The World Plumbing Conference (WPC) 2026 is where policy, innovation and sustainability converge – and this year’s keynote programme sets a bold new standard. The event is set to be hosted from 23–25 June 2026, at NEC Birmingham, and will challenge how you think about water, infrastructure and the profession itself. Some of the panellists and conversations set to take the stage have been announced.
Keynote and panellist: Claire O’Neill, CBE – Former UK Minister for Energy & Clean Growth. Supplied by World Plumbing Conference 2026
Keynote and panellist: Claire O’Neill, CBE
Former UK Minister for Energy & Clean Growth.
Claire opens the conference with The Global Plumbing Commitment: Rethinking Water Neutrality – introducing a pledge for industry-wide transformation grounded in sustainability, water efficiency and professional excellence. Her address sets the tone for a movement where water neutrality is not an ambition, but an imperative.
Panel – Plumbing as a catalyst: Circular solutions for a water-secure future
This panel will highlight how plumbing can drive conservation, resilience and responsible infrastructure. Anchored by a shared industry commitment, the discussion will showcase collaboration, innovation and harmonised standards as pathways to water secure communities. With perspectives spanning policy, activism, sanitation and consumer design, the panel will challenge delegates to reimagine plumbing as a catalyst for global sustainability.
Panellists:
- Feargal Sharkey, OBE – Musician, environmental campaigner, former CEO of UK Music. From chart-topping musician to one of the UK’s most influential water advocates, Feargal brings national momentum to the issue of river health and sewage reform, inspiring a national movement for cleaner waterways.
- Chris Hines, MBE – Environmental campaigner, sustainability consultant, former CEO of Surfers Against Sewage. A pioneer in environmental campaigning, Chris has spent three decades driving measurable change. Through consultancy and roles such as the BBC’s Sustainability Advisory Group, he champions business as a force for good – while still surfing.
- Daphne Doody-Green – Chief Executive, Bathroom Association. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Daphne is driving sustainability, regulatory engagement and stronger industry collaboration. As CEO of the Bathroom Association, she champions collective action and ensures the sector’s voice is heard where it matters most.
- Doulaye Koné – Director of WASH Programs, Gates Foundation. Leading global sanitation innovation, Dr. Koné brings a worldwide lens to safe water access and breakthrough infrastructure solutions. His work impacts billions – and reshapes how systems are designed for equity and scale.
- Moderator: Tom Heap – Leading environmental journalist and broadcaster. Bringing clarity, challenge and sharp insight, Tom will guide the discussion to connect policy, activism, engineering and innovation.
These are just a few of the influential voices taking the stage at WPC 2026. The full programme features even more global leaders, technical experts and industry innovators delivering forward-thinking sessions you won’t find anywhere else.
View the full programme here: Agenda – World Plumbing Conference 2026
Source: Supplied by World Plumbing Conference 2026
