The International Water Association (IWA) has named Glasgow as the host city for its 2026 world congress and exhibition.
The London-based organisation, which has members in 140 countries, seeks to provide sustainable water solutions for the ‘severe water challenges facing the world today’.
It unveiled the Scottish city as hosts for its next-but-one meeting on World Water Day. Last year it met in Copenhagen and next year it meets in Toronto.
The announcement followed a collaborative bid that included the venue, SEC, VisitScotland, Glasgow Convention Bureau, and its ambassadors at IWA UK.
The bid was supported by the Scottish Government, aligning with the country’s ‘Hydro Nation’ policy agenda which recognises water not only as part of the Scotland’s national identity, but a contributor to its low carbon economy.
In addition, the bid team worked with representatives from other UK water organisations, including British Water, Scottish Water, and the Water Industry Forum.
Glasgow has sought to position itself as a host for sustainability-related meetings, following its hosting of the COP26 conference in 2021 and its bid emphasised the role water plays in combatting climate change, and the importance of the conference in spreading this message.
“IWA is delighted to be able to partner with a city and venue that has sustainability at the very heart of its operations,” said Dr Marie Whaley, senior VP, International Water Association.
“We are thrilled to be bringing our flagship event to the SEC Glasgow in 2026 and are confident Glasgow provides the ideal backdrop to foster relationships and drive discussions which support the global community in transitioning to sustainable water solutions that are robust and flexible in the face of global change pressures.”
Kathleen Warden, director of conference sales, SEC, said: “This was the best of Glasgow, demonstrating the close relationships we have at venue, city and national destination level and how these add so much value to conferences that come here. This is exactly the kind of conference we love at the SEC – those that look to carry critical messages around the world. We’re looking forward to welcoming the delegates of IWA to our city.”
Aileen Crawford, head of tourism & conventions, Glasgow Convention Bureau, added: “In Glasgow, and in Scotland, collaboration is key. The team approach that secured the IWA conference to our city ensured all partners were able to bring their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the fore.”
Neil Brownlee, head of business events at VisitScotland, said: “To secure the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is a huge win for Scotland and I am incredibly proud of the collaborative work with SEC, Glasgow Convention Bureau and the Scottish Government that went into our successful bid. Scotland is a country of innovation and there are a huge number of organisations working within the hydro sector that are creating next-generation products and services, which I hope will be recognised and channelled into the event programme to enhance the delegate learning experience.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
