There are few opportunities for PROs like the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show. 

For those who’ve been there, you get it. And for those of you who haven’t, but are planning on making the trip to Indianapolis later this month, you’re in for quite the experience. If you are undecided, this year’s event will be held Feb. 17-20 at the Indiana Convention Center and I highly recommend you attend.

Aside from the educational opportunities and endless booths to browse, the show rejuvenates excitement and energizes that sense of pride for what you do. Talking to people that are passionate about their product or work is contagious. It’s hard to leave the event without feeling enthusiasm for the industry. 

Building the Business

There is no better place to learn how to start a business, expand operations or transition into new offerings.

Portable restroom manufacturers and restroom trailer companies show up in force with not only sizable displays of their products, but teams of staff members that know the products inside and out. Visit each company’s booth to get your hands on new designs to make sure they check off all the boxes that matter most to you, and ask the representatives any questions you may have.

Likewise, spend some time at your favorite truck and tank supplier. Not only can you learn the ins and outs of the latest vacuum truck trends, but you can chat with the people you are trusting to build the products you invest so much in. In an industry as tight-knit as this one, forming a relationship with those people is smart business. 

I also find it helpful to hang back at new suppliers of interest before engaging with reps. Watching how they interact with other potential customers can be a great first look at their service values and indication of how they will handle support down the road. 

Share Ideas

Beyond checking out the new products, the WWETT Show also provides an incredible platform to share your thoughts and ideas with manufacturers. What features do you wish were standard on restroom trucks? What additional qualities do you want to see with luxury trailers? Is there a product missing from the market that you think a company could provide?

Over the years, I’ve written and read my share of Product Spotlight features in this magazine. A common question we ask manufacturers about their product is why they decided to come out with a specific product or upgrade, and most often their response is that ideas come from customer feedback. They are listening, so don’t be afraid to share. 

Plan to Wander

Making a list of personal must-see seminars and booths prior to getting to the show is a great idea. There is a lot to see and not enough time to cover it all. But one thing I’ve learned in my limited years at the show is that it’s invaluable to make time to walk without intent. 

Sit back, soak it all in and allow time to slow down a little. It’s amazing what you see and who you can meet when you are cruising the floor with your eyes and ears open and no target destination in mind. 

Let’s Talk

As the newly appointed editor of PRO, I’m very excited to go into this year’s show with a different perspective. Please flag me down if you see me or send me an email beforehand if there is something you wish to discuss. I will be wandering the show floor all week in hopes of meeting PROs that want to share their story. 

I’m anxious to learn what concerns you have about the industry, or what things you’re most optimistic about. Like usual, talk of the town seems to center around disposal option limitations. I’d be very curious to hear your thoughts and ideas of solutions for that ongoing concern. 

As always, thank you for reading this issue. I hope you enjoy it and for those going to the show, have a great time and I hope to see you there!