Monday, September 22 - Wednesday, September 24

Catalyst 2025

An audience-centric approach to water communication and engagement.

The 2025 Application Period will open soon.

Catalyst is an immersive experience designed to transform the way water professionals engage with their communities, the media, and elected officials. Taking place in Milwaukee, a city with a rich water heritage, Catalyst 2025 will focus on the theme of media relations. Through hands-on learning, role-playing simulations, and real-world problem-solving, attendees will leave equipped to build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive action.

This year’s summit will challenge the boundaries of traditional conferences. From the moment you arrive, you’ll dive headfirst into dynamic, interactive scenarios. You’ll engage directly with city officials, journalists, and community members, all while tackling real-world water industry challenges. These unforgettable experiences will spark creativity, foster collaboration, and empower you with the tools and strategies needed to connect authentically and communicate effectively.

Why Attend Catalyst 2025?

Practical Skills for Real-World Impact: Learn actionable strategies for media relations, elected official engagement, and public storytelling tailored to the water sector.

Immersive Experiences: Participate in simulated crises, interactive learning labs, and role-playing activities that bring stakeholder engagement to life.

Networking Redefined: Connect with industry leaders, journalists, and innovators in settings that inspire genuine conversations and meaningful connections.

Milwaukee as Your Classroom: Explore the city’s water innovations through activities hosted at unique locations, making the experience as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the water sector, Catalyst 2025 is your opportunity to grow, learn, and lead. Together, we’ll build a stronger foundation of trust for the water industry and the communities it serves.

Join us in Milwaukee this September for an event unlike any other. Catalyst is not a conference. It’s a movement.

When and where

Date and time

September 22 3:00 pm - September 24 3:00 pm CST

Location

Venues To Be Announced
Downtown Milwaukee, WI 53202

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About this event

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Our journey is especially curated every step of the way. Each guided experience builds on the next. Please plan to stay and participate for the entirety of the experience. There are no concurrent sessions. Everyone journeys together.

Schedule at a Glance

Coming soon.

Hungry?

Details coming soon.

2025 Theme: Coming Soon

Details coming soon.

Packing List

Please pack comfortable clothing and shoes. We’re fun and informal.

The Journey

Catalyst is a traveling summit where we use the host city as our classroom. Each day, sessions will occur at different locations. Transportation will be provided or locations will be in walking distance.

Why do we move? When the butt goes numb, the brain goes dumb. Research shows that changing the learning environment between topics helps our brains retain information.

White space.

Travel time creates space to reflect on what you just learned and, of course, discuss those thoughts with other guests. It’s also nice to have built in downtime in an over-scheduled world.

2024 Sponsors Shown Below

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Selected Guests May Pay Their Registration Below

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