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/