IAPH World Ports Conference Returns to London in 2026 at Olympia’s New ICC

World Ports Conference, 2025 © Richard Langdon

The International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) has confirmed that its annual World Ports Conference will return to London in 2026, with the event set to take place at Olympia’s new International Convention Centre (ICC), one of the flagship developments within the venue’s £1.3 (€1.52) billion transformation.

Scheduled for 3–6 November 2026, the conference will bring together global leaders from the ports, shipping, finance, policy and technology sectors under the theme “Port Leadership for a Brave New World”. The expanded four-day format reflects a significant evolution for the event, with organisers aiming to create a more interactive, collaborative and strategically focused international platform.

Olympia’s redevelopment is reshaping the historic venue into a fully integrated destination for business events, entertainment, hospitality and culture. Alongside the new ICC, the project includes hotels, restaurants, cultural spaces and premium hospitality facilities designed to offer delegates a seamless experience in the heart of London.

For IAPH, the move signals both a return to one of global shipping’s historic capitals and a step-change in the scale of the conference itself. The 2026 edition is expected to welcome around 700 delegates — an increase of 12.9% year-on-year — while introducing a broader mix of plenary sessions, breakout discussions, roundtables, briefings and technical visits.

The new ICC, operated by Olympia Events and managed by Legends Global, has been designed specifically to accommodate large-scale, multi-stream international events. Legends Global, which manages a portfolio of more than 450 venues worldwide, brings extensive experience in delivering major global gatherings.

Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director at IAPH, said: “London is the intelligence hub of global shipping and home to many leading international shipping organisations, including the International Maritime Organization. Bringing the IAPH World Ports Conference to Olympia in 2026 feels like a natural return to a city that has long been at the centre of the global maritime sector.
 

World Ports Conference 1965 in London

London’s unrivalled business ecosystem aligns closely with our ambitions for the conference, and Olympia provides the scale, accessibility and quality needed to bring this international community together. The new ICC enables us to deliver a more ambitious, multi-stream event and create an environment that supports meaningful collaboration and long-term industry progress.”

The conference also carries symbolic significance for the association. The first-ever IAPH World Ports Conference was held in London in 1965, helping establish the organisation’s global presence. Following the celebration of IAPH’s 70th anniversary in 2025, the 2026 edition marks the event’s first return to the UK capital since 1997.

Delegates from more than 60 countries are expected to attend, with over 75% travelling internationally. Participants will include senior executives from ports and shipping organisations, as well as representatives from regulatory bodies, finance, insurance and international trade institutions.

Adam Pollington, Sales Director at Olympia Events, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this landmark event in the IAPH annual calendar to Olympia. The new ICC has been designed specifically to support complex, multi-stream international events at scale, and this is exactly the type of platform IAPH requires as it continues to grow.

Olympia offers more than just a venue. Our central London location and proximity to Heathrow, combined with our new modern conferencing spaces and on-site facilities, including accommodation and dining, provide the ideal setting for events like this to grow and strengthen their international profile."

The return of the World Ports Conference also reinforces London’s position as a global destination for international association events and business gatherings.
 

World Ports Conference 1997 in London

Suzanne Singleton, Head of Associations at the London Convention Bureau, added: “London has long been a global crossroads for trade, innovation and international collaboration, so it is a significant moment to see the IAPH World Ports Conference return to the capital. As one of the world’s leading destinations for large-scale conferences and international gatherings, London offers the connectivity, expertise and global outlook that events of this scale require.

We’re excited to see IAPH bring this important event to the new ICC at Olympia, showcasing both the venue’s remarkable transformation and further strengthening London’s position on the world stage for major business events.”
 

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