Where Volunteer Leaders Connect. Inspire. Advance Our Mission.
This September, WQA will bring together its most engaged and forward‑thinking leaders for an exclusive, in‑person Volunteer Summit at WQA Headquarters.
This new gathering is designed to strengthen collaboration, celebrate volunteer impact, and equip leaders for the work ahead.
Event Details
Location: WQA Headquarters, Lisle, IL, and Embassy Suites, Naperville IL
Date: Sept. 16-17, 2026
Attendance: By invitation to WQA volunteer leaders – invitations were sent in April.
Registration: No cost, but please fill out our registration form
Hotel: Embassy Suites, Naperville, IL. Reserve your room by Aug. 16.
The Summit will focus on:
Shaping the Future of WQA
Help guide our committees, engagement networks, and sections during an exciting new chapter built around clarity, strengthened structures, and member‑driven priorities.
Connecting With Fellow Leaders
Meet with committee voting members, engagement network and section chairs/vice chairs, Board members, and invited guests who share your passion for advancing water quality.
Bringing Your Voice Forward
Discuss priorities, share insights, and collaborate on ways to elevate the volunteer experience and support the entire water treatment industry.
Schedule
(schedule subject to change)
September 16 – Please plan to arrive by 11:00 a.m. CT
| 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | WQA Board of Directors (invite only) | WQA Headquarters |
| 11:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch (lunch provided) | Embassy Suites |
| 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. | Industry Research Committee Strategy Session (for all participants) | Embassy Suites |
| 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. | WQRF Joint RAC & OAC Meeting (invite only) | WQA Headquarters |
| 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Top Golf Networking & Engagement Activity (no cost; transportation provided) | meet at Embassy Suites for transportation to venue |
| 6:00 p.m. | Free Evening (dinner not provided) |
September 17
| 6:30-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast available to anyone staying at Embassy Suites | Embassy Suites |
| 8:00-8:50 a.m. | Choose among three concurrent activities at WQA Headquarters: • WQA Sections Joint Strategy Meeting • State & Regional Association Engagement Network Strategy Meeting • Optional WQA Lab Tours | WQA Headquarters |
| 9:00-9:50 a.m. | Choose among three concurrent activities at WQA Headquarters: • Public Affairs Committee Strategy Meeting • Product Certification (standards and codes) Engagement Network Strategy Meeting • Optional WQA Lab Tours | WQA Headquarters |
| 10:00-10:50 a.m. | Choose among three concurrent activities at WQA Headquarters: • Water Sciences Committee Strategy Meeting • Membership Ambassadors Engagement Network + LEAD Engagement Network Joint Strategy Meeting • Optional WQA Lab Tours | WQA Headquarters |
| 11:00-11:50 a.m. | Government Affairs Champions Engagement Network Strategy Meeting | WQA Headquarters |
| 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | WQRF Board Meeting (Invitation only) |
Registration
Registration for this event is free, but we need to know that you are coming so that we can properly plan for meeting spaces, activities, food and transportation. Please fill out our registration form, selecting the sessions and activities you plan to attend.
Hotel Rooms
WQA has a room block at the Embassy Suites Naperville, where some of the Volunteer Summit events will be held. Transportation will be provided to the off-site social event on Sept. 16 and to WQA Headquarters and Laboratory on Sept. 17.
The hotel offers free breakfast each morning of your stay, a fitness center and indoor pool and an on-site restaurant. In addition, it is a 5 to 10-minute walk from at least a dozen restaurants of different price points.
Book your accommodations in WQA’s room block by Aug. 16.
Thank You for Leading the Way
Your expertise, commitment, and enthusiasm power WQA’s goals & influence every day. We’re excited to bring our volunteer leaders together in a way that celebrates your impact and strengthens our shared mission of ensuring quality water for all.
Have questions? email npierce@wqa.org