‘Disrupt or be disrupted’ is the ultimatum being put to delegates at the Institute of Water’s 2019 Annual Conference.

Hosted by Sara Venning, Institute of Water President Elect and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Ireland Water, the conference is titled ‘Disrupt or be Disrupted: how disruption is transforming the water sector’.

Disruption is taking centre stage across the industry and the conference will consider the transformation that is taking place with emerging digital technologies and business models. These innovative new technologies and models, including robotics and automations, will undoubtedly benefit our businesses and change the shape of future customer services.

With global keynote speaker James Honeyborne – creator and Executive Producer of the renowned award-winning BBC Blue Planet II, the conference will explore disruption to the environment and the role of plastics within the water sector. We will also look at the importance of reputation within our organisations and how we can attract the best talent in the sector.

NI Water Chief Executive, Sara Venning said:

“Esteemed business expert, Sir John Parker will lead us into the conference, which will consider how the demands of the water industry are constantly evolving and will take a glance into the future to see how technological advances can improve our responses and bring benefits to our customers, as well as environmental considerations.”

“I’m very excited to welcome Blue Planet’s creator James Honeyborne, as well as globally renowned leading disruption expert Leo Johnson and technology expert Oliver Rees who will take us through the changing nature of the workplace. We have an excellent speaker line-up over the two days and look forward to announcing more information very soon.”

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming delegates to the wonderful city of Belfast in June for the conference events where we can all learn, create and share our ideas for the future.”

Water sector professionals are invited to come along for the latest industry thinking, digital technologies, environmental and reputational issues, mixed with a social programme that’s not to be missed.

Lynn Cooper, Institute of Water Chief Executive said:

“I’m delighted to be returning to Belfast where we can be sure of a very warm welcome. Sara has assembled an excellent mix of speakers from inside and outside the industry that will challenge the current thinking of the water sector and I’m confident that our Conference will once again have something to offer anyone with an interest in the water industry.”

The three-day conference takes place on 26th – 28th June 2019 and will be held at the Titanic Belfast. The Institute of Water’s Annual General Meeting and Meet the Leaders events will be on the 26th June, followed by the full conference on the 27th and 28th June.

Bookings are now open and people are encouraged to book early to secure the best deals on travel and accommodation and to ensure they don’t miss out on any of the specialist sessions or speakers. Flights to Belfast are regular with short flight times and operate from most UK airports.

Places can be booked online now by going to instituteowater.org.uk/disrupt19

Don’t forget to book your place at our associated conference events…

Institute of Water AGM – Book here.

National President’s Dinner and Awards – Book here.

Meet the Leaders – Book here.

Z-Tech Social Night – Book here.

Young Persons Network Launch – Book here. 

The conference and associated events are supported by Visit Belfast.

Never been to an Institute of Water Conference before? Watch our video to get a flavour of what to expect.