Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be the featured speaker at the Water Technology Conference from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 12, at the Veterans Memorial Building in Clovis.

The one-day conference is a BlueTech Valley event presented by the Fresno State International Center for Water Technology that will bring together researchers, industry experts and water

experts from the San Joaquin Valley to discuss water challenges and future implications.

The event is open to the public and will include 32 speakers in panels, technical sessions and exhibits, plus networking opportunities.

“The conference program covers some of the most important concerns facing us here in the Valley,” said Dr. David Zoldoske, executive director of water initiatives at Fresno State. “The morning session starts with an overview and potential impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, a discussion entitled ‘Internet of Things,’ and a panel addressing investment opportunities in the water sector.

Lunch will include the Villaraigosa’s talk, time to visit exhibitors and see student research projects. The afternoon includes three sessions covering groundwater, start-ups and urban water use.”

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Villaraigosa will speak about water management challenges that the nation’s second-largest city faced during his two terms as mayor. He also dealt with related issues as a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 2003 to 2005 and state assembly from 1994 through 2000, when he served as Democratic whip, majority leader and speaker of the assembly.

Cost to attend the event is $99 before April 30 and $125 after that date. Exhibitor booths are available for $299 by April 30 and $435 after.

Event sponsors include AT&T, City of Clovis, City of Fresno and West Fargo Bank. Three levels of sponsorship packages are available that include advertising, exhibitor booths and event registration: platinum ($5,000), gold ($2,500) and silver ($750).

Registration and event information is available at www.icwt.net or by calling 559.278.2066.