2026 FRWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE/DAYTONA BEACH/072726-072926

Refund Policy: A 50% refund will be issued if written request is received before July 24, 2026. Refunds will not be issued until after the Conference.

🌴We’re Headed Back to Daytona Beach… and You’re Invited! 🌊

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to return to the Hilton Daytona Beach, where your family can soak up the sun while you sharpen your skills! With room rates starting at just $169, no resort fee, and a $10 parking discount, this is an unbeatable deal in one of Florida’s most iconic beach destinations. The Hilton Resort is all sold out of rooms!!  

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS: CLICK HERE FOR EXHIBITOR KIT

🚀 Kick Off the Conference in Style – Monday, July 27

Start the week strong at the Vendor Expo, located just across the street from the Hilton, featuring hands‑on demos of the latest technology. Afterward, we’ll head back to the Hilton Exhibit Hall for a box lunch and an afternoon of Exhibitor Training. Attend just Monday and earn 0.5 CEUs.

The day wraps up with the FRWA Social—the perfect chance to relax, network, and reconnect with friends.

⛳ Tee Time or Training – Your Choice!

Prefer to hit the links instead? Don’t miss the 2026 Paul Brayton Golf Tournament at the LPGA International Golf Club. Click here for driving directions. The tournament begins with an 8:00 AM shotgun start.
It’s a FRWA favorite you won’t want to miss!

🎓 Tuesday: Education, Awards & Celebration

Registration opens early Tuesday morning for those arriving that day. Enjoy a continental breakfast, then jump into the Opening Session at 9:30 AM and hear from Rural Water dignitaries and find out the winners of the FRWA Annual Awards (click here to submit your nomination), Scholarship winners, and recognition of FRWA long time members. 

This year's keynote speaker will be A. Russell Hughes, Superintendent of Walton County School District: 

Superintendent Hughes has more than 35 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, Dean of Students, Head Football Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, and since November 2016, the elected Superintendent of the Walton County School District. He holds multiple degrees and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Pastoral Studies. 

His leadership has earned statewide and national recognition, including being named Superintendent of the Year (2024) by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), one of the nation’s 24 “Superintendents to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association, and receiving the Super Hero Award (2021) from the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. 

Since taking office, Superintendent Hughes has guided Walton County to become Florida’s #1 ranked school district according to the Florida Policy Institute, increased the graduation rate from 77% to 97.5% (2nd in the state), and raised state assessment rankings to 3rd in Florida from ranking number 35th in the State of Florida. Under his leadership, students have also earned more than 2,500 Career and Technical Education certifications, strengthening workforce readiness and expanding opportunities for student success. 

Superintendent Hughes is an author(EPIC With One Opportunity) and has published in quite a few Genres.

Conference Highlights include:

• Opening Session
• 35+ concurrent session topics
• Annual FRWA Membership Meeting at 5:15 PM
• Exhibitor Social Tuesday evening featuring:
  • 🏆 Best Tasting Water Contest winners-
  • To enter, have your sample in a quart jar at room temperature to the Attendee Registration desk by 12:00 noon on Tuesday. Click here for more info. 
  • 🎟️ 50/50 raffle drawing
  • 💧 Annual Meter Challenge

📚 Wednesday: Learn & Head Home Early

After a quick continental breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, classes begin for the final day at 8:00 AM and wrap up by noon, giving you plenty of time to travel home before dark.
✅ Don’t forget to grab your CEU form—earn an additional 1.0 CEU for the 2027 Cycle!

💥 Extra Fun You Won’t Want to Miss

• Zenner’s Ultimate Meter Challenge – Compete for $500, bragging rights, and a shot at the national event to earn the legendary “METER MAN” title! You must be an attendee at the 2026 FRWA Annual Conference to participate and complete a signup form by clicking here or register at the Zenner USA Booth! Please e-mail the registration form to: rgallon@zennerusa.com and esanchez@zennerusa.com. Grand Prize $500 Gift Card. 2nd Place $300 gift card. 3rd Place $100 gift card.
• Ferguson Waterworks - This event is presented by FRWA in cooperation with Ferguson Waterworks and designed specifically for Water Professionals to test and measure how quickly , totally, and accurately an individual can repair a leak. You must be an attendee at the 2026 FRWA Annual Conference to participate and complete a signup form by clicking here and emailing the form to frwa@frwa.net. Grand prize-$500 Gift Card
• Core & Main-This event is designed specifically for Water Professionals to test and measure how quickly, totally, and accurately an individual can install a curb stop onto a service tube under pressure. Must be a 2026 FRWA Annual Conference Attendee to compete. Complete a sign up form by clicking here and emailing the form to frwa@frwa.net. Grand Prize $250 gift card.
• Fun & Games outside the Exhibit Hall for those not needing CEUs
• Best Tasting Water Contest – Bring your sample by the Attendee Registration Booth before 12:00 PM Tuesday
• Prizes, giveaways, food, friends, and nonstop fun in the Exhibit Hall

🎉 Lots of learning. Lots of laughter. Lots of memories.

We can’t wait to see you in Daytona! 🌊🏖