Registration is officially open for the World Canals Conference 2025 (WCC 2025), a gathering of inland waterway experts, enthusiasts, and stakeholders from around the world, happening September 21 through 25, 2025, in Buffalo, New York. This year’s conference holds special significance as it coincides with the Bicentennial of the opening of the original Erie Canal, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, commemorating its pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of the United States.
The WCC 2025 is an international forum to exchange ideas, tackle pressing challenges, and brainstorm innovative solutions for the future of inland waterways The conference theme is sustaining our multidimensional inland waterways and topics will range from development and preservation to tourism – on local, regional, and global scales.
Organized by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, and Visit Buffalo Niagara (the “Hosts”) in collaboration with Inland Waterways International, the conference offers attendees:
•Keynote speakers and presentations from inland waterway experts and enthusiasts from around the globe.
•Exclusive, full-day field sessions to significant canal and cultural sites in Western New York.
•Networking events designed to foster collaboration and prompt discussions around the significance and impacts of inland waterways everywhere, shared challenges, and visions for transforming them for the future.
•Pre- and post-conference tours that extend from New York City to Canada, along with community events and activities, which explore the impact of the Erie Canal on the region’s history, arts, culture, and specialty foods and beverages.
•The Bicentennial voyage departure of the Seneca Chief, a full-sized replica of the same boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the vessel will recreate its inaugural journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor accompanied by a historic flotilla.
Early bird registration for WCC 2025 is now open for a limited time at a discounted price and can be purchased online at https://wcc2025buffalo.com/register/. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Conference passes include access to field sessions, presentations, networking events, meals, and Bicentennial commemorations, as well as the option to sign up for pre- and post-conference tours.
Visit https://wcc2025buffalo.com for conference details, trip planning resources, and to sign up for conference updates.
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