The National Hydropower Association (NHA) understands the importance of making connections, sharing ideas, and establishing the foundation for future collaborations.
This year, Waterpower Week returns in-person to the Capitol Hilton in Washington D.C. – bringing numerous face-to-face networking opportunities with it.
Between the Hydropower Foundation’s Waterpower Week Kick-off Event, formal receptions, informal happy hours, and hallway meetings between conference sessions – Waterpower Week 2022 will be the place to be this April.
You’ll leave Waterpower Week feeling inspired, having discovered (or rediscovered) valuable business relationships, discussed policy with policy makers, and increased your network of people you can call on after Waterweek Week ends.
Monday April 4th, 2022
5:00 p.m. EDT
NHA MARINE ENERGY COUNCIL NO-HOST HAPPY HOUR
The event will take place at the Sauf Haus Bier Hall, 1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (top floor).
Join us on Monday night before our big Kick-off Event at the NHA Marine Energy Council’s No-Host Happy Hour. You’ll have the opportunity to visit informally with your peers and build connections with marine energy experts before the big Kick-off Event.
This event is open to anyone interested in marine energy and their guests and is a non-ticketed event.
Click here to Learn more about NHA’s Marine Energy Council.
5:30 p.m. EDT
HYDROPOWER FOUNDATION’S WATERPOWER WEEK KICK-OFF Event (ticketed event)
Hosted by the Hydropower Foundation
We’ll officially kick-off Waterpower Week 2022 at this can’t-be-missed event hosted by the Hydropower Foundation.
The event will take place at the Le DeSales Restaurant, 1725 Desales St. NW (just around the corner from the Capitol Hill Hilton) and will include an open bar and passed Hors D’oeuvre.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here. Your participation helps raise funds for the Foundation to do its workforce development, research and educational work.
Click here to Learn more about the Hydropower Foundation.
Tuesday April 5th, 2022
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT
WATERPOWER WEEK NETWORKING RECEPTION
Wrap-up your first full day of conference educational programming at the Waterpower Week reception. All Waterpower Week attendees are invited to join this reception to network with colleagues. This event is included with your conference registration.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EDT
FUTURE LEADERS OF WATERPOWER (FLOW) / YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR (ticketed event)
Networking social event for NHA Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) and Young Professionals. Join us for appetizers and drinks and get to know your colleagues across the industry.
The event will take place at the Crown and Crow D.C., 1317 14th St. NW
This is a ticketed event and is open to conference attendees who are new to the profession to attend.
Click here to Learn more about FLOW.
Wednesday April 6th, 2022
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. EDT
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN WATERPOWER BREAKFAST (ticketed event)
All are welcome to celebrate women in the waterpower industry. This networking event will include a breakfast, an update on the Women in Hydro mentorship program, and featured speaker, Debbie Gray, Climate Policy Manager, International Hydropower Association (IHA).
Click here to Learn more about the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program.
A Couple of Tips For Networking at Waterpower Week
NETWORKING TIP #1
It’s always beneficial to arrive early and stay late during Waterpower Week. Being present in the “off hours” allows you to meet and have conversations with influential people in the field. You can review the agenda ahead of time to plan your days. You may also want to rethink how you use your breaks. Many people spend the time in between presentations checking in with their office, but this is one of the best times to make connections. Don’t dismiss the social activities—the Kick-off Event, networking receptions and happy hours — as some of the best networking takes place at these events. You may also want to consider having dinner with fellow waterpower professionals to network.
NETWORKING TIP #2
As you meet colleagues, presenters and future collaborators during Waterpower Week 2022, be prepared with a 30-second elevator pitch. Share who you are, what you do and why you are attending. Be sure to tailor your pitch to the people you are meeting – and even consider preparing multiple elevator pitches for different audiences. And of course, don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards!
