Under the auspices of Inland Waterways International (IWI)
www.inlandwaterwaysinternational.org

Restore – Regenerate – Reimagine

www.wccireland2018.com

Every year, the World Canals Conference brings together hundreds of canal and waterway enthusiasts, professionals and academics from around the world. During the conference delegates exchange ideas about canal management and development including: the protection of historic features; technical developments; revitalization of canal systems and harbors; recreational opportunities; and the promotion and presentation of canal history. Ways of promoting tourism and invigorating rural economic development and urban renewal are explored.

Since its inception in 1988 the World Canals Conference has grown significantly and now welcomes waterway management agencies and professionals, users and enthusiasts from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

Conference delegates, official partners and sponsors will have a range of both formal and informal opportunities involving presentations, networking, exhibitions, educational tours and social programs to share and exchange experiences, technical solutions and know-how.

On September 10th – 12th ,2018, the World Canals Conference will take place in Ireland. Themed Restore Regenerate Reimagine, the conference will showcase Ireland’s many restoration and re-imagining projects in a three-day event were delegates can update their knowledge of innovative waterways management experiences and techniques from all over the world.

Athlone on the mighty River Shannon, and at the heart of Ireland, is our conference base and the perfect location from which to explore the beauty of the country’s inland waterways. Equidistant from Galway and Dublin and in the centre of 1000 km of canal, river and lake navigations, Athlone is exciting tourism destination. It is home to a Norman Castle, Clonmacnoise Monastic Site with World Famous Round Tower and extensive biodiversity in the boglands and lakelands; never mind the extensive range of water based activities on the doorstep of our conference hotel.

The traditional Irish Céad Mile Fáilte welcome will be extended to all visitors with options to tempt delegates to come earlier and stay longer already packaged. So join Waterways Ireland and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) in Athlone in September 2018 and experience it for yourself.

ABOUT WORLD CANALS CONFERENCE 2018 HOSTS:
Waterways Ireland and The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland are proud to bring the World Canals Conference to Ireland and to sharing the transformation with you.

Waterways Ireland manages a network of 1000 km of navigable rivers, lakes and canals in Ireland and Northern Ireland, principally for recreational purposes. Since establishment in 1999 Waterways Ireland has invested over € 100 m in new and upgraded navigational facilities and services and is now working with partners to develop recreational opportunities for communities, business and public sector agencies. Waterways Ireland reports to two governments working jointly through the North South Ministerial Council.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) is an energetic, fun, diverse voluntary body representing over three thousand five hundred enthusiasts, with 23 branches across the island of Ireland, all sharing a keen and passionate enthusiasm for the waterways of Ireland. Formed in 1954, the IWAI advocates the navigation, use, maintenance, protection, restoration and improvement of the inland waterways of Ireland. In partnership with other voluntary organizations, the IWAI has consistently lobbied Local & Central Government and Statutory Agencies for improvements and developments to the waterways network.


For further information on accommodation, social programme, tours and registration:

http://wccireland2018.com/
Conference Partners International
Tel: + 353 1 296 8688
Email: WCC2018@conferencepartners.ie