Freshwater Forum

​Join us for Current’s Freshwater Forum, the premier event of Chicago Water Week 2025! This inspiring evening will bring together water industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore how cross-sector collaboration, corporate commitments, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of water.

​The event will highlight the momentum behind Chicago’s growing water innovation ecosystem and the role of strategic industry partnerships in turning bold ideas into scalable solutions.

​We’re honored to welcome Peter Annin—renowned environmental journalist, director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at Northland College, and author of The Great Lakes Water Wars and Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water—as the forum's keynote speaker.

​We're also excited to host a panel discussion, Anchoring Innovation: How Industry is Driving Water Solutions, with our esteemed panelists:

• ​Christy George, President & CEO, Intersect Illinois 

• ​Bill Lowry, VP of Innovation & Strategic Development, Exelon

• ​David Nowak, VP of Engineering, Sentry Equipment

• ​Moderator: Nina Dudnik, PhD, Chief Commercial Officer, Current

​The Freshwater Forum will take place at the Shedd Aquarium, where we’ll gather in the Aquarium Galleries—the perfect setting to celebrate water. You’ll also have the chance to experience Shedd’s newly opened Wonder of Water exhibit, featuring two massive, 28,110-gallon tanks showcasing saltwater and freshwater ecosystems side by side.

Thank you to our event sponsor, the Shedd Aquarium!

Support water innovation and help drive real solutions for the world's most pressing water challenges—donate to Current today and be part of the movement to grow our circular blue economy.