- Introduction
- About WODCON: A Unique Global Platform
- WODCON XXIV Theme: Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future
- Key Highlights of the 2025 Agenda
- Technical Sessions and Exhibitions
- Networking Opportunities and Industry Collaboration
- Why Attend WODCON XXIV?
- Event Logistics and Registration
- Conclusion
Introduction
The world’s most influential dredging event is returning in 2025. The 24th World Dredging Congress & Exhibition (WODCON XXIV) will bring together international leaders from across the dredging and maritime construction sectors. Hosted by the Western Dredging Association (WEDA), this premier event will take place at the scenic Hilton San Diego Bayfront from June 23–27, 2025.
Centered around the theme, “Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future,” WODCON XXIV offers an unmatched platform for professionals from industry, government, and academia to collaborate and shape the future of sustainable dredging and maritime development. This congress represents a vital convergence of innovation, expertise, and policy dialogue.
About WODCON: A Unique Global Platform
WODCON, established in 1967, stands as the only recurring global event solely focused on dredging and maritime construction. Organized triennially, it has a legacy of fostering technical innovation and international collaboration.
This year, WEDA—a key regional chapter of the World Organization of Dredging Associations (WODA)—hosts the event, continuing its mission to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in dredging, navigation, engineering, and coastal development. WODCON XXIV reaffirms its status as a central meeting point for policy-makers, engineers, contractors, and researchers from around the world.
WODCON XXIV Theme: Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future
The 2025 theme, “Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future,” speaks directly to the evolving demands of coastal infrastructure in the face of climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation. The focus will be on how dredging can support communities, ecosystems, and economies through more sustainable and adaptive practices.
Discussions will cover resilient infrastructure development, nature-based solutions, and innovations in dredged material reuse. The congress will address how dredging professionals can integrate long-term resilience into the planning, design, and execution of marine and freshwater projects.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Agenda
WODCON XXIV boasts an impressive lineup of participants and speakers. Attendees can expect to hear from:
- Senior officials from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), sharing insights on national dredging priorities and infrastructure projects.
- CEOs of leading dredging corporations, both from the U.S. and internationally, discussing corporate strategy and innovation.
- Policy-makers and funding experts from state and federal agencies, addressing regulatory frameworks and financial models for dredging projects.
- Project managers and engineers from diverse dredging operations, from large-scale seaport expansions to small-scale environmental restorations.
- Thought-leaders in environmental security, climate adaptation, and ecological dredging.
The congress will serve as a stage for both seasoned veterans and emerging professionals to share lessons learned and cutting-edge techniques.
Technical Sessions and Exhibitions
A major draw of WODCON XXIV is its series of technical sessions, where over 100 peer-reviewed papers will be presented. These sessions will tackle topics such as:
- Innovative dredging technologies
- Sediment management and contaminated material handling
- Hydraulic modeling and coastal engineering
- Climate change mitigation through dredging infrastructure
- Sustainable dredged material disposal and reuse
In parallel, a large-scale exhibition hall will feature industry-leading manufacturers, service providers, and consultants showcasing their latest innovations. From advanced dredging equipment to real-time project monitoring software, the exhibition is a hub for discovering the tools driving the future of dredging.
Networking Opportunities and Industry Collaboration
Beyond presentations, WODCON XXIV offers valuable networking events tailored to forge partnerships and encourage collaboration. These include:
- Welcome receptions and evening socials overlooking San Diego Bay
- Roundtable discussions with industry experts and regulators
- Mentorship programs connecting emerging professionals with industry veterans
- International networking sessions for cross-border project development
These engagements foster a strong sense of community and provide attendees with actionable connections that extend beyond the congress itself.
Why Attend WODCON XXIV?
WODCON XXIV offers a one-of-a-kind experience for a wide range of stakeholders:
- For engineers and technical professionals, it provides access to the latest methodologies and real-world case studies.
- For policy-makers and regulators, it serves as a forum for addressing environmental impacts and aligning industry goals with public interest.
- For academia and researchers, the event is a valuable venue for publishing findings and exploring collaborative research.
- For corporations and solution providers, it presents opportunities to demonstrate innovations and meet prospective clients.
San Diego’s role as a major port city and hub for coastal infrastructure makes it a fitting host for this globally important event.
Event Logistics and Registration
Venue: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, a modern venue offering waterfront views and convenient access to downtown San Diego’s attractions.
Dates: Monday to Friday, June 23–27, 2025
Registration: Early registration is encouraged due to high demand. Attendees can sign up through the WEDA website with options for full-congress passes, one-day access, and student discounts.
Accommodation: Discounted hotel rates will be available for registered attendees. San Diego International Airport (SAN) provides easy access to international and domestic travelers.
Health and Safety: WEDA will ensure that all applicable health protocols are observed, depending on public health guidance closer to the event date.
Conclusion
WODCON XXIV is more than just a technical conference—it’s a global call to action for a more resilient and sustainable future in dredging. By bringing together top minds and organizations in San Diego, the congress will push forward the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime construction and coastal stewardship.
As the world faces growing environmental and infrastructural challenges, events like WODCON serve as critical platforms for innovation, dialogue, and unified progress. Join the global dredging community this June and be part of shaping a resilient tomorrow.