Despite being one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, being consistently ranked as a top arts and cultural destination among cities its size and holding the Guinness World Record for the longest number of consecutive sunshine days in the world (768 days), the city of St. Petersburg, Florida still somehow manages to slip under the radar as a top destination. I’ve been visiting St. Pete for a couple years now and every time I go, I find another reason to go back!

If you have been to one of our events before you know that you are in for a unique and gratifying experience. I admit, I’m biased, since I also help to plan and coordinate our National Watershed and Stormwater Conference but that’s why I want to share my top five reasons to join us in one of the best cities in Florida for one of the best conferences in this industry.

  1. Content. First and foremost, we have the best sessions, period. Too many conferences leave attendees feeling like they have spent hours listening to commercials for products or services. Not ours! We pride ourselves in handpicking speakers and abstracts that matter in today’s world. Our conference will give water professionals a firm grasp of tangible solutions and best practices to apply based on detailed examples from case studies. (Agenda)
  2. Field trips. Whether you want to join us for a technical tour that will highlight the many layers of a completed project in St. Pete and will showcase the restored Clam Bayou ecosystem or join us in a kayak ride through the mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island, we have a field trip for everyone. This year, we have five field trips options, including two technical-based and three physical activity tours. Each of them will give you a chance to explore the city of St. Pete more in depth. (Register here)
  3. Workshops. Want to earn even more Professional Development Hours? What better way than by getting hands on experience. This year our staff is leading an MS4 workshops where you can come network with MS4 Communities as they explore solutions to your most pressing questions. Or you can join John Bilotta’s (University of Minnesota) workshop and learn about the Watershed Game to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to facilitate and use this highly effective tool in your own programs and education efforts. (Register here)
  4. Work Hard, Play Hard. One of the most unique parts of our conference is the number of extra activities we provide to keep you entertained. There’s no need to worry about traveling alone or not having plans in your downtime. We have daily evening activities planned to help you unwind. Join our brewery tour, or join us in the park to watch Footloose, or maybe catch a drink with us at a rooftop bar happy hour, unless you prefer to unwind at a relaxing yoga class. We strive to make our conference fun, while making connections that will help you professionally.
  5. Location. This is one of the biggest reasons why I love coming back to this city. You are a short car ride away from one of the biggest cities in Florida, Tampa Bay. In Tampa, I recommend biking, running, or walking the Tampa Riverwalk. The 2.6-mile path links downtown attractions along the Hillsborough River and leaves you at the footsteps of the Tampa Bay History Center and The Florida Aquarium. You are also a short car ride away from Clearwater, whose beaches are consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful. I recommend a relaxing beach day followed by a sunset celebration at Pier 60. If you’re really feeling magical, you’re also located less than 2 hours from Disney World in Orlando! And last but certainly not least, you can stay in Downtown St. Pete and catch a Rowdies soccer game or visit the Dali Art Museum and see why ‘Condé Nast ​Traveler’ named St. Pete as one of the top small U.S. cities with a “big-time art scene” in 2022.

We will be there for a week so make sure you leave time to visit the new St. Pete Pier, catch a bite or drink on Central Ave, and extend your stay to catch the Saturday Morning Market. Hopefully after coming to our conference, you will be just as in love with St. Peterburg, Florida as I am.

Register for the 2022 Conference here

Marlyn Argueta

A born and raised Marylander, Marlyn joined the Center in 2017. He graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in history and an associate’s degree in business administration. After hours, you can find him at a DC United soccer game or coaching the South River High School soccer team. His passion for soccer and helping the community propelled him to be a finalist in the 2015 Major League Soccer Community MVP Award.