Welcome to the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show issue of MSW. I hope you’ve made it to Indy and are excited to take in everything the show has to offer.

This is the biggest show we’ve ever put on, and we hope it’s the best you’ve attended.

I’m looking forward to talking to as many of you as possible, getting your feedback, listening to the issues you’re facing and hearing your stories. Of course, I’m excited to check out all the new tools, trucks and equipment, too, but it’s your stories I’m most interested in.

I’ve been at the helm of MSW for over three years now. We’ve profiled 114 utilities in that time, and everyone reveals a new twist, a different focus or a better way of approaching a problem. It’s an industry with a high level of technology and innovation, yet sometimes it’s still the smallest utilities, trying to do more with less, that figure out how to build a better mousetrap.

That’s part of what makes the WWETT Show such a great experience — seeing such a diverse group of people all seeking better ways to serve their communities. And that’s mirrored by the diversity of manufacturers, from large companies offering the latest and greatest jet/vac trucks and rehabilitation systems, to the startups providing innovative ways to address specific issues you face every day. It’s the positive, proactive approach we celebrate in MSW, and it’s on display all week at the show.

Whether you’re in the classroom, kicking the tires on a half-million-dollar hydroexcavator or striking up conversation with peers in your hotel lobby, you’ll have no problem finding inspiration. So take advantage, because the insight you gain could help you solve a nagging problem or chart an entirely new course for your utility.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your utility while you’re here in Indy. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself. Make sure all of the following are on your itinerary:

Education Day. You don’t have to spend all day in the classroom, but be sure to pick out at least a few classes that address questions, areas of interest or new opportunities you’ve been eyeing. The level of instruction is excellent, and knowledge gained will serve you year-round.

Walking the floor. OK, this one is obvious, but make sure you see everything on the show floor. You might find the long-sought solution to your FOG problems or a new inspection system that changes the way you manage your assets. Or you may just walk out with fresh ideas to improve your operations. Either way, there’s some pretty cool stuff to see.

Sewer History Exhibit. For the first time, NASSCO and the Arizona Water Association will have their Sewer History Exhibit on display in the main corridor outside the exhibit hall. It’s an impressive display of early ingenuity and a great look at how far the industry has come. Sometimes taking a look back can help you see the way forward.

Industry Appreciation Party. We’re giving away a truck. Cole Swindell and Blackjack Billy are playing. And you can wash it all down with 25-cent tap beer. Enough said. Don’t miss out.

It’s not easy to boil the whole week down to four items on your itinerary, and really, why would you want to? There’s so much more to see and do. Take it all in, and enjoy the show.

Welcome to Indy!