Welcome to the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show issue of Cleaner. I hope you’ve made it to Indy and are excited to take in everything the show has to offer.

This is the biggest show we’ve ever put on, and we hope it’s the best you’ve attended.

I’m looking forward to talking to as many of you as possible, getting your feedback, listening to the issues you’re facing and hearing your stories. Of course, I’m excited to check out all the new tools, trucks and equipment, too, but it’s really your stories I’m interested in.

I’ve been at the helm of Cleaner for three and a half years now. We’ve profiled 84 contractors in that time, and every one reveals a new twist, a different focus or a better way of approaching a problem. It’s an industry with a surprisingly high level of technology and innovation, yet it’s also one driven by so many small family businesses. I enjoy that facet of this industry, and I appreciate that sometimes it’s the mom-and-pop shops that figure out how to build a better mousetrap.

That’s part of what makes the WWETT Show such a great experience — seeing mom and dad and the kids, all dressed in matching company shirts, checking out new state-of-the-art inspection equipment or kicking the tires on a half-million-dollar hydroexcavator. You don’t see that everywhere, and it’s a big part of what makes this whole industry such a close-knit family.

That family atmosphere will be on display all week. Whether you’re in your hotel, the Convention Center or out to dinner, you’ll have no problem striking up conversations with your peers. So take advantage. The insight you gain could help you solve a problem or chart an entirely new course for your business.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to help your business grow and prosper while you’re here in Indy. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself. Make sure all of the following are on your itinerary:

Education Day. You don’t have to spend all day in the classroom, but be sure to pick out at least a couple classes that address questions, areas of interest or new opportunities you’ve been eyeing. The level of instruction is excellent, and knowledge is good for business.

Walking The Floor. OK, this one is obvious, but make sure you see everything on the show floor. You don’t know where you might find inspiration or the next big profit generator for your business, and there’s some pretty cool stuff to see.

Sewer History Exhibit. For the first time, NASSCO and the Arizona Water Association will have their Sewer History Exhibit on display in the main corridor outside the exhibit hall. It’s an impressive display of early ingenuity and a great look at how far the industry has come.

Industry Appreciation Party. We’re giving away a truck. Cole Swindell and Blackjack Billy are playing. And you can wash it all down with 25-cent tap beer. Enough said. Don’t miss out.

It’s not easy to boil the whole week down to four items on your itinerary, and really, why would you want to? There’s so much more to see and do. Take it all in, and enjoy the show.

Welcome to Indy!