2025 World Canals Conference comes to Buffalo

A world-class program that highlights some of the most exciting and innovative activities on the world’s waterways is set to take place September 21-25 at the 2025 World Canals Conference (WCC 2025) in Buffalo. Registration is open for one-day or full conference attendance through September 12.

According to World Canals Conference Honorary Co-Chairs Keith Belanger and Anne McCaffrey, “The World Canals Conference provides opportunities to hear from the most forward-thinking experts in canalside development, waterway engineering and management, and canal tourism and preservation. Attendees will be among the industry’s best and brightest and will have a hand in transforming the future of canals.”

Speakers from eight countries – Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Scotland, and the United States – will offer informative presentations and lively discussions around the renewed interest and ever-growing importance of waterways in our communities.

The conference will also showcase the departure of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief on its bicentennial voyage on Wednesday, September 24, as well as a free Bicentennial Summer Sendoff public event on Sunday, September 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at Canalside.

“We invite people from around the world to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to experience and learn best practices from an international group of inland waterway experts,” NYS Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said. “Ideas and inspiration from Canada, the UK, France, Germany, India, and beyond will help fellow global canal stewards plan for the future of these beloved waterways.”

Western New York is the perfect location for WCC2025 to also give conference participants a firsthand look at transformative projects along New York’s canals.

“Participants will see revitalized waterfronts at Buffalo, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Medina, Brockport, and Fairport; experience getting on the water for boat tours; and marvel at the canal system operations today,” Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Executive Director Bob Radliff said.

The five-day conference will be held as the historic Erie Canal, now a National Historic Landmark, commemorates its bicentennial.

Patrick Kaler, President of Visit Buffalo-Niagara, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to welcome guests from across the globe as the international spotlight shines on Buffalo for the World Canals Conference. As the historic western terminus of the Erie Canal and home to a revitalized waterfront rooted in maritime heritage, Buffalo is the perfect host for this global event. We look forward to welcoming international delegates and local attendees alike.”

The conference is co-hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, and Visit Buffalo Niagara in collaboration with Inland Waterways International, with lead support by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.

Foundation, and sponsored by M&T Bank, National Grid, 100 Must See Miles Along the Erie Canal, along with more than 40 other businesses and foundations. It is slated to have a $2 million indirect economic impact for the city of Buffalo.

For more information and to register, visit https://wcc2025buffalo.com/.

Provided information