The 11th IWA Conference on Odours and Air Emissions, themed “Where Scent Meets Science: Malaysia Hosts the IWA Odour World Conference,” will take place from November 2-5, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This (usually) biennial event, organized under the International Water Association, continues a legacy started in 2001 in Sydney, bringing together global experts to tackle odour measurement, regulation, mitigation technologies, and air emission challenges in wastewater, industry, agriculture, and biosolids management.
For more on the conference details and how to get involved...
The conference will cover odour assessment, dispersion modelling, community perception, abatement strategies, emission monitoring, regulations, industry-specific management, impact assessment, and emerging technologies like AI. Technical sessions, expert presentations, and hands-on workshops will apply theory to real-world cases. Attendees can gain insights into monitoring, modelling, and control methods.
The series IWA odour conference-series kicked off in Sydney in 2001, drawing pioneers in odour control, followed by Singapore in 2003, which expanded focus to VOC emissions. Barcelona hosted the third in 2008, emphasizing European regulations, while Vitoria, Brazil, in 2011 highlighted tropical challenges. San Francisco’s 2013 edition merged with biofiltration experts, Paris planned 2015 but was cancelled due to security issues, and Warsaw in 2017 advanced sensor tech. Hangzhou, China, in 2019 showcased Asian innovations, Bilbao’s hybrid 2021 event—supported by olores.org—reached wider audiences despite pandemic constraints, and Hobart’s 2024 IWA-CASANZ collaboration brought Australian and international expertise together on air quality and odour management.
Topics include odour measurement, sensory evaluation, source identification, compliance management, and abatement in sectors like wastewater and industry. Workshops will address challenges in odour impact and mitigation. The event supports professional development through panels and networking.
It targets odour professionals, consultants, regulators, councils, government agencies, and industry reps involved in management and compliance. Participants can connect across industry, government, and academia. Sessions aim to share practical strategies for air quality and sustainability.
Kuala Lumpur provides a setting for these discussions, with a focus on global and regional issues. Registration will be online via a provided link once available. Updates will come through the new IWA 2026 Odour Conference website and the Odour Specialist Group portal.
The Expression of Interest form lets you register early interest. Check the secretariat for the form and further details.
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