FAQs

What time does the conference start and end?
The Conference informally begins with a welcoming reception on Tuesday, March 20 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The Conference officially begins at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, March 21 and ends at noon on Friday, March 23.

Will sessions include all water infrastructure topics?
The conference will cover a broad range of water infrastructure funding and sustainable infrastructure innovations. However, not every good idea will be represented because there are quite simply too many to cover. The approach we are taking is to cover representative case studies that illustrate opportunities and concepts that spur dialogue during conference sessions.

Will there be a call for papers?
No, there has not been and will not be a call for papers. The Conference track sessions are being carefully developed in accordance with the overarching themes and goals of the Conference.

Will poster sessions be offered?
Poster sessions will be offered if enough interest is shown. These sessions will be limited to technical project displays, and neither advertisements nor solicitations will be allowed. Interested participants are required to submit a form with personal information and an abstract summarizing the content of their project.

For more information, please contact Brian Whittaker at register@payingforwater.com or Sheryle Quinn at Quinn.Sheryle@epamail.epa.gov.

When will a full agenda be available?
A full agenda will be available in mid-to-late January. Check this website for periodic updates to agenda sessions, speakers, etc.

How do I find out more about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities?
Please contact Stacey Berahzer at 770-509-3887 or isaac@sog.unc.edu.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the registration process or hotel reservations?
For questions or problems related to the registration website or hotel reservations, please contact Brian Whittaker at register@payingforwater.com.

How do I obtain a press pass for the conference?
To obtain a press pass for the conference, please download and complete the press registration form and fax or mail it to the contact information provided on the form. For additional questions regarding press access, please contact Kelly Kunert at kunert.kelly@epa.gov.

What will the conference registration fees cover?
Registration fees include all conference materials, attendance at all conference sessions, including plenary sessions and keynote addresses, and food and beverages provided at the conference and the accompanying receptions. The full amount of the registration fee will be used solely to cover the costs of holding the conference.

Is there a cost for Conference attendees to bring a guest to Conference social events?
Yes, the cost is $200 and includes all lunches and receptions. Registrants can include guest information and payment by registering online at www.payingforwater.com/register.

Are reduced registration rates or conference scholarships available?
There are no reduced rates or scholarships available for this professional conference. The full amount of the registration fee will be used solely to cover the costs of holding the conference.

Can I receive continuing education credit for attending the conference?
Yes, but this will likely be limited to Professional Engineers. According to the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, PE's are eligible for Professional Development Hours (10 PDH = 1 CEU) for attending the Conference. Continuing Education Units for other professions and professional organizations may also be available on a post-approval basis. Please refer to your specific organization's continuing education requirements and check here for updates. All professionals seeking continuing education credits must sign-in to the workshop on both days! Contact Jennifer Spivey at jennifer@gefa.ga.gov for more information.

What are the opportunities to network and interact with participants?
The Conference offers multiple opportunities to network with fellow conference attendees. Although tentative, we intend to have a welcoming reception Tuesday, March 20, as well as a second reception on Wednesday, March 21. The receptions, as well as the plenary sessions, concurrent track sessions, lunches, and breaks will provide excellent opportunities to meet state/local, national, and international leaders in their respective fields. Participants will include public officials at all levels, public and private water industry representatives, architects and engineers, the environmental and public health communities, and financial services industry representatives.

Why should state and local officials attend?
State and local officials should attend this first of its kind conference to learn about leading approaches to effective integration of construction, financing, and management; creative state and local fees and other revenue sources for water infrastructure; innovative institutional partnerships that reduce costs and serve to improve water funding mechanisms; and methods of achieving full cost pricing while ensuring affordability for low-income households.

What will EPA do with the presentations?
Presentations will be provided on a CD-ROM for conference participants, which they will receive in their conference packets. The final version of presentations will be available for download on this website after the Conference.

The Conference proceedings will also be recorded and presented at a post-conference follow-up meeting that will include representatives from EPA and each of the co-sponsor organizations.

Is the Conference focused solely on U.S. domestic water infrastructure?
No, the "International Innovations in Finance, Technologies, and Management" track will focus on water infrastructure endeavors abroad, including NGO and private sector efforts to provide sustainable water infrastructure in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This track will also examine alternate SRF structures in places such as Finland, South Africa, and the Philippines, and look at how elements of these programs could successfully be applied to the U.S.

What is GEFA's Tax ID number?
GEFA's Tax Identification number is 58-1667498.

How will the Conference affect the EPA's water programs?
EPA views this conference as an opportunity to hear from a variety of practitioners with experience in innovative sustainable infrastructure approaches. It is hoped that the ideas and concepts presented will spur conversation about the future federal role in supporting sustainable infrastructure efforts. To this end, in the weeks following the Conference, EPA will host a meeting for leaders from the cosponsor organizations to consider what was learned from the conference and how best to incorporate new ideas and approaches into EPA's ongoing efforts to support sustainable water infrastructure.