INDUSTRY EVENTS Akos, Ben, Matthew, Phillipa, Alistair, Roger, Carin.
WHA 2025 Conference & Trade Show
T
he Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) 2025 Conference & Trade Show, held at the Nottingham
Belfry in March, delivered an energising day of thought leadership, innovation, and connection. The event welcomed WHA members and wider industry professionals to a focused and forward-looking programme under the theme Rising to the Challenge: Leading the Future of Hydration.
FRESH THINKING AND PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS The morning conference opened with a warm welcome from WHA deputy chair Matthew Stimpson, setting the stage for a packed agenda. Zenith Global’s Akos Petri presented an insightful overview of the latest water and dispenser market trends, providing delegates with data-driven analysis to support future planning. A standout session came from Alastair
Banks of Optix Solutions, who demonstrated the real-world applications of generative workweek as his framework, Banks showed how everyday tasks can be streamlined, encouraging delegates to consider AI as an The Wellbeing People also delivered a compelling session on the relationship between hydration, mental clarity, and employee performance, reminding delegates of the role our industry plays in broader wellbeing conversations. Capping off the morning was keynote
speaker and Olympic silver medallist Roger Black, who delivered an engaging and humorous presentation. Sharing lessons from sport and personal setbacks—including
being diagnosed with a heart condition at age 11—Roger’s talk struck a chord with delegates. His message around mindset, resilience, and rising to challenges echoed the spirit of the day perfectly.
REAL-WORLD IMPACT: WHA’S WORK WITH JUST A DROP
Another standout moment came as WHA general manager Phillipa Atkinson-Clow Zambia. Over the past nine years, WHA Members have helped fund 12 boreholes through the charity Just a Drop, providing safe water to over 3,000 people. Phillipa offered a moving account of communities transformed by clean water access. From improved hygiene and education to new income-generating projects, the message was clear: WHA’s contributions are making a meaningful, measurable difference where it’s needed most.
TRADE SHOW & NETWORKING: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY The afternoon trade show brought together exhibitors showcasing the latest in hydration technology. Feedback highlighted the value of the
format and the calibre of conversations. “Strong engagement, solid leads, and the right people in the room.” “Really like the structure—conference,
well.”
DINNER & FUNDRAISING WITH PURPOSE The evening gala was not just a chance to celebrate, but also to give back. Delegates took part in a silent auction and games in aid of Just a Drop, raising funds to support future water projects. It was a lively close to a meaningful day—combining industry unity with global purpose.
WHAT DELEGATES HAD TO SAY • “Best WHA event I’ve attended—everything just worked.” • “Speakers were spot on, dinner was excellent, and I really appreciated the charity update.”
• “Professional but personal. A great balance.”
WITH THANKS TO SPONSORS AND MEDIA PARTNERS The WHA extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors and media partners who supported the 2025 Conference & Trade Show. Their backing played a vital role in helping to deliver a high-quality, engaging event that continues to raise the bar for the industry.
CONCLUSION The WHA 2025 Conference & Trade Show highlighted everything the association does well: insightful content, member connection, and a sense of shared progress. With the continued support for its Members, the WHA remains a key voice in hydration—and a force for good far beyond its core sector.
twha.co.uk
info@twha.co.uk | 17
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