than 10,000 people through its award-winning community-led projects across the Navajo Nation, rural Appalachia, and theTexas colonias.

Julie also serves on the U.S. EPA’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council, where she applies her expertise to advancing sustainable, equitable solutions for water infrastructure and climate resilience.

Call for Abstracts: Posters

We invite abstract submissions for posters featuring research in water resources management.

Poster Abstracts are due by October 18, 2025, and can be submitted here

WMAO will award 1st and 2nd place prizes ($250 and $100, respectively) for the student posters that best capture and explain the research project.
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Nominations for WMAO Recognition Awards

WMAO awards recognize individuals for distinguished service or demonstrating leadership in the management, use, or enjoyment of Ohio’s water resources.

Nominations are being accepted for the following awards: Ohio Water Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service Award, Technician of the Year, Wayne S. Nichols Award, and the R. Livingston Ireland Award.

Awards Nominations are due by September 15, 2025, and can be made here
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Silent Auction to Benefit WMAO Scholarships

Please plan to participate in the silent auction at our conference again this year. All proceeds benefit our WMAO Scholarships and Project WET. Contact Dennis Clement at dennis.clement@ohio.epa.gov to donate an item.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Resource Champion Sponsor (Limit 1) - $2000
Two complimentary registrations
Premier exhibit booth with eight-foot table (or equivalent open space)
Signage during the Awards Luncheon
Opportunity to address Awards luncheon attendees (approximately 200 people); 5-five-minute time limit
A quarter page advertisement in the conference program
Company logo conference signage and in the conference program.

Resource Protector Sponsor (Limit 1) - $1,750
Two complimentary registrations
Premier exhibit booth with eight-foot table (or equivalent open space)
Signage during the Annual Meeting
Opportunity to address Annual Meeting attendees (approximately 175 people); 5-five-minute time limit
A quarter page advertisement in the conference program
Company logo conference signage and in the conference program.

Event Sponsor - $500
For those unable to attend or exhibit
Company logo conference signage and in the conference program.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Premier Exhibitor (Spaces are limited to 6) - $1,500
Recognition has an Event Sponsor
Two complimentary registrations
Premier exhibit booth with eight-foot table (or equivalent open space)
A quarter page advertisement in the program
Company logo on conference signage and program

Conference Exhibitor - $1000
One complimentary registration
Exhibit booth with eight-foot table (or open equivalent space)

Hotel Accommodations:

If you plan to stay overnight we encourage you to book here:

Book the group rate for WMAO's Fall Conference Nov 2025 by October 21st

(Conference registration does not include overnight accommodations.)

WMAO Conference Planning Committee

Alex Covert, (chair) USGS Cindy Brookes, GLCAP Dennis Clement, OEPA Eugene Braig, OSU Greg Nageotte, ODA Shannon Pace, USGS Sarah Saylor, WMAO Kim Shaffer, USGS Craig Smith, Retired OEPA Katharine Schleich, OEPA John Timmons, ODA Lindsay Taliaferro III, OEPA Max Wright, USGS