The World Cement Association will host its 2026 Annual Conference from 19–21 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand under the theme Shaping a sustainable future through digitisation, innovation and performance. The conference will convene global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to examine the strategic, operational and sustainability challenges that will shape the sector's next phase of transformation. Organisers expect discussions to balance high level outlooks with practical case studies and technical sessions designed for industry practitioners.

The programme will open with an assessment of the global economic environment and its impact on cement markets, with regional outlooks for Asia and Europe. Delegates will consider regulatory developments such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms in Europe and progress in China's carbon trading system, alongside market dynamics in Thailand and South East Asia. Industry specialists will outline decarbonisation pathways to safeguard competitiveness, including alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and AI-enabled kiln optimisation.

The second day will address capacity imbalances and industry restructuring, with regional case studies designed to provide actionable insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Sessions will explore digital maturity and AI-driven plant operations, manufacturing optimisation, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, as well as evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The programme will also include the WCA Awards Ceremony at the Awards Gala Dinner on 20 April, which will recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership across the global cement sector.

Registration is now open and tickets include admission to the two-day event, all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition entry and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 event page and the World Cement Association can be contacted for sponsorship and exhibition enquiries. Philippe Richart, chief executive officer, said the conference aims to foster collaboration and practical solutions for a sustainable sector.