Top PFAS Conferences in 2022

No matter what industry you’re in, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will have an impact on your organization, if they haven’t already.

Not so long ago, the term “PFAS” was relatively little-known, but these “forever chemicals” are gaining buzz of late as communities gain more awareness of their widespread presence and potential risks.

PFAS are getting attention from all sides: regulatory, legislative, commercial, legal, and social. They became the subject of an extended feature on HBO’s Last Week Tonight earlier this year, and will take center stage at a number of events and conferences (both in-person and virtual) in the year to come.

With all the hype about PFAS, we’ve put together a list of conferences to consider attending that can help answer your questions and network with key stakeholders.

Currently Scheduled 2022 PFAS Conferences

The following conferences related to PFAS are scheduled for 2022. Please see the conference organizer’s websites to register or get more information.

Perrin Conferences: Impact of PFAS on Environmental Litigation

Type: Virtual
When: January 13, 2022
Where: Virtual

Conference overview: Discussion of PFAS and environmental litigation. CLE credits available in some US states.

Who Should Attend?

• Environmental law community

AEHS-West Conference: 31st Annual International Conference on Soil, Water, Energy, and Air

Type: In-person
When: March 14 -17, 2022
Where: San Diego, California

Conference overview: The 31st annual conference on Soil, Water, Energy and Air offers:

• Environmental science research and case studies
• Discussion of current environmental and regulation programs
• Exhibit booths
• Focused workshops
• Social and networking opportunities
• Additional session AEHS-East will be held October, 2022. Specifics are not yet available

Who Should Attend?

• Environmental science community

Science of PFAS Conference

(aka Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS: Public Health & the Environment)

Type: In-person
When: April 5-6, 2022
Where: Marlborough, Massachusetts

Conference overview: Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) has partnered with several organizations for a regional conference on the science of PFAS. The main conference goals are:

• Ensure that the most current and reliable science informs local, state, and federal action to address PFAS contamination
• Facilitate networking and information-sharing among key stakeholders on PFAS topics
• Identify gaps in science and policy to help inform future research

Who should attend?

• Local, state, and federal government officials
• Academic researchers and students
• Consultants and vendors
• Companies that use, make or sell products that contain PFAS
• Non-governmental and environmental organizations 

Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference

Type: Hybrid
When: April 27-28, 2022
Where: Champaign, Illinois and online options

Conference overview: This hybrid conference on emerging contaminants is a certified green event. Topics will include:

• Presentations on emerging soil, water, and air contaminant research, policies, and outreach
• Discussions and networking in all aspects of emerging contaminants in the environment

Who should attend?

• Researchers and educators
• Regulatory agencies, policymakers, and government officials
• Outreach and extension professionals
• Environmental groups
• Members of the general public
• Medical, veterinary, and public health professionals

Twelfth International Conference on the Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds

Type: In-person
When: May 22-26, 2022
Where: Palm Springs, California

Conference overview: Battelle’s 2022 conference for environmental professionals will cover a range of topics including:

• Dedicated presentations on PFAS issues
• Innovations and technologies to address chlorinated and recalcitrant compounds in the environment
• Innovative technologies and approaches for characterization, monitoring, cleanup, and management of complex sites contaminated with the most challenging classes of chemicals

Who should attend?

• International environmental professionals
• Environmental remediation community
• Professionals in science, engineering, consulting, and regulation from universities, state-and-federal government agencies, R&D organizations, and manufacturing firms

NGWA: Fate of PFAS from Groundwater to Tap Water

Type: In-person
When: June 21-22, 2022
Where: Westerville, Ohio

Conference overview: This conference focuses on PFAS in water sources and will cover:

• The fate and transport of PFAS from contaminated sites through groundwater and other environmental media to drinking water systems
• Opportunities to share lessons learned around PFAS
• Discussion of current scientific and management approaches to PFAS issues

Who Should Attend?

• Groundwater scientists and engineers
• Public health officials
• Toxicologists
• Federal, state, and local environmental regulators
• Remediation site managers
• Laboratory testing personnel
• Environmental project planners
• Water systems administrators

Perrin Environmental Risk & Litigation Conference

TBD October, 2022

Details of this annual conference for attorneys and insurance professionals have not yet been released.

To learn more about how PFAS intersects with your business, reach out to Antea Group about our PFAS Management Support services.

About Antea Group
Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through, not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance.