An audience-centric approach to water communication and engagement.

Catalyst 2026 will bring together water professionals from across the country to strengthen the skills needed to build public trust—through clearer communication, community outreach, policy engagement, media collaboration, and effective stakeholder dialogue.

This intensive, hands-on experience is designed for leaders who want to elevate how their organizations connect with the people and communities they serve.

Reservations Open April 2026.

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2026 Program Overview

Monday, August 31, 2026

Optional pre-conference experiences. Separate registration required.

• Full-Day Utility Board Training
  Co-hosted with the Association of Regional Water Organizations, this immersive one-day training is designed for utility board and commission members. The workshop focuses on core governance responsibilities, financial stewardship, risk and resiliency, community trust, and effective oversight, grounded in the Ten Attributes of Effective Utility Management. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios, peer discussion, and practical tools to strengthen board performance and leadership.  This is a separate, ticketed event with open registration. More information coming soon.
• Half-Day Data Visualization Workshop
  An optional, hands-on workshop in collaboration with Water Finance Assistance. This session explores how attendees can use clear, compelling data visuals to support financial conversations, rate discussions, and public engagement. Participants will work through real examples and leave with practical techniques they can apply immediately. This is a separate, ticketed event with open registration.  More information coming soon.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Catalyst begins

• Check-in Table opens, followed by an opening experience that sets the tone for Catalyst 2026. Participants will be welcomed into the shared journey, introduced to the theme, and invited into a different way of thinking about trust, engagement, and leadership in water.

Wednesday, September 2

A full day Catalyst journey

• Participants move through a curated, full-day experience across multiple venues, exploring key themes related to public trust, communication, community engagement, policy, media, and stakeholder relationships. The day blends facilitated dialogue, interactive sessions, and place-based learning designed to challenge assumptions and deepen connection.

Thursday, September 3

Closing Catalyst experience

• A half- or full-day experience at a closing venue focused on reflection, synthesis, and integration. The Catalyst journey concludes by distilling insights and takeaways, helping participants translate what they experienced into practical, values-driven engagement when they return to their organizations and communities.

Catalyst 2025 Highlight Reel

Not a conference. A movement.