Hosting the World Canals Conference


Under the patronage of

Honorary Committee Co-Chairs

Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO, People Inc.
Keith Belanger, Senior Executive Vice President, M&T Bank

The World Canals Conference assembles canal enthusiasts, professionals, and scholars globally to share best practices on how to preserve, revitalize, and leverage canals and inland waterways for tourism and urban renewal.

Gather for a range of seminars, exhibits, keynotes, and networking events touching on diverse topics concerning canals all over the world.

  • Economic Development
  • Waterfront Revitalization
  • Maintenance of Operational and Non-Operational Canals
  • Site Interpretation
  • Engineering Challenges
  • Community Development
  • Heritage Conservation

WCC 2025 is proudly hosted by:

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve New York’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the corridor as a world‐class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non‐profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. For more information, visit: eriecanalway.org.

The New York State Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, oversees the operation and promotion of the New York State Canal System. The Canal Corporation’s mission is to operate and maintain a premier waterway and trail system that honors the historic legacy of the Erie Canal and offers unique recreational and tourism opportunities, while also promoting sustainable economic development throughout the canal corridor. For more information, please visit canals.ny.gov.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency. The Development Corporation develops and promotes placemaking and experiences at Canalside and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhancing the enjoyment of the Buffalo Waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to the City based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty. Learn more here.

Visit Buffalo Niagara is the official and accredited destination marketing and management organization representing Erie County, New York for meetings, conventions, amateur athletics, group tours, as well as domestic and international leisure travel. Explore more at visitbuffaloniagara.com.

IWI has been campaigning for inland waterways worldwide since 1995, bringing together people and organizations who support the conservation, use, development and proper management of inland waterways worldwide. It aims to raise public awareness of the benefits of using waterways for a wide range of activities, appreciating their architectural and landscape values as heritage, and promoting restoration. Today the membership covers 26 countries from around the world. Learn more at inlandwaterwaysinternational.org.