IWA Rainwater Harvesting Conference in Siem Reap — the go-to event for engaged expats

The International Water Association (IWA) International Conference on Rainwater Harvesting and Management returns for its 4th edition, this time in Cambodia. It brings together specialists from across Asia and beyond to exchange ideas on rainwater collection, storage, and treatment solutions, in both urban and rural settings.

• Date: September 3–6, 2026
• Audience: researchers, engineers, NGOs, donors, social entrepreneurs, expats in the environmental and development sectors
• Location: main sessions in Phnom Penh, a day dedicated to Siem Reap and community projects
• Group size: over 300 participants expected across the entire event
• Cost: rates vary by profile (IWA member, non-member, student, local NGO); online registration required

The full program is published on the IWA website. Here is a typical conference day schedule, for reference.

Access is by prior registration only. Here are the steps to prepare for your visit.

1. Step 1: check the official IWA conference page to confirm the exact dates and venue.
2. Step 2: choose your registration category (member, non-member, student, local NGO) and check the rates.
3. Step 3: fill out the online form and pay the registration fee.
4. Step 4: book your accommodation in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap if you plan to attend both parts.
5. Step 5: confirm your attendance by email to the organizer and request the detailed program.
6. Step 6: prepare your badge and business cards for networking.
7. Step 7: arrive early on the first day to pick up your badge and attend the opening session.

• ID — required for badge pickup and venue access.
• Printed or digital registration confirmation — requested at the reception desk.
• Business cards — for networking with NGOs and companies in the sector.
• Laptop or notebook — for taking notes during workshops.
• Reusable water bottle — in line with the conference theme and useful in the heat.
• Sunscreen and hat — travel between sessions and field visits take place outdoors.
• Power adapter — Cambodian outlets vary by building.
• Cash in riels or dollars — for tuk-tuk rides and meals outside the conference.

If water and sustainable development interest you, here are other events and groups to follow in Siem Reap.

• Cleanup Cambodia — regular waste collection and environmental actions in the province.
• Angkor Green Network — informal meetups among sustainable development and agroecology actors.
• Cambodia Institute of Technology Conferences — technical sessions open to the public on engineering and the environment.
• Siem Reap Digital Nomad Meetups — Facebook and Telegram groups to discuss local projects and volunteering opportunities.
• Local NGO Open Days — several water and sanitation organizations host field visits each quarter.