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International Society of Automation News Release
Contact: Jennifer Infantino
+1 919-990-9287
jenniferinfantino@isa.org

Upcoming 2012 ISA Water/Wastewater Symposium Enjoying New-found Popularity and Interest

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA (10 July 2012) - The International Society of Automation (ISA) is pleased to announce that pre-registration activity for the 2012 ISA Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium (WWAC Symposium) has been brisk. As of 1 July, five weeks prior to the symposium, over 110 automation professionals have already registered. In addition, the symposium’s optional full-day short-course on cybersecurity now boasts over 20 participants.

Taking place 7–9 August at the Holiday Inn Castle Resort Hotel in Orlando, Florida, USA, the 2012 ISA WWAC Symposium is a three-day event that focuses on the challenges associated with automation, instrumentation and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) in the municipal water and wastewater sectors. It features two full days of technical speakers/presentations, a tour of a local water treatment plant, a general reception, networking events, a poster session and a supplier showcase. This year’s symposium offers over 30 technical talks on a variety of topics which include cybersecurity, plant automation techniques, operational effectiveness, advances in instrumentation, plant case studies and techniques for developing effective plant control rooms. 

Focused Event
Now in its seventh year, the WWAC Symposium is experiencing a new-found growth in popularity thanks to newly-formed alliances with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and the National Rural Water Association (NRWA). By forming strong partnerships with other associations, the symposium has been able to reach a broader cross-section of water and wastewater professionals across the industry. For members of these associations, the symposium represents targeted professional development and training opportunities that they could not find elsewhere.

“Our secret is our focus,” says Bob Lindeman, 2012 ISA president. “Our annual WWAC Symposium specifically caters to the needs of professionals involved with automation, instrumentation and SCADA in the municipal water and wastewater sectors. It is a niche event and we are proud of its increasing popularity. There is no other event like it in North America.” 

Training and Professional Development
Training and professional development is the major focus of this annual symposium. Thanks to ISA’s alliance with the FSAWWA, the symposium is able to offer 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), approved by the Florida Department of the Environment, to Florida-state licensed water and wastewater operators. Florida Engineers can also earn 20 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) towards their state-issued engineering licenses. Additionally, attendees from outside of Florida can also earn 20 PDHs, certified by ISA, to use for their continuing education needs as applicable. The optional short-course on cybersecurity offers an additional 2.0 CEUs for both Florida and out-of-state attendees.

New Products and Services
In addition to the technical program, attendees will have an opportunity to view the latest water and wastewater industry products and services when they visit the Supplier Showcase. “The WWAC Symposium is an event that speaks directly to the water and wastewater professionals who are involved with automation, instrumentation and SCADA on a daily basis as part of their jobs. Technology has a major impact on the smooth running of our public water infrastructure, and this is why we are proud to be involved with this year’s symposium,” says Mark Leinmiller, water/wastewater segment manager of Schneider-Electric, who is the platinum sponsor of the symposium. Other sponsors of the 2012 symposium include Gray Matter Systems, Phoenix Contact, Honeywell, Eramosa Engineering, Malcolm Pirnie/ARCADIS, PAS and Kenexis. A full listing of symposium exhibitors and sponsors can be found on the symposium website.

Registration Is Open
More information about the WWAC Symposium can be found at www.isawwsymposium.com. On the symposium website, visitors will find the symposium brochure, complete technical program, full abstracts and biographies for all speakers and information on discounts for ISA, AWWA and WEF members. Registration is open at www.isawwsymposium.com/register/.

About the 2012 ISA Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium

Presented by the Water and Wastewater Industries Division of ISA, the 2012 WWAC Symposium helps professionals in the water and wastewater sector understand how automatic control applications affect processing and distribution of water treatment. It also provides an opportunity to gain valuable technical information and training. The three-day symposium focuses on the challenges associated with automation and instrumentation in the water and wastewater sectors. It features two full days of presentations (two speaking tracks), a tour of a brand-new Orange County Utilities water treatment facility, a general reception, networking events, a poster session and a supplier showcase. The 2012 ISA WWAC Symposium is being held from 7–9 August 2012 at the Holiday Inn Castle Resort Hotel in Orlando, Florida. More information can be found at www.isawwsymposium.com or by contacting Graham Nasby, general symposium chair, at graham.nasby@eramosa.com.

About ISA

Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards, certifies industry professionals, provides education and training, publishes books and technical articles, and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of the Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).