TOPSFIELD, Md. (Sept. 17, 2015) – The International Desalination Association (IDA) announced that the recently concluded 2015 IDA World Congress attendance surpassed 1,700, with delegates from 63 countries representing Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and countries such as Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Côte D'Ivoire, Chile and Argentina.
A record 470 abstracts were submitted for the technical program. The final program comprised 301 total presentations (157 podium presentations and 144 digital poster presentations) and 24 sessions, each with two or three co-chairs.
Nine interactive panel discussions added a new dimension to the technical program.
The 11,000 square meter exhibition featured 115 companies from 20 countries. Also, part of the exhibition, the new Innovation Theater featured well-attended presentations on new technologies and services from 12 companies around the world.
More than 50 civic leaders attended an invitation-only public outreach session featuring speakers from the United States, Australia and Singapore.
Awards presented at the World Congress totaled $31,500. Six awards at $5,000 each were presented in the categories of State of the Art, Innovation, Research & Development, Environment & Sustainability, Young Leaders Program and Emerging Leader. Three awards at $500 each, chosen by delegate vote, went to Most Appreciated Presenter, Most Appreciated Poster and Most Appreciated Moderator. Three Presidential Awards were also conferred.
IDA, a non-profit association, is the point of connection for the global desalination and water reuse community. IDA serves more than 2,600 core members in 60 countries and reaches an additional 4,000 affiliate members.