World Canals Conference 2025 Taps Local Leaders to Serve as Co-chairs and Emcee

Buffalo, New York, USA (January 22, 2025) — The highly anticipated World Canals Conference 2025 (WCC2025), set to take place in Western New York on September 21-25, 2025, is proud to announce its honorary co-chairs and emcee. Selected because of their knowledge and enthusiasm, these individuals infuse the event with genuine Buffalo spirit, making it a true celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial.

Champions of the Canal’s Legacy

Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO at People Inc., and Keith Belanger, Senior Executive Vice President at M&T Bank, will serve as co-chairs. They will serve as key promoters and ambassadors, working to identify and secure conference sponsors while creating strategic partnerships to enhance the event’s impact on the region.

“No public infrastructure in New York has played a bigger role in the history of our state than the Erie Canal,” said Bellanger. “For decades, it was the principal means of interstate commerce and migration in the Northeast and Midwest, helping make our country great. I look forward to being a part of celebrating the canal’s bicentennial in Buffalo.”

“I’m thrilled to shine the spotlight on the Erie Canal, Buffalo, and Western New York for the World Canals Conference,” said McCaffrey. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the role of canals and inland waterways in our past, present, and future.”

Master of Ceremonies

John Kucko, photographer, and former TV sports anchor, will serve as emcee for the WCC2025. Known for his engaging presence and deep appreciation for the Erie Canal, John will guide attendees through the event with energy and charisma. In addition to introducing speakers and keeping the agenda running smoothly, John will share his stunning photography and recount his experiences along the Erie Canal, offering attendees a unique perspective.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as emcee for such a global event, especially in the bicentennial year of our beloved Erie Canal,” said Kucko. “This historic waterway was integral in the growth of so many hamlets, towns, villages and cities between Albany and Buffalo and beyond. The canal represents Americana at its very best and I cannot wait for the WCC2025.”

To get involved with WCC2025, register, attend as an exhibitor or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit https://wcc2025buffalo.com.

Stay updated by subscribing to the WCC2025 newsletter HERE.

The 2025 World Canals Conference is hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation, in partnership with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Visit Buffalo Niagara.

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World-Class Forum to Shape the Future of Inland Waterways

Experts from Across the Globe Gather in New York to Share Big Ideas, Innovative Practices, Honor Erie Canal’s Bicentennial Legacy

Buffalo, New York, USA (January 13, 2025) – This September 21-25, 2025, Buffalo, New York, will become the global epicenter for waterway innovation as the World Canal Conference 2025 (WCC2025) convenes experts, municipal leaders, organizations, companies, and canal enthusiasts from multiple continents to explore the future of inland waterways. The event also marks the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, an engineering marvel that shaped modern trade and transport globally.

Delegates from over 14 countries, representing diverse sectors such as engineering, heritage tourism, and urban planning, will participate in discussions and field experiences aimed at fostering global collaboration. Their focus will be on developing innovative solutions for the management, preservation, and growth of inland waterways at local, regional, and global levels.

“With inland waterways facing increasing challenges from climate change to preservation needs, the WCC2025 provides a platform for exchanging real world strategies that can impact communities worldwide,” said Sharon Leighton, President of Inland Waterways International.

The WCC2025 will offer a mix of historic, cultural, and forward-thinking activities, including:

  • Bicentennial celebration of the Erie Canal, a National Historic Landmark with global influence.
  • Participation of global experts addressing issues like climate change, sustainable tourism, and waterway preservation.
  • Exclusive events, like the recreation of Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic journey on the replica canal boat Seneca Chief.

Hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation in collaboration with Inland Waterways International, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, and Visit Buffalo Niagara, WCC2025 participants can expect:

  • Presentations by international leaders in waterway management, engineering, and heritage preservation.
  • On-site visits and events designed to foster global collaboration and innovation in waterway restoration and tourism.
  • Exclusive guided tours, community events, and commemorative activities.
  • Opportunities to explore the cultural and historical landmarks of New York State, highlighting its rich waterway heritage.

To get involved with WCC2025, register, be a presenter, attend as an exhibitor or explore sponsorship opportunities. Visit https://wcc2025buffalo.com for more information, and be part of a global movement to shape the future of inland waterways while celebrating a historic milestone in American history.

Stay updated by subscribing to the WCC2025 newsletter HERE.

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About the World Canal Conference

Since its inception in 1988, the World Canal Conference (WCC) has served as the leading international
forum for dialogue and innovation in the field of inland waterway management. Hosted annually in diverse locations across three continents, the WCC brings together experts from various sectors, including canal managers, engineers, historians, and policymakers, to exchange ideas and shape the future of global waterways.

About the Erie Canal Bicentennial

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal revolutionized trade and transportation in the United States,
connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. As a National Historic Landmark, it catalyzed economic growth, westward expansion, and technological advancement. The WCC2025 will honor this monumental achievement with programming that underscores its enduring legacy and relevance in the 21st century.

Media Contact:

Dana Marciniak
WCC2025 Communications Consultant
+1 716.935.7839
dana@15fingersllc.com

Registration Open for World Canals Conference 2025: Commemorating 200 Years of the Erie Canal

Register Today to Join Thought-Provoking Conversations on Waterway Trends, Management, Preservation and More 

Dynamic Conference Video Trailer Available HERE  

Buffalo, New York (October 31, 2024) – Registration is officially open for the World Canals Conference 2025 (WCC 2025), a gathering of inland waterway experts, enthusiasts, and stakeholders from around the world, happening on September 21-25, 2025, in Buffalo, New York. This year’s conference holds special significance as it coincides with the Bicentennial of the opening of the original Erie Canal, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, commemorating its pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of the United States. 

The WCC 2025 is an international forum to exchange ideas, tackle pressing challenges, and brainstorm innovative solutions for the future of inland waterways The conference theme is sustaining our multidimensional inland waterways and topics will range from development and preservation to tourism—on local, regional, and global scales. 

Organized by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, and Visit Buffalo Niagara (the “Hosts”) in collaboration with Inland Waterways International, the conference offers attendees: 

  • Keynote speakers and presentations from inland waterway experts and enthusiasts from around the globe. 
  • Exclusive, full-day field sessions to significant canal and cultural sites in Western New York. 
  • Networking events designed to foster collaboration and prompt discussions around the significance and impacts of inland waterways everywhere, shared challenges, and visions for transforming them for the future. 
  • Pre- and post-conference tours that extend from New York City to Canada, along with community events and activities, which explore the impact of the Erie Canal on the region’s history, arts, culture, and specialty foods and beverages. 
  • The Bicentennial voyage departure of the Seneca Chief, a full-sized replica of the same boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the vessel will recreate its inaugural journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor accompanied by a historic flotilla.

Registration Information: 

Early bird registration for WCC 2025 is now open for a limited time at a discounted price and can be purchased online at https://wcc2025buffalo.com/register/

  • Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. 
  • Conference passes include access to field sessions, presentations, networking events, meals, and Bicentennial commemorations, as well as the option to sign up for pre- and post-conference tours.  

Watch the trailer for a sneak peek of what you’ll experience, or visit the website for conference details and trip planning resources. 

To stay up to date on WCC 2025 news, sign up for the newsletter HERE.   

About the World Canals Conference 

The World Canals Conference (WCC) is an international event with a long tradition. The first conference was organized in 1988, and since then there have been 34 editions. The event changes location every year between countries on three continents. The WCC is the premier platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing about the management, history, and future of the world’s inland waterways. Since its inception, it has brought together participants from diverse sectors, including canal managers, engineers, historians, and local government representatives. 

About the Erie Canal Bicentennial 

The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, revolutionized transportation and trade in the United States, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. This engineering marvel sparked economic growth, westward expansion, and technological innovation, earning its place as a National Historic Landmark. WCC 2025 will honor this significant milestone with special programming dedicated to the canal’s enduring influence. 

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Media Contact:   

Dana Marciniak

(716) 935-7839

dana@15fingersllc.com