About this expo
The IAPH World Ports Conference, the premier gathering for the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), returns to London, United Kingdom, from November 3 to 6, 2026. Hosted at the newly renovated Olympia International Convention Centre (ICC) in Kensington, this edition marks London's first time hosting the conference in nearly three decades, following previous events in 1965 and 1997. The conference serves as a vital platform for port authority chief executives, senior port professionals, maritime industry stakeholders, and policymakers, including those involved with international maritime regulation like the IMO.
The comprehensive programme features plenary sessions, breakout meetings, roundtable discussions, and technical visits, alongside dedicated cross-industry networking opportunities. Key themes for 2026 include sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience, addressing critical challenges and innovations within the global ports sector. Attendees can also look forward to a gala dinner and the IAPH Sustainability Awards ceremony, held at the Natural History Museum, London.
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), founded in 1955, represents a significant portion of the global maritime industry. As of 2026, its membership includes approximately 200 port authorities and 180 port-related businesses from over 90 nationalities, collectively handling more than one-third of global sea-borne trade and over 60 percent of world container traffic. IAPH's work focuses on crucial areas such as decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation across the maritime transport chain.
Highlights
5 items- Held at Olympia International Convention Centre (ICC), Kensington, London.
- AUMA listed (2026).
- Features plenary sessions, technical visits, and networking opportunities.
- Key themes include sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience.
- Organized by IHS Markit Global Headquarters.
FAQ
4 questionsWhen and where does it take place?+
The IAPH World Ports Conference will be held from November 3 to 6, 2026, at the Olympia International Convention Centre (ICC) in Kensington, London, United Kingdom.
Who organizes it?+
The event is organized by IHS Markit Global Headquarters. The conference is the flagship event of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).
What industries and products are covered?+
The conference covers the global ports sector, focusing on themes such as sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience in maritime transport. It brings together port authority chief executives, senior port professionals, maritime industry stakeholders, and policymakers.
How can I attend or exhibit?+
For current registration and participation information, please visit the official website.