For the most part, I do not like to travel. I used to, but as I get older I have found the inviting comfort of my home to be more alluring than faraway places.
There are exceptions to this — hunting and fishing trips with friends and family, a short vacation during unfavorable Wisconsin seasons and recently, trade shows I get the pleasure of attending for this job. I truly enjoy attending the WWETT Show, and this year it was exciting to again be behind the scenes of a show and attend the WEQ Fair.
Like usual, I left this show feeling rejuvenated. I spend my workdays at the desk behind a screen, building relationships through countless emails going in and out every day. These shows give me a chance to put faces to names and chat in a relaxed environment. There is just something about shooting the breeze about our industry with a bunch of down-to-earth, hardworking people that makes me leave with a smile.
A shift
As you all know, our world is changing and changing fast through technological advances. AI is altering how we do things, working from home is the new normal for many careers, social media platforms continue to change the way we interact, and streaming platforms and video quality bring live music shows right into living rooms. It seems like the more humans “advance,” the more setbacks we create toward actual human interaction.
But once again, the pumping world is different. No AI platform can hold a suction hose and run a pumping truck. Because of that, you still are out in the world and often conversing with customers as part of your day-to-day. But even with that, you’re not completely immune to the changes. Online bookings, internet equipment sales and automated email responses take away much of the job that used to rely on picking up the phone or talking in person. By all means, take advantage of technology to streamline business and increase efficiency. It has its place, but also make sure to appreciate the parts of the job that keep it a people-first business.
I had a discussion with a co-worker recently about this general topic and the effect of AI and social media on the future of events like the WEQ Fair. We were in agreement that trade shows, live concerts and entertainment and everything alike will become more popular as people will find greater value in “old-school” social interaction and a true handshake deal. I hope that’s the case.
What truly makes this industry special are the people that drive it. Wastewater professionals are already undervalued, and once you take the personal side out of the pumping, it becomes just another service that “just happens” for people with even less appreciation.
The show must go on
I hope industry events like the WEQ Fair, WWETT Show and everything alike grow each year. One of the worst things for this industry would be the disappearance of trade shows. While online platforms and AI can deliver instant technical specs, regulatory updates or troubleshooting steps, they completely miss the physical and relational realities of the septic pumping industry.
In-person trade shows allow operators to directly inspect heavy machinery, evaluate the build quality of vacuum trucks, test pumps and get hands-on exposure to new tools. These events serve as an unparalleled hub for peer networking where drivers, technicians, business owners and manufacturers can share real-world insights, hard-learned operational strategies and local regulatory workarounds. Human connections made on the show floor build trusted vendor relationships and business networks that no algorithm or online course can offer.
I look forward to seeing you all at the next show. Thanks for reading!
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