Thanks to this year's host utility:
"This conference will bring young professionals together for real-world learning, honest conversations, practical skill building, and connections that go beyond surface-level networking. YPs will get exposure to their peers, learn about different career paths in the water industry, network across the state, and celebrate their journey as they begin new adventures within an unlimited career path! This conference is the "who's who" of young Texans in the water industry!"
- Karen Menard, former TAWWA Chair and Lonestar Leader
"This conference will bring young professionals together for real-world learning, honest conversations, practical skill building, and connections that go beyond surface-level networking. YPs will get exposure to their peers, learn about different career paths in the water industry, network across the state, and celebrate their journey as they begin new adventures within an unlimited career path! This conference is the "who's who" of young Texans in the water industry!"
- Karen Menard, former TAWWA Chair and Lonestar Leader
A new conference is here to unite young professionals in water – Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA) and Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) jointly present the first Texas YP Summit™! Join peers from across the state to build leadership skills, expand professional networks, and explore the future of the water sector. Tour a water or wastewater facility with host utility Austin Water, enjoy an evening on Lady Bird Lake, and take in a full day of summit activities, including a keynote from Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson, leadership and mentorship panels, and hands-on team challenges!
WHEN: October 5-6, 2026
WHERE: Austin Permitting and Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752)
WHO: Attendees are early-career water professionals (ages 35 and under) eager to transform the future of water and students in engineering, environmental science, business, communications, and other disciplines prominent in the water sector
WHY: Summit attendees will gain exposure to emerging issues in the water industry while connecting with a diverse group of peers from across the profession. The program is designed to encourage attendees to think critically about the present and future of the industry, broaden their perspective on current challenges and opportunities, and build lasting professional connections. Participation in the summit supports both individual career growth and the ability to bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and industry insight back to their organization.
- SAMPLE LETTER: After you have identified the specific advantages of attending the Texas YP Summit™, provide the expenses and benefits to your manager. Below is a sample letter you can use as a template for your request.
- TX YP 26 Summit Justification Letter.doc
Welcome!
New to Austin? Enjoy the best the city has to offer with our Welcome Guide.
Make it a long weekend by attending Austin City Limits Music Festival from October 2-4, hiking Mount Bonnell, shopping on South Congress, or touring the Texas State Capitol. Eat and drink like a local at central and north Austin favorites.
Join our Social Media Challenge on LinkedIn and Instagram for prizes! Share a photo of yourself at one of the locations in the Welcome Guide with the hashtag #TXYPSummit26 and tag Texas AWWA and Water Environment Association of Texas on LinkedIn or @texasawwa and @weatxorg on Instagram. Prizes will be awarded at the Texas YP Summit on October 6.
Event Schedule (subject to change):
Monday, October 5 - Optional half-day
1:00-3:00 pm: Austin Water Plant Tours (limit 25 people per tour)
Hotel shuttle service will be provided.
- Ullrich Water Treatment Plant
- South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
Enjoy a cruise on Lady Bird Lake with drinks and appetizers.
Tuesday, October 6 - Full-day summit
8:00 am: Welcome Breakfast
8:30 am: Opening Remarks (Alison Kwong, TAWWA Event Chair) + Keynote (Shay Roalson, Austin Water)
9:00 am: Tiny TopOps Group Trivia
Compete for prizes in this fast-paced quiz tournament based on AWWA's Top Ops.
9:45 am: TAWWA & WEAT Leadership Panel
Two leaders each from TAWWA & WEAT share their career journeys.
10:30 am: Mid-morning Break10:45 am: YP Power Hour
10-minute lightning presentations from YPs
11:45 am: Lunch Break1:00 pm: Mentorship + Mapping Your Future (Alissa Lockett, TAWWA Past Chair & WEAT Past President)
Presentation and guided vision board creation.
1:45 pm: Water Circuit Challenge
Compete for prizes and race against the clock to complete hands-on and brains-on tasks.
3:30 pm: Afternoon Break3:45 pm: TAWWA & WEAT Strategic Plans
Have a voice in the future of these organizations.
4:15 pm: Awards Ceremony4:30 pm: Closing Remarks
