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Environmental sustainability

In recent years, the WMS has worked hard to reduce the environmental footprint of its Congresses. In 2022, we set up an Environmental Sustainability Committee, which has driven forward improvements. Recent Congresses have seen a reduction in printed and single use materials, a commitment to local food sourcing and food waste reduction and the replacement of Congress gifts with our legacy token programme. You can find out more about our environmental sustainability efforts on the WMS website.

To further our environmental sustainability goals, we are encouraging sponsors and exhibitors to carefully and creatively consider their environmental impact at the Congress. Specifically, we encourage them to reduce their use of single-use stand components, giveaways, and unnecessary staff travel.

The WMS Environmental Sustainability Committee will be introducing new initiatives and guidelines in the coming months which will be shared with all relevant stakeholders in due course. 

Virtual Congress platform

We will continue to support our popular hybrid Congress format for WMS 2026 with the provision of a full virtual platform and app. This ensures that the full Congress programme remains accessible to those unable to attend in person, while also allowing in-person delegates to catch up on missed sessions and revisit content relevant to their professional interests.

All sponsors will have their logo, URL, and any brochures or links displayed on the platform for virtual delegates. Many delegates downloaded brochures in 2025, and we encourage sponsors to take advantage of this opportunity. Congress delegates will also be able to connect with sponsors and exhibitors through the Congress app and platform.

Accessibility

WMS 2026 places a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that the Congress is inclusive and welcoming for all delegates. We are prioritising accessibility across every aspect of the event to create an environment where everyone can fully engage.

We ask all sponsors and exhibitors to consider accessibility at every stage of their exhibition planning. This includes:

  • ensuring physical access for individuals with mobility challenges
  • providing clear and visible signage
  • incorporating features to support attendees with visual or hearing impairments
  • designing booths that are easy to navigate

By making accessibility a priority, we can ensure that WMS 2026 meets the diverse needs of our community.