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Watercoolers Europe (WE) was established in 1993, originally known as the European Bottled Watercooler Association (EBWA). As a non-profit, non-governmental international organisation, WE is dedicated to advancing the watercooler industry across Greater Europe.
In 1998, WE expanded with the opening of its Brussels office, becoming an Association of National Associations – an essential structure for engaging with EU regulatory and policymaking bodies. This positioning enables WE to effectively advocate on behalf of its members.
Today, WE represents both the bottled watercooler and Point-of-Use (POU) sectors, with membership comprising national associations, bottlers, distributors, and directly related supplier companies. In total, WE represents over 300 individual companies across Europe.
As a central hub of knowledge, expertise, and professional resources, WE supports the watercooler industry by addressing common concerns and facilitating the exchange of technical, scientific and regulatory information. Through these efforts, WE helps its members maintain stringent quality standards, achieve business success, and safeguard their investments.
WE ensures that members stay informed about evolving EU legislation and actively participates in political and regulatory processes to shape new laws in the industry's favour. It engages with industry stakeholders, governmental bodies, and public agencies, coordinating unified positions and presenting a collective voice to regulatory authorities.
Furthermore, WE champions high standards through independent and self-regulatory initiatives, including the development of a Code of Hygiene to safeguard consumer protection and a Code of Ethics to uphold the professionalism and integrity of its members.
For more information, visit watercoolerseurope.eu.
📅Watercoolers Europe 2024: Event programme📅
Conference
Immerse yourself in a full day of professional development at our flagship conference. Engage with international experts as they present cutting-edge research and emerging trends in your field. Gain practical insights to enhance your daily work, network with peers, and stay at the forefront of innovation.
Workshops
Join hands-on workshops designed to elevate and grow your business. Learn practical skills directly from industry leaders, ensuring a learning experience that delivers tangible value.
Gala dinner and Aqua Awards
Celebrate the pinnacle of innovation and achievement at our spectacular gala dinner, where the Aqua Awards winners will be unveiled. This prestigious event marks the highlight of the WE event, recognising industry pioneers and luminaries for their extraordinary contributions.
Join us at Europe’s leading gala, an exceptional opportunity to honour excellence and build lasting connections. Share in an evening of elegance and excitement, and bring your partner along to enjoy the festivities. The Gala Dinner promises to be a night to remember, blending sophistication, celebration, and recognition of success within our industry.
Dress Code: Semi-formal, festive attire
Venue: Le Chateau Ballroom, Strada Turturelelor nr. 11, Bucharest, Romania
Trade Fair
The WE International Trade Fair offers a prime opportunity to engage directly with customers and business partners. Present your products and services to a targeted, industry-specific audience from across Europe. Strengthen existing business relationships and cultivate new connections, extending the reach and influence of your business.
Detailed schedule
Thursday 10 October 2024
Conference
09:00 - Registration & Refreshment
09:30 - Welcome & Chair's Address
Marzia Mariott – WE Chair
09:40 - Latest European Market and Industry Development and Outlook
Richard Hall – Zenith Global
10:10 - Emerging Trends in the Romanian Market
Dan Sorin Popa – Deputy CEO, La Fantana
10:40 - Hydration Break
11:10 - Green Growth: Sustainable Strategies for the European Water Cooler Market
Craig S Scott - Managing Director – International Sales, Polymer Solutions International Inc.
11:30 - Harnessing AI: Revolutionizing Workplace Efficiency and Innovation
Keynote speaker on strategic IT - Thorsten Jekel
12:30 - Discussion Panel: Safe Water, Healthy Lives: The Essential Process of Filtration Systems
Moderator: Derek Callaghan – Conseiller Commercial Européen
Experts: Darren Bamber - Head of Technical, Culligan International
Roberta Sassetti - Customer Service & Quality Manager, Blupura
13:00 – Lunch
Workshops – Technical & Legislation
14:00 - Innovations in UV-LED For The Water Industry
Daniel Santos Canelles - Business Development, Crystal IS
14:30 - EU Regulations 2024: Key Updates on BPA and PFAS Management
Ulrich Kreuter – Product Manager – Beverage Quality, SGS Institut Fresenius
15:00 - Hydration Break
15:15 - Hygiene Awareness Course Goes Digital: Key Insights and Guidelines
Alex Mezquida - EMEA Quality Director, Culligan
15:45 - Audit Of Bottling Facilities: Processes and Practices
Antoni Borrell - Technical Consultant, Laboratorio Dr. Oliver Rodés
16:15 - Finish
Workshops – Marketing & Communications
14:00 - Leveraging CSR and circularity in a marketing strategy
Stephanie Francoz, Elis
14:30 - AI at Work: Enhancing Business Communication Strategies
Keynote speaker on strategic IT - Thorsten Jekel
15:00 - Hydration Break
15:15 - Strengthening Industry Reputation with Code of Practice Adherence
Speaker TBN - Bureau Veritas
15:45 - Finish
Aqua Awards & Gala Dinner
19:30 Aqua Awards & Gala Dinner
Friday 11 October 2024
Trade Fair
09:00 - Trade Fair
13:00 - Lunch
15:00 - Finish
Please register now for the WE 2024 conference, workshops, trade fair, gala dinner and Aqua Awards ceremony on the event website: watercoolerseurope.eu/event-programme-registration-fees-for-visitors/