From November 19 to 21, 2025, the European Benchmarking Co-operation (EBC) hosted its annual International Benchmarking Workshop IB2024 in the Netherlands, bringing together water sector professionals from across the globe to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and shape the future of the industry.
Participants arrived in Utrecht and gathered for an informal welcome reception, setting the stage for two days of intensive knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The workshop officially began with a plenary session led by Peter Dane (EBC), followed by introduction speeches from Vitens and KWR, our hosting partners.
Highlights include:
Utility Management & Water Availability – Risk management and resilience practices from Vilniaus Vandenys and EYDAP Athens.
After a day of insightful sessions, participants stepped out to experience the beauty of Utrecht with a guided city tour, exploring its historic canals and architectural gems.
The evening continued at the elegant Paushuize, where the Workshop Dinner offered a perfect setting for networking and reflection.
One of the night’s highlights was the Benchmarking Coordinator of the Year Award ceremony, celebrating the outstanding contributions of coordinators who have gone above and beyond to strengthen collaboration and benchmarking excellence. This combination of cultural discovery, fine dining, and recognition made the evening truly memorable.
Before wrapping up, Day 3 featured forward-looking sessions, including:
In the afternoon, participants visited KWR and the Tull en ’t Waal site.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants for your contributions, and to our hosts Vitens N.V. and KWR Water Research Institute for their exceptional organization and hospitality.
Together, we are driving innovation and resilience in the water sector. We are looking forward to seeing you again in 2026!