Speaker Insights

Ahead of the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit, we asked our speakers to share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the global bioeconomy.

1. Why is now such an important moment for the water and bioeconomy sectors?

To borrow from a famous quote – “ the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.”  Besides the past, now is the most opportune time to make change in our industry, and we’re fortunate to have been learning for decades about the impact that our industry can have on not only our customers and the environment, but on so many market sectors like fertilizer, energy and industry.

2. What is the biggest opportunity in wastewater and resource recovery?

Our biggest opportunity is to realize and enact those elements of our industry that go beyond the bounds of just wastewater treatment and waterway protection.  With the resources coming to us every day, we can surpass our primary mission and close the loop in a variety of ways.  It is not only important to expand and utilize those resources, but to also inform our customers, regulators, legislators, and funders that we can and should be doing more, and that we need the foundational support to do so.

3. Who are you hoping to connect with at the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit?

I am hoping to connect with the people and products of our industry that have successfully shown how to join the water sector with opportunities for us to do more.  Going beyond our conventual industry boundaries is entering uncharted territory, and learning from those who have successfully navigated this, as well as sharing our story, is key to all our successes.