Diving into Professional Growth: Highlights from the 2023 JPIA Training Conference in Los Angeles

This October, the 2023 Training Conference brought together 52 staff members from 20 JPIA Member agencies at a new conference location in Los Angeles. The Albert Robles Center for Recycling and Education Center, operated by Water Replenishment District (WRD), is dedicated to public outreach and education on groundwater replenishment and basin management, offering an ideal setting for water industry training. 

During the two-day conference, attendees participated in two JPIA instructor-led classes per day, fostering a more intimate and interactive learning experience due to smaller class sizes. The diverse classes covered topics essential for HR, supervisors, and water industry operations, enabling participants in the JPIA Professional Development Program to fulfill their specialty requirements. 

Conference highlights included: 

• WRD offered a mid-afternoon facility tour, showcasing their water independence achievements. The tour featured a miniature San Gabriel River Valley model and an up-close view of their state-of-the-art water filtration facility, concluding with a water tasting from a creative copper pipe sculpture fountain. 
• A JPIA trivia game added a fun element, shedding light on team members, including military veteran and Senior Risk Control Advisor Jesse Cota and HR Manager Tony Waterford, who is also a professional singer. Gift cards were awarded to four lucky participants. 
• Between sessions, attendees enjoyed onsite breakfast and lunch, providing opportunities for networking with water industry colleagues and JPIA members. 

A post-conference survey revealed 100% satisfaction among attendees, all of whom recommended similar events to other agency employees. JPIA plans to expand regional events throughout California in 2024, ensuring members receive quality training in their preferred manner.  

For questions, suggestions, or training needs, please contact JPIA training at training@acwajpia.com . Your feedback is crucial for shaping future training events. 

 Written by: Linda Craun, Administrative Assistant III