Catalyst 2026 – Sept. 1-3 – San Diego

Building Trust in Water Through Better 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.

The application period will open March 1, 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

Check out the program: Catalyst 2025 Play Bill.

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 navigating the modern media landscape. Through hands-on learning 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 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 we serve.

Catalyst is not a conference. It’s a movement.