DETAILS
Date: November 3, 2026
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Theme: “Cutting through the Chaos: Hands-On Skills and Methods for Digital Implementation”
OVERVIEW
The SWAN Digital Water Workshop at NWWC 2026 will bring together water sector leaders, including utilities, technology providers, and industry experts, for a focused afternoon on digital water transformation. Hosted by SWAN and CWWA, the sessions will explore practical approaches to smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable water and wastewater networks.
Through interactive presentations, roundtables, and utility-led insights, the program will address real-world challenges, implementation strategies, and emerging trends, while offering opportunities to connect with peers and explore innovative technologies.
AGENDA
1:30-1:35 Workshop Welcome
1:35-2:15 How do we lead transformation, preserve expertise, and ensure buy-in?
Moderator: Michael Mucha, Principal (Moonshot Missions)
- Virgjil Turtulli, Manager, Asset System Performance (The Regional Municipality of York)
- Andrew Talkes, Founder (SmartValve Limited) “Cutting through the Chaos: Why Digital Transformation Still Misses the Moment That Matters“
- Jon Grant, Director of Sales/”Workforce Ninja” (Operational Technical Services) “From Tribal Knowledge to Field Readiness: Turning SOPs and Operator Experience into Living Digital Training”
2:15-3:00 Interactive Roundtables: Session 1: Unpacking Challenges
In this interactive first session, after getting to know your table participants, zoom in on the challenges related to the framing question of the roundtable. What are some of the hurdles utilities face? How can we move from exploration to consideration to implementation?
- Why Do Digital Transformation Projects Stall? Lessons from the Gap Between Vision and Implementation?
Nick Copeland, Associate – Canada Digital Water Lead (Arup) & Arash Farajian, Manager Field Innovation Team (Toronto Water) - Mutual Aid Agreement for Technology
Stephanie LeBlanc, Sr. Manager Information & Technology Services (IT/OT), Jason MacDonald, Manger, Cyber Security GRC, & Marc Gaudet, Emergency Management Coordinator (Halifax Water) - How do you build a trusted data foundation without starting over?
Madison Veperts, Director of Implementation (Klir), Andre Forget, Account Executive (Klir) & Dean Takashima, Water Quality Specialist (Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency) - Building Security into Smart Water Projects from Day One
Donald Wells, Managing Principal/vCISO (Luminary Automation, Cybersecurity and Engineering) & TBC - Technology Implementation Decisions and Procurement Lessons
Jim Cooper, Global Director, Water (Arcadis), Kevin Flis, Client Solutions Manager (Xylem), & Kirk MacDonald, Cyber Security Project Manager (Halifax Water)
3:00-3:30 Networking and Refreshments Break
3:30-3:40 SWAN Update
- Maddy Zimmerman, Americas Director (SWAN Forum)
3:40-4:40 Interactive Roundtables: Session 2: Building Solutions
From the challenge statement in the past roundtable session, how can we overcome this hurdle? What supports or tools are needed? How is success measured, quantified, and validated? Develop a tangible outcome with key recommendations to share.
4:40-4:55 Rapid Fire Recaps
4:55-5:00 Workshop Conclusion
