2026 Operator Days
Tuesday, February 10th & Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
Lansing Center, Lansing, MI
 

Abstracts are being sought for the technical program of the 2026 Operator Days. Operator Days is the classroom training part of Joint Expo. Over 1,100 water and wastewater utility managers and operators attend this event annually. 

Topics being requested must be either TECHNICAL or MANAGERIAL in nature and must apply to both Water and Wastewater Operators. We are seeking abstracts on the following topics:

• Lab
• Pumps
• Lifts
• MISS DIG
• Leadership
• Galvanized Service Line Replacements (GLSR)
• Work Culture
• Implementation of GIS
• Updating Asset Management Plans or Creating Them
• Creating/Implementing a Safety Program

Abstract Requirements:

• Presenters shall provide a brief (one page or less) written abstract summarizing their talk.
• The abstract shall include the presentation title and contact information (name, title, email and employer)

Presentation Requirements:

• Presentations shall be 30 to 45 minutes in length, including 5 minutes for questions and answers.
• You are required to present IN PERSON – recorded/virtual presentations will not be accepted.
• Presenters must be willing to have their presentation recorded for an online version of the event or to be shared with registered attendees at the discretion of MWEA & MI-AWWA.
• Presenters are to utilize MS PowerPoint® software for the visual aid.
• Presentation DRAFTS are due 3 weeks prior to conference for staff review.
• FINAL presentations are due 1-2 weeks prior to the conference for upload to the MWEA laptop used on-site for all presentations.
  • You CANNOT use your own computer on-site.
  • You will have a slide advancer and either a Lavalier or Handheld Wireless Microphone for use.
• Optional: a PDF version of your presentation will be made available to the attendees following the end of the conference.

NOTE: Presenters are NOT reimbursed for travel, lodging or given honorarium of any kind. Accepted presenters attend free on the day of the conference they speak and a discounted FULL conference registration is also available.

Round 1 Deadline: 9/12/25 *2nd and Final Round Deadline: 9/26/25*