2025 Fall Conference Recap
Grand Wayne Convention Center - Fort Wayne, Indiana

The 2054 Fall Conference at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was a tremendous success, packed with insightful sessions, engaging networking opportunities, and memorable moments.

On Tuesday, October 22nd, the conference began with the IFA Regional Meeting and a roundtable discussion featuring AIRW staff and industry professionals. That evening, Carson Law set the tone for the event by hosting a warm welcome reception with appetizers and drinks at their nearby gathering space. This kickoff provided an excellent chance for attendees to connect, meet new faces, and enjoy some good food and cocktails.

Wednesday morning opened with a light breakfast and a warm welcome from Deputy Director Lorean Johnston and Executive Director Kristin Bean. After the Opening Session, attendees were selected from various specialized tracks, including Administrative, Water, and Wastewater. Thanks to the support of Fort Wayne Utilities, the conference also brought back the popular Water and Wastewater Plant Tours.

The luncheon on Wednesday in the Exhibit Hall was a highlight, starting with a lively performance by special guest Ryan Niemiller, “The Cripple Threat of Comedy.” Hawkins presented apprenticeship scholarships to Jantzen Fields, Jeffery Smith, Cody Conner, and Dwayne Scott during the luncheon. All past and current apprentices were then recognized onstage, celebrating the success of this valuable program. Following this, we honored our tenured staff members for their significant milestones with the Alliance: Kelly Gardner (5 years), Donald Papai (10 years), Rex Blanton (15 years), and Gordon Meyers (25 years). A special moment came with the inaugural presentation of the Gene and Sharon Eaton Commitment to Rural Excellence Award, honoring Gene and Sharon for their lifelong dedication to rural water and exceptional contributions to the industry.

An exciting end to Wednesday included the “Best Tasting Water in Indiana” competition, presented by Wessler Engineering, with Fort Wayne Utilities again claiming the title. They will represent Indiana in the Great American Water Taste Test at the National Rural Water Association’s Rally in Washington, D.C. in 2025. We were honored to have Nate Spangle (Founder of Get Indiana), David Peterson (NRWA Vice President), and Mary Martin (Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mike Braun) as this year's judges.

After a day of learning, the Exhibitor’s Reception welcomed attendees with refreshments, games, and the highly anticipated "Rural Water Feud," a game show hosted by Rex Blanton in his humorous role as "Steve Harvey’s long-lost cousin." The day ended with a hospitality event at the Hilton Atrium, where colleagues and friends, both old and new, gathered to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Thursday began with a hot breakfast buffet, energizing everyone for another full day of sessions.  David Peterson (NRWA Board Vice President, Treasurer of Kentucky Rural Water Association, and CEO of Caveland Environmental Authority) addressed the membership before the membership meeting.  The Annual Membership Meeting featured the election of a new board member, Travis Calhoun, for a three-year term starting in 2025. Laura Vidal and Scott Dompke were also welcomed as the newest Advisory Council Members.  

The winners of the inaugural Behind the Flow Photo Contest were also announced: Micheel Hut from Bargersville (Rural Indiana Water category), Lauren App from Chandler (Water Infrastructure category), Mary Cripe (Utility Operator category), and Tara Terrel (Staff competition). The Sportsman's Raffle, supporting the WaterPac Fund and rural water representation in Washington, D.C., was a popular attraction for attendees and exhibitors. John Mrozinski of New Carlisle took home the grand prize of two electric bikes, while Ben Knight with the Otwn of Chalmers Water Works won the shotgun in the Shotgun Raffle.

Thank you to all attendees, speakers, vendors, sponsors, Board Members, and staff for making the 2025 Fall Conference an outstanding event! We look forward to building on this success and seeing everyone again soon.