From 10 to 12 October New Orleans was host to WEFTEC, with the tagline create connections, transform tomorrow, New Orleans manifested as no better place to meet water professionals from around the world. It also offered a first-hand experience for water quality education, leading experts, the latest tech, trends and proven solutions. Connections and transformation really did materialize at WEFTEC 2022, how? Discover all below.
Joint Dutch Expertise
Together with the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) Water Alliance hosted the Netherlands Lounge at the WEFTEC exhibition. The eye-catching lounge was there to showcase the Dutch water sector. Being the spot to learn all about the best the Netherlands has to offer to solve US and global water tech challenges. Via the sharing of state of the art innovations on for example: AI for water asset management, hygiene, wastewater treatment and re-use, plus many other new innovations.
The participating companies in the Netherlands lounge:
- Acquaint,
- Berghof Membranes
- Nedap
- Klaren International
- Aquatech
- PB International
- Paques
- WIS Award 2020 winner Samotics.
On Monday 10th October the EU Techbridge project, of which Water Alliance is a partner, hosted a networking reception at the Danish pavilion. Scott Allison, Stefan Bergsma, Harro Brons and Jesper Kjelds welcomed the diverse crowd. All the while current water topics were discussed and participants enjoyed typical Danish delights.
The EU Techbridge project matches innovative European SMEs with North American based end-users/corporate buyers which are looking for innovative water and energy solutions. By setting up an intensive matchmaking programme (virtual and physical), concrete challenges from North American corporate buyers are matched with innovative solutions from European SMEs
Q&A with Stefan Bergsma, International Business Developer Water Alliance and Project Manager EU Techbridge
Why is it important to have projects like EU Techbridge?
These projects provide concrete business opportunities for the Dutch water technology sector. On the one hand, Dutch water tech companies are put in touch with existing challenges and technology needs and, therefore, business opportunities in North America. On the other hand, the project is important for North American parties with a water or energy-related challenge. This project may help them find highly innovative solutions to big issues.
Most of the project (matchmaking) is done online, why is it vital to have physical meetings like these?
Online is very convenient to have first meetings to get to know each other before jumping in a plane. But to continue working on a concrete partnership or project, it stays important to meet each other physically. It is still the case that a lot of business is done via diners and networking drinks
Is doing business in America different compared to Europe?
Absolutely. The standards and legal system are different. Furthermore, it is essential to have a local partner in America.
Can you tell us something about a recent success within the EU Techbridge project?
A nice example within EU Techbridge is that Samotics came in contact with US utility MMSD (Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District). They had several digital meetings and now they discussed collaboration opportunities live at WEFTEC.
On Tuesday October 11th the eight Dutch companies Acquaint, Aquatech, Berghof Membranes Group, Klaren International, Nedap, Paques, PB International and Samotics pitched their solutions at the Global Center stage. As the Netherlands is renowned for their water inventiveness, this session provided a unique first-hand experience to current challenges and their solutions.
That their unique stories struck a chord with the audience was evident immediately afterward. Small crowds gathered around the Dutch innovators, wanting to know more. Listening in on the conversations the attendees really wanted to know all the specifics about the Dutch innovative water tech. If you listened more closely you could hear first connections and possible alliances being made.
Tech Tuesday didn’t stop there as the Netherlands lounge was buzzing with activity during the Networking event at 16:00. Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of the Netherlands Deirdre McGlinchey spoke about the importance of cooperation. This was a great closing of a day filled with sessions, information gathering and discussing current (water) issues.
Casper ten Bokkel, International salesmanager PB International
‘WEFTEC has brought us good potential partners/dealers. I am having a follow up meeting to speak with a party with whom we may be able to set up recurring business. The party has supply chain issues that we can overcome for them and thus offer security of supply.
WEFTEC was also interesting to speak with our current partner about the strategy for the coming years. We have an amazing customer portfolio in the northeastern states, but would like to expand to other states. To this end, we had an exploratory discussion at WEFTEC. All and all it was a fruitful event for us.‘
Harro Brons, manager Business Development at Water Alliance – What are your final thoughts on WEFTEC New Orleans?
The water community in North America wanted to meet up at WEFTEC, especially also with international water tech suppliers and stakeholders. Apart from catching up with the network in the US, we heard that new prospects and leads were found by the participating companies, so number and also quality of talks was good.
New Orleans not only delivered as a beautiful and hospitable backdrop, it also excelled in connecting people at WEFTEC2022. See you at the next edition in Chicago October 2nd – 4th 2023.
About WEFTEC
The Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest conference of its kind in North America and offers water quality professionals from around the world with the best water quality education and training available today.
As the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world, the expansive show floor provides unparalleled access to the most cutting-edge technologies in the field. WEFTEC serves as a forum for domestic and international business opportunities; and promotes invaluable peer-to-peer networking among registrants.
