Finance & Contract Administration Workshop
June 16-17, 2025
Reston, VA (New WWEMA Offices)
Located near Dulles Airport, Washington, DC
** Now Offering – Live Stream Two Key Presentations! **
- Contracts Overview and Trends by Alexander Bandza, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
- BABA is the Law – Now What? Where are We? by Matthew Michaels, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
The WWEMA Finance & Contract Administration (F&CA) Workshop is a must-attend event for professionals who engage in contract management or have financial oversight within their organization. This interactive and engaging workshop will offer attendees an opportunity to learn from experts who will cover a range of issues from key aspects of contract litigation, terms and conditions, various bid and procurement types, cybersecurity and AI trends and more.
Who Should Attend?
- Presidents, CEOs, and Senior Executives
- Contract, Finance, and Legal Staff
- Business Development Managers
- Water and Wastewater Technology Manufacturers
- Manufacturers’ Representatives
- Industries Using Water Treatment Technologies
- Utilities, Water Associations, Industry Media
| F&CA Agenda and Schedule of Events | |
|---|---|
| Monday, June 16th | |
| 2:00 - 5:00 pm | Registration |
| 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Keynote Speakers David A. Goldwater, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Stantec Korey Gray, Chief Procurement Office, DC Water |
| 3:30 - 3:45 pm | Networking Break |
| 3:45 - 5:00 pm | Economic Outlook The water sector is experiencing strong momentum, fueled by aging infrastructure, evolving regulations, and a significant infusion of federal funding over the last few years. However, like any industry, its performance is closely tied to the broader economic climate. This presentation will explore key economic indicators—including GDP trends, inflation, labor market dynamics, construction input costs, housing activity, tariffs and demographic shifts. We’ll offer insights into where the market is headed and assess the outlook for sustained growth. Thomas Decker, Owner, Thomas E. Decker Consulting, LLC. |
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Networking Reception (at WWEMA HQs - 5th) Floor |
| Tuesday, June 17th | |
| 8:00 - 9:00 am | Networking Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 10:00 am | The Regulatory Context for Contracts Administration in the Water Sector: An Update on EPA and Congress As federal regulations and legislative actions continue to evolve, staying current is essential for effective contract administration in the water sector. This session will provide a timely update on key developments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Congress that directly impact how contracts are structured, implemented, and managed. Fred Andes, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg |
| 10:00 - 10:45 am | AI and Cybersecurity and Its Impacts on Contracts in the Water Sector As AI and Cybersecurity become ever more important to the water sector, this session will address their implications to contracts and financial administration that all manufacturers need to be aware of. Dr. Liner is an advisor with NASA and other organizations on how AI has evolved and how it may influence all aspects of business administration Barry Liner, PhD, PE, Principal, Aldera LLC, Senior Advisor to The Water Council |
| 10:45 - 11:00 am | Networking Break |
| 11:00 - 12:00 pm | Contracts Overview and Trends - *Live Stream Available* The landscape of contracts in the water and wastewater sector is rapidly evolving—shaped by shifting regulations, funding requirements, supply chain challenges, and risk management concerns. This session will provide a high-level overview of current contract structures, common provisions, and emerging trends that are impacting how agreements are developed and executed. Alexander Bandza, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Networking Lunch |
| 1:00 - 2:00 pm | Breakout: Hands-On - Participants Will Evaluate Contract Terms Closely Put your contract knowledge to the test in this interactive, hands-on breakout session. Participants will work in small groups to examine real-world contract language, identify problematic clauses, and suggest improvements. Facilitated by: Alexander Bandza, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg Matthew Michaels, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg |
| 2:00 -3:00 pm | Find the Flaws and Sharpen your Contract Knowledge An exciting and interactive session designed to deepen your understanding of contract language and sharpen your drafting skills. In this hands-on workshop, you'll actively engage in identifying problematic provisions, spotting red flags, and improving key contractual clauses to better protect your organization. Facilitated by: Alexander Bandza, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg Matthew Michaels, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg |
| 3:00 - 4:00 pm | BABA is the Law - Now What? Where are We? - *Live Stream Available* The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) is now firmly in place—but what does that mean for manufacturers, suppliers, and project owners navigating federally funded water and wastewater projects? This session will provide an up-to-date overview of BABA implementation, current compliance requirements, and the practical realities of meeting domestic sourcing mandates. Matthew Michaels, Esq., Partner, Barnes & Thornburg |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
Registration
| Category | Early Bird Registration (Register by May 7th) | Rate after May 7th |
|---|---|---|
| WWEMA Member - 1st Registrant | $650 per person | $700 per person |
| WWEMA Member - Additional Registrants | $475 per person | $525 per person |
| WWEMA Emerging Leader Registrant | $350 per person | $400 per person |
| WWEMA Non-Member Registrant | N/A | $850 per person |
| WWEMA Member - Live Stream 2 Sessions | $95 per person | |
| WWEMA Non-Member - Live Stream 2 Sessions | $200 per person |
Hotel Reservations
WWEMA has a block of rooms at The Sheraton Reston Hotel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA. Group rate is $239 per night. Hotel Reservations are available by clicking below. Cut-off date for reservations is Monday, June 2nd.
Sponsorships (Sponsorships are available through registration)
WWEMA provides sponsorship opportunities to enhance the success of our F&CA Workshop. Sponsors receive recognition across various channels, including promotional materials, social media, the onsite program, podium announcements, meeting video screens, the WWEMA website, and in post-meeting summaries and documents. Detailed information can be found during the registration process.
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Coffee Break & Snacks Sponsor | $250 |
| Platinum Sponsor | $500 |
| Emerging Leader Advocate Sponsor | $1,000 |
| Welcome Reception Sponsor | $1,000 |