Opening ceremony:
- Mayor of Bydgoszcz | IWI President | Guests of honor
- Mayor of Bydgoszcz | IWI President | Guests of honor
On June 24-26, 2024, the City of Bydgoszcz will host the World Canals Conference - WCC organized under the patronage and in cooperation with the Inland Waterways International. It is an annual event for inland waterways enthusiasts, held alternately in Europe, Asia and America (2019 – China, 2021 – USA, 2022 – Germany, 2025 - USA). It will give us another opportunity to continue discussion on development of inland waterways in Poland and to place in an international context.
We assume that Bydgoszcz will attract a broad pool of experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, representatives of public authorities and promoters of using inland waterways, also in terms of tourism. It will serve as an excellent platform for exchange of opinions, ideas and above all solutions applied in different countries. Finally, the WCC2024 will offer a possibility to build relations between all who use, maintain and develop inland waterways, not only in Poland.
In addition to meeting on the Brda and Vistula Rivers, participants will have an opportunity to visit other important sites of inland waterways in Poland during study trips organized within the conference
We assume that Bydgoszcz will attract a broad pool of experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, representatives of public authorities and promoters of using inland waterways, also in terms of tourism. It will serve as an excellent platform for exchange of opinions, ideas and above all solutions applied in different countries. Finally, the WCC2024 will offer a possibility to build relations between all who use, maintain and develop inland waterways, not only in Poland.
In addition to meeting on the Brda and Vistula Rivers, participants will have an opportunity to visit other important sites of inland waterways in Poland during study trips organized within the conference
The River in Bydgoszcz flows through the very center of the city and many tourist attractions are concentrated around it. Thanks to the Brda River, there is a unique atmosphere, conducive to walks along the boulevards, cruises on the Brda River, thanks to which you can get to know various hydrotechnical devices. The Mill Island with branches of the District Museum, a cruise on a water tram through the locks on the river, historical (Bydgoszcz Cathedral, Polish Post) and modern (so-called Glass Granaries, Bydgoszcz Harbor, Opera Nova) buildings on the Brda River, numerous sports events (Triathlon Bydgoszcz, Bydgoska Water , Wielka Rowing) or cultural (River Music, Rudder for Bydgoszcz and many others), or simply the possibility of renting a canoe or a pedalo and exploring the center of Bydgoszcz from the river level are undoubtedly the advantages of our city. In addition, Lemara Barge and the exhibitions in the nearby Granaries tell the history of the development of Bydgoszcz thanks to the Brda River and river transport.
However, not all Bydgoszcz attractions are cumulated by the river. The unique and award-winning Exploseum and the Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt co-create the TeH2O Water, Industry and Craft Trail in Bydgoszcz. It combines the stories of a dozen or so places that intertwine the fate of Bydgoszcz residents with the development of local industry and crafts.
Thanks to international air connections and a convenient network of roads and rail connections, Bydgoszcz is easy to get to, and the constantly developing, diverse accommodation and catering base will meet the expectations of the most demanding guests.
However, not all Bydgoszcz attractions are cumulated by the river. The unique and award-winning Exploseum and the Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt co-create the TeH2O Water, Industry and Craft Trail in Bydgoszcz. It combines the stories of a dozen or so places that intertwine the fate of Bydgoszcz residents with the development of local industry and crafts.
Thanks to international air connections and a convenient network of roads and rail connections, Bydgoszcz is easy to get to, and the constantly developing, diverse accommodation and catering base will meet the expectations of the most demanding guests.
14th Bydgoszcz Water Festival ‘Ster na Bydgoszcz’ 2023 - It was a great celebration! Beach stop - water recreation zone, Parade of sailing vessels, the Great Bottle Race, meetings with travellers.
There was a catering zone and a kids’ play zone on the grass area. Sea shanties concerts and an evening disco under the stars attracted crowds of people to Mill Island.
Outstanding food, travel and entertainment for all
At the festival, everyone will find something for themselves - fans of gastronomy and new tastes will surely like the foodtruck zone with cuisine from around the world. There will be numerous workshops and classes for children, all under the common denominator - water. But that's not all! The beach will once again turn into a paradise island in a maritime atmosphere - it will be the perfect place for relaxation and music
We are looking forward to next edition June 22-23rd, 2024 - as an introduction to the WCC2024.
There was a catering zone and a kids’ play zone on the grass area. Sea shanties concerts and an evening disco under the stars attracted crowds of people to Mill Island.
Outstanding food, travel and entertainment for all
At the festival, everyone will find something for themselves - fans of gastronomy and new tastes will surely like the foodtruck zone with cuisine from around the world. There will be numerous workshops and classes for children, all under the common denominator - water. But that's not all! The beach will once again turn into a paradise island in a maritime atmosphere - it will be the perfect place for relaxation and music
We are looking forward to next edition June 22-23rd, 2024 - as an introduction to the WCC2024.
Conference venues
Chamber Theatre
A place with entertainment traditions dating back to the mid-19th century. The restored building returned in 2022 as a Chamber Theater with a hall for over 230 people.
Rother Mills
The industrial spaces gained a new life as city's Center for Culture and Science. Exhibitions, events dedicated to the popularization of science, local heritage and creative meetings take place here.
Speakers
Register as a speaker
Programme
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10:30
11:30
Plenary session | Part I
Plenary session | Part I
- Bydgoszcz – the city on the water
- Inland Waterways International
- Bydgoszcz Canal – 250th anniversary of construction
- Bydgoszcz – the city on the water
- Inland Waterways International
- Bydgoszcz Canal – 250th anniversary of construction
The session is focused on presentation of the city hosting the Conference, namely the city of Bydgoszcz, situated on the junction of inland waterways of international importance. Connection between the Vistula River Basin in the east with the Oder River Basin in the west was possible thanks to construction of the Bydgoszcz Canal in 1773–1774, which celebrates its semiquincentennial in the year of the conference. The topics of plenary addresses will feature challenges and opportunities resulting from establishment and functioning of this waterway for two and a half centuries, with a special emphasis on significance of the Bydgoszcz Canal in the system of international inland waterways.
Show location
11:30
13:00
Plenary session | Part III
Plenary session | Part II
- Representatives of national institutions
- Representatives of international institutions / organizations
- Representatives of national institutions
- Representatives of international institutions / organizations
Part II and III of the session is dedicated to plans for development of inland waterways in Poland and Europe, in the context of 21st-century ecological and economic challenges. Climate change and intensified pressure from human activities result in constant stress experienced by aquatic environment and all components related to it. Addresses will be focused on investment plans on rivers and canals, considering in particular the principles of sustainable development and results of projects that have already been carried out. Good practice is the key factor in inland waterway management in the aspect of water deficit, increased human pressures on aquatic environment, as well as economic development and challenges.
Show location
13:30
15:00
Plenary session | Part III
Plenary session | Part III
- Summary of part II
- Discussion panel
- Summary of part II
- Discussion panel
Part II and III of the session is dedicated to plans for development of inland waterways in Poland and Europe, in the context of 21st-century ecological and economic challenges. Climate change and intensified pressure from human activities result in constant stress experienced by aquatic environment and all components related to it. Addresses will be focused on investment plans on rivers and canals, considering in particular the principles of sustainable development and results of projects that have already been carried out. Good practice is the key factor in inland waterway management in the aspect of water deficit, increased human pressures on aquatic environment, as well as economic development and challenges.
Show location
16:15
21:00
Excursions - Brdyujście
Excursions - Brdyujście
A stroll around the mouth of the Brda River towards the Vistula, located at a distance of 10 kilometers from the city center, presents an opportunity to explore the local hydrotechnical facilities, including the Brdyujcie and Czersko Polskie locks, the lockkeeper's house, and the cylindrical weir and its power plant.
16:15
20:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway. It is called the Technical Miracle of the 18th century, and is located in the heart of Bydgoszcz. A walk along green belt betwe the locks will be complemented by a visit to the Bydgoszcz Canal Museum. You will learn history of canal itself and how the Trapezoidal Lock works.
16:15
21:00
Excursions - Brdyujście
Excursions - Brdyujście
A stroll around the mouth of the Brda River towards the Vistula, located at a distance of 10 kilometers from the city center, presents an opportunity to explore the local hydrotechnical facilities, including the Brdyujcie and Czersko Polskie locks, the lockkeeper's house, and the cylindrical weir and its power plant.
16:15
20:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway. It is called the Technical Miracle of the 18th century, and is located in the heart of Bydgoszcz. A walk along green belt betwe the locks will be complemented by a visit to the Bydgoszcz Canal Museum. You will learn history of canal itself and how the Trapezoidal Lock works.
10:00
10:30
Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony:
- Mayor of Bydgoszcz | IWI President | Guests of honor
- Mayor of Bydgoszcz | IWI President | Guests of honor
Show location
10:30
11:30
Plenary session | Part I
Plenary session | Part I
- Bydgoszcz – the city on the water
- Inland Waterways International
- Bydgoszcz Canal – 250th anniversary of construction
- Bydgoszcz – the city on the water
- Inland Waterways International
- Bydgoszcz Canal – 250th anniversary of construction
The session is focused on presentation of the city hosting the Conference, namely the city of Bydgoszcz, situated on the junction of inland waterways of international importance. Connection between the Vistula River Basin in the east with the Oder River Basin in the west was possible thanks to construction of the Bydgoszcz Canal in 1773–1774, which celebrates its semiquincentennial in the year of the conference. The topics of plenary addresses will feature challenges and opportunities resulting from establishment and functioning of this waterway for two and a half centuries, with a special emphasis on significance of the Bydgoszcz Canal in the system of international inland waterways.
Show location
11:30
13:00
Plenary session | Part III
Plenary session | Part II
- Representatives of national institutions
- Representatives of international institutions / organizations
- Representatives of national institutions
- Representatives of international institutions / organizations
Part II and III of the session is dedicated to plans for development of inland waterways in Poland and Europe, in the context of 21st-century ecological and economic challenges. Climate change and intensified pressure from human activities result in constant stress experienced by aquatic environment and all components related to it. Addresses will be focused on investment plans on rivers and canals, considering in particular the principles of sustainable development and results of projects that have already been carried out. Good practice is the key factor in inland waterway management in the aspect of water deficit, increased human pressures on aquatic environment, as well as economic development and challenges.
Show location
13:30
15:00
Plenary session | Part III
Plenary session | Part III
- Summary of part II
- Discussion panel
- Summary of part II
- Discussion panel
Part II and III of the session is dedicated to plans for development of inland waterways in Poland and Europe, in the context of 21st-century ecological and economic challenges. Climate change and intensified pressure from human activities result in constant stress experienced by aquatic environment and all components related to it. Addresses will be focused on investment plans on rivers and canals, considering in particular the principles of sustainable development and results of projects that have already been carried out. Good practice is the key factor in inland waterway management in the aspect of water deficit, increased human pressures on aquatic environment, as well as economic development and challenges.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 1
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 1
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Man and human activities | Part 1
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Man and human activities | Part 2
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 2
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 2
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
16:15
19:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway.
16:15
19:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway.
09:00
12:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 1
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 2
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 1
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 2
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Man and human activities | Part 1
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Man and human activities | Part 2
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 3
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Man and human activities | Part 3
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 3
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 4
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Man and human activities | Part 4
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 4
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
16:15
20:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway.
16:15
20:00
Excursions - Bydgoszcz Canal
Bydgoszcz Canal | 250th anniversary of construction
The Bydgoszcz Canal, build in 1773-1774 was 26.77 km long, connecting the river basins of the Vistula and Odra. The project, which had been planned since the 16th century, became an important commercial inland waterway.
09:00
12:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 3
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Water, Heritage and Tourism | Part 4
Concurrent session: Water, Heritage and Tourism
Presentations during the session Water, Heritage and Tourism will be dedicated to tourist and recreational use of rivers and canals as one of the essential meanings of combining economy with the environment. A special session dedicated to aquatic museology is planned as well.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 3
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Ecology and Technologies | Part 4
Concurrent session: Ecology and Technologies
Presentations during the session Ecology and Technologies will be dedicated to environmental topics related to rivers and canals, including preservation of resources and ecosystems as well as advanced sustainable technologies.
Show location
09:00
12:00
Man and human activities | Part 3
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
12:30
15:00
Man and human activities | Part 4
Concurrent session: Man and human activities
Man and human activities constitutes an inseparable component of relations between people and aquatic environment, including rivers and canals. Presentations during the session will focus on determination of a catalog of human impacts on the environment in time and space. In addition, the session will feature revitalization projects of rivers, canals and waterways, to counteract the negative effects, both past and present.
Show location
Tickets
Full ticket
Full ticket
from
800PLN
The ticket entitles you to participate in:
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 24, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- everyday excursions picked from available propositions
Choose
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 24, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- everyday excursions picked from available propositions
Single day - June 24th
Day 1 - June 24th
from
400PLN
The ticket entitles you to participate in:
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 24, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 1
Choose
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 24, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 1
Single day - June 25th
Day 2 - June 25th
from
400PLN
The ticket entitles you to participate in:
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 25, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 2
Choose
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 25, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 2
Single day - June 26th
Single day - June 26th
from
400PLN
The ticket entitles you to participate in:
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 26, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 3
Choose
- scientific session of the WCC2024 conference on June 26, 2024
- coffee and lunch break
- one excursion picked from available propositions for the Day 3
Partners
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Contact to the organizer
Miasto Bydgoszcz- wcc2024@visitbydgoszcz.pl
- +48 783 911 002
Event address
-
Bydgoszcz
-
Młyny Rothera
