One of the most important events for professionals working in environmental sustainability and circular economy is back in Bologna. Waste Management Europe 2026 — WME for insiders — brings to BolognaFiere from 19 to 21 May 2026 over 5,000 professionals from more than 80 countries, 200 exhibiting companies, and an international conference programme dedicated to the great challenges of our time: recycling, decarbonisation, technological innovation, and the green transition.
What to expect at the 2026 edition
The fifth edition of WME spans 11,000 square metres and introduces several new thematic areas compared to previous editions. The Blue Circular Economy Zone focuses on the valorisation of marine resources, while the Green & Smart Cities Zone brings together solutions for the sustainable transition of urban areas. Also featured are the Digital & AI Innovation Zone — dedicated to artificial intelligence applied to environmental processes — and the Waste-to-Energy Zone, showcasing plants that transform waste into energy resources. Alongside the exhibition area, the International Conference hosts speakers from European institutions, universities, and leading industry companies to address topics such as the new EU recycling regulations and investment opportunities in the green economy.
"With WME 2026 we want to consolidate Bologna as the European capital of the circular economy, making it a privileged meeting point between those who drive innovation and those who make strategic decisions." — Daniele Zipoli, WME Event Director
How to plan your visit
The event is aimed primarily at industry professionals: corporate environmental managers, institutional decision-makers, green economy startups, researchers, and international buyers. Registration is available on the official website wme-expo.com. Planning your visit in advance is strongly recommended: the conference schedule is packed and some sessions require separate registration.
📅 19–21 May 2026 · 🕘 Hours: 9:00–17:00 · 📍 BolognaFiere, Viale della Fiera 20, Bologna · 🌐 wme-expo.com · Area: 11,000 m² · Expected exhibitors: 200+ · Attendees: 5,000+ from 80+ countries
Getting to BolognaFiere
BolognaFiere is reachable by bus from the central station via the Fiera shuttle line (about 15 minutes), or by BRT to the dedicated stop. By car, the recommended exit is Bologna Fiera from the A14 motorway. Arriving by plane, you can take the Marconi Express to the central station and then the bus. But the most convenient option of all? Sleeping a 5-minute walk away.
Staying at Bologna Fair Tower during WME 2026
Three intense days of exhibition, morning and afternoon conferences, networking until evening. The last thing you need is to waste energy on commuting. Bologna Fair Tower is located a 5-minute walk from the BolognaFiere entrance: step out of your room, cross the neighbourhood, and you're already inside. The rooms — Bologna, Mary, and San Luca — offer everything you need to recover well after a full day: private bathroom, terrace, fast Wi‑Fi, and a coffee & tea corner to start the morning at ease.
- 5-minute walk from BolognaFiere: zero commuting, zero stress
- Rooms with private bathroom, terrace and coffee corner included
- Direct booking with no commission fees
Bologna Fair Tower — 5 min from BolognaFiere
Book your stay for WME 2026
Rooms available from 19 to 21 May. Walking distance from the fair, private bathroom, Wi‑Fi included.
Book NowDirect booking with no commission fees