Conference information

Celebrating our industry evolution

The UK industry-wide water dispenser and cooler event organised to meet expectations of all in the industry – delegates, trade show visitors and exhibitors alike. Members and non-members welcome.

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes

This location offers a large, light and airy conference and exhibitor hall space. The hotel has a high standard of accommodation. It is conveniently located just off the M1, 12 minutes from J14 and 35 minutes from London Luton Airport. It is 30 minutes by fast train from Central London, and Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central railway stations are a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel.

Chairman’s Welcome Supper

Wednesday 15th March • DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes • 20:00 – 22:30

A relaxed and informal start to the event, the eve of Conference supper provides an opportunity to mingle with colleagues and other members of the industry including many exhibitors building up stands on the Wednesday, and delegates staying at the hotel. The Chairman’s Supper includes wine and beer and is hosted by Jon Wicks, WHA Chairman.

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Hygiene Awareness Course

Thursday 16th March • 09:00 – 13:00

This course will run concurrently with the Conference. WHA Members are encouraged to register their staff to attend this course enabling them to visit the Trade Show afterwards. Lunch is included.

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Conference “Celebrating Our Industry Evolution”

Thursday 16th March • 09:15 – 12:15

On 1st January 2020 two organisations in the water-dispenser industry came together to form the Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA). Members of the Executive Council and Committees will share their vision of the future and how Members can help to achieve the Association’s objectives and embrace the future.

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Conference Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Damian Hughes

“Liquid Thinking” – change your thinking and make things happen

Damian is an international speaker, a best-selling author and a sports psychology consultant who takes the insights, methods and lessons learnt by business, sports and history’s greatest achievers, helping organisations, teams and individuals to enjoy similar success.

Edward de Bono, the creativity guru, suggests that 90% of errors which we make in life are down to ‘solid thinking’, in other words, our inability to see things from different perspectives. “Liquid Thinking” is the opposite of this.

It is all about you and about the people whom you work alongside every day. Although Damian has met and interviewed many famous achievers, we accept that we are not all going to become the next Richard Branson or Muhammad Ali but we can all achieve more than we believe.

Richard Hall, Chairman, Zenith Global

Richard Hall will share the latest Market Intelligence in a session that is important to companies considering their next strategic moves. In 2020 and 2021 the UK water dispenser industry was challenged by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which saw overall dispenser placements across the bottled and mains-fed market drop for the first time since 2012. How did our sector perform in 2022 and what might 2023 have in store? Information is power… so make sure you grasp the opportunity to be amongst the first to know how the industry is performing.

An electronic copy will be distributed to the Delegates after the Conference.

Brendan Hanlon, Head of Fundraising and Communications, Just a Drop

The WHA continues to support the work of Just a Drop. Brendan will update delegates on the latest borehole to be constructed in Zambia and the wider implications of the construction of the boreholes over the last 6 years.

Conference Lunch

Thursday 16th March • 12:15 – 13:00

Conference lunch is included for those attending the Conference and exhibiting.

Open UK Water Dispenser Trade Show

Thursday 16th March • 13:00 – 17:00 • Free Visitor Entrance

Conference lunch is included for those attending the Conference and exhibiting.

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WHA Industry Dinner & Charity Auction

Thursday 16th March • 19:00 – 00:30

After a busy day, it will be time to relax, meet old friends and network with new colleagues at the WHA Industry Dinner & Charity Auction. Over the last 6 years, funds have been raised to construct six boreholes in Zambia, bringing clean, safe water to over 1000 people. The WHA aims to continue this success and will be working towards funding a seventh clean water source.

Afterwards the bar will be open late and all are invited to enjoy our casino, entertainment and dance the night away.

The Delegate and Exhibitor Packages automatically include a place at the Dinner, however, separate tickets are also available to book: 3 course meal, entertainment, casino, wine and beer included.