WQP's editor picks the best social media moments from the 2020 AWWA/WEF Young Professionals Summit

The 2020 American Water Works Association (AWWA)/ Water Environment Federation (WEF) Young Professionals Summit was packed with social media moments. The summit, held in Anaheim, California, featured an all-day emerging leaders workshop on social styles and values on Monday, February 24. The second day of the summit included complimentary professional headshots and professional development presentations on high level conversations, stress management, storytelling and more. The event also featured a social media contest which encouraged attendees to use the hashtag #WaterYPSummit on Twitter. Below are the WQP editor's picks for top social media moments from the summit.
When the opening session speaks to you personally:
One of my favorite parts of the #WaterYPSummit is when Jackie introduced herself and shared with us a story about fear and overcoming it. Even our fearless leaders have fear! Overcoming it helps us grow, a great message for the young professionals in the room. @JackieJarrell1 pic.twitter.com/yLSJsj3Ycl
— Erica (@ericahaide_) February 27, 2020
When one of your favorite leadership authors is mentioned three times at the summit and you know you have good choice in literature:
Sooo I tweeted about this book on my way to #WaterYPSummit📚 This book/author @BreneBrown was brought up three times over the past two days at this training!😳 Did I foresee the future??!!🤔 (@AWWAJimWilliams, @erinmosley & @Rogue_Water) https://t.co/wXF3o257ZG
— Ji Im (@Jihyon_Im) February 25, 2020
When a simple improv game translates to your professional life and reminds you what true anxiety feels like:
Beast, bird, fish... anxiety. Loved this activity! #WaterYPSummit #journalist pic.twitter.com/HPgQBAC7fy
— Nicolle Bradford (@NicolleBradford) February 25, 2020
When the summit challenges you and your peers to think critically on the WHY:
What’s your purpose? Such an important question to begin with and to understand #WaterYPSummit @awwa @WEForg pic.twitter.com/3wlmsv2lrZ
— THE_H2duO (@THE_H2duO) February 25, 2020
When you get outside your comfort zone in a good way:
What they don’t teach you in engineering school - you also need an acting degree. 🥴 Discovering new talents at #WaterYPSummit #Journalist pic.twitter.com/4OQYX2i6kk
— Haley Goddard (@HaleyGoddard4) February 25, 2020
When you realize that your peers and other young professionals share similar values to you:
Our values! #waterYPsummit #paparazzi pic.twitter.com/X8G9sZiWu7
— Camille S (@CamilleNS) February 25, 2020
When you find questionable items on the beach while doing service work before the summit:
#YoungProfessionals went to Junipero Beach for a clean up event this morning before the @awwa / @WEForg #waterYPsummit starts tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/CxXPtOwojT
— Ashley Waldron (@AshleyEWaldron) February 23, 2020
When you aren't afraid to dream big and see that you aren't alone there:
Lots of big ideas for the #futureofwater and @awwa at the #waterYPsummit #publicist https://t.co/W5Q37yG4Fh
— Renee Lanza (@ral618) February 25, 2020
And finally, a point or two from WQP's team:
One of the things I really love about this event that I hadn't realized until now is the diversity compared to others that I attend. It makes a huge difference in getting varied perspectives. This is how we learn, grow and become better people. #WaterYPSummit #publicist pic.twitter.com/LMTmuzqiq1
— Bob Crossen (@BCrossen) February 25, 2020
When you see the big picture:
Wow. 200+ attendees of this year's #WaterYPSummit! I'm honored to be in attendance and networking with the next gen of water this week. Thanks @awwa @WEForg for the opportunity. #Journalist pic.twitter.com/JbFdxkW37d
— Lauren Del Ciello (@laurendelciello) February 25, 2020
WQP's team taking home honors in the 2020 AWWA/WEF Young Professionals Summit Twitter contest: