Operator Appreciation Day
Recognizing Tennessee’s Water & Wastewater OperatorsEvery day, water and wastewater operators protect public health, support community growth, and ensure reliable infrastructure. Operator Appreciation Day (OAD) is our way of saying thank you.
Join us for a day of recognition, education, and connection. Whether you’re new to the field or have decades of experience, this event is for YOU.
Operator Appreciation Day 2026
Your Day. Your Celebration.
We’re celebrating the operators who keep Tennessee’s water safe and systems running. Expect education, networking, recognition, and fun - with food, games, and giveaways along the way.
Thursday October 29th, 2026 - Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Student Union Ballroom1768 MTSU Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Reserve Your Spot for OAD 2026
Who Should Register
OAD is a free event designed for Tennessee operators in:
- Water Treatment
- Wastewater Treatment
- Water Distribution Systems
- Wastewater Collection Systems
How to Register
- Click the “Register Here” button below.
- Complete the short online form.
- Check your email for confirmation and additional details.
Tip: If you have multiple certifications, you’ll have a chance during registration to select which certification you’d like your CEs applied to.
Know Before You Go
- CEs are only awarded to those who attend all three sessions and the closing ceremony
- Badge turn-in will take place during the closing ceremony
- Must be present for prize drawings
Select a topic below for more information on each subject.
- Doors open: 7:30 AM
- Check-in location: Event registration desk outside the Student Union Ballroom, 2nd floor.
- When you check in, you’ll receive your name badge, and a full schedule.
- Your name badge is required for session attendance and CE tracking.
Directions
- Enter campus from Greenland Drive
- Turn onto Blue Raider Drive
- After the first roundabout, take the next right into the event parking lot
- If you reach a second roundabout, you’ve gone too far and will need to turn around
Parking
- Parking is free for attendees
- Boxed lunches will be available on-site during the lunch break
- Vegetarian options will be available
- You are also welcome to purchase your own food at the Student Union restaurants on the first floor
We’ve planned some interactive activities and games throughout the day… but we’re keeping the details under wraps for now.
Let’s just say you’ll have plenty of chances to laugh, compete, and maybe even win something.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Q: When is registration cut off for Operators?
A: Operators may register until October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST.
Q: Can I register in person on October 30, 2026?
A: No. All registrations must be submitted online before the deadline.
Parking & Accessibility
Q: What if there are no more parking spaces?
A: All parking lots on MTSU's campus is available to event attendees. MTSU uses a QR system to register for parking. Parking is free with a coupon code provided to FTC at a later date. Details will be provided in an email at a later date.
Q: Will this event be ADA accessible?
A: Yes. Enter the MTSU Student Union atrium and follow posted signs for elevator access to the second floor.
Food & Dining
Q: What’s for lunch?
A: The OAD planning committee is finializing lunch details.
Q: Can I purchase my own food instead?
A: Absolutely. To view options available on the first floor of the Student Union Building, visit the link below
Dining Locations - Middle Tennessee State University
Other
Q: Where can I smoke?
A: MTSU is a tobacco-free campus. There are no designated smoking areas.
Q: Will there be games or activities?
A: Yes. Expect plenty of opportunities to have fun and maybe even win something.