CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Annual Conference 2026

About This Event

The CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Annual Conference 2026 is a three-day technical event running from 1 to 3 December 2026 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. Organised by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management's Urban Drainage Group, the conference expects more than 350 professionals from across the urban drainage sector. Tickets are available, though specific pricing is not stated on the page.

The programme addresses urban drainage policy and regulation, storm overflows, pollution challenges, and practical solutions. Attendees include engineers, consultants, water companies, regulators, academics, local authorities, technology providers and students. The conference features technical presentations, research findings and peer exchange sessions. Two awards will be presented: the WaPUG Prize, recognising excellence and innovation in urban drainage practice, and the WSP Adam Dean Award, supporting early-career professionals through poster presentations. An exhibition runs alongside the conference sessions, with a conference dinner scheduled for 2 December 2026.

This event matters to UK SMEs working in water management, environmental consultancy, infrastructure design or technology provision because it offers direct access to water company decision-makers, regulatory updates and emerging technical standards. The focus on practical solutions to storm overflows and pollution provides actionable insights for businesses developing or implementing drainage systems, while the networking opportunities connect suppliers and consultants with potential clients and collaborators across the sector.

Key Takeaways

• Updates on urban drainage policy and regulatory direction affecting project planning and compliance requirements
• Practical approaches to tackling storm overflows and pollution challenges in urban water systems
• Access to latest research and technical innovations from academics and industry leaders
• Networking with water companies, local authorities, regulators and peers across the UK and Ireland
• Recognition opportunities through the WaPUG Prize and visibility for early-career professionals through the Adam Dean Award

Who Should Attend

• Drainage engineers, hydraulic modellers and asset managers from water companies and consultancies
• Technology and solution providers seeking to showcase products to water sector decision-makers
• Environmental consultants working on water management, SuDS implementation and infrastructure design
• Local authority planners and drainage strategists responsible for urban water management