The World Cement Association (WCA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference from 19 to 21 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-day conference will bring together global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and stakeholders to examine strategic, operational and sustainability challenges shaping the sector's next phase of transformation. The programme will open with an assessment of the global economic environment and regional outlooks across Asia and Europe.\n\nDelegates will review regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms in Europe and progress in China's carbon trading system while examining market dynamics in Thailand and South East Asia. Industry experts will outline practical decarbonisation pathways designed to safeguard competitiveness, covering alternative fuels, next generation supplementary cementitious materials and calcined clay developments. Sessions will also consider artificial intelligence enabled kiln optimisation and digital maturity in plant operations.\n\nThe second conference day will address overcapacity and industry restructuring with case studies and regional perspectives intended to provide practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Discussions will include manufacturing optimisation, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models alongside evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will also feature an awards ceremony recognising excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership at an awards gala dinner on 20 April.\n\nPhilippe Richart, chief executive officer of the World Cement Association, said the sector faced complex challenges and opportunities and that the conference would promote exchange of practical solutions and strengthened collaboration to shape a sustainable and resilient future for cement. Registration is open and tickets include admission to all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the awards gala dinner. Further information and enquiries on sponsorship and exhibition were directed to the WCA event team.