The excitement is growing. Last preparations are in full swing. The first participants are already in town. The buzz is audible. Once again, this will be a Danube Water Conference to remember.

Tuesday will see a series of “members only” events: The Young Water Professionals will gather at the Word Bank premises for a YWP Day, the UBP Danube Hub will start its two-day workshop, including a NewIBNET Management Practices Workshop, and Wednesday morning will bring the IAWD General Assembly.

The Conference itself opens noon, Wednesday. As reported, it will focus on the recent State of the Sector report update – from minute 1: “From Past Lessons to Future Visions - A Sector Update Overview” is the title of the opening session, with the keynote held by Kathia Havens and Stjepan Gabric.

Designed as a one-track, three-day event, the conference program will look at every angle of the current state of the sector, with sessions dedicated to the policy, institutions, and regulations framework, HR management, asset management, financing, crisis management, changes in wastewater management, and the challenges in closing the urban-rural access gap. Friday morning starts with the already traditional poster breakfast with ten compact and very interesting two-minute pitches.

All in all, it will be the dense, information-packed, motivating program for which the DWC is famous. And before you ask: The DWC is also famous for great hospitality. This year, the organizers will make the most of the excellent venue at Vienna's South Side, with the Welcome Reception set on the terrace of the conference venue, and the Conference Dinner will be held in a popular Viennese restaurant in the middle of a lush green recreation area – which happens to lie across the street from the Conference venue.

Meeting old friends and making new contacts, getting input from prominent experts and upcoming talent, gathering food for thought and precious memories – that is what the DWC is about. Welcome to Vienna!