The deadline to submit a speaking proposal for the 2026 Water Finance Conference in Denver is Feb. 21, 2026. Conference organizers are looking for speakers for its 12th annual event to be held Aug. 4-5 at the Fritz Knoebel Events Center at the University of Denver. Please submit your 200-word abstract by the deadline for consideration.
The Water Finance Conference is a two-day educational seminar convening executive-level utility professionals, including CEOs, directors, general managers, CFOs and city finance managers along with consultants, financial advisors and service providers to municipal water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
The Water Finance Conference Program Committee prioritizes presentation proposals from public (or investor-owned) water/wastewater utility representatives. If you are a consultant or service provider, presentation proposals that include a representative from a utility/system/authority/district as a presenter/co-presenter are more likely to be considered.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for case studies or thought leadership presentations covering – but not limited to – the following topics as they relate to the funding of water, wastewater and stormwater projects.
- Rate Setting/Implementing Rate Increases
- Alternative/Affordable Rate Structures/Customer Affordability Programs
- IIJA/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law fund implementation
- Hurdles of Applying for/Obtaining Federal Funds
- Leveraging Clean/Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds
- Other Federal Financing Mechanisms – WIFIA, etc.
- Budgeting/Short or Long-term Financial Planning
- Navigating Regulatory Issues Affecting Water Projects – Lead and Copper, PFAS, etc.
- Financial Tech for Water Utilities
- Cybersecurity Meets Utility Financial Management
- Governance Issues
- Private Financing Options/P3s/Privatization
- Cash Reserves
- Cost Savings through Asset Management
- Regionalization/Consolidation
These are for presentations only (no written papers). Please submit a 200-word abstract to Water Finance & Management Managing Editor Andrew Farr at afarr@benjaminmedia.com by Feb. 21, 2026.
The highly popular Water Finance Conference was established in 2015 and provides an exclusive forum for candid discussion around financing in the municipal water utility sector. The event is hosted annually by the journal Water Finance & Management, published by Benjamin Media, Inc., in collaboration with founding sponsor, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and other supporters and sponsors.
The 2026 conference will be held Aug. 4-5 at the Fritz Knoebel Events Center at the University of Denver. Additional conference details will be released in the coming weeks at waterfinanceconference.com.