Conference Agenda

Exhibitor Registration and Setup

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Welcome Reception and Networking Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Continental Breakfast Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Opening General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

The State of Texas Water: Planning for More As the Texas population and economy continue to grow, it is increasingly critical to expand infrastructure to help manage and improve our water supply statewide. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will discuss the important economic impact of water development projects and the potential effects of water shortages on Texas’ economy. Keynote Speaker: Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Breakout Sessions

Finding a Balance: Groundwater Availability in Texas (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Zlotnik 5/6
In Texas, groundwater availability for state water planning can present conflicting priorities. How do we find the sweet spot between preserving the resource and maximizing future availability, while also weighing socioeconomics, private property rights, and sustainability? Moderator: John Dupnik, P.G., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Billy Howe, Texas Farm Bureau; Robert Mace, Ph.D., P.G., Meadows Center for Water and the Environment; Charles Porter, Ph.D., St. Edward's University; Gary Westbrook, Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District

Meeting Milestones: Developments in State Flood Planning (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
The Texas regional flood planning groups have been hard at work developing their plans, due to the TWDB in January, by identifying projects and strategies for the first state flood plan that will ultimately benefit communities across the state. Moderator: Reem Zoun, P.E., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Glenn Clingenpeel, Trinity River Authority of Texas; Scott Hubley, P.E., Freese and Nichols, Inc.; Omar Martinez, City of El Paso; Suzanne Scott, The Nature Conservancy

Cutting Our Losses: The Role of Water Loss Validation (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Water loss validation is becoming a common requirement in other states. Discover the role that water loss validation plays—or could play—in water resource planning and management in Texas. Moderator: Will Jernigan, P.E., Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A. Panelists: Andrew Chastain-Howley, Black & Veatch; Cayton Germany, Crystal Clear Special Utility District; Christine Voudy, Georgia Environmental Protection Division

FIRO: Proactive Measures to Optimize a Reservoir’s Usage (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
Forecast-informed reservoir operation (FIRO) is an alternative management strategy that uses weather and seasonal climate forecasts to improve water supply reliability, flood preparedness, and hydropower generation. Experts will discuss the challenges and successes associated with integrating this strategy and the importance of collaboration between water entities for the success of FIRO. Moderator: Carla G. Guthrie, Ph.D., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Aaron Abel, Brazos River Authority; Jerry Cotter, P.E., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; David Curtis, Ph.D., WEST Consultants; Kris Lander, P.E., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Morning Break

Breakout Sessions

Alternative Water Supplies: Slow and Steady Wins the Race? (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Zlotnik 5/6
Desalination and aquifer storage and recovery, expected to become more widespread in the coming decades, are recommended in the state water plan but typically require time-consuming, methodical planning and testing up front. Communities pursuing or implementing these alternative water supplies will share the benefits and challenges of these strategies, as well as how data factors into the decision-making process. Moderator: Lorrie Council, P.G., Ground Water Protection Council Panelists: Neil Deeds, Ph.D., P.E., P.G., INTERA, Inc.; Brian Perkins, P.E., Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority; Esteban Ramos, Corpus Christi Water

Determining a Preferred Approach: Selecting and Prioritizing Flood Projects (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
Potential solutions to flooding in Texas require thoughtful consideration of the many available options. How are projects selected, and how do tools like a benefit-cost ratio help make those decisions? Are certain watershed or community flood needs prioritized over other needs? And how is state and federal grant funding prioritized and awarded to make those projects feasible? Moderator: Russ Poppe, P.E., HNTB Corporation Panelists: Austin Bleess, City of Jersey Village; Jorge Morales, P.E., City of Austin; Jeff Ward, Jeffrey S. Ward & Associates, Inc.

Produced Water: What Goes Down May Come Up (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Recent earthquake swarms across West Texas and uncontrolled geysers and sinkholes in the Permian Basin put a spotlight on produced water injection issues in our state. Even so, produced water remains a topic of interest as a potential water supply. Panelists will take a hard look at produced water, its unintended consequences, and feasibility for other uses. Moderator: Natalie Ballew, P.G., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Jason Modglin, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers; Bridget Scanlon, Ph.D., P.G., The University of Texas, Bureau of Economic Geology; Rusty Smith, Texas Produced Water Consortium

What’s that Smell? Improving Cybersecurity Hygiene (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
Like many critical infrastructure sectors, the water industry faces increased cybersecurity risks. There is a growing need to understand cybersecurity best practices, recognize types of threats and how to protect against them, and identify the actions that need to be taken when an incident occurs. Moderator: Brooke T. Paup, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Ernesto Ballesteros, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Doug Short, Trinity River Authority of Texas; Jeremy Wilson, Texas Department of Information Resources

Luncheon Grand Ballroom, Meeting Level 3
Chet Garner is an expert at inspiring Texans to explore the best of Texas, from swimming holes and eateries to landmarks and history. Hear stories about our beautiful state from a bonafide “Texplorer” who truly knows the impact and importance of storytelling. Keynote Speaker: Chet Garner, Host of "The Daytripper"

Breakout Sessions

Making Every Drop Count: An Integrated Water Management Approach (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Zlotnik 5/6
A “one water” approach requires thinking comprehensively about how water is used in a community and considering ways to collectively manage the water supply. There has never been a better time to explore the opportunities, considerations, and challenges of integrated water management in Texas and beyond. Moderator: Jennifer Walker, Texas Coast and Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation Panelists: Damian Higham, Denver Water; Sharlene Leurig, Texas Water Trade; Daniel Nix, City of Wichita Falls

What’s on Tap: Hot Topics in Texas Water (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
The water challenges in Texas are as diverse as its geography, but established organizations are working to ensure these challenges stay top of mind. Leaders of Texas water organizations representing various interests will share insights on the key issues and hot topics their organizations and stakeholders face as Texas commences its 88th Legislative Session. Moderator: Jeff Walker, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Leah Martinsson, Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts; Stacey Allison Steinbach, Texas Water Conservation Association; Lara Zent, Texas Rural Water Association

Closing the Evaluation, Metrics, and Communication Gap in Corporate Water Sustainability (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Local conservation projects and nature-based considerations can play a key role in corporate water sustainability strategies. However, there’s often confusion in selection, measurement, implementation, and reporting. Organization representatives will provide insights into their best practices, tools, and strategies for successful collaborations and nature-based solutions. Moderator: Joni Carswell, Texan by Nature Panelists: Brian Epperson, Hess Corporation; Edwin Piñero, EcoMetrics LLC; Audrey Templeton, P.E., Molson Coors Beverage Company

Data, Data, Everywhere: Harnessing Its Power for Water (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
Data is essential to every facet of understanding, planning, and managing Texas water resources, though we rarely consider its lifecycle. Learn about identifying, collecting, maintaining, and disseminating data; converting it into information that benefits stakeholders; and current practical applications benefitting the state. Moderator: Manuel Razo, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Kristine Blickenstaff, P.E., U.S. Geological Survey; Suzanne Pierce, Ph.D., Texas Disaster Information System; Gregory Waller, National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center

General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Global Water Innovations: International Ideas and Accomplishments (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
The need for innovative water solutions and technology spans far beyond Texas and, as a result, other countries are achieving and benefitting from these impactful and inspiring breakthroughs. Moderator: L'Oreal Stepney, P.E., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Daniel Cornel, Ph.D., VRVis Center for Virtual Reality and Visualization Research; David Maidment, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin; Lihy Teuerstein, IDE Water Assets

Afternoon Break

General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Movers and Shakers: Lessons from Leaders at Large Water Utilities (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Big cities, big water, big challenges. Hear from influential water utility leaders from around the country as they discuss the ins and outs of managing large systems with millions of customers. Moderator: Jeff Walker, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Jenna Covington, P.E., North Texas Municipal Water District; Troy Hayes, P.E., City of Phoenix

Networking Reception Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Continental Breakfast Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Breakout Sessions

Flood Data Mapping: Bringing the Future to Texas (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Zlotnik Family Ballroom
Texas has seen significant improvements in flood mapping in recent years, but there is still opportunity for innovation and new technologies. Dr. Daniel Cornel of Austria will explain and demonstrate the science behind the groundbreaking flood simulation and geospatial visualization technology, Visdom, being used abroad. Moderator: Richard Wade, Texas Water Development Board Presenter: Daniel Cornel, Ph.D., VRVis Center for Virtual Reality and Visualization Research

Risky Business: Communicating Flood and Drought Risk (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
Flood and drought are key components in Texas water policy but communicating about them is challenging. Experts in this space will share strategies to effectively communicate to the public and how to shape crucial messaging to motivate behavioral changes. Moderator: Sam Marie Hermitte, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Newsha Ajami, Ph.D., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; John Honoré, Texas Division of Emergency Management; Keri Stephens, Ph.D., Technology & Information Policy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin

Lead and Emerging Contaminants: Funding and Guidance for Texas Water Projects (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
The reduction and removal of lead service lines and other contaminants in water is a nationwide issue, and there is dedicated funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support clean water projects. While the extent of these issues in Texas may still be unknown, one thing’s for sure: investing in projects will require education and close collaboration between the EPA, states, and local communities. Moderator: Salvador Gandara, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6 Panelists: Alyssa Azari, Texas Water Development Board; Chris Harder, P.E., City of Fort Worth; Michele Risko, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Breakout Sessions

Taking Initiative: Innovative Flood Infrastructure Fund Projects (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Zlotnik 5/6
It is more important than ever that communities take action to protect people and property from damaging flood events. The Flood Infrastructure Fund provides financial assistance for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. Hear from communities using this funding source to carry out their innovative flood projects. Moderator: George B. Peyton V, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Jose Landeros, El Paso County; Mark Mann, P.E., Sabine River Authority of Texas; Edith Marvin, P.E., North Central Texas Council of Governments; Graciela Salinas, Cameron County

Texas Runs on Water: Notes from the Field (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
How do you inspire Texans to care about the future of Texas water? Texas Water Foundation’s statewide water campaign, “Texas Runs on Water,” is working to answer that question with a combination of Texan pride, a cohesive marketing plan, a network of affiliate water partners, corporate brands and support, data experts, and innovative social media strategies. Moderator: Brianna Fuller, Texas Water Foundation Panelists: Floyd Hartman, City of Amarillo; Paula Paciorek, Houston Public Works; Valerie Salinas-Davis, University of Texas at Austin

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: The Influence of Reservoir Evaporation on Water Supply (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Technological advances, such as on-water monitoring platforms and remote sensing, have the potential to enhance traditional reservoir evaporation datasets and assist in water supply planning. Experts will weigh in on current and new initiatives to understand the relationship between reservoir evaporation, current water availability, and long-term water supply. Moderator: Dagmar Llewellyn, Bureau of Reclamation Panelists: Huilin Gao, Ph.D., Texas A&M University; Kelly Payne, P.E., Lower Colorado River Authority; Maxwell Strickler, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Closing General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Working for Texans: Policy Issues for the 88th Legislative Session (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Texas legislators will provide an in-depth discussion on key water policy issues of the upcoming legislative session. Moderator: Evan Smith, Texas Tribune Panelists: Charles Perry, Texas Senate District 28; Drew Springer, Texas Senate District 30; Cody Harris, Texas House District 8; Tracy O. King, Texas House District 80